From Cold War to Communion: A Psalm for Ukraine

As briefly stated in my previous post, the present situation in Ukraine has deeply affected me in unanticipated ways, and through some increasingly clearly God-ordered circumstances.

My generation, as others before, grew up with constant talk of the Soviet threat. It permeated our pop culture, from less than subtle representation in even our cartoon bad guys to overt mentions by artists like Sting, whose 1985 release has been on replay in my head for days. As children, we were convinced of a common enemy. Yet by high school, we were enthralled with news of change happening on the other side of the world surrounding the fall of the Iron Curtain. We were ready for new exchanges of ideas and culture. Ready to be friends. Ready for peace. Among other artifacts, I even had the t-shirt to prove it. "мир и дружба," it read. "Peace and friendship."

At that point, I had little to no direct connection to that part of the world. It would also be some years before I truly believed in Christ. So I could have never imagined the Lord might be using those youthful concerns and more as a precursor for things much later to come. I am the last person who then would have expected the privilege of working in ministry for now nearing 20 years. Nor could I have anticipated the last several serving alongside one Ukrainian born, getting to exchange stories of what it was like growing up in a parallel time, getting to share uniquely cultural concepts and celebrations, getting to know family and friends who once lived or still serve there. Suddenly, the дружба was real.

Now we find ourselves thrown into a new era, one filled with echoes of the old, mourning together an unprovoked war that we, along with so much of the world, understand simply should not be. What were once the general concerns of youth are now specifically personal, with names and faces attached. And while I grieve, I find myself thankful not only for this unanticipated connection in crisis, but the equally unexpected ability I never had as a kid to pray and process these events as a Christian and with other Christians, all bringing significant views to bear as we look to the Lord.

As I consider various perspectives, it seems no surprise the Book of Psalms has been a great source of focus and encouragement for many, as so much of it gives voice to such emotions as sadness, distress and anger alongside trust in the Lord, particularly in times of evil and unjust attack. A friend has shared snippets of Psalm 36 and Psalm 37 while attempting to head west away from heavy fighting. As the country began to anticipate the reality of an impending invasion, others reported a run on Bibles to the point that demand outpaced supply altogether. One man said he was sharing especially Psalm 31:21 with anyone he could, and I share this psalm in its entirety below as I too spend time with these words.

It's valuable to read any psalm from a variety of angles, including the author's and certainly our own. These might be helpful words to guide our prayers especially for Christians caught up in this war. But even more significantly, so much here anticipates Jesus' own story of unjust attack, including words He said on the cross. Even as we ask and wait for His rescue and vindication, it is in Christ's ultimate, resurrected victory against evil and death that we now find the hope in God expressed throughout. And just as the man sharing with others in Ukraine did, I hope my friends and many others find encouragement here as well.

Psalm 31 (ESV)

    In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;

        let me never be put to shame;

        in your righteousness deliver me!

    Incline your ear to me;

        rescue me speedily!

    Be a rock of refuge for me,

        a strong fortress to save me!

   

    For you are my rock and my fortress;

        and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;

    you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,

        for you are my refuge.

    Into your hand I commit my spirit;

        you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

    

    I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols,

        but I trust in the LORD.

    I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love,

        because you have seen my affliction;

        you have known the distress of my soul,

    and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;

        you have set my feet in a broad place.

    

    Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;

        my eye is wasted from grief;

        my soul and my body also.

    For my life is spent with sorrow,

        and my years with sighing;

    my strength fails because of my iniquity,

        and my bones waste away.

    

    Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach,

        especially to my neighbors,

    and an object of dread to my acquaintances;

        those who see me in the street flee from me.

    I have been forgotten like one who is dead;

        I have become like a broken vessel.

    For I hear the whispering of many—

        terror on every side!—

    as they scheme together against me,

        as they plot to take my life.

   

    But I trust in you, O LORD;

        I say, “You are my God.”

    My times are in your hand;

        rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!

    Make your face shine on your servant;

        save me in your steadfast love!

    O LORD, let me not be put to shame,

        for I call upon you;

    let the wicked be put to shame;

        let them go silently to Sheol.

    Let the lying lips be mute,

        which speak insolently against the righteous

        in pride and contempt.

   

    Oh, how abundant is your goodness,

        which you have stored up for those who fear you

    and worked for those who take refuge in you,

        in the sight of the children of mankind!

    In the cover of your presence you hide them

        from the plots of men;

    you store them in your shelter

        from the strife of tongues.

    

    Blessed be the LORD,

        for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me

        when I was in a besieged city.

    I had said in my alarm,

        “I am cut off from your sight.”

    But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy

        when I cried to you for help.

   

    Love the LORD, all you his saints!

        The LORD preserves the faithful

        but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.

    Be strong, and let your heart take courage,

        all you who wait for the LORD!

We wait on Him alone, friends. As evil again disrupts the peace we so long for, the cries of His people do not go unheard by the Prince of Peace, who will bring His rule and justice. Be strong, and let your hearts take courage in Jesus as together in the Lord we cry out for Ukraine.

Top art: Ukrainian Field by Olga Subach on Unsplash

Pray for Ukraine: Reflections From a Friend

As I have watched events unfold in Ukraine these past few days and weeks, I've experienced a few familiar feelings. Any incidence of violence or unrest has always deeply disturbed me, even half a world away. But it is a starkly different thing to experience such events alongside people you love and care for who are directly affected, people present in the U.S. and others stuck in the middle of a war zone. Of course your heart hurts more. Your prayers go deeper. You might understand a little more the desire to lay down your life for your friends.

As we trust the Lord for what we see, especially at a distance, often word and prayer are our primary weapons to help in battle, and we should wield both well. The words below were shared to our congregation yesterday by my friend, co-laborer and pastor of our church here in St. Louis, Sergei Marchenko. Born and raised in Kiev, his unique perspective is all the more profound in this time, and may help you to process and pray differently as well. 

The following is shared unedited and by permission.

Pray for Ukraine

This has been a surreal experience for me. I am here in St. Louis, a U.S. citizen (as of last June), a pastor of an American church watching on the screen of my laptop as historic events unfold in the country of my youth. What is happening was impossible to imagine despite all the warnings. It is still hard to believe. There is a war happening on the European soil involving an imperial power attempting to occupy and control a free peaceful nation. There are tanks on the ground, ballistic missiles targeting major cities, bombed-out schools, air raid sirens, weeping mothers, and evil, real evil.

So many emotions… Anger at Putin and the Russian army, admiration for Ukrainian heroes, grief over thousands of people killed and many more thousands displaced, disbelief at blatant lies presented and believed as “the truth,” longing to be in the beautiful city where I grew up, desire to fight, worry over family and friends in bomb shelters and traffic jams, dismay at scheming politicians, hope in God and trust in his sovereign good plan.

Another aspect of my surreal experience is that it came only three days after I finished preaching on the book of Habakkuk. For seven Sundays, I talked about the certainty of the Babylonian invasion of Judah and the possibility of hope in the worst circumstances. I proclaimed that God uses invasions and other evil things to achieve his good purposes for the people he loves. I preached that all evil, including ruthless invaders, will be punished; that justice and peace will come because God will not rest until all creation is restored. I talked about Jesus Christ who experienced the most horrific invasion when he willingly subjected himself to the experience of divine fury for us sinners. And I called my church to live by faith in this crucified and risen Savior and allow our own hearts to be so invaded by his love that we can rejoice no matter what happens. And so now I must remember what I preached. I must believe in Habakkuk 3:17–19:

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.

In light of what we can learn from Habakkuk, please pray with me

• For God to accomplish his purposes
• For Christians to live by faith
• For a spiritual awakening among unbelievers in Ukraine and Russia
• For justice and peace to prevail
• For violence to stop
• For evil to be punished
• For power to be used for righteousness

 
I highly recommend the referenced 7-part series "Habbakuk: Trusting God With a Troubled Heart," which can be found here by searching "Habakkuk" under the series droplist and dating from January 9.

 

 

Thank you for praying for Ukraine.

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Related: "From Cold War to Communion: A Psalm for Ukraine"

Christmas 2021: The Perfect Gift at the Perfect Time

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

As this year’s holiday season approached, media began sharing images of cargo ships parked off the coast unable to unload. Threats of supply chain disruption and shipping delays prompted announcements that we must “shop early” if we hoped to take delivery on gifts in time for the holidays. Some even went so far as to question if Christmas could be cancelled.

I immediately flashed back to childhood with a smirk, curious if these reporters had ever seen a classic holiday special. I grew up on animated threats of the holidays in peril, yet saved at the last minute by some fanciful change of heart. And, I mean, every Who down in Whoville knows you can celebrate without ribbons, tags, packages, boxes or bags, right?

But beyond the amusing nostalgia, I wondered if they knew of the circumstances surrounding the first celebration of Christ, when Jesus was born. He came in spite of, and even because of, the disruption of imperfect people throughout history, including those in his own family line. And His delivery on Earth would provide a far greater delivery every one of us needs.

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” -Galatians 4:4-5

This gift of God was presented to the world at just the right time, a child celebrated by shepherds, prophets and angels at His birth. He was born into a world that had largely forgotten and ignored God. But God still loved the world so much He came to be with us in the person of Jesus. His perfect life, death and resurrection were also precisely fulfilled, providing that way of redemption and adoption into God’s family for whoever believes in Him.

It’s been a while since that first delivery, but Jesus promises to return right on time again, this time to deliver the joyful restoration of our sadly broken world. Just like before, some wait with anticipation and some ignore Him altogether, but He continues to be patient with us. To quote 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” That is, we have this opportunity to trust Jesus over anything else, and to receive the ultimate change of heart that comes from knowing God’s love forever.

In this world, gifts might get stuck in transit. Plans might go right off the rails. But with Christ, the celebration can never be cancelled. As the holidays roll on, I pray you’ll know the joy of celebrating more deeply, anticipating the greatest gifts still to come in Jesus.

Scripture: ESV / Art: Unsplash.com

10 Days of Prayer: St. Louis in 2021

In late summer, 10 Days of Prayer: St. Louis again met in various locations around the region. This was the third year for 10 Days in St. Louis, and it's worth taking a look at what the Lord is doing as we lift up this city to Him.

For some context, and in case you're just learning about 10 Days, I also documented the events of 2019. Last year was, of course, largely virtual due to pandemic mitigation measures. However, if you'd like a more detailed historical overview, you can check out the new archive page to get an idea of how we've seen Jesus moving here.

In 2021, we began to see the Lord’s work in new ways as we considered the active obedience that must follow prayer. From September 7-16, our theme was “Reliving Acts Today,” emboldening us to follow the threads of prayer and obedience found in the Book of Acts. Each day included a unique area of focus through which God has moved His Church in St. Louis as we were encouraged to “pray and go.” This seemed a logical next step, taking us in an increasingly outward focused direction.

As a desire for unity among churches and believers has been a core tenant from the beginning, we have been encouraged to see new partner churches and locations each year, along with several area pastor groups becoming more involved as they work together to address significant needs in their respective regions.

Below are highlights from each of the 10 days, plus a more recent follow up event.

Not Scary: The Gospel and Halloween

Alright, Christian, if you live in a place that culturally gets excited about Halloween, then once again we have an incredible opportunity and time to plan for it. So here's my ever refining Franken-article to help get you motivated. Read on...

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

Once a year we have the world coming right to our own doorsteps begging for treats. So we encourage Christians to do something incredibly easy—on Halloween night, turn your porch light on and share the love of Jesus along with your treats. In other words, be present with people.

Remember, this is as simple or complex as you want it to be. (We tend to go a bit on the complex side, but here's some inspiration if you like: All Hallow's Garage)

Need more ideas? Have a few:

• Dress up your goodies. Purchase some bags, plain or decorated. Add a small toy or something fun. Give the best treats on the block.

• Provide hot chocolate for your guests. Kids and adults love this. It can lead to time spent together and potential for deeper discussion.

• Set up a fire pit and roast marshmallows or make s’mores. Same effect as above.

• Do something big at your house to draw attention. Set up spotlights, games, fun scenes, whatever. People tend to remember these houses, and what you gave them.

• Use your skills, or those of a friend, and do magic tricks, balloon animals, music or something else fun and entertaining.

• Invite the neighbors to your house for a “getting to know you” party early in the evening or a day or two in advance. Pass out invites that week to let them know.

• Invite Christian friends to help out, especially if they have fewer children in their neighborhood. That way, you can double your efforts.

• Alternately, if you don’t have many children in your neighborhood, actively find someone who does and work with them. Or maybe go to a party. Be where people are.

• Consider having some Bibles available to give away as appropriate in case the opportunity arises.

• Pray, both before and after the evening, for the people you will meet and for a true love for your neighbors.

Whatever you do, don’t hide behind closed doors. The world is coming to us. Let’s give them something “sweeter than honey.” (Psalm 119:103)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” -2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
___________________________________________

Sharing the Gospel on Halloween (or any time) 

The Gospel is all about what Jesus has done, is doing and will do. Throughout Scripture we see reminders of the Gospel given to believers, or those who claim to be (e.g. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). So don’t forget, the Gospel is for everyone all the time, Christian or non, not just a one-time event in which we hope someone responds and we move on. This is what our salvation is based on, and we need to remind ourselves and each other of that every day.

As a summary, we might say:
• God is perfect, and He says we have to be perfect too. Unfortunately none of us are perfect. We think and say and do things God says not to, or ignore things He says to do, all the time. Our relationship with God, others and our world is broken.
• Jesus lived the perfect life we couldn’t, took on punishment by dying for imperfect people like us, and came to life again, proving He’s God. Only He could repair our relationships.
• God calls us to stop focusing on ourselves and what we want, and to focus on Him, trusting Jesus as Lord, and the One who does everything we can’t.
• Through faith in Jesus alone we can live with him in a renewed Earth forever.

(This example limits religious language and jargon. Always explain words such as “sin” or “repent.”) 

If you choose to include printed handouts with your treats it’s important they include the basic truths stated above. Don’t go for handouts designed to draw attention without sharing the true Gospel, never give out tracts instead of treats, and don't use paper in place of relationships when you have a chance to engage people in person.

While summaries such as this can be useful, especially for review, they by no means express all the depth and richness that is the Gospel of Jesus seen through all of Scripture. There is a lot of theology behind the statements above that disciples need to have explained. There are also many ways to draw people more personally into the wonder of Christ and His beauty. Consider creation. Listen for ways the individual might see the Lord’s work or provision in life. Ask how they are doing and how you can pray for them. The possibilities are as endless and amazing as Jesus Himself.

When speaking to someone, we need to remember we aren’t doing the saving work, nor is the person saving himself with a response. God is Savior, and He knows who He has enabled to respond and when they will. Ask questions to understand where the person is spiritually. Don’t do all the talking, and certainly don’t aggressively attempt to force someone to “seal the deal” with an on-the-spot prayer. This creates confusion and could end in false assurance, especially if you can’t or don’t follow up. We are to make disciples by sharing who Jesus is and what He’s done, encouraging others to believe and obey Him, and to further encourage love of and joy in Christ for those responsive to Him.

Never forget the importance of listening and relating. If someone feels they can trust you, they will often tell you a lot about their life. This can help you discern where they are spiritually and how ready they are to hear more. Rather than approaching with a formulaic method, listen for concerns and needs, and consider how Christ meets that need. (Example: They’ve been unemployed for months. Jesus is Provider of both physical and spiritual needs. How have they seen Him provide?) Be ready to pray with them while present. Many people are touched by this act alone. Pray the Lord gives you a heart of compassion for anyone you meet.

If someone claims to be a believer but you feel unsure, you might ask them to explain the Gospel to you. Then you can commend or gently correct as necessary.

Should a person truly be ready to receive Christ as Lord and feel compelled to pray in repentance to Him, let them pick the words and see how He leads. Ask if they are comfortable with follow up so they can be continue to be discipled. 

Even simple discussions with neighbors just letting them know you are a believer could easily lead to deeper relationships born on Halloween night. Be ready to follow up with your neighbors in any way necessary to show them the love of Christ throughout the whole year.

More treats for you:
>> Check out some additional related articles by Verge Network.

>> Also, an excellent 3 minute video by Jeff Vanderstelt, who encourages us to "Open the Door to Halloween" in order to engage our neighbors.

Epic Garden Battles // Easter 2021

With spring having sprung, gardening is a hot topic at our place. After last year’s bumper crop, and the very long winter that followed, the spouse is all-in on getting the food stuffs growing again. And while he obviously loves it, so much of his focus sounds like all-out war. Guarding against adorable vermin or undesirable pests, overgrowth or underwatering, he’s ready to protect this new plant life at all costs. And as the celebration of Easter approaches, I’m reminded of a few garden battles of biblical proportions.

Battle Lost
Genesis 2:8-9: “And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

The Bible starts out in a perfect garden. Just imagine: No weeds, no disruptive creatures, no drought or floods. Better yet, no issues even between people. Humans and the rest of God’s creation humming along harmoniously. But the story takes a turn with a sudden battle for control. Should we trust the one who first planted the garden and its tree of life, or ignore him in an effort to gain more? Caving to greed, the humans harvest from the wrong tree and lose it all—the garden, their trust in each other and their friendship with God. As overfertilization leads to plant death, the battle is lost. Sickness spreads. Thorn and thistle now dominate the landscape.

Battle Won
Isaiah 11:1-2: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him…”

As years of thorny battles wear on, one day a new shoot comes up. A baby grows to be a man, and that man turns out to be the ultimate gardener. He arrives to show us how to cultivate our relationships again. Expected by some, yet unrecognizable to others, he is ready to fight with his own blood, sweat and tears for his people in his garden, even as we decide to fight against him. In a garden called Gethsemane, he’s arrested. Despite no fault being found, he is prosecuted and placed on a wooden cross, sometimes referred to as a “tree.” Crowned with thorns on this tree of death he does not deserve, this man called Jesus dies...

While this looks like no victory, no one even imagined that 3 days later, life would emerge from a tomb. Even a woman finding the grave empty and seeing a man nearby thinks he's just the local gardener—until he calls her by name. But as a seed falls into the ground and dies to reproduce exponentially, Jesus died and rose to bring new life into the world. The garden battle is won! As the original gardener, he naturally knew what was needed to help it heal. And to each of us, He asks an old, familiar question: “Will you trust me to heal you too?”

Battle Done
Revelation 22:1-2: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

Much as it began, the Biblical story closes with a perfected future garden. We get a glimpse of renewal to come, of a world growing complete and healthy again, of harmony between God and people restored. The thorns have gone, and the tree of life we once rejected now heals us. For all who trust that ultimate gardener, the garden battles are done.

Anyone who gardens is positioned for a unique perspective on loss, triumph and restoration as you guard and nurture your own vegetation. Yet even if you lack a green thumb, every new bud and petal can call to mind these garden battles lost, won and done, even as we navigate the thorns of life that still remain. So as the flowers bloom this spring, I pray you do trust Jesus, the ultimate gardener, for the complete nurture and healing only he can bring.

Enjoy the greenery and happy Easter!

Pray for the Lou Week 2021

Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah
-Psalm 24:7-10 (ESV)

 
As I continue to follow the threads of unity and prayer among congregations in and around St. Louis, this year's Pray for the Lou Week is a significant piece. This week follows last year's single-day Pray for the Lou on 3.14.20, when area churches joined together to pray in and for neighborhoods in St. Louis city. This year, that vision was expanded to a full week throughout the broader region, and included regional prayer rallies, prayer walking in area neighborhoods and a special 3.14 "Preach for the Lou" Sunday, with many pastors across the area preaching from Psalm 24.

I was able to attend four of the eight regional rallies in person while still following pandemic protocols. Two were online only, but all were and are available to view online via Pray for the Lou's Facebook page and other means. Just attending the first rally in North County, I began to sense the Lord was actively answering prayers we'd begun to pray years ago, and I was eager to see how this would play out throughout the week. Seeing pastors share pulpits with intercessors from North City to Jefferson County while hearing similar requests for our Lord to move in and around St. Louis at each location was increasingly encouraging as the week went on. Our collective desire is to see the King of Glory, King Jesus, fully enter and affect every part of the St. Louis area.

On Saturday, participating churches were mobilized to go out and prayer walk in their local communities, and ours took part by stepping out to pray for our neighbors, schools, businesses and government. It is powerful to consider how many areas were prayed for simultaneously that morning.

A local prayer walk in Hazelwood

This morning of prayer walking was followed up by a virtual closing worship celebration you can watch right here:

While we continue to pray for more churches and leaders to catch this vision of prayer and unity, I remain encouraged to have many more congregations join together this year with the goal of seeing the Kingdom, not just an individual congregation or denomination, grow in and around St. Louis. And I'm increasingly thankful God's provided the many intercessors I know praying and working to keep the momentum going. 

It's time to believe and embrace the reality that we are already one in Jesus, and we want to see cooperative relationships between leaders and congregants continue across every one of our perceived dividing lines. As we pray for God's peace and presence here, let's see what the Lord will do when His people connect beyond a week or an event and move together in His power.

If you or your church weren't able to be involved this year, follow PrayfortheLou.org to keep up with what's to come.

As always, keep praying, St. Louis!

Christmas 2020: The True Light Still Shines In the Darkness

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it... The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” -John 1:5; 9-14 (ESV)

While 2020 needs no year in review, it’s no stretch to describe many of its moments as “dark.” So it seems especially exciting to have so many celebrations at this time of year which include elements of light. Whether special use of candles or festive decorations, drive-thru displays or consideration of stars, there’s a cheer and wonder these lights can bring.

With just the two of us, we sometimes skip concerted holiday decorating efforts, but we actually cracked open a box this year to discover a couple forgotten sets of unopened solar lights. Given all the dark spots of 2020, and inspired by others doing the same, we decided to light things up a bit more than usual this season, gradually expanding our display in hopes of bringing a touch of brightness to anyone passing by.

Looking at lights in this year like no other—from our meager presentation to every holiday display, and on up to those in the sky—I’m reminded each one is a representation of something greater and brighter and more true. And as we look for something bright in a world often dark, we need look no further than a much celebrated baby in a manger to begin to see that true light.

This light came into a world of darkness, God Himself made flesh. He illuminated what it means to be fully human, to live as the light of the world. On Earth’s darkest day, that light was momentarily snuffed out, only to reignite in glorious resurrection. This is the light shining in the darkness that the darkness could not overcome. Instead, overcoming the darkness within and around us, this blazing glory makes it possible for us to know God, and to one day see our dark world shine bright again. And this true light is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Earlier this year, I considered that we never know what tomorrow may bring, as 2020 certainly proved. As I quoted then from Ephesians 5, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” This remains my prayer and encouragement for you, regardless what another year brings, to trust Jesus and truly experience His love and light that overcomes the darkness.

Hoping your holidays are merry and bright!

Art: Unsplash.com

"Look Closer This Christmas"

Just sharing this fantastic short video about the unconventional arrival of the long-expected eternal King Jesus. If you'd like to take a closer look at the story of His birth, check out the beginning of the Book of Luke.

Merry Christmas!

A Moment to Pray on MLK

On a rainy Saturday in August, I made my way to the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. and Kingshighway in St. Louis to join in prayer with others with the same King and dream, both for our city and beyond.

Pray on MLK was coordinated by Civil Righteousness to happen in multiple cities on the same day. August 8 was chosen for having been the first date on which a street was named for the civil rights activist in Chicago back in 1968.

At 6:01 p.m. local time, groups gathered on MLK streets to enter into a time of silent prayer and lament. This start time was chosen as the same moment the shot rang out in Memphis that took Dr. King's life, the very time we heard the bell toll in April 2018.

As we formed this silent wall of prayer in St. Louis, we again used white tape on our mouths with one or two words written to express the prayers of our hearts. On this occasion I was prompted to focus on "LOVE," lamenting the lack of love for neighbor all around us now being expressed daily in ways ranging from harsh words to outright rage to increasing crime. I know we will not see love for neighbor unless our city knows the love of God in Jesus. For this I prayed.

A Prayer Walk in Ferguson

A different landscape since Saturday

As protests since the death of George Floyd continue, now in even more countries across the globe, a special prayer walk took place in Ferguson, MO on Thursday, June 4. This event was organized by the North County Pastors' Group, a collective of churches which originated following the death of Mike Brown.

These churches, my own included, have hosted an annual event called Unity Sunday for the past 4 years, from which I have personally benefited whether as attendee or participant. These events have allowed opportunity for predominantly black and predominantly white churches to gather together for fellowship, prayer and worship, and have included pulpit swaps between the pastors. As we've grown to know one another, this prayer walk was a significant next step in joining together, this time outside church walls and into the community.

The evening began and concluded in the parking lot of First Baptist Church of Ferguson, where we prepped and prayed before heading down the street to the Ferguson Police Station, now largely boarded up due to rioting which occurred after my time there on Saturday. The goal was not only to pray for the community, but to listen to those in the community and pray with them as appropriate. There was opportunity to do so with several individuals, including a police officer, a protestor and at least one of the artists now working on positive messages in front of the station.

Additional prayer suggestions included prayers of repentance, for justice and righteousness to prevail, for understanding and bearing one another's burdens, for healing and meaningful systematic change, for discernment and for blessing.

Prayerful Protest for Floyd in Ferguson

On Saturday, I was once again able to join with Civil Righteousness as Christians gathered in Ferguson, this time in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and all that is currently transpiring. This was the first of a 21-day call to prayer and action referred to as the Isaiah 58 Fast, running from May 30 to June 19.

We came out to form The Wall, lining up on the opposite side of S. Florissant from the Ferguson fire and police stations to be a presence and to silently pray. Participants stood with white tape covering their mouths, a single word written on that tape to publicly express the cries of our hearts in prayer.

On this day, my word—my prayer—was "HOPE."

While I struggle to find one all-encompassing word for the pain so many of us feel and our many needs, as I prayed even for what that word should be, I felt how desperately hope is needed. To have this eruption not only in cities across the U.S. but even now in London, and right in the middle of the multi-faceted tensions of a pandemic, I feel it even more. And, far more significantly, I know that hope will only be found as people come to know Jesus Christ Himself, the only one who can truly heal our world as it ever louder groans.

After gathering up some photos, I settled into the line—and finally wept. I have found over the years that I must do something with these emotions, and have learned, sadly far too many times since 2014, that this must include prayer and lament with God's people. The moment I saw the announcement of this event the night before, I knew I was supposed to be there taking all this to the Lord.

As I stood on that street I've traveled many times since my childhood, hearing the honks and hollers of approval from people of all backgrounds for a protest—ANY protest at this point—I felt the full-on exhaustion from this repetition of history that continues to cost us all so much. In my mind rang sentiments from black friends and community members, ranging from, "I'm depressed," or, "I had to shut down this time," to all-out rage of various stripes.

Lord Jesus, come quickly. Oh God, bring us Your hope.

Church, we cannot be surprised where we are, and we cannot continue as we have and expect change. I echo the call of organizer Jonathan Tremaine Thomas for the body of Christ to be out demonstrating who God is. We need to be a true presence in our communities, bringing the light of Christ to drive out the darkness. Jesus came to Earth, God present among us. He left us His Spirit, the presence of God in us. Now we can bring His very presence into our communities as we unite and pray and serve.

Whatever emotions you may be processing, I encourage you to channel them through the truths of the Gospel and in light of the sacrificial Savior who loved us enough to die for us. By His blood we are one in Christ, and we can and must love each other and our neighbors. Seek opportunities for prayer and service, whether in St. Louis or in your own community. Share news of events like this, which are far less likely to receive media coverage. And, as always, listen in order to truly hear and learn in order to truly love. Actual dialogue plays a crucial part in loving like Jesus, and bringing His hope to a hopeless world.

The Dichotomy of True Comfort

"Comfort and Ease." This was the topic of discussion during this month's Theology at the Bottleworks (currently meeting via Zoom). We'd actually planned for this conversation before the pandemic shutdown hit here, and it seemed a perfect time to pick it back up now during what is, for many people in many ways, a particularly uncomfortable time.

Early on, our moderator gave us a couple of definitions which seemed somewhat contradictory. One was "a state of ease and freedom from pain or constraint," while the other was "a strengthening aid."

In processing differences in types of temporal comforts (material, consumable, relational, etc.), versus what I now find truly comforting in my own life, I notice what feels like a marked contradiction as well.

Ultimately the single most comforting place for me to be is in the presence of the Lord—talking to Him, listening to Him, realizing His love and care. Yet strangely, and as I frequently hear from others, I don't always find myself pursuing Him as strongly as one would expect if this is where such true comfort is found.

The question then is why not? I've heard all kinds of reasons, often involving time constraints (which are recently not such a problem for many of us). But for myself, I've come to realize one reason is this: As I go to Jesus, I really have to deal with things I might not want to—things I may even be actively trying to ignore. I have to work through deep issues and concerns, whether in the world or in myself. This, of course, can be incredibly UNcomfortable. But as He guides me through and begins to course-correct my understanding, I can also see that He is always with me, a "refuge and strength" and "very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46) And as I sink into that reality and begin to trust Him, I find incredible comfort—and most definitely a "strengthening aid."

During the conversation, it was intriguing how quickly several people indicated that, while comfort in itself may not be inherently wrong, merely pursuing a life of comfort was not seen as a positive. It was also a common concern that perhaps a growing interest in a return to personal comforts was taking priority for some during this time. After all, I noted, "freedom from constraint" is currently a rather hot cultural topic, perhaps especially in the States. It seems we often have, in part, a discomfort rooted in sheer inconvenience. But I question how this affects our love for our neighbor. Are we invested in our personal comfort—perhaps more colloquially our "rights"—over and above the comfort and care of all others?

Looking at Philippians 2:1-8, it's clear God calls us to a different way of thought and action than simply our own self comfort.

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."

Reading on, these words particularly stand out to me:

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

And how are we to do this? By having the sacrificial mind of our Lord:

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Jesus gave up every possible comfort, leaving His Father's side, coming to live with and serve broken people, even going to a torturous death before His return to life, all to give us the ultimate comfort of knowing God. We can have "freedom from constraint" in going to Him now, and we look forward to complete "freedom from pain" in a renewed world. This truth is our "strengthening aid," one meant not only to give comfort to us, but also giving us the ability to comfort others, even sacrificially as Jesus did.

Jesus shows us that our greatest comfort came through His ultimate "inconvenience," and His willingness to give up His own comfort is the foundational reason we can trust Him. In Christ, we find these seeming contradictions are actually complementary. And nothing could be more comforting.

"Christ Meets Us in the Book "

On an Easter Sunday just a few years back, Pastor Sergei Marchenko preached a sermon titled "Sunday Afternoon." He wanted to consider the effects of Jesus' resurrection, and how Christ meets us "on the road, in the book and at the table."

It was the middle section that really caught my ear, and elicited a rightful applause. It's a joy for me to show people the many and varied ways we can see Christ in all of Scripture. I've shared several different versions of "Jesus is the True and Better." I also frequently recommend three books: "The Jesus Storybook Bible" for kids and up, "The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus" for pre-teens and up and "The True Story of the Whole World" for those at higher reading levels. Each book can help supplement the understanding that the whole Bible really is the story of Jesus.

Similar to but a bit longer than "Jesus is the True and Better," Pastor Sergei compiled a phenomenal overview of Christ throughout Scripture shared below with permission. You can also listen to the entire sermon here.

I truly love that none of the resources shared here are anywhere near comprehensive, and that every similar exposure and consideration deepens my love for my Lord and His Book.


Christ Meets Us in the Book

“And he said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Jesus takes them through the Bible to show them why they should not have been surprised that he died and rose again. The Bible is about Jesus. It is his book and he meets us there.

In Genesis he is the creator and the offspring promised to bruise the serpent’s head.

In Exodus he is the lamb whose blood on the doorframe caused the Lord to pass over the house and spare the firstborn of God’s people.

In Leviticus he is the holy high priest and the perfect sacrifice.

In Numbers he is the bronze serpent lifted high so that even a glance at him has the power to neutralize the venom in our veins.

In Deuteronomy he the great prophet who speaks on God’s authority. In Joshua he is the commander of the Lord’s army standing with his drawn sword in his hand.

In Judges he is the deliverer who saves his people out of the hand of those who plunder them.

In Ruth he the kinsman - redeemer.

In 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles he is the Prophet, Priest, and King.

In Ezra & Nehemiah he is the one who brings his people home, the restorer and rebuilder of the city of God.

In Esther he is the Invisible protector and preserver of his people.

In Job he is the mediator, the arbiter between God and man who can lay his hand on them both. He is of whom Job said: I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth.

Psalms are the songs of Jesus, songs about Jesus, and songs sung to Jesus.

In Proverbs & Ecclesiastes he is the wisdom of God.

In the Song of Solomon he is the bridegroom in love with his bride.

In Isaiah he is the suffering servant who was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities; upon whom was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with whose wounds we are healed.

In Jeremiah he is the righteous branch.

In Lamentations he weeps over the devastated city.

In Ezekiel he is the son of man.

In Daniel he is the fourth person in the furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

In Hosea he is the faithful husband forgiving his adulterous wife.

In Joel he is the Sender of the Spirit. In Amos he is the restorer of the fortunes of Israel.

In Obadiah he is the just judge over his people’s enemies.

In Jonah he is the one who pities the great city.

In Micah he is the ancient ruler to be born in Bethlehem.

In Nahum he is the avenger of his people.

In Habakkuk he is the answer to the prophet’s questions.

In Zephaniah he is the LORD God in the midst of his people, a mighty one who will save, who rejoices over them with gladness, quiets them by his love, and exults over them with loud singing.

In Haggai he is the shaker of heaven and earth, the shaker of nations, who will fill his temple with glory.

In Zechariah he is the pierced Messiah.

In Malachi he is the sun of righteousness with healing in its wings.

And the disciples on the road to Emmaus only had the Old Testament. We have the whole Bible.

In the Gospels his life, death and resurrection are recorded.

In Acts his life, death, and resurrection are preached.

In the Epistles his life, death, and resurrection are explained and applied.

In Revelation his return is anticipated.

Jesus is the true hero of all Bible stories.

Every blessing in the Bible is ultimately given to us in Christ. Every curse is the Bible is ultimately borne by Christ for the sake of his people.

Every genealogy culminates in Christ. Every teaching has Jesus as its chief subject. Every poem whispers his name.

Every promise is "yes" and "amen" in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen and amen.

Easter Sunday Worship 2020

Well, socially distanced though we be at the moment, we had the remarkable honor of helping to lead worship for an online service with Chatham Bible Church this Easter morning. The sermon is titled “Whispers from an Empty Tomb” from John 20:1-18. 

 

If you couldn't join us on this morning, we certainly invite you to do so now or anytime. Christ is Risen, indeed!

Awake, O Sleeper! // Easter 2020

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. -James 4:13–17

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. -Ephesians 5:14–17

On the evening of February 24, which now feels practically like a year ago, my husband and I simply stayed home. Unremarkable? Perhaps. But we really should have been at a local community center taking full advantage of a month-long membership nearing expiration.

That night we learned of a shooting at the center. An employee who’d helped us adjust our membership was dead. A day later, I shared some thoughts online, which included this statement: “The every day truth is we literally do not know what the next moment will bring.”

Just a few weeks later and the unthinkable began to affect us all—this global pandemic and simultaneous economic crisis that even we sci-fi fans didn’t ultimately believe could actually happen. Yet here we are, watching over a million worldwide become ill and thousands die, perhaps even people we know and love, as we “stay at home” and try to protect ourselves and others. And I realize again that stark reality: We do not know what tomorrow will bring. But despite this truth, we’re often so busy sleeping our way through life that we neglect to take seriously the most important things.

Thankfully, our Creator does take our lives, and our eternities, very seriously. Violence, disease and death entered our world because we neglected to listen even to God. For that, He could have rightfully returned the favor and simply neglected us. Instead, He is not only aware of the fears and pains we try to ignore, He came and experienced them Himself.

As we face a pandemic that both figuratively and sometimes literally takes our breath away, I’m reminded of Jesus’ struggle to breathe on the cross. A victim of this kind of crucifixion was hung in such a way that they were forced to push up by the feet in order to exact a full breath. With His feet nailed in place, this already impaired action was beyond excruciating.

I also imagine the moment Jesus returned to life. What was it like to take that first full, deep breath? No struggle or pain. He came out of the tomb completely restored and alive.

Those two little snapshots offer just a tiny picture of how seriously God takes our situation. The first is a picture of God suffering for us, taking the punishment and death we deserve on Himself. The second shows the defeat of death and a resurrection we also can have in renewed bodies and, ultimately, a world restored without death, debilitation or disease. This is just part of what the Lord offers to anyone who believes in Him.

So I ask sincerely: Do you believe?

You may live to 100 or die unexpectedly tomorrow, but every one of us has an expiration date. That next breath is not guaranteed. Our lives truly are “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” So I urge you to fully believe in who Jesus Christ is, what He’s done and what that means for you. The whole Bible is His story. Take a look at those pages. Ask Him to show Himself to you.
If you need a Bible or have questions, never hesitate to ask.

Whatever you do, don’t sleep through this moment. This is that wake up call to be raised from death, just as Jesus was on that first Easter morning, and to make the best use of the very limited time God has given you here. For the Christian, this means us too.

I’m thankful the Lord has spared me so far through all these recent events so I could share this with you. I pray He’ll awaken you to respond to Him.

Stay safe. Be well. God bless you.