The New Commandment

Posted by on Aug 22, 2014 in My Blog, Think About This | 4 comments

The New Commandment

I wonder if every generation as they age looks at the state of the world and thinks, perhaps, we are nearing the end times. With the news here in our own country as well as around the world, it is disheartening to say the least as we watch reports on TV and read in the news.  When terrorists have become so barbaric in their attacking and killing which is extremely widespread and growing, some days it just seems too much to even inform ourselves.  Yet, I know we must, for if we are not informed, how can we stand in support of those being so persecuted and many times for their faith? I recall in my days with our local United Way, when things were off track, when there was a community problem or people hurting, we would pull together people around the community table to determine what could be done to help.  We didn’t just pull together people of the same perspective, we wanted community decisions, so we endeavored to convene a group reflective of the community including the people in need.  Sometimes the solutions were costly and other times the “cost” was in the form of clearer communication, attitude adjustments, and strengthening relationships based on trust of all concerned. But, terrorism really changes things.  Terrorists  are ruthless, cold-hearted and cold-blooded in their actions and resolve.  They are sinister…yes, evil! Let’s change focus here a moment.  On the night before Christ was to be crucified, a VERY dark time, he gathered with His disciples for what we know today as the Last Supper.  They broke bread and shared wine and He told them He was going to be leaving them to go to the Father.  Christ, the King of Kings, then washed their feet…He became a servant.  Now on this final night before He was to be crucified, what one thing do you think he would say to them?  What would He leave them with before His departure? In the Gospel of John, we learn that Christ chose to tell His disciples the New Commandment.  That one thing.  That all-important commandment that can change the world.  “A new commandment I give to you: Love one another.”  John 13:34 Pure. Simple. Truth. “As I have loved you, you must love one another.” Whatever our foe is on any day or everyday…hatred, serious illness, violence in the home or community or world…I KNOW that love is stronger. Many solutions or inventions come from asking one simple question…What If ? What if… the entire world would choose LOVE?  Just...

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Here I Am, Lord, Send Me!

Posted by on Jul 28, 2013 in My Blog, Think About This | 0 comments

Here I Am, Lord, Send Me!

Do you remember in elementary school when your teacher asked a question and you knew the answer and, with such enthusiasm, raised your hand.  Perhaps you even shook your hand to get the teacher’s attention…”see me, over here…I know, I know.  Call on me!”  Or perhaps the teacher had asked “who would take this to the office for me?”  You most likely raised your hand like I did and maybe even called out, “I will; send me!” How about when you were on the field dividing up for teams?  There were two team captains announcing their choices one by one.  The desire to be selected probably made your heart race a bit waiting to hear your name called. Every single day, we have opportunities to call out to God and say, “Hear I am, Lord; send me!”  Our busy lives sometimes get in the way.  We have families to nurture and raise, jobs to work, friends to enjoy and the list goes on.  As Christians, we know that we are the body of Christ…He uses us to carry His love to those in need.  That’s why we support organizations like the Salvation Army, Fifth Street Ministries, Iredell Christian Ministries and United Way.  We know that those who are homeless, jobless, and are hungry – not only for food but love – turn to churches and organizations such as these for help, for a life line as they feel they are close to sinking. Our nation was stunned and full of sorrow when we saw the devastation that the horrific tornadoes caused in Oklahoma earlier this summer.  Events like this sober us so and our entire beings are jolted into a state of “what now?”  First responders from other communities even on the other side of our country went to help.  Churches sent mission groups to do what they could.  Individuals gave much-needed financial resources to assist and all in the name of compassion and brotherly love. What we need to remember is all that need is out there EVERY day…in our workplaces, our neighborhoods or our schools.  Our senses are not heightened as during a catastrophe but the need is there just the same. The body of Christ.  There is a contemporary Christian song  “If We are the Body…” “If we are the body, why aren’t His arms reaching?  Why aren’t His hands healing?  Why aren’t His words teaching? Why are His feet not going?  Why is His love not showing?” God counts on us every day to be His hands, to share His words of love and encouragement. Do you hear God calling you?  Do you stop and listen to hear His question, “Who will go…?” I need to raise my hand more often and, like in elementary school, with real enthusiasm. Here I am, Lord; send...

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