What If They Shut Down the Churches?

Whenever I read 1 Peter, I'm reminded that things haven't historically gone well for Christians. Marginalization. Martyrdom. All sorts of mayhem from the hands of humans, inspired by the "roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). I can't help but sense in my gut that the times, they are a changing back. It's not easy being a Christian today. I'm not going to lay blame at the media. Nor am I going to over blow the failures of Christians and Christian leaders. The biblical fact remains, all of history leads to times getting bad for everyone...including Christians. Such lack of exemption shouldn't surprise us or paralyze us with discouragement. It should embolden us knowing that as things get worse, Christ's return is getting closer.

In the meantime, we are to embrace our hope in Christ and move about this earth as "God's chosen people, a royal priesthood, a people belonging to God..." (1 Peter 2:9). We are "strangers in this world" (1 Peter 2:11).

If you need some encouragement in light of the times, read the lyrics from "A Cathedral Made of People" by Downhere. It's a great song that speaks honestly about Christian marginalization and persecution. What makes is great is that it reminds every Christian that "They can't touch you!" (I've also posted the link to a live video of Downhere's performance of the song).

Cathedral Made of People

If they shut down the churches,
Where would you go?
If they melted all the stained-glass windows
Replaced every sanctuary with a condo
Where would you go?
Where would you go?

We are a cathedral made of people
In a kingdom that the eye can't see
We're a house, we are the bride
Where God's Spirit lives inside
And nothing ever could stand against her

If they burned every Bible
What would you know?
If they tore your marked-up pages
How would you grow?
And declared your devotion to be criminal
What would you know?
What would you know?

When they throw you in prison
What will you do?
When they hate you for the things that you know are true
They can tear down this temple,
But they can't touch you.

An Every-Day Prayer for Every Leader

"O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you. Don't let those who trust in you stumble because of me, O sovereign Lord Almighty. Don't le me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel."

(Psalm 69:5-6)

Leadership is tough enough without considering the fact that every leader is a human being with the full potential of being human...prone to sin and sin big. If you are in a position of influence or leadership, you should be able to identify with King David's prayer.

Husbands, if you love your wife, this is a good prayer for you everyday.

Fathers, if you love your children, this is a good prayer for you to pray every day.

Pastors, if you love your congregation, this is an good prayer for you to pray every day.

Leaders of all kinds, if you love and care about the people who follow you, this is a good prayer for you to pray every day.

Let's pray...

Don't Make God Laugh

Did you ever wonder what makes God laugh? Psalm 37:13 tells us one thing that makes God laugh..."The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment."

I have two takeaways from this verse. First, I don't want to make God laugh this way. It spells my doom and demise. Second, I take comfort, and so can you, knowing that whatever evil you face in your day that God will bring it to account someday in the future.

He sees all and some of it makes Him laugh.

Riverbank Baptisms

A crowd of over a hundred strong gathered last evening on the banks of the Juniata River to witness the baptisms of Emily Foltz, Susan Bailey, Meaghan Mills, and Maggi Bailey. With only minor prompting from me, the crowd cheered wildly and loudly every time Derek and I lifted one from beneath the waters. The sounds rivaled those heard at sporting events.

I woke up early yesterday morning with one thought, "I get to baptize people today!" Baptism never get old. It's one way I know the church is succeeding in its efforts to connect the Gospel with people. All heaven had to be stoked last night as each lady shared her story of the difference Christ has made in her life. Maggie acknowledged a new peace in her life. Susan has realized God's real companionship despite real loss. Meaghan championed God's help as she overcame some significant problems.

Eight-year old Emily had this to say,

"Throughout my life, I have learned about God at church, during Sunday school and at home with my parents. I believe there is only one God and he sent his son, Jesus, to earth. I have read how wonderful he is in the Bible. Because he died for me to get rid of my sins, I have decided to follow him. I decided to get baptized today because Jesus is my Lord and I want to trust him with the rest of my life!"

Attagirl, Emily! And, congratulations to Susan, Meaghan, and Maggi. Your decisions to follow Christ will never be a disappointment. Devonshire is so proud to be part of your lives and grateful that God has used our lives to encourage you in some significant way.

Stay tuned to DevonshireDiaries as a pictures will be posted soon.

Champs...Again!

For the second year in a row, Devonshire Church has won the Capital Area Church Softball League (CACSL) championship. It took three close, nail-biting games against Christ the Savior to determine the winner. After losing the first game, we came from behind with bottom of the seventh inning heroics to win the second game. We only hoisted the trophy after a triple and a homerun in the top of the seventh gave us a slight 3-2 lead. But, that one run is all we needed. Once again, our solid defense proved enough to prevail in the end. (For more on the narrative of this game, along with pictures, check out DevonshireDiaries).

This trip to the league championship was our fifth straight. Our name has been engraved on the trophy three times in that span of time. Very impressive for a group of men who truly play with a competitive drive that shows respect for the game, it's fellows competitors, and those who officiate. I'm so proud to be part of this group. Their comradery and their encouragement means the world to me. What a privilege we have to play hard and bring pleasure to the God who made us and watches over us.