A Balanced View of Immagration

My great granddad came to this country from France at the age of fourteen. The only English word my Papa Conort knew was "eggs," guess you know what he ate a lot of for a while. He was here on a work visa, coal miner he was. He eventually went through citizenship classes and held up his hand and promised allegiance to our flag and to his new nation. A few years after his arrival my granddad was born, then a generation later my Mom and them me. Since that time I have had children and they have had children, but our beginnings were somewhere in France.

My great grandmother was born in Italy. She also came to this country as a teenager with her husband who came on a work visa. Married at thirteen (can you imagine that today?) she eventually also became an American citizen. My grandmother was born then my Mom. Both Papa and Maw never spoke very good English, I know some of you that know me are thinking that explains a lot! Maw spoke fluid Italian, my grandmother could understand it and spoke some, my Mom much less, I can curse in Italian, which can come in handy (just kidding) and my children do not know any Italian words that I know of. The recipes are still with us as real Italian Spaghetti is nothing like Olive Garden, but mostly the heritage has been lost through the generations.

I share my story just to let you know that I like most of you are products of someone who came from somewhere seeking a better life. Both my great grandparents came here legally. They both had to go through what was required for citizenship and they were both proud Americans. Most of the folks that are coming from other nations now seek the same things that my ancestors sought, they desire the opportunity to have a better life. Some are here for purposes not as noble whether that be illegal drug trafficking or to do harm to our nation.

What concerns me is that we seem to either go way one way or the other. Either we "want to send them all back" which if we went back a few generations would get us all. Or we want to allow anyone to come here in any way they may choose without any repercussions if they chose an illegal route to get here.

Sometimes I get amused because my conservative friends think I have gone "liberal" and my liberal friends are sure I am ultra conservative. I like to think I am fair minded. If our immigration laws are such that "good" people who just want the opportunity to work hard and make a life for themselves are having trouble getting through the bureaucracy to make that happen then we need to change the laws to give them the same opportunities my Papa and Maw had. If people choose to ignore the laws of our land then they need to face the same consequences that any of us face when we violate the law. I am for immigration let's just make it legal. That's my opinion I would love to hear yours!

What Does All the Violent Weather Mean?

Pastor does all of these weather deasters mean that the end of the world is near? Does the Bible not predict earthquakes and famines and wars and rumors of wars? What should I do? These are questions that are being asked all across the globe right now. Back in March we discussed these things in this space. But today I want to take a different approach to this subject. If we think Jesus is coming soon should we not be about our Father's business? If we simply believe that at the end of this life here on this planet there awaits an eternity that we will all face should we not be about the task of telling people about the love and grace of God?

I think what bothers me the most during these times of turmoil where people begin to be "concerned" about the end is why are these times different than any other times? Seldom does a week go by that someone we know, who knows someone, who knows...you get the picture...tells us about a tragedy of some nature. Maybe it is a terrible car wreck, or an accident on the water, or a bad doctors report. The point is this, people are leaving this world and facing eternity everyday. As followers of Jesus, those who believe He is the Way the Truth and the Life, should we not be concerned about the end of these people's world?

Stop worrying if the world is coming to an end and start being motivated to tell this world about a God who loved them so much that He gave His only Son to die in their stead! That is a story worth repeating, a witness worth sharing and a proclamation that will change everything!

The End of the World

Well today May 21st 2011 is suppose to be the last day on Earth as we know it, at least that is what someone is predicting. His prediction is suppose to be based upon Biblical calculations. I am not sure how he explains what Jesus said about no one knowing the day or the hour. But my point today is not whether or not he is right but rather how people respond to the fact that one day our Lord will indeed return. Now I personally do not claim to know when that day is, I just know that it will happen. I don't know if the rash of weather related events points to the end or not but I do know there will be an end.

Now if you are in Christ Jesus and you have trusted your soul to Him then it will be a glorious day inded. And the words of the Apostle ring throughout history "comfort one another with these words." If you are without Christ you should indeed be concerned for if you are "left behind" it will not be a place you desire to be. The people that cause me the most reflection are the ones who are storing up supplies for the end. Trust me there is not enough bottled water available. Think about it if you are storing up then you expect to be left and if you are, well supplies won't help. If you don't expect to be left then you don't need supplies, if you are not sure then take care of that now.

This line of logic adds meaning to what Jesus told his disciples about not taking anything with them when they went out to serve Him. If ever the saying you can't take it with you when you go had meaning it is today. So as I said to my Mom when I hung the phone up this morning, if we are still here I will call you tomorrow, if not see you on the other side! But now that I think about it that is always true is it not?

The Prophet and the King

I am patriotic. I admit it. I stand at ballgames when the National Anthem is played with hat in hand and hand over my heart. I get “chills” when that question is asked once more “does that star spangled banner yet wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave?” I cry when solders return home and hug their families; I cry even more when they don’t. I vote in every election considering it a dishonor to those who paid the ultimate price if I should choose not too. I am deeply American. But I am also a minister of the Gospel. And sometimes the truth of scripture comes in conflict with the policies of a nation. Sometimes “Kings” have to be confronted and reminded that there is a power greater than they and that they too are subject to God. From Isaiah to Jeremiah; from Amos to Nathan prophets stand before those in power and speak of the One who has all power. And it is not always popular. It is not always what the majority thinks, feels or even desires to hear. It causes kings like Ahab to call prophets like Elijah “my enemy.” From slavery to everyone’s right to vote despite their gender or wealth the church has led the way.

Now some say that because this is the role of the church that the church should avoid having any service that honors the nation. They certainly have a right to say that for democracy gives them that right. But I believe that supporting our nations heritage and calling its present leaders to biblical accountability do not have to be mutually exclusive. Without freedom I could not write this article. Without the God who granted that freedom it would not matter one-way or the other. In fact in many ways it was the church (people who loved God and sought freedom to express that love) that formed the nation, not a nation that formed the church. It is therefore the church’s role to lift up the biblical standard before each generation. Every person who has the privilege to hold office must be reminded “In God we trust.” Every person must be told once more that we are a “nation under God.” The prophet must not yield to the temptation of rubber- stamping the policies of the king, and the “king” must never yield to the temptation of believing his power to be without question or beyond reproach. In fact, as Christians, there is no better way to love our nation than to call it back to the God that allowed us to become a nation that stands from “sea to shining sea.”

This Memorial Day it is perfectly appropriate to remember those who gave their lives so that you and I could live, work and yes worship the God of our choosing. Democracy has allowed us to send prophets over seas and to be prophetic here at home. Remembering the men and women who gave their lives in no way honors the fallen nature that makes war a reality. It does honor the bravery it takes to risk and yes to even lay down one’s life for something greater than themselves. And prophets must always stand before those who send young men and women into battle to ask the difficult questions that cause one to question their motives for doing so. With great freedom comes great responsibility and with great responsibility all our leaders must be willing to bow down to the One who guides, leads and directs the hearts of those who love Him.

Disasters Bring Us Together

I, like many, have been amazed at the generosity of people that has poured out during these last few days. People both inside and outside the church have given. They have given their money, their time, and their talents. It has been expressed to me on more than one occasions with words similar to these, "I feel guilty for not having any damage when so many are hurting." Perhaps guilt is not the word that best expresses what people are feeling but to say the least we all wonder why not me, or why them, or why now. While those why questions may never be answered this I know, people have been confronted face to face with their mortality. Life truly can end in an instant, all that one knew as normal can be normal no more within a few seconds, and that my friend is scary, as they say, no matter who you are.

That is why the security of a relationship with Christ brings such peace and joy. For no matter what tomorrow may hold we know who holds tomorrow. My wife Luann and I had very little damage to our home, lost part of one tree. In fact all my immediate family were not harmed. My grandparents home had some damage. But as people have spoken to me about their guilt or fear or peace my mind has gone back to the night of July 1, 2008. On that night I had a heart attack. While being transported on a helicopter to the hospital I was amazed at the peace I felt. I can truly say fear was not part of what I felt. Only Christ can bring such peace.

My prayer is that this feeling of goodwill will last well into the future for these damaged homes and hearts will not heal soon. Thank all of you for being givers when so many have seen things that they cherished taken.

The Saturday Before Easter

Can you even imagine what must have been going through the minds of those that followed Jesus on this day long ago? There is no evidence that a single one of them expected the resurrection. Not Peter, not James, not John, they all ran and hid. Not even Mary Magdalene, who loved Him without question and was brave enough to go to the tomb the next morning which is more than you can say for her male counter-parts who were hiding in fear but she did not come to the tomb to celebrate the resurrection, she came to give him a proper funeral. Not even Mary his mother was looking for His appearing…even though she had heard Angels speak her grief had overcome her memories even though she knew He was not born as others had been born.

All of these had seen his glory, witnessed his miracles and heard his words. And yet it was if they said it was a good campaign while it lasted but we just didn’t get him elected Messiah! But before we get too judgmental how about us; do we live in a state of expectancy? Does it surprise you when God acts or would it surprise you if He didn’t? Do you believe this risen Savior can raise up your marriage, deliver your child, protect you from the storms of life, or when life gets tough do you forget that He lives?

It has always amazed me that I have this incredible ability to forget. It seems we live in this cycle of remembering only after the fact that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I pray that you and I will not cringe in fear in a room of our own making but will proclaim with boldness that there is no situation that God cannot handle, no problem beyond His power, and no day that should be lived in fear. Tomorrow we will once again proclaim that the tomb was empty, let's live like it!

There is no Easter without Good Friday

Mark 15:34

Then, at the time Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why would God the Father turn His back on Jesus as He hung on the cross of Calvary? Had He not been obedient even unto death? Paul explains it this way…

Galatians 3:13 (Message)

Do you remember the Scripture that says, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the Cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse.

To save us Jesus had to become us. He became a curse so He could bring the cure. Often we want to rush from Palm Sunday where the crowds are shouting Hosanna, to Easter where people are bowing before Him. This avoids the messiness of crucifixion, the horror of a crown of thorns, and the guilt of our sin. But there is no Easter without Good Friday and to believe sin has no price is to ignore the cross. There is no possibility of repentance without sacrifice, and only the sacrifice of God’s Son was sufficient for the accumulated sins of humanity.

Perhaps Max Lucado says it best in his book “When God Whispers Your Name.”

To see sin apart from grace is despair. To see grace without sin is arrogance. To see them in tandem is conversion.

When our eyes behold the cross we see our sin and our salvation; our worst and God’s best; we see the consequence of sin and the power of grace. We see the curse become the cure and the condemned become the Savior. How can the one sentenced to death be the one who brings life? The problem and the solution are all rolled into one divine event.