Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

Unleashed – As You Go – Pray

“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.” Lamentations 3:21-23

I was in Mrs. Parrish’s 4th grade class when Mr. Conover announced on the loud speaker that President Kennedy had been assassinated. I can still hear the explosion and feel the building shake sitting at my desk in Nairobi, Kenya, when the bomb blast destroyed the America Embassy and several blocks of buildings. I still can picture the images from that early morning newscast in Kenya of wounded people being carried out of the bombed-out Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City. I can still picture the faces of stunned colleagues at the IMB office in Richmond as we watched as two planes flew into the NYC World Trade Center buildings. Everyone of us have asked and answered the question, “Where were you when _______?”.

These and countless other events will be etched forever in our minds. It is amazing how the most minute detail of “where we were and who we were with” can be described in detail years later. The same vivid description can be recounted of personal life-changing events. Forever etched in my mind will be the night, as a third-grade boy, I finally grasped Jesus’ invitation for Him to be my Savior. Forever etched in my memory is the day I watched my future wife walk down the aisle of our church in Oklahoma City to begin our life together. Forever etched in my memory is the birth of each one of our children. These memories are forever etched that I may remember God’s grace and goodness in my life.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote “Just as the ancient sun rises daily anew, so also is God’s eternal mercy new every morning. Being able to grasp God’s ancient faithfulness anew each morning, being able to begin a new life with God daily in the midst of one’s present life with God, that is the gift God gives us with each new morning.”

We can take these ingrained images of the past as gifts that allow us to never forget the faithfulness of God in our lives. Out of the tragedies of life events we can rest in God “and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” (Ps. 61:4) We can know “he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2) when we faced difficult challenges. Recalling these past events remind us that “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” (Ps. 18:2) In these captured memories of life’s special events we can “sing out with songs of thanksgiving to the LORD! Let’s sing our praises with melodies overflowing.” (Ps. 147:7)

Our storehouse of memories, when anchored to God’s steadfast and unceasing love, allow us to face the present difficulties with courage, the present tragedies with confidence, the present sadness with peace, the present blessings with thankfulness and the present moment with humility and gratitude.

Bonhoeffer wrote that “gratitude is just another word for the faith that remains unshaken even when God seems to be concealed for a short moment, faith that is joyous amid tears because it knows about Christ the redeemer, has its foundation completely in Christ, and holds fast to his good news.”

2020 will most likely be one of those pivotal moments forever ingrained in your soul. We are so often like the disciples in the boat, “Master, Master, we’re sinking! Don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” Then we see Jesus turn and say, “with great authority Jesus rebuked the howling wind and surging waves, and instantly they stopped and became as smooth as glass. Then Jesus said to them. “Why are you fearful? Have you lost your faith in me?” (Luke 8:22-25)

Lord, in the midst of today’s health, cultural and political storms, I do get scared. I can’t see any way out for this nation, yet when I keep my eyes upon you I can feel the calm, I can feel the hope and I can see the morning light. You stilled the stormy sea, you can still the storm of today.

God is great,
Pastor Lynn Burton

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

“God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, Let the one who boasts, boast in the LORD. “  I Corinthians 1:28-31

Gathered around the campfire after the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, Jesus asked the life-changing question that He still asks us today, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” The disciples thought for a few minutes and started giving names: John the Baptist, Elijah or maybe “one of the prophets of old has risen.” Jesus gets a little more personal and asks his disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” This is the million-dollar question or, better yet, the eternal question. Peter finally gets it right, you are “The Christ of God.” (Luke 9:18-21)

“I have heard some people complain that if Jesus was God as well as man, then His sufferings and death lose all value in their eyes, “because it must have been so easy for Him.” Others may (very rightly) rebuke the ingratitude and ungraciousness of this objection; what staggers me is the misunderstanding it betrays. In one sense, of course, those who make it are right. They have even understated their own case. The perfect submission, the perfect suffering, the perfect death were not only easier to Jesus because He was God, but were possible only because He was God. But surely that is a very odd reason for not accepting them?” (C.S. Lewis)

Over the course of time, people continue to be confronted with the same question. Over the years, the crowd has answered that Jesus was a teacher, a good man, prophet or even the leader of Christianity. Yet, as Peter confessed, there is only one answer; Jesus is “The Christ of God.”

A crowd-type answer was made a few weeks ago by CNN TV host, Don Lemon, that Jesus Christ was not perfect. “Here’s the thing,” Mr. Lemon said to Americans upset over criticism of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and other historical giants. “Jesus Christ, if that is who you believe in, Jesus Christ, admittedly was not perfect when He was here on this earth. So why are we deifying the founders of this country, many of whom owned slaves?” (Washington Post)

Honoring and deifying someone are a world apart. I rather doubt if Washington, Jefferson or Lincoln would desire to be deified. Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War wrote, “Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us. It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” He knew the nation had only one place to look for the right answer and that it was not him.

The Apostle Paul understood the heart of the question, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (I Cor. 2:2)

Every person in every generation will be asked the same question: “But who do you say that I am?” How you answer has eternal consequences; just a teacher will not work, just a prophet will not work, just a good man will not work.

What we do have is a perfect Savior. “Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

God is great,

Pastor Lynn Burton

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me.” Mark 14:6

Jesus’ model of leadership is so very different from what we have been taught and modeled in our modern age. Jesus modeled a servant attitude and putting others before himself. He never doubted his abilities or mission because His focus wasn’t on dispersing information, seeking a position or setting in motion a new political movement. His focus was solely upon life-changing transformation through His mission of redemption by His resurrection.

The key to true leadership is found in Jesus. “You are to lead by a different model. If you want to be the greatest one, then live as one called to serve others. The path to promotion and prominence comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone.” (Mark 10:43-44 The Passion Translation)

Jesus’ model of leadership is so critical in this election year. Unfortunately, so many of the men and women running for office are career politicians, who have spent their energy in seeking political success for their own motivation. Jesus set an example on how you can truly impact your world. “For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price in exchange for the salvation of many.” (Mark 10:45)

You listen to the evening news and begin to think what impact you can have on the events of the day. You most likely will not run for public office. You may not have the unlimited financial resources of a George Soros or a Charles Koch to impact political direction. You may not have the name recognition of a Hollywood elite to influence opinions. However, what you do have is a relationship with a God who does have ultimate influence.

A most significant encounter is recorded in Mark 14 that will set in motion the final unveiling of Jesus’ purpose. Mark shares the story of a woman who breaks all social norms and etiquette when she pours an alabaster jar of costly perfume over Jesus. The religious and social elite go berserk, reprimanding her for this waste but even more, her impetuous action. This solidifies Judas’ plan to betray Jesus, since his hope for a political messiah is dashed. This powerless woman’s action set in motion the betrayal that would lead to Jesus’ crucifixion. It is a simple act of love and devotion that would have life changing significance. Jesus knew the power of this act when he praised her by saying, “She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” (Mark 14:8-9)

“Self-realization leads to the enthronement of work; whereas the saint enthrones Jesus Christ in his work. Whether it be eating or drinking or washing disciples’ feet, whatever it is, we have to take the initiative to realize Jesus Christ in it. Every phase of our actual life has its counterpart in the life of Jesus. Our Lord realized His relationship to the Father even in the most menial work.” (Oswald Chambers)

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, God gives hope to our world because of the impact you can make. Never lose heart, knowing what you do does have a life changing impact on our world. Time in prayer will have greater impact that the most connected social media influencer. An act of kindness from you can be the door into a hardened heart. A gentle response you give could open the conversation for a person to come to know Jesus.

God is great,

Pastor Lynn

Unleashed: As You Go, Pray

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

“History fails to record a single precedent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic decline. There has been either a spiritual awakening to overcome the moral lapse, or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimate national disaster.” Gen. Douglas MacArthur

I can’t help but wonder if we haven’t crossed over and are now reaping the words found in Proverbs 1:24-31. Reading these verses as you watch the evening news seem to go hand in hand – the careless disregard for the lives of people, the wanton destruction of people’s homes and workplaces and the growing fears of uncertainty.

“I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you. When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. “ (Proverbs 1:24-31 NLT))

Could it be that we allowed fools to be our leaders?

Could it be that we no longer value nor desire civility?

Could it be that we listened to voices of the world instead of God’s word?

Could it be that we tolerated injustice of those who couldn’t defend themselves?

Could it be that we tolerated sexual immorality by calling it enlightened?

Could it be that we tolerated broken homes and abused children because we were too busy?

Could it be that we sought religious structures instead of freedom and truth in Jesus Christ?

Could it be that we replaced God with our own versions of god?

Could it be that we used our prayers to voice our preferences instead of repentance?

A favorite quote of mine over the years is from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, “Let everyone sweep in front of his own door, and the whole world will be clean” and it has merit for today. I do think changing a couple of words in his quote might be even more powerful for us – Let everyone pray in front of his own door, and the whole world will be changed.

As followers of Jesus we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

My prayer for you and for me: Yet Lord you love us, cry over us, seeking us, asking us to return. Lord Jesus we are broken, come now and heal our land as we ask for you to heal our souls.

God is great,

Pastor Lynn

Unleashed – As You Go – Pray

Unleashed – As You Go – Pray

“The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.” Psalm 145:8-9

Throughout the Bible, God inspired the writings of scripture, capturing the whole story, including the failures as well as the victories, of men and women. Granted, it might have made for more edifying reading if some of the dark stains of failure had been left out, but for our benefit and teaching, the writers included the whole story. They captured the close relationship that Adam had with God but also his disobedience. We read of the faithfulness of Noah but also read of his drunken stupor. We read of the valor of Samson along with his character flaws. We learn that David was called a man after God’s own heart yet we have to read of David’s adulterous affair and murderous plot. The cowardly denial by Peter is shared and the nitpicking complaints of Martha. The religious legalism and zeal of Paul is highlighted. Yet God made sure the full stories were captured so we could read of their redemption and restoration. These were men and women who didn’t stay in their sins, but allowed God to restore them. Their flawed stories were not revised but redeemed.

 
Our story may not be mentioned specifically but how marvelously implied it is, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:27-28)

 
However, God knew our hearts well and that we would fail to live up to the lofty declaration that He made for mankind. Seminary professor Scot McKnight taught a class on Jesus and would start every semester with two surveys. “The first was a set of questions about the student: what they liked, disliked, believed, and so on. The second was the same set of questions, but this time about Jesus and 90 percent of the time, the answers were exactly the same.” Mark Comer writes “Here’s how you know if you’ve created God in your own image; he agrees with you on everything. He hates all the people you hate. He voted for the person you voted for…And above all, he’s tame. You never get mad at him or blown away by him or scared of him. Because he’s controllable.”

 
Oswald Chambers wrote, “Jesus Christ never trusted human nature, yet He was never cynical, never suspicious, because He trusted absolutely in what He could do for human nature. The pure man or woman, not the innocent, is the safeguarded man or woman. You are never safe with an innocent man or woman. Men and women have no business to be innocent; God demands that they be pure and virtuous. Innocence is the characteristic of a child; it is a blameworthy thing for a man or woman not to be reconciled to the fact of sin.”

 
God didn’t bother to sanitize and revise the stories found in Scripture since “human ways are under the eyes of the LORD, and he examines all their paths.” (Prov 5:21) The writers of Scripture didn’t respond like the latest trends we are seeing where statues are being removed or damaged, streets, buildings and universities renamed because of the past sins of the person. Thankfully God takes us where we are and begins his work of restoration and redemption. “Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16b

 
Personally, I am thankful that, next to the statue of David’s adulterous affair, the cross of Jesus overshadows the affair. Next to Peter’s statue of denial, the cross of Jesus overshadows the failure. Next to my statue of sinfulness, the cross of Jesus now overshadows all my failures. Instead of trying to tear down your statues of failure and sin, let the cross of Jesus overshadow your statue.

 
“Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. For you, O LORD, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.” Psalm 86:4-5

 
God is great,
Pastor Lynn