Where is our joy?

 

Right responses . . . .

Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33)

God is more concerned with our right responses to adversity than He is us having the right circumstances in or lives! Many times we will complain to God about all that is happening in or lives. We spend more time asking God why than we do how or what. 

We want to know why things are the way they are rather than asking, "How should I respond?" or "What would You have me to do?" After all, He told His closest friends that they would have troubles . . . and boy did they! Yet as He told them, we are to also "be of good cheer . . . I have overcome the world".

As we hold on to His promises, we too shall overcome . . . one day!

"I can't"

Here is a four letter word that should never be uttered by a Christ follower: "can't". Ok, so it is really "cannot", but you get the message! Whenever we think or say, "I can't", we should hear the resounding words of the apostle Paul;

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

There are many things that we cannot do . . . in our own strength. However, the Spirit of God working through us and with the help of people He places in our lives, we can accomplish all He has planned for us! 

Oh we may fail at times, especially when we are out of His will and acting selfishly. Failures are the best teachers. God wants us to keep at it and never quit, even in the midst of what seems like failure . . . remember the cross, the grave . . . and then SONday morning!

As we still ponder Resurrection Day, let's be reminded of the phrase a former president coined a few years ago: "Yes we can!"

He changed my way of life

 He changed my way of life . . .  

Many things in life cause a life-style change . . .  high school graduation . . . college life . . . dating . . . living on your own . . . having a full time job . . .  a new baby . . . getting a family dog . . . marriage/divorce, among others. However, nothing changed my life like when Jesus entered in to it. He changed my way of life for sure!

But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind . . . (Ephesians 4:20-23)

He changed my thought process, my daily activities, my friendships, my exercise routine, my language, my family, and my future! Once He invited me into His Kingdom, I grasped an entire new way of perceiving everything. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. I realized how crazy I had been living. I was convicted. Jesus became the center of my life and His Spirit began to move me in directions I could never imagine; relationships, entertainment, school, career, missions . . . I am still amazed! Some thirty years later, my life is still evolving the more I grow in Him.

My way of life is still changing . . . how about you? Feel free to comment!

Called out by God to be different!

 Ever been called a weirdo . . . different . . . strange? People ever look at you with that side eye? Welcome to the club! As believers and disciples of Christ, we are indeed a rare breed, a set apart people, called out by God to be different!

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;" (1 Peter 2:9)

However, we are NOT fanatics, as some sports fans may be or stalkers of celebrity. We are followers of Christ; His disciples! We learn from Him and imitate Him.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. (Ephesians 5:1)

 

Never stop learning . . .even from our young people!

So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously. And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:45-52)

One thing I have learned myself while teaching during this pandemic is that our kids have a lot to say! Yes they complain about work. They moan about lack of sleep. They remind us how bored they are but also how fearful they are as well! Yet as they open up about their struggles, I have also learned so much from them and about me!

Like with Jesus and the elders in Luke 2, I am astonished at the students' questions but also their understanding! Again, I have learned so much from them! In my bible lessons, but even more from our general discussions on life, I have come to realize their struggles are real and their frustrations are genuine. They face way too many pressures that we never faced as youth. A lot of it comes from the world we are in with all the political and social turmoil, but much of it comes from us as well. Teaching today requires a lot more listening that speaking, and sometimes more caring than grading. As never before, it rings true that kids only care how much we know when they know how much we care!

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you . . . (1 Timothy 4:12-14)

Whether in the classroom or in after school ministry, even when counseling the now young adults who have been through our youth programs, I have come to realize the many gifts they possess from God and the need to bring these gifts out. They need to know they are valued. We need our young people and they need us. We all need to keep learning . . . keep growing in favor with God and man!

The Holy Spirit is alive and working

Spirit Week II. . .

How does the Holy Spirit work? What does He do? I could not say it better. The Holy Spirit is alive and working in every believer! Read on . . .

The Holy Spirit today plays a major role in the application of salvation to the individual. It is the Spirit who brings conviction to the unbeliever and causes him to see the truth of the gospel in a clear light.Those who respond to this conviction and place their faith in Jesus Christ receive eternal life and a new nature. The Holy Spirit unites the believer with Christ and places him in the body of Christ, the church. He also unites the believer with Christ in His death, enabling him to live victoriously over sin.The Holy Spirit controls the believer who yields to God and submits himself to God's Word. When these conditions are met, the believer lives in the power of the Spirit and produces the fruit of the Spirit.The Holy Spirit indwells the believer permanently.While the child of God may sin and grieve the Spirit, the Spirit will never leave the true believer. Absence of the Holy Spirit is the mark of the unsaved. The Holy Spirit seals the believer. This ministry guarantees the security of the believer "until the day of redemption." (https://www.moodybible.org/beliefs/positional-statements/holy-spirit/)

So you say you want to read these words from God? OK . . .

And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (John 16:8-11)

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) 

 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. (Romans 8:9)

 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)

Wow! To think we ignore Him so often, as if He is not right here with us! Look at all He does and calls us to do in partnership with Him. God is right here with us . . .living and working right in us! Will we just allow Him the freedom to work in and through us?

How do I know I am saved?

 

“Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10).

So how do we do that? The question, “Am I saved?” is one of the most important questions we can ever ask ourselves. We need to know the answer . . . we must know the answer. Without the assurance of salvation the Christian life is a series of ups and downs. It is vulnerable to mood changes and allows false teachings to camp on the doorstep. The progress in sanctification requires a firm foundation in faith. Assurance is the glue our faith. Without it, the foundation falls apart.

First, realize our salvation rests upon the merit of Christ alone, which is given to us when we embrace Him by genuine faith. We need a clear understanding of what constitutes genuine saving faith. Secondly, a sober analysis of our own lives is required. We must examine ourselves to see if the fruit of regeneration is apparent in our lives. Do we have a real affection for the biblical Christ? Only the regenerate person possesses real love for the real Jesus. Here is a needed question: “Does my life manifest the fruit of sanctification?” I test my faith by my works.


We will never be perfect, but we are being perfected by the Savior. Real assurance rests on a sound understanding of salvation (Forgiven through the work of Jesus), a sound understanding of justification (being made right by God), a sound understanding of sanctification (living out our salvation), and a sound understanding of ourselves.

Our comfort level

 A daily walk with Jesus should challenge us! 

We often find ourselves struggling to get out of bed. We hit the snooze button two or three times. We rush through the morning routine, perhaps even forgetting to eat or grabbing that donut and coffee to go! (not healthy by the way!) Oh, we will find time for morning devotions and prayer later, when it is more convenient or more comfortable. After all, Jesus understands us! 

Are we getting too comfortable in our relationship with Him? Do we find ourselves putting Him off until we have time, until we can focus, until it is comfortable? 

For many of us professed good and faithful Christians who seek to walk daily with Jesus, there are times when our daily walk with the Lord gets pushed to the side. Perhaps we slept late . . . perhaps it's busyness or other priorities that just got in the way. It happens to all of us. Other things in our lives sometimes crowd out the time we need to be devoting to a day by day walk with Jesus.

Right away Jesus called out to them, “Be brave! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”“Lord, is it you?” Peter asked. “If it is, tell me to come to you on the water.”“Come,” Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat. He walked on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid. He began to sink. He cried out, “Lord! Save me!” Right away Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “Your faith is so small!” he said. “Why did you doubt me?”(Matthew 14:27-31)

Peter had a challenging walk with Jesus. It kind of began with his "walk on the water". Jesus performed this amazing miracle, walking towards them on the water, and Peter is so excited by this he demanded to join Jesus on the walk. Jesus agreed. Did Jesus know that Peter would sink? Maybe or maybe not, but he definitely knew that the walk would be difficult for Peter. It would be filled with doubt and with feelings of helplessness. In short – it would be challenging! Once Peter took his focus off Jesus, he began to sink!

Throughout these challenging days, we find ourselves just like Peter in the water: When we are challenged in our day by day walk, we learn who we ultimately rely upon. We try to handle things on our own, rushing here and there. We allow stress to get to us. We get weary. We get frustrated. We lose focus. . . . then we remember Jesus!

Where is your comfort level today?

 

No fear . . .What can we learn from the past as we begin Lent?

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) 

When God leads, He provides. What can we learn from the past as we approach Lent? 

Despite challenges, closed doors, uphill battles and more, God can use each of us to make change. We must not allow fear to hold us back! When God leads, chains can and will be broken. There is much to be done in our society today. We must lead as a Church, as a Body of Christ, as ONE!  As we prepare to lead up to Resurrection Day, let's pray for God to use each of us for change!

Here is another HIS-tory lesson . . . .

The Lord was pleased to strengthen us, and remove all fear from us, and disposed our hearts to be as useful as possibleRichard Allen

Minister, educator and writer Richard Allen ((1760–1831) was born into slavery. He later converted to Methodism and bought his freedom. Fed up with the treatment of African American parishioners at the St. George Episcopal congregation, he eventually founded the first national Black church in the United States, the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was also an activist and abolitionist whose ardent writings would inspire future visionaries. 

In 1794, Allen and several other Black Methodists founded the Bethel Church, a Black Episcopal meeting, in an old blacksmith’s shop. Bethel Church became known as "Mother Bethel" because it eventually birthed the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Helped by his second wife, Sarah, Allen also helped to hide escaped enslaved people, as the basement of the Bethel Church was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Then, in 1816, with support from representatives from other Black Methodist churches, Allen founded the first national Black church in the United States, the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, the AME Church boasts more than 2.5 million members. Understanding the power of an economic boycott, Allen went on to form the Free Produce Society, where members would only purchase products from non-enslaved labor, in 1830. With a vision of equal treatment for all, he railed against slavery, influencing later civil rights leaders such as Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr.                                                                                                                   For more information see (https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/denominationalfounders/richard-allen.html).

There is more to life than championships and talent!

But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

During a 2015 interview with The New York Times’ Mark Leibovich, Tom Brady explained he was open to different belief systems. “But I think we’re into everything. . . . I don’t know what I believe. I think there’s a belief system, I’m just not sure what it is.” 

Many people will argue that Mr. Brady is the G.O.A.T. , especially after winning Super Bowl LV (his seventh) and another M.V.P. Comparing trophies and titles, he probably is! At 43 years old, he is indeed special! However, there is more to life than championships and talent!

A talent is something that you are instinctually born with that gives you unique skills and abilities. Talent is set apart from knowledge in that it is not a learned behavior, although it can be strengthened and practiced. The Bible tells us that we are all born with distinct talents and gifts that set us apart from each other. When you discover the talents that God has given you and you use them to glorify Him, you will experience a full life!

Though Mr. Brady has achieved so much, there is always a desire for more. He seems to never be satisfied. There has to be one more . . . When one is seeking worldly acclaim, there is always going to be one better, another accomplishment to achieve. Nothing is ever enough! Yet the one who is working and living to bring glory to God can find inner peace in knowing they are pleasing God, if not man!

The world demands more . . .God provides peace and contentment! 

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1 Timothy 6:6-7)

Comfortable in our CHRISTian life?

Are we comfortable in our CHRISTian life? 

Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:20)

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

I read an interesting article this morning when looking at God's Word for encouragement. I was researching how we can be comfortable being in Jesus in a sinful world and read some rather challenging words, ones I have been focused upon since the recent political campaigns, election and subsequent protests and riots here in the U.S. cities, in particular here in nearby Washington, DC.

"If you’re all-in with one political party and never feel any tension whatsoever with your Christian faith, it probably means your faith is too comfortable. Whether you’re a lifelong Democrat or a diehard Republican, a robust Christian faith should create dissonance with politics at various points. A faith that aligns perfectly with one political party is suspiciously convenient and lacks prophetic witness." (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/8-signs-your-christianity-is-too-comfortable/)

C. S. Lewis once said, “If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”

So, what or whom are all-in with today . . . .Republican, Democrat, Socialist, Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, BLM, right-wing, left-wing, conservative, radical, fill-in-the-blank __________ organization, or Kingdom agendas?

As to the Lord . . .

 

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.  But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. (Colossians 3:22-25)

As to the Lord  . . . . what an easy thing to say and pray, but so challenging to live out day to day. As Christ-followers, we are to obey law enforcement, the government, supervisors, teachers, and parents for sure . . . . yet only as it pleases God! When the law or rules come into conflict with the Word of God, we are to obey God. 

I think we all agree with that premise, would you agree?

However, what about why we obey? Do we find ourselves working hard at the job, doing all of our assignments, or even obeying laws to honor God, or to receive the applause of people? If we are honoring God, then why do you and I get so upset when people do not see our efforts, approve of our work, or reward us with special recognition?  

Ouch . . . that hurts! I am talking about us now . . . you and me! Let's take a hard look at our why!

Why do we do what we do every day . . . to please God or man?

Without hope? Lord, RISE UP!

 The Lord is known to be fair by the things he does.

    Evil people are trapped by what they have done.

Sinful people go down to the place of the dead.
    So do all the nations that forget God.

But God will never forget needy people.
    The hope of those who are hurting will never die.

Lord, rise up. Don’t let people win the battle.
    Let the nations come to you and be judged.

Lord, strike them with terror.
Let the nations know they are only human beings.(Psalm 9:16-20)

Here we are, stuck in neutral it seems as a Nation. We seem to have gone backwards concerning the pandemic.  Our politics are in a state of confusion. Many people are running in fear getting tested for an illness for which they have no symptoms! With the Holydays approaching, many are still without jobs, without money and food, and without hope!

Well, as the psalmist wrote, those who forget God will be in need alright . . .in need of Him! Nations without God will suffer now and eternally! However, God will never forget those who cry out to Him in need! (Psalm 9:18) 

Lord, RISE UP! Revive us! Use us to meet other's needs as You meet ours. Let the lost see Your works and seek after You!

Lord, RISE UP

 

Let the message about Christ live among you.

You are God’s chosen people. You are holy and dearly loved. So put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes. Don’t be proud. Be gentle and patient. Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you. And over all these good things put on love. Love holds them all together perfectly as if they were one. Let the peace that Christ gives rule in your hearts. As parts of one body, you were appointed to live in peace. And be thankful. Let the message about Christ live among you like a rich treasure. Teach and correct one another wisely. Teach one another by singing psalms and hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing to God with thanks in your hearts. Do everything you say or do in the name of the Lord Jesus. Always give thanks to God the Father through Christ.... (Colossians 3:12-17)

How do we live as CHRISTians in such a crazy mixed-up world? Listen to Paul:  

      Let the message about Christ live among you! 

We have no choice but to put on Christ if the world is to see and experience Christ! People are not going to experience Him in politics, in public schools, in media or in the public square. He must be represented by you and me.

We cannot get so comfortable and concerned with belonging that we find ourselves apart from God. We must remember Whose we are and Who we represent! Everything we do must be to His glory. He must live among us as we go from place to place. . .His peace, His grace, His mercy, His calm, His forgiveness...His will!

If we want a better world than we the Body have to do better. The world must see Christ in us. We must stop trying fit in so much!

Look UP to our Youth: A Happy Meal Story!

Every once in a while, we not-so-young need to look up to our youth! Of course we all know about young David fighting lions, bears and even a giant. We have heard of Daniel and his three young friends when taken into slavery in Babylon. We have heard a young virgin Mary and dedicated she was. Joseph too was a dedicated young follower of Jehovah God. Today I want to share about a relatively unknown kid with just a happy meal to his name....

Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him. So he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?”  He asked this only to test Philip. He already knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Suppose we were able to buy enough bread for each person to have just a bite. That would take more than half a year’s pay!” Another of his disciples spoke up. It was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He said,  “Here is a boy with five small loaves of barley bread. He also has two small fish. But how far will that go in such a large crowd?”Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down. About 5,000 men were there. Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks. He handed out the bread to those who were seated. He gave them as much as they wanted. And he did the same with the fish. When all of them had enough to eat, Jesus spoke to his disciples. “Gather the leftover pieces,” he said. “Don’t waste anything.” So they gathered what was left over from the five barley loaves. They filled 12 baskets with the pieces left by those who had eaten. (John 6:5-13)

Here was a young boy just standing around with a Jewish happy meal. . .some bread and some fish nuggets. . . no sauce! 

Yet we read that he gladly shared his lunch. We read of no hesitation. I wonder what would have happened had he said, "No! This is my happy meal!" Imagine even more how pleased Jesus had to be with him! A young hero. . . respectful, obedient little boy. We can all look up to him today! 

C'mon young people....make us proud. . .make Jesus proud. Can you spare a slice of that pizza, a Chipoltle meal, maybe even a few minutes to do a chore for parents without asking? It only takes a little effort. I know you will! Will Jesus write your name down today?

For more young heroes click here: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/5-young-people-in-the-bible-that-did-great-things/ ,

Take notice!

The Lord tells the people of Judah, 

“Stand where the roads cross, and look around.
    Ask where the old paths are.
Ask for the good path, and walk on it.
    Then your hearts will find rest in me.
    But you said, ‘We won’t walk on it.’

I appointed prophets to warn you. I said,
    ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpets!’
    But you said, ‘We won’t listen.’

So pay attention, you nations.
    You are witnesses for me.
    Watch what will happen to my people.

Earth, pay attention.
    I am going to bring trouble on them.
    I will punish them because of the evil things they have done.
They have not listened to my words.
    They have said no to my law. (Jeremiah 6:16-19)

Simple words here from the prophet Jeremiah which the Lord gave him concerning Judah. I believe we can heed to them today. 

God tells Jeremiah to have the world take take notice: ignoring God will bring calamity and confusion!  Oh America. . . Oh CHRISTians in America, when will we take notice and start following God's ways rather than the acceptable norms of this society? Have our eyes been that blinded and our hearts so seared that we no longer even recognize God's voice above that of politics, Hollywood, and social media?

Will we ask of God for the good path and walk upon it or will we continue to say, "We won't listen"?

God is still present

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.(1 Corinthians 3:16-19)

We live in a time with much confusion, unrest, insecurities, deceit, fake news and doubts, we as believers MUST be assured that God is still present!  He is right in our midst. In fact, everything we do, everything we say, everything we tweet, post, sign up for, or events we attend we include God, because He lives inside every believer! We cannot forget that.

In a dangerous and unbelieving world, it is imperative that we who believe reflect God in our everyday actions . . . .not just on a SONday or in our prayer closet. In fact, let's come out of the closet like every other group!

Everything we do, every event we attend, every word we write, post, tweet or say reflects the God we serve. A dying world needs to see a genuine, caring, politically active, justice demanding, living out loud, liberty for all CHRISTian. This is no time for hiding in fear. HIS love casts out all fear! (1John 4:18)

Are we going to honor God or bring Him dishonor? Lord, give the discernment I need to honor You over man!

Consider the Costs

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the [c]chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:  looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;  lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.  For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears. (Hebrews 12:1-17)

CHRISTians, we must consider the costs....the costs Jesus paid, the disciples, those believers who indeed shed innocent blood for freedoms, and yes, those today who are dying for their faith....an eternal "just cause".

I do not know the intense anger or frustration of being judged by skin color. . . not like my brothers and sisters in this country! I do realize and experience "white privileges", thanks to my wife pointing it out!!!! Yet, we are CHRISTians first and foremost!

I cannot imagine the frustration. I do feel it when my wife and kids experience it. I get angry. I want to lash out. However, I must ask the age-old question, "What would Jesus do?" 

Looking unto Jesus and the great cloud of witnesses before us, can we please step up and a united Body?