Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

Unleashed – As You Go – Pray

“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:19-24

“Today begins the new year. A year no human knows what is ahead but, as followers of Christ, we have a God who will walk with us through the challenges, the good things, and the bad things. In all we have a Savior and King who is strong enough to face all things with us and before us.” This was my journal entry on January 1, 2020. Little did I know what would lie ahead of us as a family, community or world. It has been a world brought to its knees by an unseen enemy. as many of us have faced isolation, fear and even death. We have experienced unprecedented societal unrest and our world is destined to be changed forever.

The verses above, out of Lamentations, are some of my favorites simply because of the hope and assurance that God will be with us through all situations. It is in the midst of life’s tragedies and chaotic turmoil that the presence of God may not be as obvious, yet we know his presence is more than we could ever imagine.

Jeremiah captured his pain and lament in Lamentations. He was persecuted, thrown into a cistern, dragged away captive and jailed. He cried out to God in the midst of his situation and came back to the hope that is found only in God.

Scripture is filled with stories such as Jeremiah’s. These stories provide us hope and promise as we face tragedy. We can rest in the shelter of God’s presence.

Noah was ridiculed and mocked as he and his sons built an ark in the middle of the desert. Yet, as the rains began, Noah experienced the presence of God when he is told, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.” (Gen 7:1)

Joseph lived in slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned yet he experienced the presence of God and was able to say, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Gen 50:20)

Moses was hidden, rescued, lived a life of luxury, was forced into exile, then faced down the most powerful ruler in the land and endured the wilderness for forty years. Moses knew the dark times of life but he also experienced the presence of God, “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10)

David, belittled by his brothers, his life threatened, lived in caves and was forced to flee his kingdom, but he experienced the presence of God. “God testified concerning him:  “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” (Acts 13:22)

For Paul, following Christ resulted in imprisonment, beatings, shipwreck, hunger, cold, and false accusations. Yet he experienced the presence of God and was able to say, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20-21)

I will most likely pen a similar journal entry for January 1, 2021. I do not know what the future holds yet I can rest in the promise and hope that God will be with me through it all. I can journal with confidence and assurance because, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

Lord, I commit this New Year to you. I ask that you would bring encouragement to those who have experienced tragedy. Comfort to those who have experienced loss. Peace to those who are troubled. Hope to all as we face this new year. Assurance for all of your care.  Gratefulness for your presence.

Happy New Year and remember, God is great,

 

Pastor Lynn Burton

 

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

The Christ Candle

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the trampling warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:2-7

 

The battle had raged for months, the rains relentless, the weighty despair of war unabated. Yet, on a cold and dreary night, the sounds of “Silent Night” wafted across the war-ravaged no-man’s land as two armies declared an unofficial and impromptu cease-fire on the Western Front during World War 1. A moment of hope spread as calm rested upon the battlefield. Born out of that brief interlude from hostilities that occurred on December 24 and 25, the event became known as the 1914 “Christmas Truce”. It would happen in only one place, with only one group of soldiers but for those who experienced peace that day, even if for a brief period, it was a welcome miracle. Christmas came to those war- torn trenches. (Click here to view a short dramatization of the “Christmas Truce”)

The calendar day that marks Christmas may have just passed but not the Incarnation. We watched the flickering flames of the Hope, Faith, Joy and Peace Candles that illuminated our advent wreath grow brighter when the Christ Candle was lit on Christmas Eve.  The world no longer had to live in darkness as God orchestrated the radiant light of Jesus birth. Jesus would tell the world that, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

The shepherds returned to the fields that dark night but they had seen the Light.

The Magi returned to their homeland but they had seen the Light.

Mary and Joseph packed their belongings to return home but now they carried the Light.

Aging, faithful Simeon had waited expectantly but now he held the Light in his arms.

Precious Anna had worshipped and waited for decades but now she led in worship of the Light.

O Little Town of Bethlehem you were so preoccupied that you missed the Light.

King Herod, you were so blinded by evil and lust for power that you missed the Light.

Fleming Rutledge writes that “Advent always begins in the dark.” It was in the dark that the angels came to the shepherds. It was in the dark that the star guided the Magi to the Savior. It was in the dark that Joseph and Mary escaped to Egypt. It was in the dark of night that Nicodemus came seeking the truth. It would be in the dark that Jesus was betrayed by Judas.

Could it be that in the darkness of 2020, Advent has been more powerful and hopeful this year? Has our focus been more on Jesus than on the glitter and usual activities of Christmas? I hope so! Jeff Peabody wrote that, “We can learn to reframe our questions from “Lord, when will this darkness be over?” to “What is pointing me toward Christ?” As we do, we may find there is significantly more light in the room than we realized.”

Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth, and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled.

Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies;

With angelic hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King.

 

God is great,

Pastor Lynn Burton

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

Celebrating the Fourth week of Advent – The Angel Candle – Peace

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” Luke 2:13-14

Peace and goodwill, the seemingly ever-elusive state that the world constantly seeks, but never quite achieves. Many options are proffered every day to find them but only one source of peace will endure forever. Peace is not found in activities, methods or materials, but in a person. Peace marks the fourth week of Advent.

Merriam-Webster defines peace in very good technical terms. Peace is “a state of tranquility or quiet. Freedom from civil disturbance. A pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity offered the possibility of a negotiated peace.” This seems a simple enough achievement. Yet why is peace so elusive? According to the Global Peace Index “the results this year show that the level of global peacefulness deteriorated, with the average country score falling by 0.34 per cent. Iceland remains the most peaceful country, with Afghanistan coming last and The United States ranking 121 out of 163 nations.”

For American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, peace seemed such a distant memory as he sat in a medical tent holding the wounded body of his oldest son, Charles. The pain of his son stirred the pain within himself as he still grieved the death of his beloved wife. It was in this moment of despair that Longfellow heard the church bells tolling in the background for Christmas day. How can there be peace? Longfellow began to capture his thoughts in the poem “Christmas Bells.”

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

Out of his hopelessness, it was as if God allowed the bells to awaken in Longfellow again the peace that is found on Christmas Day in Jesus. External surroundings no longer define inner peace because of the birth of Jesus.

Longfellow’s poem has inspired many song writers to adapt the poem to music sung during the Christmas season. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and take five minutes to listen and reflect on the peace as the Christmas Bells toll in this version of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day:”  https://youtu.be/s1L4Ov_yMyo

Over the decades since these words were captured hundreds of wars have raged, divisions have erupted within nations, countless economic disasters and personal tragedies have occurred. Yet the truth of that night in Bethlehem still echoes power and hope for us today. Jesus – The Prince of Peace!

What should I pray for during Advent?

  • Pray for peace in all situations, no matter what the circumstances.
  • Pray for freedom from all that burdens you.
  • Pray for confidence in God’s love for you.

God is great,

Pastor Lynn

 

 

 

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

Celebrating the third Sunday of Advent: Candle of Joy – Shepherd’s Candle

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the LORD appeared to them, and the glory of the LORD shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the LORD.”

One of the most beloved and famous of our Christmas carols, “Joy to the World” didn’t start out as a song, especially not a Christmas carol. Isaac Watts published a book of poems based upon the Psalms. “Joy to the World” was an adaptation of Psalm 98 as Watts interpreted the psalm as a celebration of Jesus.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her King…

Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ….

No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground….

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove…

“Joy to the world” became a reality for a group of shepherds working in the cold, dark night of Bethlehem. These men probably wouldn’t rank high on the social and influencer scenes of the day, yet these lowly shepherds experienced what the sheep owner may never have experienced: joy. These nameless shepherds may not have had warm beds to crawl into that night, they didn’t have a cozy house to eat dinner in that night, they didn’t have job security if raiders stole their sheep but what they did have that night was a life changing encounter with the Christ-child. Their status in life didn’t change but their hearts and lives were forever and dramatically changed. They experienced joy that superseded any expectation of happiness.

As the “Hope” and “Faith” Advent candles continued to burn, Sunday we lit the “Joy” Advent candle, reflecting the anticipated joy of the coming Messiah. According to the most recent “World Happiness Report” the United States ranks number 18 among the world’s nations in terms of happiness. The report is based upon external things that supposedly makes a person happy. However, this week’s Advent candle doesn’t celebrate happiness but, rather, something far more profound: joy.

Though people often interchange the terms, in reality they are a world apart. “Things” may seem to make you happy but will never bring you joy. However, on the flip side, the lack of “things” never impacts one’s joy.  Barbara Johnson shares the story of a man on her bus who understood the reality of joy.

“The day started out rotten. I overslept and was late for work. Everything that happened at the office contributed to my nervous frenzy. By the time I reached the bus stop for my homeward trip, my stomach was one big knot.

As usual, the bus was late—and jammed. I had to stand in the aisle. As the lurching vehicle pulled me in all directions, my gloom deepened.

Then I heard a deep voice from up front boom, “Beautiful day, isn’t it?” Because of the crowd, I could not see the man, but I could hear him as he continued to comment on the spring scenery, calling attention to each approaching landmark. This church. That park. This cemetery. That firehouse. Soon all the passengers were gazing out the windows. The man’s enthusiasm was so contagious I found myself smiling for the first time that day. We reached my stop. Maneuvering toward the door, I got a look at our “guide”: a plump figure with a black beard, wearing dark glasses, and carrying a thin white cane.”

Though the shepherds never experienced great wealth, what they did experience was the greatest treasure of all time—Jesus.  The shepherds left the stable transformed.  “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:17-18,20)

What should I pray for during Advent?

  • Pray for an imagination that helps you contribute joy to the world in creative ways.
  • Pray that you are able to reflect joy in all you do this Christmas season.
  • Pray you can clearly communicate what joy means to you through Jesus.

God is great,

Pastor Lynn

 

 

 

Christmas Eve

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Unleashed: As you Go – Pray

Second Sunday of Advent – The Bethlehem Candle – Faith

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. A voice on one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 40:1-5

“A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the LORD.” Matthew 3:3

“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 

These words of Bonhoeffer resonate well as we move into week two of this season of Advent. 2020 has been a chaotic year in so many ways, filled with every conceivable emotion. Most of us have at one point or another this year been “troubled in soul.” Out of the anxiety of the year we are able to light the second candle of faith. Holding onto the promises of God that He would bring comfort to the people, we find this same promise holds true today. “Advent reminds us that Christian hope is shaped by what has happened and what’s going to happen again.” Jay Y. Kim

 

The second Advent candle, lit yesterday, is often called the “Bethlehem” or “Faith” candle. During this advent season of waiting and looking, you quickly realize that faith has a preparatory element to it.

Joseph and Mary prepare to leave for Bethlehem to register for the government-mandated census. Preparation for the birth had been made centuries before when Micah wrote, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (5:2)

Isaiah had told of the preparation God was making to come to a people that were exiled in a broken and parched wilderness. God’s redemption would “make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” God would come as a shepherd feeding, leading and caring for the weary flock.

The story is told of an elderly Scottish preacher being rebuked by one of his deacons one Sunday morning before the service. ““Pastor,” said the man, “something must be wrong with your preaching and your work. There’s been only one person added to the church in a whole year, and he’s just a boy.”

The minister listened, his eyes moistening and his thin hand trembling. “I feel it all,” he replied, “but God knows I’ve tried to do my duty.” On that day, the minister’s heart was heavy as he stood before his flock. As he finished the message, he felt a strong inclination to resign.

After everyone else had left, that one boy came to him and asked, “Do you think if I worked hard for an education, I could become a preacher and perhaps a missionary?”

Many years later an aged missionary returned to London from Africa. His name was spoken with reverence. Nobles invited him to their homes. He had added many souls to the church of Jesus Christ, reaching even some of Africa’s most savage chiefs. His name was Robert Moffat, the same Robert who years before had spoken to the pastor that Sunday morning in the old Scottish kirk.

Joseph and Mary loaded the donkey and set off for Bethlehem fueled by faith that was based upon a promise. Over the rugged terrain they made the journey based upon the promise of God.  They only had a small glimpse of what this journey would mean to them, to the nation and ultimately to every generation to follow.

What should I pray for during Advent?

  • For strong relationships with other people in our community of faith.
  • For hearts to see when eyes can’t see tomorrow.
  • For confidence in God’s love.

God is great,

Pastor Lynn

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

First Sunday of Advent – The Prophecy Candle – Hope

“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” Malachi 4:5-6

Four centuries these last words of Malachi echo across the land of Israel as they wait and look, while continuing to place their hope in God’s promise of the coming Messiah.  Even in the midst of silence the flicker of hope continues to burn. They wait for the promised Elijah to proclaim the Messiah.

G. K. Chesterton wrote that: “Hope means hoping when things are hopeless, or it is no virtue at all…As long as matters are really hopeful, hope is mere flattery or platitude; it is only when everything is hopeless that hope begins to be a strength.”

Such was the night that Gabriel, the angel of the LORD came to Zechariah, announcing that he and Elizabeth would give birth to a son who would be named John. Though they are long past their childbearing years they kept a flicker of hope burning that God could use to keep His promise. They would have a son in their old age but not just a son. He will be the one who would “make ready a people prepared for the LORD.” Finally, after four hundred years, the prophecy candle would be lit.

A few months later Gabriel makes his way to Nazareth with another birth announcement that would rock the world forever. In this small, politically insignificant village, he made his way to an unmarried young woman. Mary hears the words, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:31-33)

Hope is often found in the most unusual ways such as this illustration from a large city school system that had a special mentoring program for kids in the hospital to help them keep up with their school work. One day a teacher who was assigned to the program received a routine call asking her to visit a particular child. She took the child’s name and room number and talked briefly with the child’s regular class teacher. “We’re studying nouns and adverbs in his class now,” the regular teacher said, “and I’d be grateful if you could help him understand them so he doesn’t fall too far behind.”

The hospital program teacher went to see the boy that afternoon. No one had mentioned to her that the boy had been badly burned and was in great pain. Upset at the sight of the boy, she stammered as she told him, “I’ve been sent by your school to help you with nouns and adverbs.” When she left she felt she hadn’t accomplished much. But the next day, a nurse asked her, “What did you do to that boy?” The teacher felt she must have done something wrong and began to apologize. “No, no,” said the nurse. “You don’t know what I mean. We’ve been worried about that little boy, but ever since yesterday, his whole attitude has changed. He’s fighting back, responding to treatment. It’s as though he’s decided to live.”

Two weeks later the boy explained that he had completely given up hope until the teacher arrived. Everything changed when he came to a simple realization. He expressed it this way: “They wouldn’t send a teacher to work on nouns and adverbs with a dying boy, would they?”  (Bits and Pieces)

Yesterday, as we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent, the first candle on the Advent wreath was lit. However, in this challenging year, it is an important one: it is the Prophecy Candle – Hope.  It is important to reflect upon this candle of hope as we struggle with the impact of 2020 on our lives, our families and our world. In a dark world, one candle’s light is similar to a floodlight through the dark night. God wouldn’t send his son to offer hope if we were dying without hope, would he?

“There are no hopeless situations: there are only people who have grown hopeless about them.” -Clare Boothe Luce. To followers of Jesus, Christmas is the very essence of hope as we experience God coming into the world, “Emmanuel, God is with us.” (Matt 1:23)

This Advent season pray:

For attentiveness to what truly matters, without being distracted by trivial things.

For opportunities to encourage others who may be without hope.

For the grace to rest in the midst of the uncertainty and unrest in your life

For hope that comes anew each day through God’s love and grace.

 

God is great,

Pastor Lynn

 

 

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Historians debate whether this was the first proclamation or executive order issued by the new President George Washington but it was definitely one of his first official orders. President Washington issued a proclamation on October 3, 1789 establishing a day of Thanksgiving. Washington recognized that this young nation needed to stop and express thankfulness.

Thanksgiving is truly a unique holiday that has only one purpose: to give thanks. There have been countless changes in the United States since that first proclamation was issued but one thing hasn’t or shouldn’t change: the need to give thanks. In an article by Hollis Miller, he asked kids what they were thankful for. Here are a few of the responses from the kids:

“Ceiling Fans.”

“Hot Wheels.”

“Thankful that her brother isn’t a monster because if he was, he would eat her.”

“Gas.”

“Shoes, Getting new shoes. People who make shoes.”

“Toilet Paper.”

“Cookies. Lots of cookies.”

“I’m thankful for snowmen, daddy and quesadillas. “

At least Daddy ranked higher than food even if he could not outrank a snowman.

I can be pretty confident in saying that 2020 has been a stressful year.  On Thursday you may ask, do we have anything to give thanks about? What will you be thankful for?  Maybe it would be helpful during the days before Thanksgiving during your daily prayer time and devotion to take some time to meditate upon thankfulness. Allow God to reveal to you those things in your life for which you can express thanksgiving. It is always helpful to write those thoughts on paper as a reminder for the next day.  Hopefully if you are able to gather around a table with family this year, you can share your thoughts of thankfulness.

If 2020 has been a challenging year in which to be thankful, imagine writing your thoughts from a dark, dingy prison cell. Paul did just that as he wrote to the church in Colosse, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” Paul, writing with a chain around his leg, was still able to give thanks for the Colossians.

Paul should have been worried and stressed out but he tells the church to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful….” singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

I can’t help but imagine that if Paul were writing to the church in 2020, he would still write the same closing encouraging words.  “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Instead of stressing over the unrelenting wave of negative news, spend time praying for others and yourself. Instead of being downcast, constantly look for those things for which you are thankful. Instead of focusing on what has been lost in 2020, find those things that you are thankful for, like family, health and life itself.

Thanksgiving is a lot more than turkey, football and parades. It is a day to slow down long enough to truly be thankful no matter the circumstances.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” I Chronicles 16:34

God is great,

Pastor Lynn

 

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

“Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.” Colossians 3:15

It is fast approaching two weeks since the elections, yet some locations are still counting ballots, others are in the midst of doing or planning recounts and lawsuits are being filed. If you had asked me last Tuesday night who won, I would give you the same answer as today, I WON!

I won because I am alive, in good health, just had a good meal and am blessed with a wonderful family. Unfortunately, not everyone around the world can make this statement.

I won because I live in a nation where all citizens have the freedom to cast their vote regardless of race, religion, economic status or birthplace. Unfortunately, there are nations where is not the case.

I won because I will not let a politician, political party or political direction come between me and my family, me and my fellow church members or my trust in God. Unfortunately, not everyone in our nation fits in this category.

I won because I know lasting change will not result from the actions of those same politicians, political parties or political directions but instead is a result of the transformed lives of individuals like you and me who follow Jesus.

I won because I refuse to be pulled down into the cesspool of anger, hatred or despair. It’s a nasty place to live.

I won even though there are issues which I strongly disagree with that will probably require me to pray harder, work harder, become more involved and voice my concerns more often.

I won because even though some bad decisions will be made from those elected, there will be some good decisions made for which I can be thankful.

I won because the God I serve will always be greater than any politician, political party or political direction. My fate is not in their hands but in the hands of one who loved the world enough to give His only Son that we could have everlasting life.

I don’t know which candidates you wanted to win or lose on November 3 but I hope post-election you are still telling your family members you love them, that you are enjoying your daily times with God and that you are not allowing fear to overwhelm you. Maybe you also are even in a place, regardless of the poll numbers, that you can say, I WON!

“Send us out all over the world so that everyone everywhere will discover your ways and know who you are and see your power to save. Let all the nations burst forth with praise; let everyone everywhere love and enjoy you! Then how glad the nations will be when you are their King. They will sing, they will shout, for you give true justice to the people. Yes! You, Lord, are the shepherd of the nations!” Psalm 67:2-4

God is great,

Pastor Lynn

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Genesis 12:1

Why don’t you stop and ask directions? Only married couples can fully appreciate this question! Let’s face it, very few of us want to admit that we don’t know how to get somewhere. All of us have been lost at one time or another and finally had to stop to ask.  Unfortunately, once you get directions, you may still not know where you are going.

While living in Kenya, I often observed people asking directions to the Karen area of Nairobi, named after Karen Blixen of “Out of Africa” fame.  The answer was simple enough, “You turn at the intersection with the big tree in the middle of the road.” However, if you followed your own directions, when you do get to the intersection with the big tree to turn right, you realize there isn’t a tree. Yes, there was a tree at one point but it was cut down years ago. Yet those familiar with the area and the tree continue to use the tree as the landmark for turning.

If you need directions, it is always better to get someone to guide you who knows the way. An old Ugandan proverb sums it up well: “If the owner of the land leads you, you cannot get lost.” This is why Abraham could trust the “owner” of the land when he heard the command to leave the land. Abraham wasn’t asked just to move houses; he was to leave country, culture, people group and family. He didn’t know where he was going, just the command – “Go!”.

Abraham could have stayed in his comfort zone and continued to live life as Abram. He had land, money and prestige. He could have enjoyed his retirement years.  He didn’t know what was ahead, except he had faith in the owner of the land. He had complete trust that God would lead him to a new home. Abram believed God’s promise of:

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you.

I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse;

And all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Gen 12:2-3

Abram packed his bags, loaded his possessions and with his family left their home and set out for parts unknown. The journey wasn’t easy. Abram made mistakes on the way and didn’t always display the qualities of a godly leader, but God saw in him a man He could use. Abram knew that the only way forward was to follow the “owner of the land” on his journey.

Life would have been easy for Abram if he hadn’t moved, yet he would have missed the blessing of being a great nation. He could have stayed Abram but generations who followed would not have been blessed. Yet God kept working in Abram until that day when God was able to say, “no longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.“ Gen 17:5

Centuries would pass. Wars would be fought, fields planted, crops harvested, marriages performed, babies born and deaths suffered.  Yet the promise continued, the blessings poured out and people worshiped the true God. Finally, the day would come when the writer of Hebrews would pen the words, “By faith Abraham, when called…. obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Heb 11:8

Ernest Blandly and his wife, Eliza, heard that uncomfortable call and immigrated to the United States in 1884, following the call to live in the Manhattan, New York slum called “Hell’s Kitchen.” There he would write the hymn:

“I can hear my Savior calling, I can hear my Savior calling, I can hear my Savior calling,

Take thy cross and follow, follow me.

Where he leads me I will follow,

Where he leads me I will follow,

Where he leads me I will follow,

I’ll go with him, with him all the way.”

What about you? What about me? What will we do when we hear our Savior calling? “Where he leads me I will follow” may often seem difficult and challenging, yet we go because we trust the owner of the land to guide us, we will never be lost.  As we yield to Jesus as our Savior and Lord, our identity is transformed and we respond to Jesus’ promise that, “when My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. “John 10:27

God is great,

Pastor Lynn