Dismantling Racism, One Wall At A Time

“You do well when you really fulfill the royal law found in scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself.  But when you show favoritism, you are committing a sin, and by that same law you are exposed as a lawbreaker. Anyone who tries to keep all of the Law but fails at one point is guilty of failing to keep all of it.” (James 2:8-10)

Some of you may know that in the wake of the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and related protests across our country, leaders of our United Methodist Church have recently launched a plan of action to encourage and equip church members and others to actively stand against racism.  If you haven’t already, you will begin to see billboards around major metro Atlanta trafficways highlighting “Dismantling Racism: Pressing on to Freedom,” a multi-level effort by our United Methodist Church to initiate a sustained and coordinated effort to dismantle racism and promote collective action to work toward racial justice (Read more about this initiative HERE).

While ending racism throughout our country and world is not a problem that any one of us can solve by ourselves, each of us can do our individual part – we can “tear down the wall” that’s directly in front of us (so to speak), one wall at a time.  And while our church alone can’t fix all the systemic issues that we are inherently part of, we can be more intentional about becoming aware of what those issues actually are, so that we can do better about not unintentionally buying into them or giving them power.

To that end, here are several things “in the works” here at McKendree UMC which are designed to help us both as individuals and as a church to “do our part” in dismantling racism and racial injustice by addressing one “wall” at a time:

● We are currently putting together a task force to prayerfully discern exactly what things we can do as a local church to address this systemic problem.  While we have several McKendree members who have already volunteered, if you would like to be part of the steering team for this (or even just an interested member), please email me HERE and I’ll let you know when we are ready to get started.

● Rev. Teddy Rollins (Senior Pastor of the predominantly African-American United Methodist Suwanee Worship Center on Brogdon Rd.) and I have begun meeting not only to get to know one another better, but also to prayerfully begin considering what our two churches might do together as ministry partners to address this issue in our local Gwinnett communities.  At this point, we don’t know exactly what form this partnership will take:  it might result in an occasional pulpit swap between the two of us in our respective churches; a joint Bible/topical study shared with both congregations; a joint mission project or activity; or something else that the task force I mentioned above may help us figure out.  But please be in prayer that our relationship together bears fruit which will help us as God’s people jointly to address this issue.

● We as a church will strive to be more intentional about showing more ethnic diversity on Sunday mornings and on online/streaming worship services.  While we at McKendree are in many ways already a more diverse congregation than some churches (approximately 30% of our active membership is non-white/Caucasian), for the past three months during our time of quarantine, our online services have unintentionally lacked that diversity.  For this we are truly sorry, and agree that we need to be more intentional about reflecting who we actually already ARE as a diverse congregation (as well as what we seek to become more of in the future).
           So, whoever you are and whatever your background, we would love to have you to help us lead a prayer, read a scripture, do a welcome, or something else (perhaps even in a second language!) for either one of our in-person or online worship services (or both).  If you are interested in helping us show who we really are, please contact Nada Long HERE.

● To help us as individuals become more aware of the power and unintentional control that “Implicit Bias” already has over most of us, I want to invite and encourage those who are interested and willing to exploring this topic to join me in taking a $20, “at-your-own-pace” short online course sponsored by the Commission on Race and Religion of our UMC called Implicit Bias: What We Don't Think We Think.  You can read about the course, what it offers, and sign up for it HERE. 

● (If you’re reading this before July 1^st), You’re invited to join fellow United Methodists around the world in a live, denominational online Town Hall meeting Dismantling Racism: Pressing On to Freedom on Wednesday, July 1^st at 12:00pm CST (1:00pm EST) HERE to look at the history of our nation and church regarding the issue of race, and how being more aware of the stark realities of our past can help us build a more Gospel-grounded future together for both our church, country and our broader world.

Of course, none of these things alone can solve the depth of pain and hurt in our society caused by racism, prejudice, implicit bias, and racial injustice.  But it’s my hope that as we seek to address them “one wall at a time,” we will be doing our part in the name of Jesus to take down the larger “Wall” of racism in our country and world, and to fully keep the Law of Love that James talks about in the opening scripture for this article.

Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

WE, not I: A Plea from our NGA Bishop

“But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the part with less honor so that there won’t be division in the body and so the parts might have mutual concern for each other.  If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part gets the glory, all the parts celebrate with it.  You are the body of Christ and parts of each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-27, CEB)

As we approach the time on June 28 when we will re-open our facilities for Sunday morning worship, there are some important topics and concepts that I believe we as a church need not only to consider and be aware of, but to practice even more intentionally than before.  I talked about one of them in my previous blog article from last week titled “LOVE, not FEAR” (read it HERE if you haven’t yet). 

But late last week, Sue Haupert-Johnson, the Bishop of our North Georgia United Methodist Conference (aka “Bishop Sue”) shared a video plea for another concept that I believe is equally essential for our future as God’s church.  If you have not already watched/seen it, I want to invite, encourage, and in fact urge you do so.

WATCH BISHOP SUE’S 

“WE” VIDEO HERE

In her video, she addresses not only issues related to the regathering/re-opening of our churches for in-person worship, but about the vital work that we must do as God’s people to end the scourge of racism.  She does this by calling attention to the important practice and understanding of the concept of “WE,” not only by the early church, but also by early Methodism, and by the church in America during the “Spanish Flu” pandemic of the early twentieth-century.

When we resist the cultural urge to think (and live) in terms of “I, me, and my,” it radically changes our perspective not only on life, but on the issues and relationships around us.  My prayer is that all of us can increasingly learn together to be a people that practice more “WE,” and less of a people who insist on “I, Me, and My” – to put the needs, cares and concerns of the those among us who are most vulnerable and who are hurting before our own.

While it's 24 minutes long, I urge you please to take time to watch the entire video, and then let the Holy Spirit speak to you about what she says. As you do so, please also remember that God loves you and I do, as well!

LOVE, Not FEAR: Why I Wear A Mask In Public

“’Food will not bring us close to God.’ We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.  But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak…. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.”
(1 Corinthians 8:8-9, 12-13)

“To wear a facial mask, or not wear one”… that has become a hotly debated question in today’s culture.  While I understand the reasoning and rationale that’s used to advance the respective views, what truly bothers me is how the rhetoric on both “sides” usually seems to assume that our motivations have something to do with FEAR:  if one wears a mask, it’s assumed that they are afraid of getting sick; if one does not wear a mask, it’s assumed that they are proud to show to the world that they are not afraid of getting sick.  And whether the “fears” of becoming infected are valid or not, this often creates at least a perception of judgement and a “I’m better than you” attitude by both “sides.”

To make matters worse, some Christians seem to equate the practice of mask-wearing (or not) with faith in God (or lack thereof).  I and others have heard well-intentioned church folk explain that they don’t wear a mask in public because they “have faith in God,” implying (perhaps without realizing it) that those who DO wear one don’t have faith in God.  I hope I don’t have to state how untrue this is, but in case there’s any doubt… it is.  And for me, at least, such a perspective totally misses the main reason why I, personally, think Christians DO need to consider wearing a mask in public:  out of LOVE and respect for our neighbors.

In the Roman culture from which the 1 Corinthians 8 scripture comes, food that was left-over from being sacrificed to idols in pagan temples was often taken to and sold in markets.  As a result, debate arose in the early church (at least in Corinth) about whether or not it was appropriate or acceptable for Christians to buy and consume the left-over idol-sacrificed food.  Some said it didn’t matter, because idols weren’t real, anyway.  But in the scripture above, Paul essentially says that while it is true that idols aren’t real, out of respect for those who don’t know any better, Christians should nevertheless still refrain, so as not to create a spiritual stumbling block for those who don’t understand that.  While today’s health crisis situation and circumstance is, of course, much different, I believe the principle is exactly the same:  consideration and love for OTHERS should be the basis for what we do as Christians -- NOT whether or not we have the “right” to do it, or because we’re afraid of getting sick from others or not.

According to data from the C.D.C., 35% of people who are infected with coronavirus are asymptomatic --  meaning that you and I can be carriers of the disease to others without ever developing symptoms ourselves (Read about this HERE).  As a result, in these last few months, I have tried my best to practice proper social distancing, wash my hands correctly, wear a mask in public, etc., etc..  However, the C.D.C. information tells me that there’s really no way for me to guarantee that when I’m around you, I might not unknowingly pass something to you.   Consequently, I currently wear a mask in public and in close quarters with others NOT because I’m afraid, or lack faith.  Instead, because of my faith, I choose to wear a mask out of love for others and a desire to protect them.

Please know that I do not judge or think badly of you if you choose not to wear a mask -- your choice is your own, and I respect and honor that.  But as we approach the time where we will be re-opening our church buildings for in-person worship, I simply want to highlight another way for us to frame the practice of mask-wearing:  that it should be about LOVE, not FEAR.  I want us to prayerfully consider doing what is best for ALL (including the most hesitant among us), rather than doing what’s best for US, individually.  I invite us to prayerfully consider “loving our neighbor” enough to do what makes them comfortable, rather than making the choice a statement about faith, trust or fear. 

So, if you see me wearing a mask in close proximity to you in public or at church, please remember:  it’s NOT because I’m afraid of you or that I lack faith; instead, it’s because I love you because of my faith!  Always know that God loves you and I do, too!

Racism in 2020 America

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8, NIV)

The recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has once again brought the issue of racism to the surface of public dialogue around the country, including here. Racism is rooted in fear and ignorance of the other. It often manifests itself in subtle ways of thinking and behaving that we may not even notice (what’s often called “unconscious bias”).

In one of my previous church appointments, I was part of a group of civic and religious leaders dedicated to helping our community heal from the racial injustices of its past, and I remember talking with one of my church leaders about how our church could be involved. Expecting him to understand why it was important for us as Christians to be leaders in that endeavor, his response shocked me. He said, "We don’t need to participate in that. We don’t have a race problem here. We treat our Black people just fine." This was an otherwise good, decent, religious man, but one who was totally unaware of his prejudice and unconscious bias regarding race and ethnic privilege. His was a response to an innate fear of those who were different from him, based upon a set of assumptions he may not have even understood.

Before you write that example off as something that would never happen here in Gwinnett County (one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the entire nation), please remember that inward fear and judgement of “otherness” (even when unintentional) exists in varying degrees everywhere and in everyone. And if left unchecked, these inevitably lead to prejudice and racism in their more outwardly discernible forms. Whether it’s bias in our treatment of, or conversation about, an immigrant from another country, or towards someone who holds an opposing political view, or (in my own case just this past week) catching myself unintentionally passing judgement on people around me who were not wearing a mask or properly social distancing in public (or feeling smug about those, like myself, who do wear one!), the foundations for prejudice and racism exist in ALL of us, even those who claim the name of Jesus as our Lord.

Talking about the difficult and awkward issues of race, unconscious privilege, prejudice and fear is not easy. However, for Christians, at least, silence is not an option. If we are to be an outpost of God’ love — if we are to be "People (meaning ALL people). Doing Life Together. Connecting all through Christ" (our church's Vision) — then we have a responsibility to speak up. While I’ll be the first to say that riotous looting and violence is NOT the answer to this problem — it neither honors the legacy of non-violence espoused by Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., nor of Jesus himself — nevertheless our silence as Christians does nothing to improve the situation, either.

Instead, according to the scripture above, faithfulness in following the ways of God involves at least three things:

1.      We are to “act justly.” Faithful discipleship doesn’t simply involve thinking or believing fair and just things, but also involves us doing things that are fair and just, even if they are outside our comfort zone. That means going out of our way to intentionally treat others the way we would want to be treated, and to bridle our innate, human desire to judge others based solely on outward appearances. Read a perfect example of this kind of action in Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

2.      We are to “love mercy.” Some Bible translations of this phrase say we are to “love kindness,” have “steadfast love,” or “embrace faithful love.” However it’s translated, it means that we are to show compassion, kindness, and grace to others in our dealings with them, even when we don’t feel they deserve it. Read an illustration of this kind of treatment in the story of Jesus’ response to a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11).

3.      We are to “walk humbly with our God.” While “humbly” here can also be translated as “wisely,” nevertheless it means that we are to live life with a spirit of modesty and humility towards others that doesn’t puff itself up with arrogance or pride. It is a life lived with a constant awareness not only that we ourselves are not perfect (that each of us possesses some degree of implicit/unconscious bias), but also that we are all living in the presence of Almighty God, who is the only true judge of all things. Read an example of the qualities of this kind of living from the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:1-6.

I may be naive, but I believe that if we all determined to live our lives in these ways, then each of us would be better people, and our world would be a better place. Police officers would have no need to resort to brutality in enforcing laws, and protestors (however justified) would have no need to riot and use violence as a cover for seeking revenge.

Yes, we have come a long way over the years in our efforts to become a more racially inclusive and fair society. However, the recent events in Minneapolis and resulting violence around the country remind us how far we still have to go.

For those who want to learn or understand more about the subtle yet very real challenges of racism, prejudice, and unconscious bias, along with their underlying attitudes of fear and judgement, I invite you to consider several good books for a Christian approach to this topic: Fear of the Other by Will Willimon; White Lies by Daniel Hill; Holding Up Your Corner: Talking about Race in Your Community by F. Willis Johnson; Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America by Jennifer Harvey; and One In Christ: Bridging Racial and Cultural Divides by David D. Ireland.

All of these are available from Cokesbury.com and you can either order them for yourself, or there may be some of our Sunday School classes and/or other small groups that choose to use these as resources for virtual group discussion and dialogue about these subjects.

I realize that some of you may not agree with all (or any) of what I’m sharing here in this post. But if any of what I’ve written causes you to feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even angry, then I would lovingly invite you truthfully to ask yourself why, and then prayerfully to seek God’s wisdom about what to do with what you’re feeling.

Regardless of where you are or stand on this issue, know that you are precious and loved in God’s eyes. My prayer is that we will all learn more and more how to live into and respond to that love by loving and treating others the same way that God loves and treats us! Always remember that God loves you, and I do, too!

Introducing Pastor's Virtual Bible Club

"Jesus asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that I am?' And they answered him, 'John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.' Then he asked them, 'But who do YOU say that I am'?"  (Mark 8:27-29)

"Who do you say that I am?"  Jesus' question to the disciples is the same haunting question that he asks of us today. Sure, we might acknowledge him as a great man, a great leader, a prophet of God.  Like Peter, we might even call him the Messiah, the Son of God.  But what do we mean by that?

Is it enough to simply acknowledge him as Christ with our tongues, but then live our lives like we had no such belief?  John Wesley, founder of Methodism, called such persons "practical atheists."   In one of the albums of a Christian rap group from the 1990s (DCTalk) I remember hearing this saying: "the greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

When the way we live our lives doesn't match what we say we believe, then our Christianity is somehow lacking.  At least, that is what the gospel writer of the Book of Mark thinks.  "Who is Jesus?  and how will you respond to him?"  Starting Sunday, June 7^th, we'll have an opportunity to find out more about how the writer of Mark answers these two questions in a Pastor’s Virtual Bible Club from 5:00-6:00pm each Sunday via Zoom video conference.

As an interactive, in-depth Bible study on the book of Mark that I'll be leading, this will be geared for anyone who has an interest in delving deeper into the study of God’s word, but may be especially helpful for those who don’t live locally but want to connect with others at McKendree Church.

The only textbook you’ll need will be your Bible, but you’ll need access either to the Zoom app on your phone, tablet, or PC (or you can call in “audio-only” from your smart phone if you prefer).

For further questions, or if you are interested in participating in this weekly pastor-led study, please email Pastor Brian to receive a Zoom-video invitation and link.  And always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

The Things That Haven't Been Done Before

“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

“The things that haven’t been done before,
those are the things to try.
Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore
at the rim of the far-flung sky,
And his heart was bold and his faith was strong
As he ventured in dangers new,
And he paid no heed to the jeering throng
Or the fears of the doubting crew.

The many will follow the beaten track
With guideposts on the way,
They live and have lived for ages back
With a chart for every day.
Someone has told them it’s safe to go
On the road he has traveled o’er.
And all that they ever strive to know
Are the things that were known before.

A few strike out, without map or chart,
Where never a [person] has been,
From the beaten paths they draw apart
To see what no [one] has seen.
There are deeds they hunger alone to do;
Though battered and bruised and sore,
They blaze the path for the many, who
Do nothing not done before.

The things that haven’t been done before,
Are the tasks worth while today;
Are you one of the flock that follows, or
Are you the one that shall lead the way?
Are you one of the timid souls that quail
At the jeers of a doubting crew,
Or dare you, whether you win or fail, Strike out for a goal that’s new?

[-- Edgar A. Guest (1881-1959)]

In the wake of our current health pandemic, there will certainly be many ways that life will change for each of us – in our restaurants, stores, schools, sports events, home life, and even in and through our churches.  While these changes will undoubtedly feel uncomfortable and awkward at first, over time we will see how God’s hand has moved through them to offer us not only more of Himself, but also often an even better way to do life and ministry together, if we will but open our hearts and minds to those “new things”. 

So, what “new thing” is God calling you to do or participate in today?  Not only do we serve one who constantly calls us forward, but who has also been there ahead of us and walks with us every step of the way.  As God’s people, we don’t need to be afraid to step out and do whatever it is that God is calling us to do that has never been done before, but to trust that He is with us in every change that happens.  Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Spring Garden

“For everything there is a season, and a time for very purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

Springtime is the time to begin to plant things.  Some of us plant flowers, bushes, grass, trees, etc. We fertilize them, water them, and hope that it doesn’t turn cold again before they begin growing.  It’s a wonderful time of the year, when plants and trees begin to bud and eventually bloom, and when we prepare for the coming of summer.

But in addition to planting physical gardens, have you considered that Springtime is also a great time to plant spiritual gardens for ourselves, as well?  This year may be especially helpful in this regard, as the time we’ve had in quarantine has hopefully encouraged us to do some self-introspection.

The following is a playful rendering that’s been around for a while of this kind of “self”-planting, but I share it again in the hopes that it will not only bring a smile to your face but also a warmth to your soul in this midst of our continued social distancing.  This Springtime, in your heart…

Plant three rows of peas:

            Peace of mind; Peace of heart; Peace of soul

Plant four rows of squash:
            Squash gossip; Squash indifference;
            Squash grumbling; Squash selfishness.

Plant four rows of lettuce:
            Lettuce be faithful; Lettuce be kind;
            Lettuce be happy; Lettuce love one another

Plant at least three rows of turnips:
            Turn-up for service when needed;
            Turn-up to help one another;
            Turn-up the music and dance.

Also plant five rows of thyme:
            Thyme for fun; Thyme for rest; Thyme for yourself;
            Thyme for your family; Thyme for worship [even when

            It’s vritual worship].

Then, after you’ve finished planting, water freely with patience and cultivate with love.  Remember that you reap what you sow, to plant lots of good seed, that there may be much fruit in your spiritual garden!

Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

You Never Let Go

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won't turn back I know you are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You”

(Chorus Twice)

            [--Lyrics by Matt Redman © 2006 Sparrow]

No matter what tragedy or challenge you or your loved ones or friends are facing today, always remember that God is -- and will always be -- with you!  And while His presence doesn't always protect us from bad things happening, His presence will always give us hope to persevere and have hope through it!  Whatever you’re facing, hang in there!  And remember always that God loves you and I do, too!

The Waiting

“After [Jesus’] suffering, he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father.” (Acts 1:3-4)

I don't know about you, but when I got word this past Monday that our Bishop asked that we not gather for worship until at least June 22nd, I was disappointed and more than a bit frustrated! While I totally understand the reasoning from a health perspective, and certainly don't want us to resume worship until it is safe to do so, nevertheless after nearly six weeks in quarantine I was (and perhaps like you, still am) impatient for life to return to "normal."

The problem is:  more than likely, "normal" will never be the same again.  Like our world after Pearl Harbor, or after the assassinations of JFK, MLK Jr, and RFK in the 1960s, or even after the attacks of 9-11, today’s health crisis will probably usher in all sorts of changes in how we see and do life in our world, some of which we cannot yet even begin to comprehend.  Sure, as Christians we know that God is with us in the midst of this change. But what does it all mean?  And how do we prepare for it?

In many ways, I think this is exactly what Jesus' Disciples may have been feeling and experiencing during the days immediately after the first Easter Sunday.  I’m sure that they, too, longed for life to return to “normal.” But for them, as for us, “normal” would never be the same again – their lives (and indeed, the history of the world itself) would be forever changed by the reality of Jesus’ resurrection.

And also like us, they, too, experienced Christ’s presence in those days.  Yet even there, the scripture above reminds us that Jesus himself set boundaries on what they could and could not do during this period of time.  Namely, like us not being allowed to leave our homes, they weren’t to leave Jerusalem, but instead to “wait” for the promise of the Father, which we later learn would come in the form of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

So, all of this got me thinking about the “waiting” which is the inevitable characteristic of all “in-between” times in life:  for the Disciples, the 40 days between Easter Sunday and Pentecost Sunday; for a pregnant family, the 9 months between when they find out about the pregnancy and when the baby is actually born; and for all of us today, the time between the beginning of shelter-in-place restrictions and their end.

And it occurred to me that times of waiting are most always times of preparation for what comes next!   As the Disciples were waiting in Jerusalem, God was preparing them for being sent out as missionaries after Pentecost.  As a pregnant family waits for the birth of their child, God prepares them for how their lives will be different after the birth.  And for us today, if we allow Him to do so, I believe that God wants to use this time of waiting (where we are all cooped up in our homes) as a time of preparation for the “new” life that will follow.

After all, when this is all over, we’ll probably be doing any number of things in new ways:  school; concerts; sporting events; shopping; plays; and even church will be different!  But even though God is not the cause of this crisis, perhaps God wants to use it to remind us what is really important and essential in life and what’s not, and how we can live differently in order to truly prioritize life around those vital things.

No, very few of us like to “wait.”  We are, instead, typically a very impatient people, because we live in an “instant” world where everything can be had immediately.  Yet, without the preparation that takes place during times of waiting, we can’t really face the “new” realities that life often throws at us. 

So, rather than lamenting being cooped up, or spending time trying to find someone to blame for it, perhaps we should instead ask: “God, what are you trying to teach and prepare me for during this time of waiting?”  When each of us can truthfully answer that, then maybe… just maybe, we’re finally ready to leave our quarantine and face a new world!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Listening To & Hearing From God

"Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying  'This is the way, walk in it.' Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to your left" (Isaiah 30:21)

This coming Sunday (April 26) I was originally scheduled to meet with the youth of our church to have them ask me faith questions and let me respond to them.  Of course, with our shelter-in-place orders, I won’t be meeting with them in person.  However, in its place, our Student Director instead invited me to video myself answering questions from them that they shared with her. (If you want to see the whole video, click HERE). 

They asked really great questions, and one of those was: “How do I hear from / listen to God?”  We all know that there are many voices that speak to us in our world today, telling us where we should go, what we should do, and how.  As Christians we know we’re “supposed” to listen to/hear from God for this kind of direction.  Yet,  many of us are either so confused by the many other voices around us that we can’t discern God’s voice, or we may not really have an idea of how to recognize His voice in the first place.

So how exactly DO we “listen to” or “hear from” God, regardless of what age we are?  How can we recognize His voice in the midst of so many competing voices around us?  While what I shared in my video with our youth is slightly different than what I share here, nevertheless there are at least six basic filters that I often use to help me determine which things I’m hearing are from God or not.  I offer them to each of you now: 

1) Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17): Is what you’re “hearing” consistent with God’s word found in the essence of the Bible?  As taught by Jesus, the “voice of God” will never contradict the spirit of “love for God and love for others” found in holy scripture (Read Luke 10:25-28).

2) “Gentle Impressions” of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 8:10-11):  Sometimes we sense certain “nudges” or “impressions” in our inner heart/spirit that are an indicator of the voice or calling of God.  With practice using the other filters (along with our own experience), we’ll increasingly come to recognize the ones that are from God vs. the ones coming merely from our own desires or from non-godly sources around us.

3) Godly counsel from others (Proverbs 11:14):  Sometimes God’s voice speaks through the wisdom and advice of others.  What are others telling you about God’s voice?

4) A sense of God’s peace (Colossians 3:15):  The voice of God can often be determined “after the fact” by a sense of “peace” about a decision or direction that you’ve “stepped out on faith” to take. You may or may not experience this before or at the time you’re making the decision, but once made, an inner “peace” comes over you and your “gut” tells you that it will all be okay

5) “Coincidental” confirmation through circumstances (Matthew 18:16 and Acts 18:1-3):  Sometimes things just “happen” to us at the right time -- timing that seems fortuitous and very coincidental.  In my experience, employing eyes of faith can help us see that there are really no “coincidences” -- that God works through all things that happen to us in life (even the things that He didn’t cause), and often these seeming “coincidences” are God’s way of confirming our direction; of saying “this is the way; walk in it!”

6) Repetition!  (Mark 12:1-6) Do you continually keep “hearing” or sensing the same idea or thought over and over that you are supposed to do something?  As long as it is not inconsistent with the overarching law of love in holy scripture, it’s probably God trying to tell you something!  For example, you may think that God is “speaking” to you in a scripture you read, which is then confirmed by counsel given to you by someone, affirmed through a “coincidental” happening.  So, you step out in faith and try it, and a great sense of “peace” overwhelms you. And that’s when you realize:  yes, that was God speaking!

Of course, it hopefully goes without saying that all of these filters are merely tools that need to be used in conjunction with PRAYER -- intentional time to both talk to God and space to listen for God.  As you and I practice these more and more, we’ll come to increasingly be able to correctly discern the voice of God in our lives.  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

All I Need to Know I Learned from Noah's Ark

“Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, ‘As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you’” (Genesis 9:8-9)

Lesson One: Don’t miss the boat.

Lesson Two:  Remember that we are all in the same boat.

Lesson Three:  Plan ahead.  It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.

Lesson Four: Stay fit.  When you’re 600 years old someone may ask you to do something really big!

Lesson Five: Don’t listen to critics, just get on with the job that needs to be done.

Lesson Six:   Build your future on high ground.

Lesson Seven:  For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.

Lesson Eight:  Speed isn’t always an advantage.  The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

Lesson Nine: When you’re stressed, float a while.

Lesson Ten: Remember the Ark was built by amateurs -- the Titanic was built by professionals.

Lesson Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God there’s always a rainbow waiting.

It’s good to know that no matter what we face – including a pandemic -- God is here for and with us, and that we can be here with each other (even if virtually)! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!