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Published: 26 May 2017

I should finish the sentence.  God is frustrating the efforts of those who stand against His will and plan.  It may not always appear that way.  It may appear at times that the work of God is being stomped out. Our text on Sunday illustrates the commitment of God to the communication of His divine quality of life (zoe).  He certainly doesn’t do the same things the same way every time to reveal this commitment.  He is very creative!  But, the “prison break” of Acts 5 is one example of the way that God stands opposed to the proud who think they can stop His ways.  He doesn’t act with flamboyance or with public attention. He doesn’t need it!  He often works quietly, discreetly and subversively…as if this life with Him is a conspiracy!  And, in some ways it is. The life and plan of God seems invisible at times, until you start looking for it!  When you do, you wonder why other people can’t see how obvious this really is.  This much is for sure, God laughs at those who think they can stymie His efforts. Fear not believer and lover of God, the Creator of the universe is also a warrior. He is not tame. He loves His life and wants to make it available to as many image bearers as possible. Let’s join Him. Are you in or would you rather watch from a distance?

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Published: 18 May 2017

Those words from Philippians 4:4 are popular on many products marketed to Christians.  It’s printed on everything from coffee cups to calendars.  It’s not a bad idea to be reminded of the verse but the practice of rejoicing is a lot harder than the printing of the “slogan.”   I say practice because practice is what we need.  If we wait until all our circumstances and the circumstances of the world are right before we rejoice, we’re going to wait a long time.  It is worth noting that the apostle did not write, “Rejoice in all your circumstances.”  Some circumstances STINK!  Some of you that are reading this have cancer, some of you are separated from your spouse and very likely heading for divorce.  Some of you are in deep financial trouble.  Some of you are just plain worn out because of situations out of your control.  And, of course, some of you struggle with depression and celebration seems like a distant zip code for you.  I’m not saying this because I don’t want to be guilty of “singing songs to a heavy heart,” but the truth is, whatever our lot, we should choose to rejoice in the Lord.  That means we find our joy in Him, in His joy, in His provision and in His presence.  Sometimes the only way out of the slump is the choice to rejoice.  The prophet Habakkuk made this choice in spite of his circumstances.  (Take a look at Habakkuk 3:17-19)  This coming Sunday is Celebration Sunday.  Our financial campaign was $400,000 short of the target.  What are we going to do?  We are going to celebrate.  There is a lot to be thankful for and rejoicing in the Lord is always in season.  I hope we’ll see you Sunday.  I hope you come ready to celebrate regardless of your circumstances for God is worthy of our praise and practicing celebration may well be infectious .