This week’s email is a bit different. It includes a video featuring one of my favorite authors, Brennan Manning. He wrote The Ragamuffin Gospel along with other great books.
There is one question Jesus will ask us and the answer frames our whole life. I found myself so moved by this short clip that I’d like to share it with you and get your thoughts. You can leave a comment on this blog.
But first, the video. Click HERE.
Sincerely in Christ,
George
6.23.2010
On Oil Spills and Original Sin: our sin nature and the destruction of nature
The oil spill in the Gulf is the result of humanity’s most basic sin – greed. It’s inborn in us all at birth. In the best sense, it ensures our survival, but we don’t “naturally” always use our best sense. Greed is our master and our hunger and thirst for energy is our downfall. Oh sure, BP will pay a high price for what may end up being their criminal negligence but the industries and people of the South will pay dearly as well.
And here is the bottom line – the fault lies within us all. We consume the earth’s energy because we feel entitled to our way of living.
The Bible tells us two things: The wages of sin is death. We reap what we sow.
The Gulf is evidence of this truth. The pelicans, fish, the livelihoods, and the LIVES of those men on the oil rig…… gone. Nature itself has been dealt a death blow because of our sin. We have sown seeds of greed and selfishness and have “reaped the whirlwind” (Hosea 8). May God have mercy on us.
Progress, pleasure and a high standard of living…. are they worth the price we are paying? And if we are to repent of our sin, what would it look like?
Sincerely in Christ,
George
And here is the bottom line – the fault lies within us all. We consume the earth’s energy because we feel entitled to our way of living.
The Bible tells us two things: The wages of sin is death. We reap what we sow.
The Gulf is evidence of this truth. The pelicans, fish, the livelihoods, and the LIVES of those men on the oil rig…… gone. Nature itself has been dealt a death blow because of our sin. We have sown seeds of greed and selfishness and have “reaped the whirlwind” (Hosea 8). May God have mercy on us.
Progress, pleasure and a high standard of living…. are they worth the price we are paying? And if we are to repent of our sin, what would it look like?
Sincerely in Christ,
George
6.16.2010
The Pilgrim and the Cell Phone
So I’m at a four-way stop somewhere in Riverhead. I wait my turn, always vigilant in case someone else doesn’t wait their turn. I start to creep forward and sure enough this guy, who's talking on his cell phone, pulls out in front of me. And he’s yelling at me, no less. I wagged my pointer finger at him, thinking to myself, ‘You’re a jerk and gonna kill somebody.’ This guy might be one of those people that the Psalmist refers to as “wicked”.
So the first lesson here is everyone stay OFF your cell phones when you’re driving. It’s the law here in NY, but don’t you think it’s also just plain common sense??
The second lesson? Well, I’m just learning this one. Apart from the illegality of this guy talking on his cell while driving, I find in me the “jerk” that I ascribed to him. My own sinfulness ranks me far below this guy. I have broken God’s laws; neglected God; not trusted Christ as I ought. My words, thoughts, actions, and inactions bring me before the judgment, not of the Riverhead court system, but of God Almighty, who requires much more holiness from me than I give Him. I harbor within my soul anger, anxiousness and a desire for satisfactions outside my Lord’s Kingdom. I have transgressed more than just driving through a stop sign.
And yet – and here is the Good News (borrowing an image related by Puritan author John Bunyan in Pilgrim’s Progress) - as I stand before the judgment seat of God, daily He says to me, “Don’t be afraid. I do not see your sin. I see only the life of my Son in whom you trust. He has offered his life as a substitution for yours. You are now my son through Christ.” From the Father’s perspective, all is well. Nothing can separate me from his love.
See, stopping at a stop sign does not make me good. Not talking on my cell phone while driving doesn’t earn me points with God. Only Christ can do that. No law from God can do that, only Christ can. There is no rightness with God apart from Christ. And it’s only truthfulness on my part about my own condition that can ever bring me the peace that I crave in my relationship with God.
“If we claim that we’re free of sin we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins – make a clean breast of them – He won’t let us down. He’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sin and purge us of all wrongdoing.” 1 John 1:9
Sincerely in Christ,
George
So the first lesson here is everyone stay OFF your cell phones when you’re driving. It’s the law here in NY, but don’t you think it’s also just plain common sense??
The second lesson? Well, I’m just learning this one. Apart from the illegality of this guy talking on his cell while driving, I find in me the “jerk” that I ascribed to him. My own sinfulness ranks me far below this guy. I have broken God’s laws; neglected God; not trusted Christ as I ought. My words, thoughts, actions, and inactions bring me before the judgment, not of the Riverhead court system, but of God Almighty, who requires much more holiness from me than I give Him. I harbor within my soul anger, anxiousness and a desire for satisfactions outside my Lord’s Kingdom. I have transgressed more than just driving through a stop sign.
And yet – and here is the Good News (borrowing an image related by Puritan author John Bunyan in Pilgrim’s Progress) - as I stand before the judgment seat of God, daily He says to me, “Don’t be afraid. I do not see your sin. I see only the life of my Son in whom you trust. He has offered his life as a substitution for yours. You are now my son through Christ.” From the Father’s perspective, all is well. Nothing can separate me from his love.
See, stopping at a stop sign does not make me good. Not talking on my cell phone while driving doesn’t earn me points with God. Only Christ can do that. No law from God can do that, only Christ can. There is no rightness with God apart from Christ. And it’s only truthfulness on my part about my own condition that can ever bring me the peace that I crave in my relationship with God.
“If we claim that we’re free of sin we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins – make a clean breast of them – He won’t let us down. He’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sin and purge us of all wrongdoing.” 1 John 1:9
Sincerely in Christ,
George
6.09.2010
Me and Mr. "K" ... existentialism, perfect love and dog collars
So...now that Pat Hanly is working with me, I find that his love for philosopher Soren Kierkegaard (Mr. “K” or Professor “K” as Pat and I call him) is contagious. I'm not sure Mr. K is a Calvinist but no matter, I really enjoy what I have been reading. Mr. K writes about a “leap of faith” and possessing a deep, personal commitment to Christ. He founded the branch of philosophy known as “Existentialism” (focusing on the meaning of existence for each individual). I’m still learning.
Anyway Mr. K writes about love; love of God and love of each other. I was particularly struck by one of his writings which begins, “To love another in spite of their weaknesses, errors and imperfections is not perfect love.” Whoa. I thought that's what love was all about, but it seems not! Mr. K writes from his experience with Christ that real love, perfect love, is to find someone lovable even WITH their weaknesses and faults. No matter how a person changes, real love sees them as lovable. And that is exactly how Christ loved.
Just think of Peter; how Jesus loved him, all of him, even in the worst moment of his life when he denied that he knew Jesus. Christ did not say to Peter, “Hey, change and only then will I love you.”
Consider this not only in the context of the Christian community, but in your family as well; with all the weaknesses and sin and dysfunction that may occur. You should love them/him/her in the midst of their sin, with their weaknesses firmly in tow. And while you are at it, you must try to love yourself. We sometimes take a dim view of ourselves but God loves us so completely, so fully that we occasionally discover just how great His love is and WE CHANGE. Now isn't that something?
Yours in Christ,
George
P.S. I just ordered one of those training collars for our new dog, Lucy, who has selective deafness...next week I'll let you how THAT went.
Anyway Mr. K writes about love; love of God and love of each other. I was particularly struck by one of his writings which begins, “To love another in spite of their weaknesses, errors and imperfections is not perfect love.” Whoa. I thought that's what love was all about, but it seems not! Mr. K writes from his experience with Christ that real love, perfect love, is to find someone lovable even WITH their weaknesses and faults. No matter how a person changes, real love sees them as lovable. And that is exactly how Christ loved.
Just think of Peter; how Jesus loved him, all of him, even in the worst moment of his life when he denied that he knew Jesus. Christ did not say to Peter, “Hey, change and only then will I love you.”
Consider this not only in the context of the Christian community, but in your family as well; with all the weaknesses and sin and dysfunction that may occur. You should love them/him/her in the midst of their sin, with their weaknesses firmly in tow. And while you are at it, you must try to love yourself. We sometimes take a dim view of ourselves but God loves us so completely, so fully that we occasionally discover just how great His love is and WE CHANGE. Now isn't that something?
Yours in Christ,
George
P.S. I just ordered one of those training collars for our new dog, Lucy, who has selective deafness...next week I'll let you how THAT went.
6.02.2010
Guest Blog from Pat Hanly
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.": But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. - Hebrews 10:35-39
My son Patrick walked into my home office the other night while I was working and made a startling pronouncement. It was not what he said that startled me exactly but it was the degree of confidence with which he said it that took me back. “Dad, at this point in my life, I definitely believe in God,” he said. After the waves of sheer joy finished sweeping over me, I asked him, “And what helped you come to that belief, Patrick?” His answer was interesting but not at all surprising.
Patrick and I have had a number of conversations over the years about the rationality of believing in God. He is very intellectually curious and will often spend hours following up a conversation he and I have had with his own research on Wikipedia. I imagine that he must be part of a very select group of 17 year-olds who know who Soren Kierkegaard is or why Christopher Hitchens consistently attacks the Christian faith. So when Patrick came to me the other night to make his pronouncement, I had an idea where this conversation was going.
“Well, Dad,” he started, “I just can’t get past the question of where the concepts of good and evil come from if God does not exist.” Patrick was referring here to a “pre-suppositional” argument for the existence of God, something he and I have covered often in our conversations together. Simply stated, the idea here is that if we are living in a universe where there is no God, the idea of “good” and “evil” is meaningless. We are merely matter in motion. And here is the rub - nobody lives that way. Everyone I know presupposes that good and evil are real, substantive realities. And everyone pre-supposes that these are real concepts in order to make sense out of the way they live their daily lives. Good and evil refer to a transcendent law code, which must have been created by a transcendent lawgiver - God.
This type of powerful argument (or “apologetic”, as Christian philosophers call it) is one of many other powerful arguments for God’s existence. Another argument that impresses Patrick is the thought that either something eternal exists or matter began to exist out of absolute nothing. Think about it – where did the world come from and what was before it? Where did the universe come from and what was before it? Something must always have always existed and it makes sense to believe that something is God.
Our Christian faith is under extreme assault these days. Whether it is academia or the media, there is no shortage of people claiming that it is foolish to continue to believe in a personal God in a modern scientific age. In response to this attack, I echo the writer of the book of Hebrews, who says we must not “throw away our confidence” or “shrink back”. The Christian faith is the only belief system that can fully account for life as we know it and live it today. The existence of God, the reliability of the Bible and the uniqueness of Christ are ideas that can be confidently defended in the public square and Christians do not have to be on the defensive. If you have any questions on how your beliefs can be defended, please consider coming out to a Discipleship Training class on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. Any question is fair game at those studies so please come and ask away! I love having those discussions.
June 20th is Baccalaureate Sunday and I would like to ask you to please pray for the graduates, as they get ready to go out into the world. They will face many challenges to their faith and beliefs and they need our ongoing prayers. Also, with the help of other folks in the church, we have an idea to put together a training and support program for our youth as they graduate from high school and go off to college or into the work force so please pray for that idea to take root and flourish. Also please remember your prayers our kids who are being commissioned this Sunday, as they commit to study, over the coming year, what it means to follow Christ and be His disciple. And above all, have confidence! You have every reason to.
Pat
Prayer for the Day
My lot is to approach Thee with godly fear and humble confidence,
for Thy condescension equals Thy grandeur,
and Thy goodness is Thy glory.
I am unworthy, but Thou doest welcome;
guilty, but Thou art merciful;
indigent, but Thy riches are unsearchable.
Thou hath shown boundless compassion towards me
by not sparing Thy Son,
and by giving me freely all things in Him.
This is the foundation of my hope,
the refuge of my safety,
and the new and living way to Thee.
from The Valley of Vision, Puritan Prayers and Devotions
My son Patrick walked into my home office the other night while I was working and made a startling pronouncement. It was not what he said that startled me exactly but it was the degree of confidence with which he said it that took me back. “Dad, at this point in my life, I definitely believe in God,” he said. After the waves of sheer joy finished sweeping over me, I asked him, “And what helped you come to that belief, Patrick?” His answer was interesting but not at all surprising.
Patrick and I have had a number of conversations over the years about the rationality of believing in God. He is very intellectually curious and will often spend hours following up a conversation he and I have had with his own research on Wikipedia. I imagine that he must be part of a very select group of 17 year-olds who know who Soren Kierkegaard is or why Christopher Hitchens consistently attacks the Christian faith. So when Patrick came to me the other night to make his pronouncement, I had an idea where this conversation was going.
“Well, Dad,” he started, “I just can’t get past the question of where the concepts of good and evil come from if God does not exist.” Patrick was referring here to a “pre-suppositional” argument for the existence of God, something he and I have covered often in our conversations together. Simply stated, the idea here is that if we are living in a universe where there is no God, the idea of “good” and “evil” is meaningless. We are merely matter in motion. And here is the rub - nobody lives that way. Everyone I know presupposes that good and evil are real, substantive realities. And everyone pre-supposes that these are real concepts in order to make sense out of the way they live their daily lives. Good and evil refer to a transcendent law code, which must have been created by a transcendent lawgiver - God.
This type of powerful argument (or “apologetic”, as Christian philosophers call it) is one of many other powerful arguments for God’s existence. Another argument that impresses Patrick is the thought that either something eternal exists or matter began to exist out of absolute nothing. Think about it – where did the world come from and what was before it? Where did the universe come from and what was before it? Something must always have always existed and it makes sense to believe that something is God.
Our Christian faith is under extreme assault these days. Whether it is academia or the media, there is no shortage of people claiming that it is foolish to continue to believe in a personal God in a modern scientific age. In response to this attack, I echo the writer of the book of Hebrews, who says we must not “throw away our confidence” or “shrink back”. The Christian faith is the only belief system that can fully account for life as we know it and live it today. The existence of God, the reliability of the Bible and the uniqueness of Christ are ideas that can be confidently defended in the public square and Christians do not have to be on the defensive. If you have any questions on how your beliefs can be defended, please consider coming out to a Discipleship Training class on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. Any question is fair game at those studies so please come and ask away! I love having those discussions.
June 20th is Baccalaureate Sunday and I would like to ask you to please pray for the graduates, as they get ready to go out into the world. They will face many challenges to their faith and beliefs and they need our ongoing prayers. Also, with the help of other folks in the church, we have an idea to put together a training and support program for our youth as they graduate from high school and go off to college or into the work force so please pray for that idea to take root and flourish. Also please remember your prayers our kids who are being commissioned this Sunday, as they commit to study, over the coming year, what it means to follow Christ and be His disciple. And above all, have confidence! You have every reason to.
Pat
My lot is to approach Thee with godly fear and humble confidence,
for Thy condescension equals Thy grandeur,
and Thy goodness is Thy glory.
I am unworthy, but Thou doest welcome;
guilty, but Thou art merciful;
indigent, but Thy riches are unsearchable.
Thou hath shown boundless compassion towards me
by not sparing Thy Son,
and by giving me freely all things in Him.
This is the foundation of my hope,
the refuge of my safety,
and the new and living way to Thee.
from The Valley of Vision, Puritan Prayers and Devotions
5.26.2010
Jesus' Main Desire
So . . . I once met this young woman who eventually discovered I was a pastor. She asked me if I did marriages for gay couples . . . I answered as kindly as I could that I don't and told her why. A little later in the conversation she mentioned that she had a girlfriend, they loved each other and lived together. She wanted to know what I or the church thought about that. She was not challenging me; she really wanted to know. Our conversation was friendly and casual.
My response surprised me. I told her that the most important thing is what Jesus thinks of her and with Him she's just fine. I went on to tell her that He loves her and desires her love. That's what matters more than anything else. "Yeah!", I thought to myself as this conversation was going on, Jesus desires above all to love her... and me.
Sometimes we get so hung up on rules and laws that our presentation to non-Christians, of which my friend was one, sounds so threatening and judgmental. She doesn't need that and Jesus wouldn't hurt her either. He said so somewhere in Matthew 12.
I personally think that we church folks (myself included) can sometimes be too stuffy and legalistic. Maybe that's why Jesus hung out with so many 'outsiders'. It seems that they were more open to the grace of God in their lives. Just a thought.
After meeting Jesus, the disciple Andrew went to get his brother, Peter, so he could meet this Jesus. Can you imagine Andrew telling his brother, "Peter, clean up your life! No more cussing and star gazing. Start going to synagogue more . . . and for heaven's sake, wash your hands 'cause I want to introduce you to the Savior." No, that's not what he did. Nor should we.
Oh, we have to get out there in the world and let GRACE be our guide when we speak to seekers. This young woman really wants to be right with God. She wants to be good enough. Her lifestyle won't make her good enough - only her surrender to the Christ who came to seek and save that which was lost can do that.
By the way, a friend who was with me on that occasion had opportunity to share his faith with her. He introduced her to his Savior.
Maybe you have some thoughts on this - I have lots more . . . maybe a sermon is brewing.
Yours in Christ,
George
My response surprised me. I told her that the most important thing is what Jesus thinks of her and with Him she's just fine. I went on to tell her that He loves her and desires her love. That's what matters more than anything else. "Yeah!", I thought to myself as this conversation was going on, Jesus desires above all to love her... and me.
Sometimes we get so hung up on rules and laws that our presentation to non-Christians, of which my friend was one, sounds so threatening and judgmental. She doesn't need that and Jesus wouldn't hurt her either. He said so somewhere in Matthew 12.
I personally think that we church folks (myself included) can sometimes be too stuffy and legalistic. Maybe that's why Jesus hung out with so many 'outsiders'. It seems that they were more open to the grace of God in their lives. Just a thought.
After meeting Jesus, the disciple Andrew went to get his brother, Peter, so he could meet this Jesus. Can you imagine Andrew telling his brother, "Peter, clean up your life! No more cussing and star gazing. Start going to synagogue more . . . and for heaven's sake, wash your hands 'cause I want to introduce you to the Savior." No, that's not what he did. Nor should we.
Oh, we have to get out there in the world and let GRACE be our guide when we speak to seekers. This young woman really wants to be right with God. She wants to be good enough. Her lifestyle won't make her good enough - only her surrender to the Christ who came to seek and save that which was lost can do that.
By the way, a friend who was with me on that occasion had opportunity to share his faith with her. He introduced her to his Savior.
Maybe you have some thoughts on this - I have lots more . . . maybe a sermon is brewing.
Yours in Christ,
George
5.19.2010
Heart for Haiti - Music to Move the Soul
Hi everyone. It's Tuesday evening and I just came from church where I listened to the worship band practicing the song, HELP IS ON THE WAY. They make a pastor proud (only in the best spiritual way)! And what a great song. You can hear it this weekend at the Heart for Haiti concert.
Psalm 20 contains these words:
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may He send you help from the sanctuary.
What a great psalm to go with the concert as more than a hundred musicians and singers will come together in the sanctuary of MPC to ensure that, for the Haitian people, HELP IS ON THE WAY.
The people of Haiti have called upon the name of the Lord and for them HELP IS ON THE WAY. The music in the sanctuary will hopefully move your soul and then move your hand to write a check or reach for your wallet... a promissory note even... whatever it takes.... ‘cause this money will be an expression of our hearts for these folks in distress. It will be used for the rebuilding of this tiny nation - one house, one life at a time.
I am so grateful for all the people who have worked so hard in Christ's name to bring this event to pass... those who dreamed of it and those who made that dream a reality. HELP REALLY IS ON THE WAY... and it comes from God's own sanctuary, not the Mattituck Church, but from the actual heart of God. He put this music on everyone’s heart and now it's time to share it.
I hope all of you who are anywhere near here can come this weekend (see the church website for details)... and if you are not from around these parts please pray for all the musicians and for the people of Haiti. And remember - a check can easily be sent in the mail....make it out to MPC, mark it “Heart for Haiti” and mail it to PO Box 1411, Mattituck NY 11952.
Yours in Christ,
George
Don’t miss the Heart for Haiti-Music to Move the Soul benefit concert. Two identical performances this Saturday at 7:00pm and Sunday at 3:00pm. Visit our website at http://www.mattpres.com for concert details.
Psalm 20 contains these words:
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may He send you help from the sanctuary.
What a great psalm to go with the concert as more than a hundred musicians and singers will come together in the sanctuary of MPC to ensure that, for the Haitian people, HELP IS ON THE WAY.
The people of Haiti have called upon the name of the Lord and for them HELP IS ON THE WAY. The music in the sanctuary will hopefully move your soul and then move your hand to write a check or reach for your wallet... a promissory note even... whatever it takes.... ‘cause this money will be an expression of our hearts for these folks in distress. It will be used for the rebuilding of this tiny nation - one house, one life at a time.
I am so grateful for all the people who have worked so hard in Christ's name to bring this event to pass... those who dreamed of it and those who made that dream a reality. HELP REALLY IS ON THE WAY... and it comes from God's own sanctuary, not the Mattituck Church, but from the actual heart of God. He put this music on everyone’s heart and now it's time to share it.
I hope all of you who are anywhere near here can come this weekend (see the church website for details)... and if you are not from around these parts please pray for all the musicians and for the people of Haiti. And remember - a check can easily be sent in the mail....make it out to MPC, mark it “Heart for Haiti” and mail it to PO Box 1411, Mattituck NY 11952.
Yours in Christ,
George
Don’t miss the Heart for Haiti-Music to Move the Soul benefit concert. Two identical performances this Saturday at 7:00pm and Sunday at 3:00pm. Visit our website at http://www.mattpres.com for concert details.
5.05.2010
Save the Children
Last week at Bible study during a discussion about abortion, one of the participants referred us to Luke 1:44. Mary had gone to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. Elizabeth says to her, "As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leapt for joy." Not fetus, but “baby” - a real, live human being. My son and daughter-in-law are experiencing that joy as they prepare to bring a new life into the world next October.
While I do not wish to and cannot judge certain circumstances that lead to taking the life of a baby, I am adamant that it is unconscionable to kill a little life as a means of birth control or to rid ourselves of inconvenience and responsibility. I am not a pro-choice person because I do not see a child as having the ability to make a choice. He or she is not a piece of property but a flesh and blood creation of God in partnership with a mother and father.
I am truly thankful for and in awe of parents who have chosen life for their unborn child even in the most difficult of situations. They deserve a special place in the Kingdom of God. And praise God for adoptive parents who rescue children and give them life and love.
And now that brings me to being pro-life. Being pro-life does not mean just standing in front of an abortion clinic with a placard; it means caring for all life - the life of the child and the life of the mother. It means helping a mom or parents to find a way to raise their child who might not have otherwise come into this world. It means health insurance for every child. It means adoption. It means caring for the children of the world; Haiti’s children, for example, where the possibilities for life are now so limited for so many. It means celebrating life and protecting life for the unborn and the born. And dare I say being pro-life means taking a more just view of war and capital punishment, both of which tend to cheapen life.
Let us be a pro-life people for all people.
In Christ,
George
While I do not wish to and cannot judge certain circumstances that lead to taking the life of a baby, I am adamant that it is unconscionable to kill a little life as a means of birth control or to rid ourselves of inconvenience and responsibility. I am not a pro-choice person because I do not see a child as having the ability to make a choice. He or she is not a piece of property but a flesh and blood creation of God in partnership with a mother and father.
I am truly thankful for and in awe of parents who have chosen life for their unborn child even in the most difficult of situations. They deserve a special place in the Kingdom of God. And praise God for adoptive parents who rescue children and give them life and love.
And now that brings me to being pro-life. Being pro-life does not mean just standing in front of an abortion clinic with a placard; it means caring for all life - the life of the child and the life of the mother. It means helping a mom or parents to find a way to raise their child who might not have otherwise come into this world. It means health insurance for every child. It means adoption. It means caring for the children of the world; Haiti’s children, for example, where the possibilities for life are now so limited for so many. It means celebrating life and protecting life for the unborn and the born. And dare I say being pro-life means taking a more just view of war and capital punishment, both of which tend to cheapen life.
Let us be a pro-life people for all people.
In Christ,
George
4.27.2010
Aliens and Sojourners
I’ve been thinking. It’s too bad that the Native Americans didn’t have a tough immigration bill to keep all those Europeans from invading their land. And they sure could have used a tough police force in the Old West to “profile” any rider that came over the ridge.
The immigration bill passed recently in Arizona does not reflect the Christian values upon which we say our nation was founded….
The land in which we live is God’s land. We do not own it. God owns it. We are, as it were, borrowing it. It is a gift from God while we sojourn here. In Leviticus 1:33-34 the Bible reads:
When an alien lives with you in your land do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
The word of God makes it clear that we are to love the aliens who come within our borders. As a matter of fact, we are all aliens on this earth. God is not partial to America. America doesn’t need protection from further intrusion of those who, like all of us, seek a better life or just some kind of “daily bread” for themselves and their families.
If we truly believe that safety and security are issues, then let’s find just ways to govern our borders. Let’s find fairer ways to assimilate folks into our labor system, medical system, and our way of life.
The new law in Arizona calls for people to carry identification papers. It also says that if anyone is caught driving an undocumented immigrant, say to church for example, the driver will be arrested. This is Caesar’s law, not God’s.
In the last judgment Jesus will say to us that whenever we welcomed “the stranger” we welcomed Him. Let’s not turn Christ away or mistreat Him.
Pray that Congress will find a compassionate, Godly way to address the issue of immigration.
I invite your responses. Use the comment feature.
Sincerely,
George
The immigration bill passed recently in Arizona does not reflect the Christian values upon which we say our nation was founded….
The land in which we live is God’s land. We do not own it. God owns it. We are, as it were, borrowing it. It is a gift from God while we sojourn here. In Leviticus 1:33-34 the Bible reads:
When an alien lives with you in your land do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
The word of God makes it clear that we are to love the aliens who come within our borders. As a matter of fact, we are all aliens on this earth. God is not partial to America. America doesn’t need protection from further intrusion of those who, like all of us, seek a better life or just some kind of “daily bread” for themselves and their families.
If we truly believe that safety and security are issues, then let’s find just ways to govern our borders. Let’s find fairer ways to assimilate folks into our labor system, medical system, and our way of life.
The new law in Arizona calls for people to carry identification papers. It also says that if anyone is caught driving an undocumented immigrant, say to church for example, the driver will be arrested. This is Caesar’s law, not God’s.
In the last judgment Jesus will say to us that whenever we welcomed “the stranger” we welcomed Him. Let’s not turn Christ away or mistreat Him.
Pray that Congress will find a compassionate, Godly way to address the issue of immigration.
I invite your responses. Use the comment feature.
Sincerely,
George
4.21.2010
Bondage
Have you ever been stuck in some life circumstance ... an illness, a job, a relationship (or lack of a relationship), a routine that has turned into a rut? It can feel like prison or some kind of bondage.
Circumstances have a way of enslaving us. So does sin. It’s like we can’t get away from it no matter how hard we try. We fall back into the old ways of thinking.
The Jews in Egypt knew about bondage, being "stuck" and oppressed – for a long time. And they also, thankfully, discovered that God had a way out for them (although only God knows why it took 400 years). God sent Moses as their savior who, by God’s grace, would free them, lead them, and give them guidelines as how best to serve God.
Sometimes God sends a person into our lives (though not always in our time frame) to show us the way out and into better circumstances. It’s why Jesus came - to lead us out from bondage and slavery to sin and the dead-end roads of life into a full relationship with God, one with a purpose and a plan. It’s Jesus who can free us from slavery to sin and open the way to freedom by his love and guidelines or, as we like to call them, disciplines.
This Sunday we will begin a series of sermons on the Book of Exodus. It’s a great read. It parallels so well the New Testament story of salvation. The first message is "Into Egypt" - how we got into this mess in the first place. Read Exodus chapter one.
Yours in Christ,
George
Circumstances have a way of enslaving us. So does sin. It’s like we can’t get away from it no matter how hard we try. We fall back into the old ways of thinking.
The Jews in Egypt knew about bondage, being "stuck" and oppressed – for a long time. And they also, thankfully, discovered that God had a way out for them (although only God knows why it took 400 years). God sent Moses as their savior who, by God’s grace, would free them, lead them, and give them guidelines as how best to serve God.
Sometimes God sends a person into our lives (though not always in our time frame) to show us the way out and into better circumstances. It’s why Jesus came - to lead us out from bondage and slavery to sin and the dead-end roads of life into a full relationship with God, one with a purpose and a plan. It’s Jesus who can free us from slavery to sin and open the way to freedom by his love and guidelines or, as we like to call them, disciplines.
This Sunday we will begin a series of sermons on the Book of Exodus. It’s a great read. It parallels so well the New Testament story of salvation. The first message is "Into Egypt" - how we got into this mess in the first place. Read Exodus chapter one.
Yours in Christ,
George
4.14.2010
To Baptize . . . Or Not To Baptize
So today I’m struggling with the issue of baptism in the church. We have probably all been baptized as infants and I’m wondering why. Is it from tradition? Is it because we think we will go to hell if we don’t get baptized soon after birth? Is it for children, infants, or only for adults? Have we honored God with the way we practice baptism? Should we be immersed, sprinkled, or dry cleaned?
And what passages from the Bible help you to understand the meaning and practice of baptism? Some folks say that adult baptism is the only way and that children should be dedicated, but I’m not sure where we find that in the Bible.
The Presbyterian church explains that baptism in the New Testament is like circumcision in the Old Testament. It’s a covenant sign and promise by believing parents. Who knows? I’m not really asking you. Who out there really knows?
Recently I’ve been thinking that we should practice only adult baptism, or require lots of training for parents who desire their children to be baptized. How many people have their children “done” and then don’t raise them in the Christian faith?
Anyway, I’d be interested to read your thoughts on this matter. Some Sunday morning in the not too distant future, we will have a lively discussion/debate on this subject. I believe it really matters to God.
Yours in Christ,
George
And what passages from the Bible help you to understand the meaning and practice of baptism? Some folks say that adult baptism is the only way and that children should be dedicated, but I’m not sure where we find that in the Bible.
The Presbyterian church explains that baptism in the New Testament is like circumcision in the Old Testament. It’s a covenant sign and promise by believing parents. Who knows? I’m not really asking you. Who out there really knows?
Recently I’ve been thinking that we should practice only adult baptism, or require lots of training for parents who desire their children to be baptized. How many people have their children “done” and then don’t raise them in the Christian faith?
Anyway, I’d be interested to read your thoughts on this matter. Some Sunday morning in the not too distant future, we will have a lively discussion/debate on this subject. I believe it really matters to God.
Yours in Christ,
George
4.07.2010
The Leash
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13
OK ... so we now have a dog, a one year-old mix of beagle, shepherd, coonhound... you figure it out. Her name is Lucy. And I have observed my first theological lesson from her.
All of her outdoor activity is governed by "The Leash", which we shall call, "The Law". She knows the leash and tolerates it - it means a walk or some other kind of fun adventure. She would, however, like to be free of the restraint of said leash. I would love to give her that freedom - just to hang with me, run loose, and come on my call. But Lucy, like us human sinners, is not that smart. I'm afraid she would use that freedom to run away, perhaps meeting a large automobile on Route 25.
If only she understood that freedom, with responsibility, would be so much more satisfying than the temporary rush of running away. Perhaps some of you have canine friends that have learned that lesson. Lucy hasn't learned it yet; nor have some of us humans.
We are free in Christ, but that freedom should not lead us away from God; instead it should cause us to be more in love with our Father and to respect and obey Him, lest our freedom lead us into harmful ways. Reading scripture, worshiping, loving one another - all are ways of staying close to the Master while enjoying freedom from the "leash".
Some of us, like Lucy, don't get it. And so the spiritual disciplines are given to teach us how best to use our freedom. Please take advantage of those classes as they come your way on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Yours in Christ,
George
OK ... so we now have a dog, a one year-old mix of beagle, shepherd, coonhound... you figure it out. Her name is Lucy. And I have observed my first theological lesson from her.
All of her outdoor activity is governed by "The Leash", which we shall call, "The Law". She knows the leash and tolerates it - it means a walk or some other kind of fun adventure. She would, however, like to be free of the restraint of said leash. I would love to give her that freedom - just to hang with me, run loose, and come on my call. But Lucy, like us human sinners, is not that smart. I'm afraid she would use that freedom to run away, perhaps meeting a large automobile on Route 25.
If only she understood that freedom, with responsibility, would be so much more satisfying than the temporary rush of running away. Perhaps some of you have canine friends that have learned that lesson. Lucy hasn't learned it yet; nor have some of us humans.
We are free in Christ, but that freedom should not lead us away from God; instead it should cause us to be more in love with our Father and to respect and obey Him, lest our freedom lead us into harmful ways. Reading scripture, worshiping, loving one another - all are ways of staying close to the Master while enjoying freedom from the "leash".
Some of us, like Lucy, don't get it. And so the spiritual disciplines are given to teach us how best to use our freedom. Please take advantage of those classes as they come your way on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Yours in Christ,
George
3.31.2010
Asking For God's Kingdom
We who are believers live in a Kingdom that is all but invisible to the world. Only Christ can open our eyes to see the reality of God’s Kingdom - as He did following the Resurrection, when He broke bread and was then recognized by His disciples. Jesus told his disciples, "Blessed are you to see what others have longed to see – the Kingdom in your midst." Jesus also said, "No one can see the Kingdom unless he is born again"(John 3:3). He meant right now. There is a hand, unseen by the world, that provides.
It's like watching football or cricket or basketball. Some folks can observe the game without much of an understanding as to what’s actually happening. It’s the same with the Kingdom of God. Some people look at this world and all they see is a random series of events. So, when we read in the Scripture that all things work to good for those who love God, these same people may think, "If you’re lucky, it does", or "If you work hard, it might", and sometimes, to some folks, it’s all just a "crap shoot".
And just what is the point of loving your enemies and blessing those who curse you? In the kingdom of the world, it makes no sense. But in the Kingdom of God, it is crystal clear. It’s how Jesus lived.
Do I live like that? Occasionally. And in those moments I see God and discover that it’s no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Take for example the crucifixion and death of Christ. To most people at the time, it meant the end of the hopes and dreams for victory in this world. But to the thief on the cross, it meant new and eternal life. After the resurrection of Jesus, many people began to see the difference Christ makes in THIS life, which continues forever. I was reading the other day that from God's perspective, the resurrection of Jesus means that this life, the "right here and now", matters. It’s why Jesus came back in a physical body.
Can you see that your life matters to God? Can you see that God is for you, not against you? Can you see that life can be lived with love and joy no matter how it might appear?
This Easter, ask for God’s Kingdom. The whole thing. Jesus said, "Seek the Kingdom of God and all that you need will be given to you as well."
A blessed Holy Week and Resurrection Day to all of you,
George
P.S. Please feel free to join us at any of the worship services this week:
It's like watching football or cricket or basketball. Some folks can observe the game without much of an understanding as to what’s actually happening. It’s the same with the Kingdom of God. Some people look at this world and all they see is a random series of events. So, when we read in the Scripture that all things work to good for those who love God, these same people may think, "If you’re lucky, it does", or "If you work hard, it might", and sometimes, to some folks, it’s all just a "crap shoot".
And just what is the point of loving your enemies and blessing those who curse you? In the kingdom of the world, it makes no sense. But in the Kingdom of God, it is crystal clear. It’s how Jesus lived.
Do I live like that? Occasionally. And in those moments I see God and discover that it’s no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Take for example the crucifixion and death of Christ. To most people at the time, it meant the end of the hopes and dreams for victory in this world. But to the thief on the cross, it meant new and eternal life. After the resurrection of Jesus, many people began to see the difference Christ makes in THIS life, which continues forever. I was reading the other day that from God's perspective, the resurrection of Jesus means that this life, the "right here and now", matters. It’s why Jesus came back in a physical body.
Can you see that your life matters to God? Can you see that God is for you, not against you? Can you see that life can be lived with love and joy no matter how it might appear?
This Easter, ask for God’s Kingdom. The whole thing. Jesus said, "Seek the Kingdom of God and all that you need will be given to you as well."
A blessed Holy Week and Resurrection Day to all of you,
George
P.S. Please feel free to join us at any of the worship services this week:
- Holy Thursday Candlelight Communion, 7:30PM downstairs in the Social Hall
- Good Friday Worship Presentation, 7:30PM in the sanctuary
- Easter Dawn Worship, 6:15AM on Peconic Bay (at the Warns' home, 8740 Peconic Bay Boulevard)
- Easter Worship, Sunday at 8:30 and 11:00AM
3.30.2010
Let's Talk
Adult baptism? Infant baptism? Please share your thoughts using the comment feature............. Let's get a dialogue going!
3.24.2010
Petit petit zwazo fe nich
So . . . I've cleaned out the old nests from our bird houses. Everything is ready for the birds to come back or perhaps use one of my new birdhouses for their nests. I'm not sure how much we appreciate what they go through to build those nests.
Male, female, or both collect material and join in its construction. They use spiderwebs, sticks, caterpillar silk, leaves, grass and saliva. They can make hundreds of trips to collect materials. Think it's easy? Try to make a nest yourself. Remember, the center must be soft and one more thing. No using your hands. They don't.
In Haiti there is a proverb, "Petit petit zwazo fe nich." (Little by little a bird makes a nest.) It means that all those efforts, small as they seem, add up to something bigger and better.
During our trip to Haiti we saw so many efforts at helping people to rebuild their lives, starting in the smallest ways. One can see how even a small bag of rice sustains people, gives them hope that something better is coming.
Jesus said something about that in terms of the Kingdom of God. It starts out as something as small as a mustard seed and grows bigger and bigger until the birds begin making their nests in it. He said this to encourage His disciples not to give up, because the Kingdom of God was going to take place in their lives, little by little. Jesus came to inaugurate that Kingdom and then He invites us to help enlarge it until many more can make their home in it, so to speak.
Think about your effect on your children or grandchildren, your community, your spouse. You may think it makes no difference, but little by little the nest is being made. So don't give up after 35 trips. It will happen. God will provide. He does so for the birds and he will surely do so for us. And hey, maybe you contribute one twig and someone else comes along and adds a spiderweb and then others bring leaves and grass and at some point a nest is built, a life changed, and God is glorified.
You cannot help but see that so many people are pitching in for the long haul in Haiti to help our friends and neighbors to build their lives back together again, and this time even better. Think of the village where we work in Nan Sema. It started when a motorcyclist arrived in the community asking for directions, and now there is a church, cistern, well, and as of Sunday, the new medical/dental clinic is open full time. It all began back in the 90's and by God's will, the people's vision and hard work it's coming together. The people are now putting their resources together to build a market place so they can get food each day. Our Father wants to care for them.
Please pray for an art vendor we met on the street one day. Her name is Junette Jn Philippe. She asked for nothing except our prayers. She believes they make a difference. Maybe all of us today could help build another life by adding our prayers, one stick at a time.
Thank you for all your prayers for us. Thanks to the church staff and various ministries and boards for their work, to Pat Hanly for preaching and teaching. The nest is getting better and larger. Don't give up. Bring a twig . . . maybe even a donkey. Oh, that's the scripture lesson for Sunday from Luke 19. Hope to see you.
Yours in Christ,
George
Male, female, or both collect material and join in its construction. They use spiderwebs, sticks, caterpillar silk, leaves, grass and saliva. They can make hundreds of trips to collect materials. Think it's easy? Try to make a nest yourself. Remember, the center must be soft and one more thing. No using your hands. They don't.
In Haiti there is a proverb, "Petit petit zwazo fe nich." (Little by little a bird makes a nest.) It means that all those efforts, small as they seem, add up to something bigger and better.
During our trip to Haiti we saw so many efforts at helping people to rebuild their lives, starting in the smallest ways. One can see how even a small bag of rice sustains people, gives them hope that something better is coming.
Jesus said something about that in terms of the Kingdom of God. It starts out as something as small as a mustard seed and grows bigger and bigger until the birds begin making their nests in it. He said this to encourage His disciples not to give up, because the Kingdom of God was going to take place in their lives, little by little. Jesus came to inaugurate that Kingdom and then He invites us to help enlarge it until many more can make their home in it, so to speak.
Think about your effect on your children or grandchildren, your community, your spouse. You may think it makes no difference, but little by little the nest is being made. So don't give up after 35 trips. It will happen. God will provide. He does so for the birds and he will surely do so for us. And hey, maybe you contribute one twig and someone else comes along and adds a spiderweb and then others bring leaves and grass and at some point a nest is built, a life changed, and God is glorified.
You cannot help but see that so many people are pitching in for the long haul in Haiti to help our friends and neighbors to build their lives back together again, and this time even better. Think of the village where we work in Nan Sema. It started when a motorcyclist arrived in the community asking for directions, and now there is a church, cistern, well, and as of Sunday, the new medical/dental clinic is open full time. It all began back in the 90's and by God's will, the people's vision and hard work it's coming together. The people are now putting their resources together to build a market place so they can get food each day. Our Father wants to care for them.
Please pray for an art vendor we met on the street one day. Her name is Junette Jn Philippe. She asked for nothing except our prayers. She believes they make a difference. Maybe all of us today could help build another life by adding our prayers, one stick at a time.
Thank you for all your prayers for us. Thanks to the church staff and various ministries and boards for their work, to Pat Hanly for preaching and teaching. The nest is getting better and larger. Don't give up. Bring a twig . . . maybe even a donkey. Oh, that's the scripture lesson for Sunday from Luke 19. Hope to see you.
Yours in Christ,
George
3.18.2010
Evidence that is Self-Evident?
In George's absence, Elder Pat Hanly has written a Wednesday email:
I was recently taking a mini-survey of my life up to this point and the overwhelming sense that I had was one of deep joy and gratitude. Speaking with a friend of mine, I casually mentioned that I did this and that I came to realize how wonderful it is to be a Christian.
I told him I thought of the many life-changing experiences that I have had. I remembered when I had first been born-again, spending time with other young people who had the same experience and enjoying their company and shared friendships. I thought of the many great books, bible studies and sermons over the years that have shaped my faith. I considered how I came from a love of rock and blues music to an understanding of how music of all styles (including the hardest rock) can find redemption and become thoroughly God honoring. I thought of my embrace of the Reformed Faith and then I thought of our church and the wonderful people I have come to love and what a blessing this all has been to my family and I.
And then I thought of my family. None of which I would have had I not become a Christian (I met my wife in church) and the only thing I could do was bow my head and say a prayer of thankfulness to my Redeemer and Friend who has shown a kindness and mercy to me that could never be repaid.
At this point, my friend snapped me back into our conversation again by mentioning he had been recently reading about the Shroud of Turin and how he believes it is authentic. For anyone who might not be familiar, the Shroud is an ancient relic of the church, the purported burial cloth of Christ that has an impression of a tortured and bleeding man superimposed on it as a negative photographic image. He told me he thinks the carbon dating of the Shroud in the 1980’s was inaccurate and that it is just not conceivable that a medieval artist could make such a rendering, and if they could, why would there not be other obvious examples of this from that period?
This discussion turned my attention to Easter, my favorite Christian holiday, which is soon approaching. Was the Shroud actual physical evidence to the Resurrection? And if so, are there other evidences that should be considered to prove that the tomb was empty on that glorious morning? What of the disciples, all of whom died torturous deaths, all the while maintaining they had seen Jesus alive again? If He was really dead and they were lying, wouldn’t they eventually just say so? What about the other eyewitnesses and the known conversion of so many enemies of the young faith? And if the tomb was guarded, where was the body?
Yes, there are evidences but perhaps neither the Shroud nor the testimonies of the early disciples are alone as strong evidences for the Resurrection. Perhaps there are other evidences that are equally as powerful. Again I thought of the Christian life and wondered if you and I and all believers for all times don’t constitute equally powerful evidences in their changed lives. The lives lived with joy, purpose, self-sacrifice and gratitude in answer to what God has done for them. Wikipedia lists only two propositions as being truly self-evident, and the first is stated as, “A finite whole is greater than any of its parts”. Perhaps this body of Christ - the millions of people who have claimed and continue to claim to know this risen Lord personally today, constitute a finite whole that is truly self-evident.
Prayer for the Day
“What language shall I borrow – to thank Thee dearest Friend,
for this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
Oh make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never, out live my love for Thee.”
From the medieval poem, O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Bernard of Clairvaux 1091-1153
If you would like to do some further reading on the Resurrection of Christ in preparation for Easter, I recommend “The Christ of the Empty Tomb” by James Montgomery Boice. You can get it on Amazon.com or from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals at www.alliancenet.org.
Pat
I was recently taking a mini-survey of my life up to this point and the overwhelming sense that I had was one of deep joy and gratitude. Speaking with a friend of mine, I casually mentioned that I did this and that I came to realize how wonderful it is to be a Christian.
I told him I thought of the many life-changing experiences that I have had. I remembered when I had first been born-again, spending time with other young people who had the same experience and enjoying their company and shared friendships. I thought of the many great books, bible studies and sermons over the years that have shaped my faith. I considered how I came from a love of rock and blues music to an understanding of how music of all styles (including the hardest rock) can find redemption and become thoroughly God honoring. I thought of my embrace of the Reformed Faith and then I thought of our church and the wonderful people I have come to love and what a blessing this all has been to my family and I.
And then I thought of my family. None of which I would have had I not become a Christian (I met my wife in church) and the only thing I could do was bow my head and say a prayer of thankfulness to my Redeemer and Friend who has shown a kindness and mercy to me that could never be repaid.
At this point, my friend snapped me back into our conversation again by mentioning he had been recently reading about the Shroud of Turin and how he believes it is authentic. For anyone who might not be familiar, the Shroud is an ancient relic of the church, the purported burial cloth of Christ that has an impression of a tortured and bleeding man superimposed on it as a negative photographic image. He told me he thinks the carbon dating of the Shroud in the 1980’s was inaccurate and that it is just not conceivable that a medieval artist could make such a rendering, and if they could, why would there not be other obvious examples of this from that period?
This discussion turned my attention to Easter, my favorite Christian holiday, which is soon approaching. Was the Shroud actual physical evidence to the Resurrection? And if so, are there other evidences that should be considered to prove that the tomb was empty on that glorious morning? What of the disciples, all of whom died torturous deaths, all the while maintaining they had seen Jesus alive again? If He was really dead and they were lying, wouldn’t they eventually just say so? What about the other eyewitnesses and the known conversion of so many enemies of the young faith? And if the tomb was guarded, where was the body?
Yes, there are evidences but perhaps neither the Shroud nor the testimonies of the early disciples are alone as strong evidences for the Resurrection. Perhaps there are other evidences that are equally as powerful. Again I thought of the Christian life and wondered if you and I and all believers for all times don’t constitute equally powerful evidences in their changed lives. The lives lived with joy, purpose, self-sacrifice and gratitude in answer to what God has done for them. Wikipedia lists only two propositions as being truly self-evident, and the first is stated as, “A finite whole is greater than any of its parts”. Perhaps this body of Christ - the millions of people who have claimed and continue to claim to know this risen Lord personally today, constitute a finite whole that is truly self-evident.
for this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
Oh make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never, out live my love for Thee.”
Bernard of Clairvaux 1091-1153
If you would like to do some further reading on the Resurrection of Christ in preparation for Easter, I recommend “The Christ of the Empty Tomb” by James Montgomery Boice. You can get it on Amazon.com or from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals at www.alliancenet.org.
Pat
3.10.2010
Casting and Going
I have to confess to a degree of pride when people discover I’m going to Haiti. "You’re going WHERE?!" "Oh yeah," I say, "sure, no problem, been lots of times." Some think I’m pretty courageous. But little do they know that inside my head, buzzing like those infamous mosquitos, are a bunch of anxieties and, once in a while, a bit of fear, especially now after the earthquake. Oh, I can recite with the best of them "Cast all your cares on Him" or "Have no anxiety about anything", but the truth is that the anxiety sometimes doesn’t go away. If I let my mind race ahead too far and think about too many things, my anxiety level really goes up.
Deep inside me though, is a much clearer and distinct voice (sort of like DEET for those mosquitos). That voice is God's and He says, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46). Stop the little battles in your mind and know that I am the God who provides and governs and sustains.
That voice then takes precedence over all other thoughts.
In the midst of the storms comes the voice of the creator – it’s OK, be still, I am with you! Maybe that’s why Jesus said, don’t worry about tomorrow and tomorrow – take it one day at a time.
So at this moment my heart and head are at ease and so fully aware of God’s provision for this trip. Being with friends, going to where it’s warm, being met at the airport by good friends, staying in a secure guest house and much more. It’s gonna be a good trip.
And we will have the blessing of being present as Pastor Agones marries his fiancè Duodeline (pronounced Doodayleen). I will participate in the ceremony and Rory will be the best man. The wedding is March 19th in Port-au-Prince. It’s all good.
Thank you for your prayers and your good works for Haiti. We will bring your greetings.
Yours in Christ,
George
Deep inside me though, is a much clearer and distinct voice (sort of like DEET for those mosquitos). That voice is God's and He says, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46). Stop the little battles in your mind and know that I am the God who provides and governs and sustains.
That voice then takes precedence over all other thoughts.
In the midst of the storms comes the voice of the creator – it’s OK, be still, I am with you! Maybe that’s why Jesus said, don’t worry about tomorrow and tomorrow – take it one day at a time.
So at this moment my heart and head are at ease and so fully aware of God’s provision for this trip. Being with friends, going to where it’s warm, being met at the airport by good friends, staying in a secure guest house and much more. It’s gonna be a good trip.
And we will have the blessing of being present as Pastor Agones marries his fiancè Duodeline (pronounced Doodayleen). I will participate in the ceremony and Rory will be the best man. The wedding is March 19th in Port-au-Prince. It’s all good.
Thank you for your prayers and your good works for Haiti. We will bring your greetings.
Yours in Christ,
George
3.03.2010
Where Was God?
I read a great op-ed piece by James Carroll in the International Herald Tribune. Concerning the suffering in Haiti (and we might well include all suffering), he asks: What can Almighty God, the Lord of the universe, know about feeling utterly abandoned? Carroll's answer points to Jesus. God in Christ knows what it means to be alone and abandoned. Jesus felt the isolation, the suffering, and the abandonment in a world gone wrong.
There were no easy remedies or trite answers on the cross. That Jesus stayed on the cross – this is the best hope we have that He understands our sufferings; and, even more, that He intervenes for us before the Father, to help us when we feel tempted to give up (see Hebrews 2:17, 4:15-16).
The suffering of God in Christ on the cross was real. His suffering has become our one true source of knowing that God understands our plight. We abandoned Him a long time ago on that cross. Even now, some of us have abandoned Him. But His hand is outstretched to us as it was to that dying thief; the thief who found his only hope in this abandoned God on the cross. Dare we trust Him as much?
And if we have a glimpse through Him, or through our own circumstances, of being abandoned, then are we not called to reach out with our own hands to those in need? To bring hope and help to places like Haiti, and Chile, and to the countless people crying out, “Where is God?”.
In Christ,
George
There were no easy remedies or trite answers on the cross. That Jesus stayed on the cross – this is the best hope we have that He understands our sufferings; and, even more, that He intervenes for us before the Father, to help us when we feel tempted to give up (see Hebrews 2:17, 4:15-16).
The suffering of God in Christ on the cross was real. His suffering has become our one true source of knowing that God understands our plight. We abandoned Him a long time ago on that cross. Even now, some of us have abandoned Him. But His hand is outstretched to us as it was to that dying thief; the thief who found his only hope in this abandoned God on the cross. Dare we trust Him as much?
And if we have a glimpse through Him, or through our own circumstances, of being abandoned, then are we not called to reach out with our own hands to those in need? To bring hope and help to places like Haiti, and Chile, and to the countless people crying out, “Where is God?”.
In Christ,
George
2.24.2010
Dips and Valleys
My financial adviser tells me not to despair over the dips in the stock market . . . dip? Yeah, right . . . more like death valley. Anyway, he says we're in it for the long haul and things will get better. He tells me that if I look at the progress of my holdings on any given day I could be sadly disappointed, but if I take the long view I can see progress. Can't I?
Well, this made me think of the Christian journey. In our Christian walk we are supposed to be getting better, moving forward toward perfection in fact (see Matt. 5:48 or Romans 8:29) . . . No less is asked of us by Christ. We cannot be half-hearted in serving God. I like what John Calvin has written somewhere in Book three, "But we must all go as far as we possibly can and complete the journey we have begun. No one can travel so badly that he or she does not make some progress each day."
Paul writes in Philippians 1 . . . "that God who began a good work in you will bring it to completion when Christ finally comes."
We are growing. If we trust and follow Christ as best we can, we are like the seed in the good soil. We are growing. God promises it. Even on our worst days we are the children of God in whom the will of God is at work.
So while I do not pull out what little money I have invested in the market or the bank (cause somewhere down the road I look to make a big withdrawal), in the same way I do not quit this journey we call the Christian life. In fact, knowing what God is up to only makes me more determined to serve him.
This Sunday we are going to look at some of Philippians chapter three where Paul writes that he is focused on the goal where we receive all that God has for us.
Yours in Christ,
George
Well, this made me think of the Christian journey. In our Christian walk we are supposed to be getting better, moving forward toward perfection in fact (see Matt. 5:48 or Romans 8:29) . . . No less is asked of us by Christ. We cannot be half-hearted in serving God. I like what John Calvin has written somewhere in Book three, "But we must all go as far as we possibly can and complete the journey we have begun. No one can travel so badly that he or she does not make some progress each day."
Paul writes in Philippians 1 . . . "that God who began a good work in you will bring it to completion when Christ finally comes."
We are growing. If we trust and follow Christ as best we can, we are like the seed in the good soil. We are growing. God promises it. Even on our worst days we are the children of God in whom the will of God is at work.
So while I do not pull out what little money I have invested in the market or the bank (cause somewhere down the road I look to make a big withdrawal), in the same way I do not quit this journey we call the Christian life. In fact, knowing what God is up to only makes me more determined to serve him.
This Sunday we are going to look at some of Philippians chapter three where Paul writes that he is focused on the goal where we receive all that God has for us.
Yours in Christ,
George
2.17.2010
On Taking Holy Communion
I took communion in a Roman Catholic Church recently. One of my church members, observing me, remarked, "I didn’t think you could do that."
It’s an issue that needs addressing. So I think I’ll start my own mini-Reformation. Back in the 1500's there arose a great division between churches over the meaning of the sacrament (sacrament, by the way, is not a word used in the Bible). Sacrament has the meaning of being holy, sacred or set apart as a sign of the working of God.
So a debate started up over what the bread and wine meant. Were they the literal body and blood of Christ, signs of his presence, or a memorial meal? In the Gospels, Jesus calls the bread and wine his body and blood. He also says, "Do this in remembrance of me".
The point in the Gospels and in Paul's letters is that communion is a gift of Christ, not any particular church, and ought not to be regulated by any doctrine apart from Christ’s teaching. Paul had harsh words about the manner in which people were taking the Lord’s supper. See 1 Corinthians 11.
So, if I were to be asked, it is my personal opinion that you may take communion in the Roman Catholic church as much as any Roman Catholic may take communion in our church. Communion is a gift of Christ telling us that he has given his life for us and inviting us to trust him.
My one caution would be that if someone invites you to a Catholic service, and you feel it would offend his or her sensitivity if you took the sacrament, refrain the first time, and then explain to them your reasoning.
Remember that when Christ gave His life, He gave it for all. And so who has the right to deny anyone access to that sacred gift? Protestants, rise up!
Share your thoughts on this. Use the comment feature found below this post.
In Christ,
George
It’s an issue that needs addressing. So I think I’ll start my own mini-Reformation. Back in the 1500's there arose a great division between churches over the meaning of the sacrament (sacrament, by the way, is not a word used in the Bible). Sacrament has the meaning of being holy, sacred or set apart as a sign of the working of God.
So a debate started up over what the bread and wine meant. Were they the literal body and blood of Christ, signs of his presence, or a memorial meal? In the Gospels, Jesus calls the bread and wine his body and blood. He also says, "Do this in remembrance of me".
The point in the Gospels and in Paul's letters is that communion is a gift of Christ, not any particular church, and ought not to be regulated by any doctrine apart from Christ’s teaching. Paul had harsh words about the manner in which people were taking the Lord’s supper. See 1 Corinthians 11.
So, if I were to be asked, it is my personal opinion that you may take communion in the Roman Catholic church as much as any Roman Catholic may take communion in our church. Communion is a gift of Christ telling us that he has given his life for us and inviting us to trust him.
My one caution would be that if someone invites you to a Catholic service, and you feel it would offend his or her sensitivity if you took the sacrament, refrain the first time, and then explain to them your reasoning.
Remember that when Christ gave His life, He gave it for all. And so who has the right to deny anyone access to that sacred gift? Protestants, rise up!
Share your thoughts on this. Use the comment feature found below this post.
In Christ,
George
2.10.2010
Take Air
Take care. These are parting words we often hear and use.
TAKE CARE. Maybe it originated from back in the days when people wore powdered wigs. As they were leaving, it would serve as a reminder. "Take hair." Wouldn't want to forget the hairpiece.
I like to think that in using these words, people are telling one another to breathe. "Take air." Don't forget to breathe deeply.
Hey, remember the police show, Hill Street Blues? In each episode, after the sergeant finished his morning briefing he'd always end with, "And hey - be careful out there." Wise words in this troubled world.
"Take care." Take care of yourself as you go your way. I've decided that it's just not enough to tell one other to be vigilant or watchful. We need more than our own resources. We need God. Oh, you probably figured I would say that. But it's not my idea; I didn't make it up. A long time ago, back in the days of Moses and Aaron, God gave these words to be used as a blessing (from the book of Numbers, chapter 6):
Well. That's a mouthful, so I've decided I would like to say to people, "God be with you." I like that. It's a prayer, a blessing, a good witness to our faith. Let me know how that works for you, too. [Feel free to use the comment feature on this site.]
So, as of today - no more "take care" for me. And let me be the first today to say to you, amidst all your life's joys and struggles:
God be with you.
I really mean it.
Yours in Christ,
George
TAKE CARE. Maybe it originated from back in the days when people wore powdered wigs. As they were leaving, it would serve as a reminder. "Take hair." Wouldn't want to forget the hairpiece.
I like to think that in using these words, people are telling one another to breathe. "Take air." Don't forget to breathe deeply.
Hey, remember the police show, Hill Street Blues? In each episode, after the sergeant finished his morning briefing he'd always end with, "And hey - be careful out there." Wise words in this troubled world.
"Take care." Take care of yourself as you go your way. I've decided that it's just not enough to tell one other to be vigilant or watchful. We need more than our own resources. We need God. Oh, you probably figured I would say that. But it's not my idea; I didn't make it up. A long time ago, back in the days of Moses and Aaron, God gave these words to be used as a blessing (from the book of Numbers, chapter 6):
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine
upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up his countenance
upon you and give you peace.
Well. That's a mouthful, so I've decided I would like to say to people, "God be with you." I like that. It's a prayer, a blessing, a good witness to our faith. Let me know how that works for you, too. [Feel free to use the comment feature on this site.]
So, as of today - no more "take care" for me. And let me be the first today to say to you, amidst all your life's joys and struggles:
I really mean it.
Yours in Christ,
George
2.03.2010
The Narrow Way
I have watched, with heartache, the scenes of search and recovery in Haiti. Amidst the destruction and agony there have been scenes of joy as a survivor is found and brought out through the narrowest possible opening in the rubble. The rescue teams have to be meticulously careful when cutting the rebar and moving cement slabs just enough to allow for safe passage.
The narrow way. It leads to a drop of water, an air vent, even a microphone to pick up sounds. And then, freedom. And when the way is opened, the trapped survivor looks only to squeeze through that tiny passageway. I thought of how Jesus said the way to life is narrow and the gate is small (Matthew 7).
People in the world sometimes think Christianity is narrow-minded. The truth is that Jesus is so loving, so welcoming, so gracious, that he is willing to accept anyone. But he told people that to enter the Kingdom of God now and forever, they had to go through the spiritual doorway that was open to anyone who desired to become as a child
There is only one way into God's Kingdom in this life and the life to come. It is a disciplined way. It requires trust in Christ and a lot of practice living the Jesus way. But the result is life, joy, peace, righteousness, and eternity. And once you have escaped the rubble of the world's thinking, you will love the new-found freedom in Christ.
Yours in Christ,
George
A new and EXCITING update on the website about Haiti.
By the way, who knows the origin of the phrase, take care?
The narrow way. It leads to a drop of water, an air vent, even a microphone to pick up sounds. And then, freedom. And when the way is opened, the trapped survivor looks only to squeeze through that tiny passageway. I thought of how Jesus said the way to life is narrow and the gate is small (Matthew 7).
People in the world sometimes think Christianity is narrow-minded. The truth is that Jesus is so loving, so welcoming, so gracious, that he is willing to accept anyone. But he told people that to enter the Kingdom of God now and forever, they had to go through the spiritual doorway that was open to anyone who desired to become as a child
- to give up his or her old self
- to take up his or her cross
- to be a servant
- to follow Christ's teaching
There is only one way into God's Kingdom in this life and the life to come. It is a disciplined way. It requires trust in Christ and a lot of practice living the Jesus way. But the result is life, joy, peace, righteousness, and eternity. And once you have escaped the rubble of the world's thinking, you will love the new-found freedom in Christ.
Yours in Christ,
George
A new and EXCITING update on the website about Haiti.
By the way, who knows the origin of the phrase, take care?
1.27.2010
January 27, 2010
Who are you? Really? If you are trying to live up to the expectations of the world, if you are drawn more to the attractions of the world rather than God, then you can be sure you are living under original sin - where the self is always threatened.
Jesus was forever saying deny your self; lose your self. As you trust God deeply, you will find your true God-created self. To trust God is to believe that He always wills what is best for you. Loving God is trusting God. Trusting God frees you from fear of failure, fear of death. . . well, fear of anything, actually. The apostle Paul wrote that if God is for us, who can be against us?
There is a self within us that God will release if only we surrender to Him; not with a sense of fatalism ("I give up, I don't care"), but rather with real trust and love. Jesus promises that a new self will live. I believe Him! It's just that the world seems so darn attractive to my original self that I give in to it rather than God.
May we find the grace and the way to our best selves. Let's start by trusting God today with whatever comes our way.
I invite you to comment on this post, sharing how you trusted, surrendered to God, in a situation in your own life. Let's encourage one another in this!
Yours in Christ,
George
Jesus was forever saying deny your self; lose your self. As you trust God deeply, you will find your true God-created self. To trust God is to believe that He always wills what is best for you. Loving God is trusting God. Trusting God frees you from fear of failure, fear of death. . . well, fear of anything, actually. The apostle Paul wrote that if God is for us, who can be against us?
There is a self within us that God will release if only we surrender to Him; not with a sense of fatalism ("I give up, I don't care"), but rather with real trust and love. Jesus promises that a new self will live. I believe Him! It's just that the world seems so darn attractive to my original self that I give in to it rather than God.
May we find the grace and the way to our best selves. Let's start by trusting God today with whatever comes our way.
I invite you to comment on this post, sharing how you trusted, surrendered to God, in a situation in your own life. Let's encourage one another in this!
Yours in Christ,
George
1.20.2010
Faith.... or Good Works?
In Haiti when you ask someone how they are they might answer, "M'ap debat," which means, "I am struggling". You who are reading this know something of the struggle our friends are going through. Right now there are so many shortages - food, medical supplies, and medical help. And there is so much good being done by so many people, for which I am thankful.
This morning I got a call from a local pilot who was asked by an organization called Bahamas Habitat to fly to Haiti to help bring supplies and doctors to remote areas. It seems that one or two of us might go down with him. I will let you know how that unfolds. We will donate the cost of the plane fuel for the trip down and back.
As of this blog, $20,000 has come into the church with more promised to help with emergency relief. We are so grateful for such an outpouring of love. Please pray for our friends in Haiti, many of whom feel desperate right now.
It seems that people are being brought from the mainland to the Wesleyan Hospital on Lagonave and the need there is also for food and medical help.
We are hoping that by Thursday the avenues will be open for significant funds to be wired to Service Christian and to Lagonave.
Which is more important - faith or good works? Answer this question: Which wing on the airplane is more important? . . . then you will know the answer. God bless.
Yours in Christ
George
This morning I got a call from a local pilot who was asked by an organization called Bahamas Habitat to fly to Haiti to help bring supplies and doctors to remote areas. It seems that one or two of us might go down with him. I will let you know how that unfolds. We will donate the cost of the plane fuel for the trip down and back.
As of this blog, $20,000 has come into the church with more promised to help with emergency relief. We are so grateful for such an outpouring of love. Please pray for our friends in Haiti, many of whom feel desperate right now.
It seems that people are being brought from the mainland to the Wesleyan Hospital on Lagonave and the need there is also for food and medical help.
We are hoping that by Thursday the avenues will be open for significant funds to be wired to Service Christian and to Lagonave.
Which is more important - faith or good works? Answer this question: Which wing on the airplane is more important? . . . then you will know the answer. God bless.
Yours in Christ
George
1.18.2010
Haiti Updates
We are putting all the Haiti updates on our website as we hear from our friends there. Visit the website at www.mattpres.com and click on "Haiti".
1.15.2010
More About Haiti
This was the day our team was to leave for Haiti, a trip that is now re-scheduled for March. We have learned more over the last 24 hours about our friends. On the island of LaGonave our friend, Isnel, tells us that the people are distraught and food is scarce since most of the food comes from Port-au-Prince. Our friend, Pastor Agones, has left LaGonave to search for his fiancée in Port-au-Prince. The house in Port-au-Prince of our friend, Pastor Jonas, completely collapsed. His daughter was rescued but his son is still trapped inside. We are awaiting further word from Service Chretien d’Haiti and its director, Ernst Abraham, to know when we can wire funds to their agency.
Just last night I received word from my son, Josh, who is a music teacher at a school of 700 students in Denver. The staff, students, and parents are donating funds that will be sent to us for Haiti. We are grateful for the donations that have come from other churches and individuals. Please remember that this crisis will endure long into the future and we will make sure that the funds are used effectively to help the people and the rebuilding of their lives.
This Sunday it will be our privilege to have a long-time Haitian friend, Brunel Metellus, worship with us and speak to us from his own heart and thoughts concerning Haiti. He has not heard from his family as of yet. We will be receiving a special offering for Haiti so please give thought and prayer to your donation even now. If you will not be with us on Sunday, you may send a check made out to MPC and marked “Haiti”. Our mailing address is Mattituck Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1411, Mattituck NY 11952.
We would like to share an email with you that was forwarded to us. It is from a woman named Mary, who is at James Madison University and has connections with LaGonave:
Dear friends,
Fr. Roosevelt just called me from La Gonave island in Haiti via his computer phone. (Thank you again to the two JMU students who were responsible for the satellite internet system that makes communication with Fr. Roosevelt possible! And to the folks who keep him supplied with a laptop that is in good working order!)
Fr. Roosevelt had a lot to tell, but first some background information. He was at the cathedral in Port-au-Prince all last week for a retreat, a retreat that was attended by a large number of Haiti's priests. Archbishop Miot conducted the retreat. Fr. Roosevelt returned to La Gonave this past weekend. When the earthquake struck, it leveled the cathedral, the archbishop's rectory, and a number of the seminaries. The archbishop was killed. Fr. Roosevelt told me tonight that monsignor and 200 seminarians also died.
When Fr. Roosevelt returned to La Gonave, he brought Maryann and two other children with him. They are children who, over the past few years, have been abandoned at his rectory. Mary Ann goes to school in Port-au-Prince and stays with some nuns during the school week. Fr. Roosevelt's sister was upset with him for taking Mary Ann to La Gonave during a school week. As it turned out, the home of the nuns and the school either collapsed or suffered serious damage (I can't remember exactly) killing the nuns and some of the children. Maryann is safe and sound on La Gonave.
Casime, one of the young men who has helped us a lot on La Gonave and who is now in Port-au-Prince going to school called Fr. Roosevelt to let family know he is okay. I was thrilled to hear that news. Another one of the young guys and good friend of Casime is still unaccounted for.
Jonas Louis, director of UNIBANK on La Gonave, lost his house in Port-au-Prince. They were able to remove his daughter but a son is trapped.
Monvil, my right hand man on La Gonave, has had news that his family's house in Leogane has collapsed. He is almost crazy waiting to hear if they were in the house when it collapsed.
Fr. Roosevelt said I should not travel to Haiti now. One reason that he gave is that the smell of rotting bodies is getting bad.
Fr. Roosevelt's mother lives in Jacmel, a town on the southern coast. He heard that over 60% of the houses there have collapsed. His mother was okay when he was able to reach her earlier in the week but now he can't get in touch with her.
No boats are traveling from Miragoane (on the southern peninsula) to Pointe-a-Raquette, La Gonave, where Fr. Roosevelt lives due to heavy damage in Miragoane. No business is being conducted there. Plus, people on La Gonave are afraid to go by boat to Miragoane because they are afraid another earthquake might strike while they are out at sea. As a result, no food is arriving on La Gonave.
Fr. Roosevelt has no more bottled water so is boiling rain water to drink. The people on La Gonave are becoming very nervous about the food situation. All the food in Miragoane arrives from Port-au-Prince. Right now, nothing is leaving the capital except for people looking for medical care that they cannnot get in Port-au-Prince. People are traveling to Montrouis which is north of Port-au-Prince and going by boat to the northern part of La gonave to get medical care at the hospital there.
Gasoline is now $100 Haitian (over $12 U.S.)!
While we were talking to Fr. Roosevelt, he was able to call his foster father, a priest in Leogane using his cell phone. Fr. Roosevelt's father said that my husband's (Claude's) aunt's hotel was still standing. The hotel next to it was destroyed but his aunt's is still standing. That was wonderful news.
Fr. Roosevelt's father has a parish in Leogane. The rectory there collapsed while his father was out in the yard doing some work. It collapsed right in front of his eyes.
When we were ending the conversation, I told Fr. Roosevelt to try to get some sleep. He said that when he puts his head down to sleep, he feels the bed moving. I told him I understand completely. After going through the earthquake in Guatemala, I had trouble sleeping for six months! I especially could not sleep on my back. For the first few weeks, I refused to sleep alone. I was 22-years old and insisted that my sister let me sleep on the bed with her!
That's all for now. Thank you for your email messages and all the prayers. We definitely appreciate them.
Mary
Just last night I received word from my son, Josh, who is a music teacher at a school of 700 students in Denver. The staff, students, and parents are donating funds that will be sent to us for Haiti. We are grateful for the donations that have come from other churches and individuals. Please remember that this crisis will endure long into the future and we will make sure that the funds are used effectively to help the people and the rebuilding of their lives.
This Sunday it will be our privilege to have a long-time Haitian friend, Brunel Metellus, worship with us and speak to us from his own heart and thoughts concerning Haiti. He has not heard from his family as of yet. We will be receiving a special offering for Haiti so please give thought and prayer to your donation even now. If you will not be with us on Sunday, you may send a check made out to MPC and marked “Haiti”. Our mailing address is Mattituck Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1411, Mattituck NY 11952.
We would like to share an email with you that was forwarded to us. It is from a woman named Mary, who is at James Madison University and has connections with LaGonave:
Dear friends,
Fr. Roosevelt just called me from La Gonave island in Haiti via his computer phone. (Thank you again to the two JMU students who were responsible for the satellite internet system that makes communication with Fr. Roosevelt possible! And to the folks who keep him supplied with a laptop that is in good working order!)
Fr. Roosevelt had a lot to tell, but first some background information. He was at the cathedral in Port-au-Prince all last week for a retreat, a retreat that was attended by a large number of Haiti's priests. Archbishop Miot conducted the retreat. Fr. Roosevelt returned to La Gonave this past weekend. When the earthquake struck, it leveled the cathedral, the archbishop's rectory, and a number of the seminaries. The archbishop was killed. Fr. Roosevelt told me tonight that monsignor and 200 seminarians also died.
When Fr. Roosevelt returned to La Gonave, he brought Maryann and two other children with him. They are children who, over the past few years, have been abandoned at his rectory. Mary Ann goes to school in Port-au-Prince and stays with some nuns during the school week. Fr. Roosevelt's sister was upset with him for taking Mary Ann to La Gonave during a school week. As it turned out, the home of the nuns and the school either collapsed or suffered serious damage (I can't remember exactly) killing the nuns and some of the children. Maryann is safe and sound on La Gonave.
Casime, one of the young men who has helped us a lot on La Gonave and who is now in Port-au-Prince going to school called Fr. Roosevelt to let family know he is okay. I was thrilled to hear that news. Another one of the young guys and good friend of Casime is still unaccounted for.
Jonas Louis, director of UNIBANK on La Gonave, lost his house in Port-au-Prince. They were able to remove his daughter but a son is trapped.
Monvil, my right hand man on La Gonave, has had news that his family's house in Leogane has collapsed. He is almost crazy waiting to hear if they were in the house when it collapsed.
Fr. Roosevelt said I should not travel to Haiti now. One reason that he gave is that the smell of rotting bodies is getting bad.
Fr. Roosevelt's mother lives in Jacmel, a town on the southern coast. He heard that over 60% of the houses there have collapsed. His mother was okay when he was able to reach her earlier in the week but now he can't get in touch with her.
No boats are traveling from Miragoane (on the southern peninsula) to Pointe-a-Raquette, La Gonave, where Fr. Roosevelt lives due to heavy damage in Miragoane. No business is being conducted there. Plus, people on La Gonave are afraid to go by boat to Miragoane because they are afraid another earthquake might strike while they are out at sea. As a result, no food is arriving on La Gonave.
Fr. Roosevelt has no more bottled water so is boiling rain water to drink. The people on La Gonave are becoming very nervous about the food situation. All the food in Miragoane arrives from Port-au-Prince. Right now, nothing is leaving the capital except for people looking for medical care that they cannnot get in Port-au-Prince. People are traveling to Montrouis which is north of Port-au-Prince and going by boat to the northern part of La gonave to get medical care at the hospital there.
Gasoline is now $100 Haitian (over $12 U.S.)!
While we were talking to Fr. Roosevelt, he was able to call his foster father, a priest in Leogane using his cell phone. Fr. Roosevelt's father said that my husband's (Claude's) aunt's hotel was still standing. The hotel next to it was destroyed but his aunt's is still standing. That was wonderful news.
Fr. Roosevelt's father has a parish in Leogane. The rectory there collapsed while his father was out in the yard doing some work. It collapsed right in front of his eyes.
When we were ending the conversation, I told Fr. Roosevelt to try to get some sleep. He said that when he puts his head down to sleep, he feels the bed moving. I told him I understand completely. After going through the earthquake in Guatemala, I had trouble sleeping for six months! I especially could not sleep on my back. For the first few weeks, I refused to sleep alone. I was 22-years old and insisted that my sister let me sleep on the bed with her!
That's all for now. Thank you for your email messages and all the prayers. We definitely appreciate them.
Mary
1.13.2010
Haiti Update
Our American Airlines flight, scheduled for this Friday, has been cancelled. It appears that our next trip may be scheduled for March. We are saddened to not be with our friends at this time and are hoping to make contact with them within the next couple of days. It seems that all communication is down and we were unable to speak with anyone today. Our friends on the island of LaGonave are safe but they do not know about family members on the mainland.
On Tuesday evening we received a call from Pastor Agones on LaGonave, who was concerned to know if the earthquake had caused any damage to Long Island. His fiancee lives in Port-au-Prince and as of last nite he had not heard from her.
We are advising people to make contributions to organizations they know are trustworthy. You are still welcome to make a contribution through our church and we will wire the funds to our partners in Haiti. Checks may be made out to "MPC" and marked for Haiti. Our mailing address is Mattituck Presbyterian Church, PO BOX 1411, Mattituck NY 11952.
I would like to say thank you to everyone who has expressed their concerns, their grief, and their hope for the people of Haiti through phone calls, donations, tears, and most of all, their prayers. Please pray for the rescue teams, Haitian and international.
As you have done it for the least of these, you have done it unto me. - Jesus
Updates will be posted here as we learn more.
On Tuesday evening we received a call from Pastor Agones on LaGonave, who was concerned to know if the earthquake had caused any damage to Long Island. His fiancee lives in Port-au-Prince and as of last nite he had not heard from her.
We are advising people to make contributions to organizations they know are trustworthy. You are still welcome to make a contribution through our church and we will wire the funds to our partners in Haiti. Checks may be made out to "MPC" and marked for Haiti. Our mailing address is Mattituck Presbyterian Church, PO BOX 1411, Mattituck NY 11952.
I would like to say thank you to everyone who has expressed their concerns, their grief, and their hope for the people of Haiti through phone calls, donations, tears, and most of all, their prayers. Please pray for the rescue teams, Haitian and international.
As you have done it for the least of these, you have done it unto me. - Jesus
Updates will be posted here as we learn more.
Prayer for Haiti and Donations
We know that many of you have been glued to the television and other media for news of Haiti. We are prayerful and hopeful for the people caught in the tragedy of this earthquake. We’ve been in touch with our friends there and continue to be in constant contact with them today.
At this point we are not sure about the status of our flight on Friday morning. We are hopeful that we will go as it is especially important to be with our friends now. Structural damage on LaGonave has been light and we are not aware of any casualties on the island. We have several friends and contacts in Port-au-Prince and many on LaGonave who have friends and family in Port-au-Prince. Some have not been heard from as of this time.
We would like to invite you to join us in the sanctuary from 5:30 to 6:00 pm today to pray.
If any of you would like to make a donation, you may bring cash or make your checks out to MPC and mark them “Haiti”. We will wire the funds to Haiti so that they are available to us when we get there to be used for specific needs related to the earthquake.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor George
At this point we are not sure about the status of our flight on Friday morning. We are hopeful that we will go as it is especially important to be with our friends now. Structural damage on LaGonave has been light and we are not aware of any casualties on the island. We have several friends and contacts in Port-au-Prince and many on LaGonave who have friends and family in Port-au-Prince. Some have not been heard from as of this time.
We would like to invite you to join us in the sanctuary from 5:30 to 6:00 pm today to pray.
If any of you would like to make a donation, you may bring cash or make your checks out to MPC and mark them “Haiti”. We will wire the funds to Haiti so that they are available to us when we get there to be used for specific needs related to the earthquake.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor George
Haiti
I know that, in the afermath of yesterday's earthquake, many of you are concerned with what is happening in Haiti and with our planned trip (thank you for your calls). We have been in touch with Ernst and Agones and know that there is not much damage on LaGonave. We will keep you informed as we hear more. At this point we are still planning to leave on Friday morning. Please keep our friends and the nation of Haiti uppermost in your prayers.
Sainthood
Word has it that Pope Benedict XXI is considering official sainthood for John Paul II and Pius The XII. Now, the Roman Catholic church cannot "make" a saint; they cannot confer the status of saint. They can only recognize those whom they believe to be people of that classification. So I nominate my neighbor, Bernie. (Well, at least he should be nominated for Neighbor Of The Year.) Following the ferocious pre-Christmas snowstorm, Bernie cleared my entire driveway and sidewalk with his snowblower.
Let’s be clear. According to the Bible, ANYONE who professes faith in Jesus Christ and desires to follow him, is a SAINT. Followers of Christ are termed saints. I like that. St. George. Maybe after my name, instead of degree letters, I should write "St.". Perhaps on my business cards, instead of Rev., it should read "St."
Now, not all saints are as virtuous as they could be. (I know that there are days in my life that I wouldn’t want anyone to know I am a saint.)Nevertheless, they are still a holy people, called to be holy by God’s will.
Saints are not perfect. Yet they are separated because of their relationship to God. So, even on our worst days, we are still saints.
Sincerely in Christ,
George
Let’s be clear. According to the Bible, ANYONE who professes faith in Jesus Christ and desires to follow him, is a SAINT. Followers of Christ are termed saints. I like that. St. George. Maybe after my name, instead of degree letters, I should write "St.". Perhaps on my business cards, instead of Rev., it should read "St."
Now, not all saints are as virtuous as they could be. (I know that there are days in my life that I wouldn’t want anyone to know I am a saint.)Nevertheless, they are still a holy people, called to be holy by God’s will.
Saints are not perfect. Yet they are separated because of their relationship to God. So, even on our worst days, we are still saints.
Sincerely in Christ,
George
1.06.2010
Humbled
So at the end of December I made my first visit to the VA clinic. I don’t think you can appreciate how humbling an experience it was. (You can read the “rest of the story” a little further on.) As I arrived at the clinic I realized that I’d forgotten all my paperwork. I’m uptight about going there in the first place and now I’m stressed that I left my papers at home. So when I go in for my check-up my blood pressure is 135/92. It’s usually 125/72. Thankfully, Gigi faxed my papers after I called her - from the VA’s phone because my cell phone had died (but that’s another story). Anyway, the rest of the story…
I'd never had the nerve to ask the VA for help. When I thought of all the folks more deserving than I, I was reluctant to even fill out the paperwork. See, I was a cadet at the US Coast Guard Academy for one year, 1967-68. Due to an injury incurred there, and because being a cadet is considered “active duty”, I received an honorable discharge, DD214 papers and all. (The enemy would have to be landing at Horton’s Point for the cadets to be called into service.) And what exactly would my headstone at Calverton Cemetery read? Cadet Georgie?
Anyway, I’m at the VA Clinic and the folks, who are so nice by the way, are asking me questions.
“In what war era did you serve?”
“Oh, Vietnam.”
“How long?”
“One year.”
“Overseas or stateside?”
“Uh, stateside.” [does my voyage to Wilmington, NC on “The Eagle” count?]
“Ever wounded?”
"Um, nope." [unless you count the “Dear John” letter I got while I was at the Academy]
And so it went. My blood pressure never did come down.
I was embarrassed to be treated so well. All the while I’m thinking, I don’t deserve this. But a friend told me I was legitimately eligible and she worked out all the details for me. Still, I was humbled to be brought into the presence of my government to receive help.
And I got to thinking. I wish I felt so humbled and awed at the thought of being in God’s presence. The Almighty Sovereign King has, by his grace, told me I belong. I am eligible for all his benefits. And what did I do to deserve such kindness? Nothing. A Friend brought me there.
How do we get to God? Jesus takes us into his presence. There we are, humbled and loved at the same time. Awed and yet at peace.
Please, let us not take God’s goodness and grace for granted.
[By the way, thank you, Debbie.]
Sincerely in Christ,
George
I'd never had the nerve to ask the VA for help. When I thought of all the folks more deserving than I, I was reluctant to even fill out the paperwork. See, I was a cadet at the US Coast Guard Academy for one year, 1967-68. Due to an injury incurred there, and because being a cadet is considered “active duty”, I received an honorable discharge, DD214 papers and all. (The enemy would have to be landing at Horton’s Point for the cadets to be called into service.) And what exactly would my headstone at Calverton Cemetery read? Cadet Georgie?
Anyway, I’m at the VA Clinic and the folks, who are so nice by the way, are asking me questions.
“In what war era did you serve?”
“Oh, Vietnam.”
“How long?”
“One year.”
“Overseas or stateside?”
“Uh, stateside.” [does my voyage to Wilmington, NC on “The Eagle” count?]
“Ever wounded?”
"Um, nope." [unless you count the “Dear John” letter I got while I was at the Academy]
And so it went. My blood pressure never did come down.
I was embarrassed to be treated so well. All the while I’m thinking, I don’t deserve this. But a friend told me I was legitimately eligible and she worked out all the details for me. Still, I was humbled to be brought into the presence of my government to receive help.
And I got to thinking. I wish I felt so humbled and awed at the thought of being in God’s presence. The Almighty Sovereign King has, by his grace, told me I belong. I am eligible for all his benefits. And what did I do to deserve such kindness? Nothing. A Friend brought me there.
How do we get to God? Jesus takes us into his presence. There we are, humbled and loved at the same time. Awed and yet at peace.
Please, let us not take God’s goodness and grace for granted.
[By the way, thank you, Debbie.]
Sincerely in Christ,
George
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)