Don’t Be Caught With Your Hands Down

It has been so incredible to gather in person on Sunday mornings again. I know some of you may be saying, “What? When did that happen?” Well, it happened four weeks ago. As our main teaching and worship service continues online, we have also opened the sanctuary for worship and prayer at 8, 9:30, and 11am. We are adhering to guidelines to keep everyone safe, but we are also really enjoying the corporate worship and the power of prayer. 

We have been calling the Sunday morning gathering our “worship and prayer attack service”. We have used as an example the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur on the mountainside, lifting their hands to help turn the tide of the battle (Exodus 17). It seems clear that there is a battle raging in our society—and the divisions, anger, and guilt driving that battle are trying to seep their way into the Church. This prayer and worship service is our statement that we do not want to be caught with our hands down.

Jay and his team have been leading us so well as we engage in spiritual warfare. We have been interceding on behalf of our families, our church, our city, our nation, our world, and our children. We have put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Each Sunday I have entered these worship times with a real sense of heaviness and weakness, but each Sunday Jesus has faithfully met me there. By the time the services have ended, I have received words from Jesus to guide me into green pastures and still waters.

Here are some of the words the Lord gave me last Sunday:

1. As Christians, we are spiritual beings trying to become more attuned to the spiritual world. Because of this, the turmoil or physical distress we are experiencing in life right now may be a result of that connection. Since the spiritual world is in battle mode, we need to get into battle mode. Right now our prayers should not be for us to get relief, but for God’s kingdom to advance. Take heart, the battle belongs to the Lord. In your weakness He is strong. Your prayers in this time of weakness make such a difference in our world. Only heaven will be able to reveal it, but Jesus sees it all right now.

1. Your dad is gone and you feel weak and exposed, but Your Father in heaven has already secured a perimeter around you. His shield and sword are at the ready and no weapon formed against you shall prosper. But that also means what hardship does reach you may be the discipline of a Father who knows how to make you into who you really long to be. And though you feel like you are being torn apart, you will not be overcome, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and His joy over you will never run out.

I hope these words can encourage you as you seek to endure well and even advance in this time of disruption. I also hope these words encourage you to join us for our prayer and worship attack on Sunday mornings. 

Peace to you and yours,

David

p.s. Click here to pre-register for the Worship & Prayer Service

And Their God Was So Proud of Them

Last Sunday we began something new at Living Streams Church. Though we continue to have our main worship and teaching time online, we opened the doors of the sanctuary for our first-ever, limited-capacity, social-distanced, face-masked, Sunday morning prayer and worship attack service! We held three of these services, each limited to fifty registered attendees. Those who came engaged in spiritual warfare, intercession, and worship on behalf of our church, the Church, our city, and our nation.

We opened the service pondering the story from Exodus 17: Moses, Aaron, and Hur were on a mountainside with Moses, making sure his hands were raised as Joshua led the Israelites in battle down in the valley. In the same way, we wanted to make sure we were doing our part to fight off the divisive battle raging in our society, trying to infiltrate the Church. Jay and his team led us into the fray with songs of praise, along with Psalm 2 and Psalm 73.

It was a wonderful time and it felt so apropos. I had the privilege of participating in all three services. Jesus spoke to me differently in all three, and compelled me to pray somewhat differently in all three.

At the end of the second service, as songs were being sung, I was still and quiet. In that space I saw a vision in my mind. It stirred me, and I could feel some of God’s emotion as He was showing me the vision. I was stirred and tears welled up.

(Now I know the danger and unreliability that visions in our head can have. And I know that reliance on visions alone can bring about great destruction. I am always careful to submit the visions that I sense God is giving me to the authority of the Scriptures. I hope you do the same.)

That being written, I believe the vision is in line with Scripture, and that it is for our church. I pray that it communicates God’s heart for us. Here is the vision:

I saw a long shoreline as far as the eye could see. A storm was raging on the sea, pummeling the shoreline with wind and waves. Then, I saw men and women spread out, walking one by one into the water, up to their knees, with faces set like flint. They were praying and worshipping in defiance of the storm. The wind whipped through their clothes and hair, and the waves crashed against them, causing some to stagger from time to time. Yet they knew they were there to keep the storm from making it to shore. As time passed, I saw some of them get knocked down and then they walked away. But those who stayed did not flinch and did not judge—they just continued to stand their ground. And their God was so proud of them!

The message to me, and to our church, was: You are not alone and the strain you feel is a battle that God wants you to fight.

God wants us to stand against the evil of our day. As 2 Corinthians says in the Message translation. “We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.”

Let’s keep praying.

And if you would like to register for one of the Sunday morning prayer and worship attack services, you can do so here: https://www.livingstreams.org/special-event
Registration will open each week at 8pm on Wednesday night for the subsequent Sunday morning. 

God bless you and yours,

David

150 Days and Counting

Though I know the flood of Genesis 7 and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 are vastly different in scale, violence and intensity, I do keep finding my quarantined self thinking about Noah and his family on the ark.

Everyone knows it rained for 40 days and nights while Noah and his family were on the ark. However, many don’t know that the waters continued to rise for 150 days while Noah and his family were still on the boat. Then, after 150 days of rising waters, the waters receded for another 150 days or so. At this point, Noah started sending out some birds to see if it was safe to get out of the boat. This took another 50 days or so. Altogether, Noah and his family were on the boat just over 350 days. Yikes!

Now, I am not saying the COVID-19 virus will kill everyone except for one family. I am not saying our next Sunday morning in-person and on-campus gathering will be next summer. But I do think there are a few similarities between the flood and this pandemic. Just like the flood waters rose for 150 days, we are nearing 150 days of seeing the community spread cause the number of COVID-19 cases to continue rising.

I know many of us are trying some small things, like Noah sending out birds, to see if it is safe to go forward. So far the birds are coming back, indicating the need for caution and patience. Also, just like Noah and his family must have started to lose their minds in the process, I know many of us are losing it, as well.

With that being written, here is my encouragement to you and yours:

Just as in Noah’s day, God is in control.

Just as in Noah’s day, God is wiling and able to keep the ones to whom His favor is upon safe and sound.

Just as Noah, you and I have the favor of God on us. We have God’s favor on us because of what Jesus has done for us.

And just as in Noah’s day, this too shall pass! 

So, hang in there, my friends. Make the most of this unique time we are in:

Lean into God’s call to be bold in humility and generosity during this time.

Take ownership of your own spiritual formation.

Take seriously your role in the spiritual formation of those God has given you, and those God has asked you to give yourself to.

Above all, don’t forget to pray. Prayer always changes the one praying, as well as the world the one is praying in.

David

p.s. To the Living Streams Family: Please don’t miss our first ever online congregational meeting tonight (July 9) at 6:30pm. Watch the livestream on our website, Facebook or YouTube.

Questions and Answers

First, a little journalism for you: 

On Monday, June 29, Governor Ducey and his COVID-19 task force held a press conference. Ducey stated that, in the face of COVID-19, his top priority is to “minimize gatherings and congregating.” He said, “Arizonans, by and large, have been terrific, fantastic, and responsible” regarding the recommendations given by his task force. “Yet,” he went on to say, “we have found some situations and categories where we need to take more aggressive actions.” He then explained his new executive order to pause the operations of bars, gyms, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing for the next thirty days. 

For the next forty minutes the governor’s task force made it clear—by sharing facts and their professional perspectives—that Arizonans are safest at home, that we need to be responsible, and that social distancing and face masks have made a difference in minimizing the spread of COVID-19. 

After the talk, Ducey opened the floor for reporters to ask questions. To my joy and surprise, the very first question asked was, “Does the executive order’s recommendation that public gatherings be limited to fifty or less apply to religious gatherings or churches?” (Couldn’t have asked it better myself!) Ducey’s response was that the executive order was written specifically for public gatherings and for places of business. When pressed further on the question of whether it applied to church gatherings or political rallies, Ducey said, “The Constitution remains the supreme law of the land in Arizona.” 

Now, for the questions that are bouncing around in my brain:  

• What does Jesus want us at Living Streams to do?  

• How important is an on-campus and in-person Sunday morning gathering at Living Streams Church?  

• Can we execute a meaningful in-person gathering while maintaining a limited capacity, social distancing, face masks, and the safety of congregants?  

• What does our staff think we should do?  

• What do our elders think we should do?  

• What strategy would best strengthen and unite our church family for the rest of this year as we face divisions from COVID-19, racism, politics, and the all the other challenges that sin’s dark shadow casts upon us? 

Here is my answer to those questions. Are you ready for it? Are you prepared to be so impressed with the wisdom and clarity I am about to drop on you? Are you sitting down? Have you gathered your family around for this epic moment? Do you have pen and paper ready? 

I don’t have an answer.  

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the top two definitions of the word “answer” are (1) “a reaction to a question" and (2) “a solution to a problem.” So, if you are looking for an answer that is “a solution to the problem,” I have nothing. If you are looking for my reaction to those questions, I do have this: 

This week I asked Jesus to tell me what He wants me to do, and I believe He responded with, “I don’t want to tell you what to do. I want to see what you are going to do.” (That threw me off a bit!)  

Strangely enough, I think that was exactly what I needed to hear. It freed me from worrying so much about being imperfect or making a wrong decision. It made me want to try some stuff and be bold and generous. In some ways we all know what Jesus wants us to do. He wants us to put God above everything, and to love others more than ourselves. He wants us to do something that requires faith when we are afraid. He wants us to do something generous when we are feeling greedy. He wants us to be a unifying force in the face of harmful division, taking up a fight against injustice. 

With that in mind, I started thinking that we should open up our campus for the homeless in Sunnyslope during the month of July. I thought we should get something going for kids during the first two weeks of August, since their return to school has been delayed. We should plan a job fair at the end of August, since people are losing their jobs and the increased unemployment money is scheduled to end soon.  

I would love to hear what faith-filled, generous, uniting, and injustice-fighting ideas you have right now. I would love to know how Living Streams can come alongside you and your idea and help bring it to pass. So please send me some of your ideas.  

Jesus is watching us with joyful anticipation of what we are going to do. 

God bless, 

David 

p.s. We are having an all-church online congregational meeting next Thursday. Our direction team will be sharing plans and vision for the rest of this year, and you will have the opportunity to submit your questions. Please make it a priority to join us Thursday, July 9, 6:30pm at livingstreams.org/live.  

A Moment to Unwind

What do you do when your summer travel plans get canceled, and then your backup plans get canceled as well? I don’t know what you do, but me and my Stockton five, we quarantine ourselves in our big van and head north. 

We didn’t have a detailed game plan. We just wanted to get out of the heat and get a change of scenery. We saw the bridges and sea lions of San Francisco. It was fun to see my girls so nervous as they stood in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge and look down to the water.

We spent time in southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, visiting my old houses, my high school, and my parents’ gravesite. It was the first time I was able to introduce my daughters to my parents and my parents to my daughters. The emotion was overwhelming. It was a mixture of thankfulness for the parents I had and heart-wrenching grief that my girls did not get to know them.

From there we went to the Oregon coast. One moment we were playing on the hot beach as if we were back in Belize, and the next moment it was all fog, wind and mist. Then, we visited one of my all-time best friends in Portland, Oregon. I enjoyed seeing my wife and his wife connect, and my kids and his kids hang together.

After that we swam in the frigid water of Lake Tahoe. The water was clear and cold, and the horseback ride and sunset were joyful and warm.

Finally we celebrated my nine-year-old’s birthday in Vegas. Vegas is a strange place, but all the lights and liveliness made it fun for Eva.

There were a million moments to unwind our stressed-out souls. It only took three days for the grip of Phoenix’s worries and demands to feel light and distant. Out there, away from all the noise of the news and social media, I remembered how peaceful and pleasant this world can be.

I am very thankful for our time away, and I am grateful for the privilege of vacation time from work and the ability to afford it. I felt unsure about the timing because of all of the uncertainty with COVID-19. But, at the beginning of this year the Lord told me 2020 would be a year to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. It seems to me the disruption we are living in is not going to be over soon. This shaking God has allowed, and has purpose in, will continue until He sees the humble hearts He is looking for. 

I really hope you and yours are doing well. I miss being together and I struggle feeling disconnected as a church family. Our team is constantly thinking about what we can do to minister well to our church family and the world around us. Some weeks we feel like we did well, and some weeks we throw our hands up and hope God can use the little loaves and fish we have to offer. 

My brothers and sisters, may God grant you strength to endure and may He grant you peaceful moments.

David

All We Ever Need

The last couple weeks have stirred up a lot of feelings. I was filled to the brim with the uncertainty and unrest that COVID-19 has brought about. I was deeply stirred with indignation over the horrible murder of George Floyd by someone who abused the special authority given to police officers. And then I walked into our church’s sanctuary on Central and Glendale and joined with 246 other people to worship Jesus in the beauty of his holiness. There I found shalom. Like King David wrote:

“When I tried to understand it all, I just couldn’t. It was too puzzling—too much of a riddle to me. But then one day I was brought into the sanctuaries of God, and in the light of His glory, my distorted perspective vanished. Psalm 73:16-17 (TPT)

All of the pain, frustration, and dissonance we feel deep in our souls is actually a deep longing for the reign of Christ. If you take away the political rhetoric, it is easy to see that the system that shaped so much of the good we experience in America also produced structures that have led to real injustice and complex systematic problems. The truth is that no human system—and most human effort—is flawed and mingled with sin. It is only Christ who rules and reigns with beauty, goodness and righteousness. In Him there is no guile. When He reigns there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain.  

Now back to the worship night. During the worship service I experienced a powerful moment when we were singing a song called “The Blessing.” At the end of the song these lyrics are repeated over and over as if to overcome all the feelings of hurt, shame and fear rooted deep in our souls: 

May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
Your family and your children
And their children and their children.
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you

As we sang, my heart warmed, thinking of all the goodness I’ve experienced from the Lord in my life. And then, something shifted in my heart and mind. I started to focus my attention on the black community, whose pain has come to the forefront. I continued to sing as if everyone in the black community could hear me. I was asking the Lord to put His blessing and favor on them and their children. I could feel a bit of the overwhelming love God has for His black sons and daughters.  

Then, right in the middle of that, a picture of the offending police officers’ families came to mind. I sensed that the Lord wanted me to pronounce the blessing over them as well. That somehow the wives and children of those men would know that Jesus loves them, that He is for them and wants to lead them to green pastures and still waters. I sang as if my song could keep anger and shame from taking root in their broken hearts. I prayed for the peace of Christ to take root instead and rule their families for generations.  

My friends, please know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation. It the only hope/antidote for the world’s sadness and pain. Jesus’ blood can cleanse all of our sin. His Spirit can empower us to overcome sin. And His promised return will eradicate the stain of sin and our sinful nature forevermore. So let’s get out there and sacrificially love one another well.  

All we ever need is more Jesus.

David

What Can Be Done?

I really believe it’s the Church’s job to lead people back to each other.

In this time of COVID-19 quarantine we have experienced intense separation due to biological realities. These months of social distancing and the lingering uncertainty make it seem scary to try to get back together. Yet, our governmental and health care leaders have given the “go ahead” for churches like ours to start gathering—with certain recommendations.

So Living Streams Church will be resuming our Sunday morning in-person services on June 28th. We will communicate more details soon, but I wanted to let you know so you can set the date. We are very excited about this and, at the same time, we know there are some who will not be excited about this. If you are not excited about this, no worries at all. We will also continue to live stream our services.

Another way we can apply the phrase, “It’s the Church’s job to lead people back to each other” is in the arena of racial reconciliation. The horrific death of George Floyd has reignited a longstanding powder keg of racial unrest. The injustices our African American brothers and sisters have endured over many years have left a wound that is not easily healed. For many African Americans the pain is real and the anger is justified. So what can be done? 

Paul the Apostle, who was himself familiar with racial injustice and inequality, wrote a lot about what we can do. In his day the Jews and Gentiles, or Jews and Romans, were at odds. He wrote a letter which was inspired by the Spirit of God to the church at Corinth which says this:

“Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own. Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. –2 Corinthians 5:14-19 MSG

God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. If your gospel does not include racial reconciliation it is not the gospel of Jesus Christ put forth by the New Testament. Jesus’ desire is expressed through His prayer in John 17. He prayed that everyone would become one, no matter their gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, or physical condition. He loves it when brothers and sisters of all diversities dwell together in unity. 

We must never forget that sin is what has brought about all the evils in our world today, including racism. But we also must never forget that nothing else but Jesus’ blood can cleanse us of our sin. Nothing else but Jesus’ Spirit can empower us to overcome our sinful nature. And nothing else but Jesus’ return will bring about the full eradication of sin and the sinful nature forevermore. Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him there is no other. Jesus is the way.

We have a lot of work to do to lead people back to each other. We have a lot of listening to do. We have a lot to learn about each other. We need to invite people who don’t look like us or think like us into our homes and venture into theirs. Let us eat together at the table of brotherhood. We have a lot of pride to swallow and humility to put forth. But Church, Jesus has given us all we need to accomplish the ministry of reconciliation. Led by His Sprit let’s do our part.

David

P.S. Don’t forget the work we have ahead of us leading Democrats and Republicans back to each other as well. Lord, have mercy! 

Endurance and Perseverance

The music of my childhood was the music of my parents. My dad loved goofy 60’s music like “G.T.O.” by Rohnny and the Daytonas. My mom bounced back and forth between Les Miserable and Country. Though I was not a big fan of the way country music sounded at first, I was amazed at how good country music was at describing disappointment. One song that describes the emotions of a break-up is “The Race Is On” by Sawyer Brown. Here is what it says, 

                Well, the race is on
                And here comes pride up the backstretch
                Heartaches are goin' to the inside
                My tears are holdin' back
                They're tryin' not to fall
                My heart's out of the runnin'
                True love's scratched for another's sake
                The race is on and it looks like heartache
                And the winner loses all

During this COVID-19 quarantine season there has been a race of different emotions taking place. There was fear and uncertainty leading the way. Soon after that, faith and even some excitement made it to the front. After about a month in, frustration and fatigue overcame all excitement and really challenged faith. At this point it seems like weariness and impatience are beating out faith, hope, and love. And it is hard to see some of the ugly things showing up in our country as well as in our own souls. 

What I am praying for these days is patient endurance and joyful perseverance. Wikidiff.com defines endurance as “the measure of a person's stamina or persistence in difficulty”; and perseverance as “continuing in a course of action without regard to discouragement, opposition or previous failure”.

The course of action we are called to is to follow Jesus and help others follow Jesus as well. In the face of COVID-19’s prolonged disruption we need to see Jesus, rely on Jesus, and trust Jesus. He alone can help us stay on track even though our emotions are running wild. He alone has persevered through life without sin. He alone endured the cross and the wrath of God with the joy of the Lord as His strength. 

If you would like a Biblical road map for dealing with disappointment, Hebrews 12 gives us the instructions we need to live with endurance and perseverance  Here is what it says:

Throw off the sin and weight that entangles. Keep running. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Don’t forget to encourage your own heart by reminding it that God is your Father. He will not only give you the strength to endure, but He will also use the challenge to make you pure.

Peace to you and yours, 

David

P.S. I am happy to tell you that, while we are giving ourselves to meeting in our homes for our Sunday mornings through Father’s Day, we are doing some regathering at the church. We have had a men’s breakfast and our 3rd -5th grade group gathered together. It was wonderful, even though we “social distanced” and took temperatures. Next week we have a pre-registered Worship NIght planned for June 5th with the same social distancing and taking of temperatures. It didn’t take long for all the spots to be filled up. Woohoo! Jesus be with us and lead us back to one another. 

Tagged: evangelism, gospel, good news, love, love your neighbor

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Our Calling

Our Calling

Many people are asking what I think the church should do in light of all the Covid-19 questions and re-opening questions. I know the main reason they are asking is because they care about the church. We are a church family and there is a beautiful covenantal bond that takes place when people commit to worship Jesus together and journey life’s challenges alongside each other. I am honored and privileged to have a front row seat to watch all of you apply your faith to this unprecedented time of disruption. I am thrilled to hear about the generosity and courage you have displayed in a season where it's easy to succumb to fear.  
 
Now, after all these weeks there is a sense of weariness setting in. It would be easy for us to become frustrated or apathetic. But as I set my mind to pray about what the church should do right now, the word evangelism continues to come to mind. I really believe this is what our God desires from us right now. The more I study evangelism, the more I become convinced that God always desires us to do the work of evangelism.

So, what is the work of evangelism? Simply put, evangelism is telling others the good news about Jesus. 
 
To the broken heart, the evangelist communicates the good news that, “God is near to the broken hearted”; and “if you wait on the Lord and be of good courage, God will strengthen your heart.”

To the anxious mind, the evangelist communicates the good news that, “God will keep those who trust in Him in perfect peace”; and “God’s peace is not limited to our understanding, it surpasses our understanding.”

To the sinful addict, the evangelist communicates the good news that, “the promise of God is to forgive your sins and give you His Spirit, no matter how far off you feel”; and “whoever comes to Jesus will be received.”

To the soul gripped with depression, the evangelist communicates the good news that, “God loves to turn our sorrow into dancing and our ashes into something beautiful.”
 
I know the word evangelist stirs up lots of different thoughts and emotions. Some think of tele-evangelists and their hair and flare. Some think of street-corner evangelists with their doom and gloom. Some think of the hippie days of the Jesus movement. And others think of the one and only Billy Graham.

Over the years evangelism has been done well and it's been done poorly. There has been great good and there has been harmful offense. But even when evangelism is done very well, there is always some offense. No one likes to hear they are a sinner who has added to the pain and problems in this world. No one likes to be told they need to surrender control of their life. No one enjoys admitting they need to change. Yet, when the good news about Jesus is shared with true compassion and consideration, there is a sweetness that can overcome the offense. 
 
All Christians are called to do the work of an evangelist. Yes, that means you and me also. Jesus reconciled us to Himself so we could help others be reconciled to Him.

From the very beginning Jesus said to His disciples, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” Then, just before Jesus left His disciples for the last time, He asked them to go into all the world and make more followers of Jesus. He wanted them to teach others all they had learned from Him. From that day on every follower of Christ has had the same commission from Jesus. Yes, that means you and me also. 
 
There is one who has walked the tight rope of evangelistic offense and sweetness for many years. His name is Ravi Zacharias. I so appreciated his voice in my life. I learned so much about the veracity of Jesus’ life and message, the historicity of the Bible, and the immensely solid, intellectual ground the Christian faith enjoys. Though his passing on March 19 brings a moment of pause and sadness, his life and message inspires me to run with the good news with greater urgency and understanding. 
 
David

My Friends...

The human capacity for emotions is so fascinating. Emotions are potent, substantive things. Fear, hate, love, joy are powerful. But what is so fascinating to me is how we can feel strong, opposing emotions at the same time.

On the one hand I am feeling overjoyed at the moves our city is taking to reopen society.

On the other hand I am grieved because I woke up yesterday to a text from a friend. He said he received an email from me about needing gift cards for a woman in need. I did not send the email. It was a scam. The email he received was convincing, with my photo and a pastoral-type appeal for gift cards.  

On the one hand my family has had some wonderful, slow-paced, heart-warming, country-song-type times together.

Then on the other hand, we have driven each other crazy at times. 

Then, out there in the big world we have seen things like Some Good News with John Krasinski showing how praiseworthy the human spirit can be.

Then, on the other hand we grieved with Ahmaud Arbery’s family as they were unable to celebrate his 26th birthday because he was killed in a most troubling way. While digesting that grievous story I wrote this:

Once again the wound is opened 
One again blood spills out
Once again fear and sorrow show up
Once again we drink the bitter cup 

Should we scream and shout
Should we weep out loud
Should we try and reach out

A little over two miles
Such a winning smile 
I hope he knew He was God’s child
I hope we learn everyone is God’s child 

While my emotions come and go, and sometimes overwhelm me, I am so thankful for the robust words of the Bible that can cut through all the confusion to guide us through life’s tempests. Just like life, the Bible is filled with both lament and rejoicing, heroic joy, and shattering heartache. 

Here are a couple of verses worth chewing on, if you find yourself getting weary or losing your bearings.  

Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone. –Lamentations 3:31-33

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family… Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. –1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

God be with you and give you peace in your perseverance. 

David

Questions, Questions and More Questions. (When Will We ReOpen the Church?)

Today’s big question is: When will we reopen?

Yes. That’s a big question. And there are many other questions still unanswered in our minds: How many will be infected with the Corona virus? How many will die? How many have already had it? Will it come back in the fall?

Those questions give birth to more questions, such as: Is social distancing the best way to fight the virus? What about vaccines? Antibodies? How does our desert summer heat affect the virus?  

While those questions still hang thick in the air, we have additional questions about the economic and psychological impact, such as: How long will I be furloughed? Will I lose my job? When will unemployment pay be reduced? What are the long-term effects of isolation? Will these feelings of depression and anxiety ever go away? Will my marriage survive this? Am I an alcoholic? 

My pastor’s heart has me asking questions, such as: Will our church shine brightly in this time? Will people take responsibility for their own spiritual formation and for the ones God has given them? Will we come back together with great stories to share of Jesus’ exploits? Will we come back stronger or weaker? Will we come back bringing others who did not follow Jesus before this? Or will we shrink back because of fear and lethargy?

All these questions indicate the intensity of our uncertainty. We privileged Americans have been accustomed to a certain level of certainty that many in the world have not had. It is wonderful to have the certainty of resources and freedom, but when that certainty is taken away, who do we become? My prayer is that, through all this, we would learn to draw our certainty from the Lord, instead of all the facades and escapes this world has to offer.

Now for the question of
when we will reopen the church:

1. We have never closed the church—just the building. Not to be cheeky, but the church has never and will never be closed. So far, we keep hearing stories from so many of you about how you’re staying connected and taking ownership of your own spiritual formation.

2. We will reopen the building for smaller gatherings as soon as we get clearance. We will continue to listen to the Holy Spirit and to the government and health care professionals’ recommendations. 

3. We believe a phased approach between now and full re-gathering for Sunday services is the best way forward. 

4. We have an in-between plan called “Home But Not Alone”, and it will take us through Father’s Day.

5. We want our re-gathering to be a time of celebration and not a time of division. 

Here is the “Home But Not Alone” phase,
broken down into some simple steps:

1. Just as the first church grew, formed, and strengthened by meeting from house to house, we feel God leading us into a season of growing, forming, and strengthening by meeting from house to house. (I dare you to read Acts 2:42-47 in the NASB and try not to get pumped up.)

2. Between now and Sunday, May 24, we would like you to invite some friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, and people in your Life Group over to your house for a Sunday service. Remember to include people who don’t know Jesus, as the Lord leads you.

3. On Saturday night, May 23, take some time to pray and set up your living room to be an inviting sanctuary. And remember, doughnuts make everyone happy.

4. Then, on Sunday, May 24, sit back and join the live stream of Living Streams Sunday service with your group, and see what the Spirit of God will do. 

And now for a little pep talk as we phase into this:

I know this might sound a little scary. I know many of us have settled into the comforts of live-streaming at home in our pajamas. But Jesus did not redeem us to make us comfortable. He redeemed us so we could be useful.

Please step up, Living Streams. Please accept the call upon your life to be a part of the royal priesthood. Please participate in this opportunity to put God’s glory on display, to be courageous, and to engage in society’s pain. Please be wise, reasonable and safe as you go about this. But please go about this.

Please open your home or support someone else who is opening their home. Please overcome the discomfort of cleaning, dusting and hosting. Please put the pajamas away and join other people for church. (Or just host a Sunday and tell everyone to wear their pajamas.)

We still want everyone who is considered vulnerable or at risk to stay quarantined according to governmental recommendations. We still want everyone who is sick in any way to stay home and protect the rest of us. We also want anyone who is uncomfortable with this to feel free to watch on your own until we can all get back together.

Ultimately, some of us may have to wait a bit longer than we want, and some of us may be asked to return a little sooner than we want. Jesus taught us not to just look to the interest of ourselves, but also to the interests of others.

And, finally, to us introverts, it has been fun being isolated, but let’s do this, because we know we are better together. 

I pray peace, joy and freedom for you all. May God bless you and bring us all together exactly as He sees fit.

David

If community at Living Streams is new for you click here and we will help you connect. 

More Time at Home

All right, my friends, it’s time to gear up for another fifteen days of staying at home. Governor Ducey announced yesterday that the stay-at-home plan has been extended through May 15 for Arizona. Oy vey.

I was not expecting the governor to give the "all clear" and reopen everything; but I was hoping for a little step in that direction. I was hoping some furloughed people could go back to work. I was hoping we could start doing some very small gatherings at church. I was hoping I could play basketball again. But, instead, we isolate and stay home awhile longer.

In the grand scheme of things, another couple of weeks is super small. And since I believe God is always at work and on the move, there must be something we have not found, or have not done yet. Maybe there is something to the reports about the nature part of our world getting some healing during this time. Maybe all the family time is doing some good work in us, even if it may be hard work. Maybe some of our idols are being found out and torn down. Maybe people are turning to Jesus in a special way. Or maybe God knew we all needed a break from the media’s incessant focus on the dirty laundry of our president and presidential hopefuls before we get closer to November’s election.

I know many at our church had an increase in anxiety when Covid-19 first showed up, but are now feeling an overall decrease in anxiety. The staying home restrictions have counteracted the stress brought on by our frantic, American pace of life. I have been intrigued and amazed at how people are facing major health issues, and income-loss realities, with faith, hope, and love.

I have heard it takes sixty-six days to form a habit. Sixty-six days of doing the same thing and reacting the same way to form new neural pathways in our brains. Maybe sixty-six days is what we need. And since most of us didn’t really settle into this quarantined way of life right away, we may need about seventy-five days, which will get us to June 1.

I am not saying that God caused all of this, but I do know He is sovereign over all of this. His will, purposes and desires are always at work and always bring about good.

So, if we are almost through this, halfway through this, or just getting started, remember to: 

• Resist greed, worry, and fear

• Be reconciled to God and neighbor

• Be radical with your generosity

This season calls for wisdom and prudence, and I believe God is also going to bring us opportunities for innovation and boldness. Look for those, and go for it—full of faith that God is in control and makes beautiful things out of ashes.

David

P.S. For the Living Streams Family, we will continue to do church exclusively online through May 15. Please continue to carve out devoted time on Sunday mornings to join us for our online service. And please continue to reach out to your pastors, life group leaders, and those God is putting on your heart.

Just Passing Through

One of my all time favorite songs from my all time favorite song writer who sings for one of my all time favorite bands says this…

Wish I had what I needed to be on my own
’Cause I feel so defeated and I'm feeling alone
And it all seems so helpless and I have no plans
I'm a plane in the sunset with nowhere to land

And all I see It could never make me happy
And all my sand castles spend their time collapsing
And I feel stuck watching history repeating
Yeah, who am I just a kid who knows he's needy

Let me know that You hear me
Let me know Your touch
Let me know that You love me
Let that be enough

(Switchfoot) 

Though the sentiment in this song rings true in most seasons of my life, it has resounded loud and clear during quarantine. We have no idea where we will land, and everywhere you look there is collapsing sand. 

Now, from this sentiment of discomfort, it would be easy to fall into nihilistic existentialism. But there is another way to go. The writers of the Bible consistently associated this sentiment with the concept of sojourning. We, the children of God, are just passing through. We are pilgrims headed for an unseen shore. We are citizens of heaven even though we live on earth. Without being melodramatic, Hebrews 11 describes Abraham as a hopeful stranger in a foreign land, looking for a city with eternal foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

The Bible writers do not despair in the face of discomfort. They actually find hope. For them, the heartache, confusion, and lack of fulfillment in this life becomes proof that the distant shore exists.

Deep within us there is a longing for home. A home where we truly belong. A home with the Father and Creator of everything. The unsettled longing was put there by God like a compass in our soul to lead us back home. Each time we groan under the weight of discomfort, we can rejoice knowing we are one step closer to home, one day closer to forever, and one breath closer to breathing in heaven’s abundant skies. 

Today, as you once again find yourself dissatisfied with yourself, your life, your society, and homeschool, look to the skies and reach your hands towards heaven and say:

Let me know that You hear me
Let me know Your touch
Let me know that You are near me
And let that be enough.

God bless you and help you turn your weariness into the wonder of what is to come. It is a good thing to long for the return of Christ. 

David

p.s. Living Streams family, we are staying alert to the news and, at the same time, making plans for our re-opening. We believe there will be a few phases between our current closure and full reopening, and we hope to make the most of it. Stay tuned for details.

Operation Ruth Bombs

Well, first a few lingering Easter thoughts, and then I will share a little quarantine family adventure with you. 

• I am the first pastor in Living Streams history to put up a goose egg for Easter attendance. Ha ha.

• I am so thankful Jesus came to give us the kind of life that death doesn’t end, but actually gives birth to. Alleluia!

• I am so excited Jesus promised to return again and restore everything, just as if sin damage had never happened. Hosanna!

• I am rejoicing that some people responded to the Easter message by saying “yes” to Jesus in their life. Woohoo!

Now, for a little quarantine adventure…

It was a normal quarantine day, filled with an easy, unhurried wake-up. Then, homeschool began and, before long, confusion set in and tempers flared. By lunch, Brit and I were a bit frayed from the juggling act of doing our jobs, bouncing between 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 8th grade lessons, and being cooped up for going on 744 hours now. We all recessed together with a family walk, a half-hour of reading, and Brit’s Music by the Decades lesson. Feeling somewhat refreshed, I went to my email inbox, which I could almost feel swelling by the second. I took the afternoon to try and get some good work done.

Then, in the evening, we huddled together for “Operation Ruth Bombs.” I had been excited about this idea for a few days. In one of our morning Bible times—also a lesson Brit has inserted into the homeschool routine—we read about Ruth. Ruth and Noami went through some hard things and found themselves in serious isolation and without resources. They lived in Israel, where God’s law decreed that all the field owners were not to harvest the edges of their property, in order to provide for the poor. 

As we discussed this story, we were inspired to find a way to provide for the less fortunate. So, I went to Trader Joe’s and bought four grocery bags of food items to give away. (I got a couple of dirty looks from Trader Joe’s people, but—“whatevs”.) Our plan was to take three bags to some friends who are in the low- or no-income category. For the other bag, we wanted to pray on the way and ask God to give us some clues as to who He wanted us to give it to. 

For the first five minutes of the car ride we were silent and wrote down anything we felt that Jesus brought to mind. Layah drew a picture of a yellow house with a white roof, a black car, and a palm tree. Evangeline drew a yellow house with a silver car. And Bella said she just kept seeing the color purple. Brit saw something about a carport garage. Armed with that, we set out with a little hope.

After we dropped off the three grocery bags to our friends, we drove around the neighborhood, looking for a house with some of the pictured items. We drove by a yellowish house with a silver and black car, but it happened so quickly we kept on driving. We also didn’t see purple, a palm tree, or a carport garage. After driving for another five minutes, we had not found another house with silver and black cars, so we drove back by the yellowish house. When we did, the garage door was open and it had it had no back wall, so it looked open, like a carport. We saw it had white trim on the roof facia. The lady standing in the garage was wearing bright purple gloves. And from where we parked, we could see a tall palm tree rising above the house from the back yard. 

We were all a little dumbfounded. I had prepared myself to ease my girls’ disappointment if these things didn’t show up. I have seen God work in this way before in both the Scriptures and my life. But I know sometimes it doesn’t work out so smoothly. This, however, was amazing. Brit and I were both amazed and grateful that God had seen fit to show off for our girls. Though my girls also thought it was cool, they were not as shocked as we were. Their child-like faith is such a great reminder to me to simply trust and obey!

I have no idea who the lady was, what her story is, or what that bag of groceries meant to her. But I know Jesus led us to her house at this time to let her know He loves her and will take care of her. And my girls and I got another reminder of God’s love, attention to our prayers, and faithfulness to guide us.

God bless you and yours,

David

p.s. In this time of isolation I would love to hear from you. Please share any stories of “Ruth Bomb” generosity you are giving or receiving.  Please also let me know how your experience with the church online has been—either good or bad.

April Showers Bring May...?

We have all heard "April showers bring May flowers." Right now the question is: What does a church quarantined for the month of April bring? My firm belief is that it will bring fields “ripe for harvest.”

Jesus told His disciples to open their eyes and see the fields that were ready to harvest. Let us make sure this is a month where the “priesthood of all believers” shows up strong. Let us make sure this month we reach out to a shaken world, knowing we have been equipped for every good work.  And let us make sure this is a month where we share our fear-conquering faith with those who are afraid. Please know there are few things that please Jesus more than when you tell others about Him. 
 
At the same time we focus in on the good works Jesus wants us to do this month, I want you to consider your pace of life. Right now our nation has slowed down quite a bit. In our anxiety and fear we can find ourselves getting wound up and overworked.

In stressful times, there is a tendency to become manic trying to protect ourselves or to get ahead. I don’t think this is the right response. As believers we should downshift a bit. We, as efficient-producer and incessant-consumer Americans, have long been in fifth gear, racing full steam ahead. It is hard for us to downshift, but I think it is the right response. Slow down enough to enjoy your family and friends. Slow down to make room for home school. Slow down to hear God’s still, small voice. Slow down enough to reach out to people who don’t know Jesus. Then, when the quarantine days end, we will be renewed and ready for what’s next. 
 
Two weeks ago we received the “15 Days to Stop the Spread” plan from our government officials. They have now extended it through April 30. In response, Living Streams is launching an April plan we’re calling “30 Days to Get Ready for the Harvest.”

Our plan consists of three different aspects. We want to help everyone:
Resist greed, worry, and fear;
help people be reconciled to God and each other; and
help our church get in position to be generous.

Here is how that breaks down and how you can join in:

Resist Greed, Worry, and Fear

• Live streaming Prayer & Worship (Mon.-Fri. 12pm-1pm) 

• Live streaming Worship Services (Sunday morning services 8:30, 10, 11:30am, & 6pm throughout April)

• Relational Connection Calls to Congregation (You can also call the church at 602-957-7500)

• Go Live Content to help in Quarantine (Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @livingstreamschurch)

• Mental Health Symposium / Panel (End of April) (Details to come)

Be Reconciled to God and Each Other

• Commit ourselves to evangelism

• Teach on “Sharing Your Faith” in our Sunday Services

• Gather Evangelists for a Zoom call to pray and plan (Let us know if that is you.)

• Have a gospel message and response after each live-streamed service

• Encourage our congregation to share teachings with non-believers

Get in Position to Be Generous

• Maintain and Expand our Food Pantry (Email us to volunteer)

• Daycare for Essential Needs Workers (Email us to volunteer)

• Expand Campus Use (Daycare Ministry, Hospital Beds, Hotspots for Homeless (Email us to volunteer)

• Pastor on Call 9am-3:30pm | Mon – Thurs)

• Assemble Benevolence Team to process needs (Click here to give)

• Wise Budgeting Practices (Click here to give)

• Connect people in need with those willing to help  (Click here for Need Connect)

If you are still reading this, thank you! 

The commitment of our Living Streams family has been awesome. I really miss being together in person with all of you. Gathering in tough times is one of our faith’s superpowers, and it does not feel good to have this separation.

Thank you also for all the online participation. We have seen our numbers skyrocket. We've had new online connections with people who do not normally go to church. We have also heard good responses from families enjoying church together in their homes. It is so good for us parents to step up and take responsibility for our family's faith! 
 
To finish, I want you to picture what it is going to be like when we can all be together again in person. We are going to have a serious party and celebrate with abandon. I pray the way we live in this month will cause people who don’t know Jesus to join us for the great party on the other side. And when I write other side, I mean both the great church party on the other side of this quarantine and the great church party on the other side of eternity. Jesus has been preparing that one for 2,000 years. 
 
Peace to you and yours,
 
David

Interpreting the Times

Another day, another check of the stats. Another day, another layer of disruption. Another day, another guess at what the right response is. Yet, at the same time, another day is another opportunity to hear the unshakeable voice of God.

Do you know what has been soothing my soul during this time of uncertainty? The rock solid, time-tested, pure and unchanging words of Jesus. I am so thankful for the writers of the New Testament who took the time to record Jesus’ life and words. Jesus’ words were spoken in a small-town context and written down on cheap non-durable parchment with low budget ink dyes. Yet, 2,000 years later, His words remain alive and powerful. They still cause our hearts to burn within us. They still set captives free. And they are still infused with absolute sovereignty and love. 

During this time of Covid-19 disruption, I I have been particularly gripped by Luke 12. The chapter opens with a crowd of many thousands aggressively gathering around Jesus. Instead of addressing the crowd, Jesus speaks in a soft voice that only His disciples can hear. I can see Him smiling at them and then, with some verve in His voice, He warns them against mankind’s propensity for greed, worry, and fear. (Not hard to see these today.) 

After this, Jesus stands tall and addresses the crowd with a loud voice. He challenges them by saying, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?”

Jesus was frustrated because His people were forgetting to ask what God was up to in the midst of the changes and disruptions in culture and climate.

Uh-oh. Are we interpreting this Covid-19 disruption with God in mind?

We who have entered into a relationship with the eternal God must always remember that God is at work in everything. We must never forget God uses the temporal world and the challenges we go through to produce in us something everlasting. In times of disruption, it is important to take stock of our own lives, to humble ourselves, and to make the adjustments God is directing us to make. 

It is easy to focus on all the problems of society or the toilet paper hoarders around us, and forget that God desires to perfect our individual faith. God cares for our temporal life, but He died on the cross to give us a life filled with the eternal weight of His glory.

The way we go about this is by resisting greed, worry, and fear in times of societal shaking. We humble ourselves by tearing down the idols of greed masked by security, worry masked by productivity, and fear masked as concern. We get reconciled with God through worshipful obedience. We become rich toward God through compassionate generosity to the powerless around us.

Then, no matter how long the storm may last, we will get to the other side, confident that our little lives brought glory to our great God. We will have provided for ourselves purses that will not wear out and treasure in heaven that will not run out.

Please know that your life has the potential to be so beautiful and significant through the lens of eternity. 

By His grace and for His glory,

David

p.s. This Sunday, again, our services will be live-stream only: livingstreams.org/live I will be preaching and we will also be taking communion together at the end. Remember to get some bread and wine or crackers and juice for you and your household.

Pools in the Desert

[For all our Covid-19 details and decisions please click here.]

All this rain in the desert and all the empty toilet paper shelves have got me thinking. 
 
First, the toilet paper:
For the vast majority of human history, and for much of the world’s population today, toilet paper is not a part of their lives. In fact, about 4 billion people in today’s world do not use toilet paper. This is over 70%. Toilet paper is expensive, wasteful, and does not work with the plumbing systems of many places. Water is the universal solvent. So, when Costco, Target, Walgreens, and the Dollar Store were all sold out of t.p., I started to think about how I can convince my girls that it is time for us to join the majority of the world. Instead, I ended up buying some toilet paper for like $1,000 dollars a roll at Whole Foods. At least these toilet paper rolls save energy, water, and trees. What?
 
Now for the rain:
For the vast majority of human history, and for much of the world’s population today, rain is a vitally important thing. Without rain the crops don’t grow. If the crops don’t grow there is not enough food. Without enough food, winter is a stressful, hungry season, if not worse. On the other hand, if there is an abundance of rain, there will be an abundance of crops, and winter is a worry-free and celebration-filled season. 
 
In the Bible, there are many verses that equate rain with the blessing and favor of God. Likewise, lack of rain can be a sign of God’s displeasure. Then, some Bible writers push the analogy further by speaking about rain in the desert. They say to take special note when you see pools in the desert, because it is a sign that God is taking special note of the dry and thirsty.
 
Today, as I look out my windows and see another day of Irish-type rain here in Phoenix, I can’t help but smile and believe that, in the midst of all our societal shaking right now, God is poised to demonstrate His abundant, powerful love to those who are dry and thirsty. 
 
In the midst of the panic, don’t forget that God is on the throne and He is a very present help in time of need. His blessings abound, even in times of disruption. 
 
Today, if you are thirsty and/or weak, come to the fountain and dip your heart in the streams of His love. Let your pain and your sorrow be washed away in the waves of His mercy.
 
Enjoy the rain. And good luck with the toilet paper,
 
David

A Response to Corona Virus (COVID-19)

As events progress, we will update our response to the Corona Virus (COVID-19). Please click here to check for new information.

Like so many of you, we have spent the last several days and weeks learning about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it is impacting our world. In times like this, we remember Jesus said we are to be “as wise as serpents and harmless as doves,” and we are also the salt and light of the earth.

During a time when there is much public fear and panic, we are given an opportunity to display God’s glory, build courageous people, and engage in society’s pain.

Here are a couple of ways that Living Streams is responding to COVID-19:

Prayer

• Matt. 6:25-34 – Ask for greater trust in God’s provision, and for provision for those who are affected economically as a result of what’s happening

• 1 John 4:18 – Ask for an encounter of God’s love that casts out fear

• Psalm 91 – Ask God for protection over us, as well as the medical personnel and family members who are caring for those who are recovering from sickness

Being Good Stewards

• We are closely monitoring the public health recommendations of the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep our children, families, and staff safe and healthy. 

• On Sundays, we have implemented the following preventative steps:

  • Our facilities team has been more frequently sanitizing high-traffic areas including surfaces, play areas, and door handles.

  • Between services, all Children’s classrooms, supplies, and toys used are being sanitized.

  • Utilizing Communion stations throughout the sanctuary to minimize the passing of Communion elements.

  • The Prayer team will sanitize their hands before and after ministry.

• One of the best preventative measures to sickness is to have a healthy immune system. We encourage everyone to steward their health. Get enough rest and sleep, eat healthy, exercise regularly, and learn a lifestyle of trusting in God and casting anxieties onto Him.

We want to be prudent and wise, without falling into the same sentiment of fear and panic around us. And we want to be the voice of hope and peace to those who do not know Jesus. If you have any concerns, please contact us.

We currently livestream our services. If you are immune compromised or currently sick we would love for you to join us online so you do not miss out: livingstreams.org/live.
 
We will continue to monitor the situation and update as needed. Thank you for being part of the Living Streams Family!

In Christ,

Arthur Lee
Director of Operations

Cling to the Way of Jesus

My friends, 2020 is off with quite a bang. The Iranian missile strike, the corona virus, and the stock market crash. Oh, and did I mention that it is an election year? 

I am very happy that our church has started the year by focusing on how to become more Christlike. The beautiful thing about Christianity is that the way of Jesus is not only built for challenging times, but it actually thrives in times like these.

Jesus was both a man acquainted with grief and a man anointed with the oil of gladness. The joy, peace and love of Jesus is not dependent on circumstances, nor on our performance. Jesus is more faithful and powerful than the rising of the sun each day. Therefore, in this time of societal shaking, we need to cling to the way of Jesus all the more.

So far, we have described the way of Jesus through these phrases:

• The ruthless elimination of hurry by cultivating stillness in our lives

• The realigning of our will with God’s will through prayer

• The renewing of our minds with the Scriptures

• The risking of our comfort through steps of obedience that grow our faith

These are the things that will get our feet firmly set on the Rock of Ages, who has been a shelter to every generation. These spiritual practices will not earn salvation for us, they will not make God love us more, nor will they save us from all struggle. However, these spiritual practices will deepen our relationship with Jesus and nurture our hearts and minds so that we can weather whatever storm may come, however long the storm may last. 

To deepen our understanding of obedience, here are some quotes from a great pastor and writer, Eugene Peterson, from his book A Long Obedience In the Same Direction. Mr. Peterson has passed away, but his words about Christian obedience and faith are still very much alive. 

“There is a great market for religious experience in our world; there is little enthusiasm for the patient acquisition of virtue, little inclination to sign up for a long apprenticeship in what earlier generations of Christians called holiness.” 

“My primary pastoral work had to do with Scripture and prayer. I was neither capable nor competent to form Christ in another person, to shape a life of discipleship in man, woman or child. That is supernatural work, and I am not supernatural. Mine was the more modest work of Scripture and prayer—helping people listen to God speak to them from the Scriptures and then joining them in answering God as personally and honestly as we could in lives of prayer. This turned out to be slow work.

“And yet I decide, every day, to set aside what I can do best and attempt what I do very clumsily—open myself to the frustrations and failures of loving, daring to believe that failing in love is better than succeeding in pride.” 

Whatever you are going through, the way of Jesus is the best way through. 

David

Get the Dirt Out

There he was, feeling the full weight of fear and conviction. For weeks now he had awakened stirred by courageous faith, but as the moment of truth approached, doubt continued its relentless barrage. His name was Ehud and God had been compelling him to do something.

Ehud grew up in a time when his people, the Israelites, were enslaved to a dictator whose appetite for oppression was as extreme as his appetite for food. (The Bible says he was an excessively fat man.)

We don’t know much about Ehud. We are told by the writer of Judges that he was left-handed. (And as my grandpa used to say, if he’s left-handed, he must be in his right brain.) We are also told that he was compelled to make a double-edged sword, to pretend to take a tribute to King Eglon, and to make an attempt on Eglon’s life. 

So, the day has come. Ehud’s heart is beating fast. His mind is racing. He passes by security. He heads into the throne room. There are lots of people around and he is freaking out. He delivers the tribute and starts to walk away. Then, just as he is about to give up, a rush of courageous faith comes and he turns toward the king and says, “I have a secret message for you.” Amazingly, the king responds by commanding everyone to leave so he can hear Ehud’s secret message. The doors are shut and Ehud finds himself face to face and one on one with the massive and oppressive Moabite ruler. 

For this next part, make sure you are not eating. Ehud shoved the sword into Eglon’s belly. The sword went all the way in and did not come out the back because of the size of Eglon. Then, the King James Version of the Bible says, “The dirt came out.” Yuck. And—What?

The result of all this was freedom, revival and joy for the Israelites, who were once again governed by God. 

There are many lessons for us from this historical periscope; but what I want us to see is the importance of the sword in bringing about the joy of revival’s freedom. For Christians, the New Testament makes it clear that our sword is the word of God. The word of God found in the Bible is sharper than a double-edged sword, (Hebrews 4:12) and it is useful for training, rebuking, correction, and training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16). 

In other words…

If we want to get the dirt out of our lives and our communities, we need to get the word of God in. 

How shall a young man cleanse his ways? By getting the word of God into him. 

The perfect Law of the Lord restores the soul, makes wise the simple, rejoices the heart, and gives light to the eyes. 

Please take the spiritual practice of reading, meditating on, and memorizing the Scriptures seriously. The world around us, and even within us, can be such proficient producers of dirt. Yet, that dirt is no match for the consistent washing of the water of God’s word. Wash your own soul, wash your wife’s soul, wash your children’s souls, and wash your friend's’ and co-workers’ souls. Don’t be weird about it though. Just be thoughtful and hospitable—and sneak it in whenever possible.

David