Category: Update

You Are Not Alone Friend

As a pastor, people call me for many reasons. Sometimes, people struggling with Addiction call me when they’re especially feeling tempted to relapse.
Never has a caller said, “my Program recommends I reach out when I’m feeling tempted, so that’s what I’m doing now.” But with some combination of experience and insight from God, I can usually figure it out in the first few seconds.

Contributing factors in today’s phone call were: Joblessness and Health Problems (the latter directly caused the former). Idle time and feeling hopeless can create a dangerous situation.

Listen

I listened to my friend’s pain.
I’ve personally met with Godly licensed therapists for many years. I’ve seen Healing in my own heart when I share with a good listener.
After listening, we spent some time brainstorming jobs his health could still handle [I now have a new mental list as I look for “Hiring” signs].
Next, I prayed for my friend. Then I asked him to pray for me. There’s a reason we call our church Renovation Community. This pastor needs God’s renovating work in my life as much as my friend on the phone—so we pray for each other.

Learn

Our friends in the 12-Step Community have much to teach us if we have ears to hear. Of course, the deepest truths they share come from a much older source….

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

You’re not alone, friend.

A Very Safe Thing

I’m continually humbled how God provides for Renovation Community through his generous people.

“we have proved that it is a very safe thing to trust in the Lord our God.” -Missionary Amy Carmichael

He is faithful.

Social Media New Year’s Resolution

Christian friends,

May I suggest for you a Social Media New Year’s Resolution?
It’s guaranteed to increase the times you obey Jesus’ teachings, reduce the chances you’ll look like a total JERK, and *might* increase the chance someone starts following the Jesus you say you love. BONUS, it’s straight from the Bible (ish):

Resolve

In 2020, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—type and share about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

Post and share nothing online out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (Philippians 2:3)
Before typing, remember a soft answer online turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

Clothe your online personality with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Remember you are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your fingers whenever you type and click “share.” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20)
Since your time is not your own, make the best use of your time time online, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16)
Before sharing anything, remember that a false witness who perpetuates lies and hoaxes without first fact-checking will not go unpunished, and the person who spreads lies online will perish. (Proverbs 19:9)

One last thing…

Last, in 2020 follow the Apostle Paul’s example before you type your opinion on controversial subjects: Resolve to know nothing in 2020 except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

Praying

Renovation Community meets at 4:00pm. So we already knew about the nearby church shooting at West Freeway Church of Christ when our service began. We closed our service in prayer for all involved.
One of our church members lives near that church and knows four people who attend there. She spoke with one of those friends today— the friend said she shook hands with the shooter at the beginning of service.
One of our former church members now attends that church. Thankfully, she wasn’t in attendance today.
I don’t know the pastor of WFCOC, but sent him a text tonight. I offered our building as worship space until they can re-enter theirs and offered our sanctuary for funerals. But I learned they’ll be in their building as soon as tomorrow night.
I also shared contact information for our funeral director, whose funeral home in our building never turns away families because of money.

We texted back and forth a little. But of course, he’s overwhelmed with so much and not currently thinking about logistics.

Tonight I’m praying for the families who lost loved ones and the many more in that sanctuary traumatized by today’s experience.

Hurting Hearts

“My Mommy doesn’t miss me.“

Mondays I help a 1st Grader read at our nearby elementary school. As I entered his classroom, one of his classmates yelled out, “Hi Chris!” That little boy has attended Renovation Community’s summer day camp and feeding program the last two summers. He continues in a loud voice, “I think I’m coming back to your camp next year!” I give a big smile, put my finger over my mouth, and encourage him to focus on his work.
My reading buddy and I leave for the library. It’s “Free Dress Pass” days at the school. As we walked down the hall, I complimented his handsome outfit, a red plaid shirt perfect for the season.

We had another tough session. He obviously didn’t get enough sleep. We took a brain break.

Me: “Did you go to your Dad’s this weekend?“
Him: “No.“
Me: “Don’t you normally stay with Dad on the weekends?”
Him: “He didn’t want me to come because [dad’s girlfriend] kept making him mad.“
Me: “Did someone tell you that?”
Him: “No. I just thought it.”
Me: “How did that make you feel, not seeing your dad?“
Him: “Sad.“
Me: “I bet it made your Daddy sad, too. I’m sure he loves being with you and misses you when he can’t see you.”
Him: “My Mommy doesn’t miss me.”
Me: “Why do you say that?”
Him: “Because she says she can’t wait for me to go to school.”

I took about 10 seconds to compose myself, looking away so he wouldn’t see the tears in my eyes.
Then I defended his mother, a woman I’ve never met, hoping my words were true.

“I’m sure your Mommy didn’t mean that. I’m sure she loves you very much and misses you when you’re gone. You’re a special, special boy. And I’m sure *anyone* would miss you when you’re not around.”

No more

We stopped our session. He was done. I was done. No more.

Hiding behind this little boy’s handsome outfit and sweet demeanor is a hurting heart, repeatedly wounded by those who *should* care most about his wellbeing.

The world his filled with Hurting Hearts. They’re in our nearby schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. Often, those who have hurt the longest end up homeless on our streets, in our shelters, and in our jails.

Find them.

Tell them they are loved. Tell them they are special.
And, if you’re a Christian as I am, tell them about a Jesus who loves them more than they know.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36