fear? not!

In light of the latest fear-mongering propaganda blitz (swine flu -- what happened to the bird flud?!?) I was reminded of a sermon by Dr. Dale Meyer (president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) in which he took the angel's greeting to Mary, "Fear not!" and applied them to all people. Asking what our fears might be, he took off on the latest slang fad -- not! -- to bring the good news of Jesus into the heart of our anxieties. Amazing how certain messages remain in our awareness and how events can trigger them and bring the power of the Gospel with the same power it had when first uttered. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

a great rift

Martin Niemoeller (1892 – 1984) from a sermon preached in June 1934

Today we face an entirely different situation: church and nation can and indeed dare no longer be regarded as one. Through the whole nation runs the dividing trench, with the Christian community on one side and on the other—the “world”. And the side to which the individual belongs is no longer determined—as it was up till now—by his attitude toward his nation: it is determined only by the Lord Jesus Christ and by our attitude toward Him. Even the fact that we are in the “church” does not exempt us from this decision; for the rift runs even through this church: the world and the Christian community are parting company even in the church. No one really wanted it but nobody is able to prevent it….

by one vote

Maggie Gallagher in National Review online writes: This week, by one vote, the Vermont legislature overrode the governor’s veto to impose same-sex marriage on that state. It’s a breakthrough of sorts for the gay-marriage movement: the first state to impose gay marriage through the legislature, rather than the courts. Expect Vermont to figure prominently in President Obama’s crusade to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act later this year.
If you were wondering how persecution would come to North American Christians, the hand-writing is on the wall. Those who oppose this measure will be portrayed as intolerant and hate-filled bigots (and worse). Speaking the truth in love will become more critical as the Last Day draws near. Help us, Jesus!

cui bono?

"We will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over so many centuries to shape the world for the better, including my own country," Obama said.
Really!?!? Can anyone show me an example of how Islam has done anything to make America better? Or is Obama referring to some other country? I must be missing something here...has anyone asked the folks in Iran if they think Islam has improved their lives? Just wondering.

room for God

"The hearts of human beings," says Nicolas Cabasilas, "were made great enought to contain God himself."
If they do not contain the Uncreated they will turn their desire toward created objects, and then only nothingness can spring forth, for every person is a gaping space waiting to be filled with God. -- Olivier Clement
So much nothingness springing forth, unnecessarily.

God with us

"But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion; my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting unforgettable confusion...Sing to the LORD, praise The LORD, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!" (The holy prophet Jeremiah ch.20)
How directly applicable to our Lord Jesus as He faces the scorn and mocking of His passion this coming week, and how equally qpplicable to the body of Christ that lives in great weakness as far as the world is concerned. They do not see, indeed cannot see what we see by faith, and are puzzled why we still sing to the LORD. It's not a pretty sight for the enemies of the Lord Jesus.

Amazing Love

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek him, seeking me
It was not I that found, O Savior true;
No, I was found of thee.

Thou didst reach forth thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea.
'Twas not so much that I on thee took hold,
As thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole
Of love is but my answer, Lord, to thee!
For thou wert long beforehand with my soul
Always thou lovedst me.

(anonymous, public domanin)