I hear a symphony.

Many of my friends express concern about the fact that "God is being forced out of the public square." It's become a favorite pastime for People of Faith (yes I'm guilty)--lamenting the "sorry state" of the Nation.

What concerns ME? It's this: People of Faith have come to embrace the notion that the symbolic presence of God is the same thing as the authentic presence of God. Here is a short list of "hot-buttons," not intended to be exhaustive--but illustrative.

• Do we want God in our schools--disciple your children to know and love Jesus. 
• Do we want our Nation to understand that marriage is a beautiful metaphor, designed by God, of a much bigger relationship--and for this reason it is a sacred estate? Love your wife selflessly and trust your husband implicitly.
• Do we want values to govern our economy, greed to be disdained--choose simplicity and invest our resources on behalf of the poor, widows, orphans; be seekers of justice for all the disenfranchised. 
• Are we befuddled by the National obsession with abortion, perplexed by the disdain modern cultures have for human life, and high regard they show for endangered species? Find your voice and speak passionately-forcefully for the little Ones, consider... adoption, Foster parenting, Mentoring programs.

For too long, too many of us who profess to be followers of Jesus have routinely "phoned it in."

• We've been content to build private school sanctuaries, teaching Bible courses, that will disciple our children for us.
• We've turned a blind eye to the failure rate of marriages in our churches.
• We've justified selfish ambition and the boastful pride of life as "what's ours is ours" and left justice to government inefficiency and the dehumanizing impact of its one-size fits all insanity.
• We've ceded the heavy lifting for protecting the lives of unborn-children, the quality of life for born-children to others "called" to missional living.

Consider this: God's plan has always been to "show-up" via the beautiful music being played through lives well-lived by those who are His devoted followers--the Scripture makes clear that no law can stand against such purposeful, selfless living, "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5.22,23 NASB

Lives lived this way will produce a breathtaking symphony that will bring relevance back to our Mission as His Church--no longer engaged in managing the kingdom (small ''k") but compelled to build HIS Kingdom (big "K").

WHEN we take seriously our empowerment, from God, to add value to the lives of people, to make hard lives easier, to speak the truth of the Gospel into the brokenness of life without Christ, to model the transformational reality of the Gospel through the choices and investments we make--with our lives and resources, THEN they won't be able lock God out of the public square. There is no law that can stand against this kind of authenticity.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3.20,21 NASB

I hear a symphony. Through Christ, let it be.

Live it well...bN tGit

Now Children...

Existential Fact: Our political DNA produces lot's of anger and bitterness in this country. That's always been the case, always will be. To say otherwise is to redact history; just romantic non-sense.

Existential Fact: Americans are competitive. We hate to loose. This is perhaps most intensely experienced in our politics.

Existential Fact: There are haters on the margins of all movements involving people; when we pay too much heed to those margins--the hate tends to bleed back to toward the center.

NOW WHAT?

To my Democrat friends: Buck-up! The world hasn't ended. Stop the whining and stop being sore losers. Don't be fooled by progressive pundits--they do have something worthy to say, but they are entertainers seeking to maintain an audience; no need to parrot them--it isn't helpful. Eat the meat and spit the bones out.

We, Republicans and Democrats, have some work to do. This election was a repudiation of BOTH progressive and conservative ideology in their current applications.  Let's focus our passion and energy on the process of bringing our different visions in line with what Americans believe is needed to move our Nation forward.  Do this and perhaps both visions might emerge with a better message that more Americans can embrace AND at the same time, make hard lives easier.

Progressives have an obligation as Americans and fellow-citizens with those who see the world differently than they do, to give the Trump Administration a chance...and to actively work to make this administration a success to the degree that your values and principles will allow. That said, I submit that it does not have to be an "all, or nothing at all" proposition.

To my Republican friends: We won the Electoral College.  However, It remains to be seen just what kind of leader President-Elect Trump will be--and what kind of administration he will install; and just where that takes us, we can't say for sure.  You have had time to celebrate and wag your fingers; now, be gracious winners and effective leaders. Don't brand legitimate and passionate disagreement from "the loyal opposition" as "hate speech." Don't be fooled by conservative pundits--they do have something worthy to say, but they are entertainers seeking to maintain an audience; no need to parrot them--it isn't helpful. Eat the meat and spit the bones out.

Conservatives would be wise to allow progressives to have a seat and the table, they constitute just over half the electorate that turned out on November 8. It will continue to be impossible to get anything done if the only seats left are at the "back of the bus." Find the good in progressivism and embrace it to the degree that your values and principles will allow. That said, I submit that it does not have to be an "all or nothing at all" proposition.

To ALL my friends: We had an election.  Neither conservatives nor progressives won, something different and as yet unnamed won...and carried many conservatives to victory at the bottom of the ticket. Now, let's close ranks, stop sniping at each other and get on with the business of fixing America--our government, our communities, our schools, our families and let's work on growing as individuals.

"Now children...," it's time we grew up and gave the next generation, our children and grandchildren, a cultural/political templet that works...or else.

Live it well...bN tGit

Minions, NOT

Tomorrow, November 8, 2016, we have an election.

We will select the 45th President of the United States of America. An election is not an end, it's a beginning. We are not minons, held under the thumb of despotic Felonious Gru and a legion of henchmen. 

We are "we the people" so act like it.  Let's close ranks and hold those elected to govern responsible for the way they govern; let's also allow, no--demand, a willingness to compromise and advance the business of the Nation forward toward a brighter future.

For those stiff-necked ideologues from both sides of the aisle remember, we have a new-direction "fork in the road" every two years.  It's the "governor" on the system and virtually assures that the more things change, the more they stay the same; therein lies the genius of the Founders.

Politics, it's part of our DNA.  


Live it well...bN tGit

HELP!

Listening to the Old Beatles tune this morning, "Help."

"When I was younger, so
much younger than today
I never needed anybody's help in any way
But now these days are gone,
I'm not so self-assured
Now I find, I've changed my mind,
I've opened up the doors.
And now my life has changed
in, oh, so many ways
My independence seems
to vanish in the haze
But every now and then
I feel so insecure
I know that I just need
you like I've never done before.
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being 'round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won't you, please, please help me?"

As I was taken back to another (younger) time in my life, it occurred to me that the (young) Beatles had uncanny insight in writing about what happens to us as we move through the final third of our lives; a time filled with loss and tradeoffs.

While we can't "do it all" anymore (not that we ever could), the tenderness we experience as our spouses, kids, and friends stand in the gaps is profound. It's in those moments we discover the rich, mysterious, blessing of interdependence.

Help is good. Life is "grand."



Live it well...bN tGit

Trying Times

"These are the times that try men's souls" wrote Thomas Paine in his pamphlet "The American Crisis" published Dec 23, 1776; the Colonies faced the almost certain prospect of defeat in their war for indpendence. Paine implored Americans "don't give up the fight."

As the curtain begins to drop on 2016: we are embroiled in an angry election for the 45 President between two very flawed candidates, our economy continues to misfire, the world is a more dangerous place than ever, we face the prospect of a nuclear Iran--still, an ascendant China, troubling news about the future of Healthcare, poor leadership--on both sides of the aisle--from those we've elected to make good decisions.  Never-the-less the fact is that virtually every generation of Americans were forced to face down a crisis...and they survived, thrived and grew strong on the idea of the American Dream.

We must remember to "keep the main thing," the main thing. The "idea of America" has been the fuel driving our resolve to be "one nation, under God, indivisable, with liberty and justice for all;" an idea those who traveled this way before us thought to be worth sacrificing, fighting and dying for.  Indifference to this "big idea" is the real, the urgent threat to our liberty.

Resolve to do your part; work hard, make informed decisions, be a person of strong character, celebrate interdependence and respect people who disagree with you--but press them to think outside their "box" and you, think outside yours. Don't give in to tyranny, fear or indifference--be strong and of good courage. 

Let's leave a legacy that will inspire a new generation.

Live it well...bN tGit

Wrong War.

We now find ourselves in perhaps the most contentious Presidential Election since Adams v. Jefferson--a long time.  

Like so many I am concerned about the long-term impact this election will most certainly have on the Nation my grand and great-grand children will inherit.  So much is at stake; the economy, our standing in the world, energy, health care, peace, terror and of course--our culture. 

Our culture is changing--devolving into the chaos of a-morality.  Many People of effective faith have dutifully written their Senators and Representative demanding action.  They are good culture-warriors.  I have a problem with this.  The "culture war" is the wrong campaign.  It's a battle for minds.  People of effective faith are called to battle for hearts.    

In this process, we see that people of effective faith have been seduced also; the culture war is self-serving.  It's an attempt to preserve and re-create a world less hostile, less chaotic, less wrong-headed for our benefit.  It's about preserving our values, protecting our children, maintaining equilibrium and economy so we can live out our god-informed vision of what our lives should be like.  This is normal; it's also carnal...it's the way most humans think and act.

That's not the vision people of effective faith have been called to by God. We have been called to justice, to selfless living, to compassionate action; to loving the unreached citizens of this world like God does.  When people of effective faith do that, people with no hope notice. They understand that this kind of concern is counter-intuitive.  It's not the way normal people live; they want to know "why?"   

Peter's first letter to the church contains instruction for us..."...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."   1 Peter 3.15 ESV

Peter informs us that we win the world, and transform culture, one heart at a time gently, respectfully.  It can't be done with legislation.  We don't win them with constitutional amendments.  The silver bullet isn't packing the courts with the "right kind of thinkers."  It's done by living alongside people who aren't like children of the King, who don't share His values and act in ways that reflect how radically confused people without effective faith are.

When people of effective faith insert themselves into culture in a transformative way hearts begin to change.  When hearts begin to change, minds begin to change.  When hearts and minds begin to change, culture begins to change.  When people with no hope begin to see faith, hope and love in their neighborhoods, schools, workplaces--they pay attention!  They realize they are thirsty, hungry and without hope. They realize there's more, and they want to know where they can embrace it...one heart at a time.

For too many people of effective faith, living this way just isn't something we want to do.  We're more comfortable on church properties that create space between the world without effective faith and our world of grace.  We shield our children from the world without effective faith in ways that create fear and contempt in their hearts. We forget what life without grace is like, and we become entrenched in a battle for minds using the least effective means available to us--the wisdom and power of the world system.  

Little wonder we seem befuddled, put-off by what Jesus described as "sheep without a shepherd."  They aren't like us, they don't think or act like us.  They are driven by differnt values, often by different passions.  Yet, they carry the same godly imprint on their souls that people of effective faith reflect...we are all created in His image.  We are all loved with an unconditional love.  We all have access the same unmerited overflow of His grace.  We are all sinners in need of a Savior.  

These lost sheep, these precious souls, are not the enemy.  They are victims in Satan's attempt to foil the purpose of God in the redemption of all people.  That purpose begins with a battle for hearts...and minds will follow.  We win hearts when in the power of the Spirit we come along side these unlovely people and their messy lives and seek to serve them in compassion, with sacrifice through love.

One heart, one mind... gently, respectfully, powerfully.

Live it well...bN tGit

Life is short...

When the road of life is clear and smooth,
too often we miss the beauty within our easy grasp.
We gaze ahead with intensity 

through the portal which beckons us,

"...move quickly along the way!" 

Life waits...just ahead. 

Indeed it is the journey, not the destination 

that unravels the mystery...

"Life is short, live it slow...and well."

Live it well...bN tGit

Facts are stubborn.

Facts are stubborn.

It's easy to simply dismiss them, but then we won't--can't--make progress as a nation.

It's time Americans do what we have done so well for so long; put the best of both political visions, evaluating and applying the facts, to work and create a synergy that empowers our "We the people" political will.

The best kind of politics is not a "winner take all" proposition. That becomes a recipe for tyranny, regardless of whose in charge.

The degraded ethics of the human condition make too much of any ideology, too much. The Framers understood this on a very practical level when they fashioned our Constitutional "checks and balances." It makes governance almost always too slow, and often very clunky--but even with this, it leads to better outcomes.

Step back, breath deeply, think critically and refuse the Kool-Aid people on BOTH sides of the asile have prepared for this election cycle.

So much hangs in the balance of this election. The impact of what we do will almost certainly outlive all of us. It's important that we get it right; "right" being a leader that will govern to the highest possible standard.

Seem like an impossible dream? I trust in the Sovereignty of God. God has the ability to change hearts and minds, empower for service and give gifts for leadership that are "exceedingly, abundantly beyond anything we could ask or imagine." Ephesians 3.20

I am voting, I am trusting God. Why not pray for guidance? I am asking God to anoint this new leadership for 2017 and beyond with an ability to lead America to a commitment where we seek to "Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God." Micah 6.8

With God all things improbable, even impossible, are always on the table.

Live it well...bN tGit

Keep your eye on the ball.

The cardinal rule of good hitting--baseball, golf, billiards--is of course, "keep your eye on the ball." 

That said, my mission as a follower of Christ--to proclaim the truth about God, His love for humankind, His provision for our redemption--does not require me to fear a culture filled with souls who "are like sheep without a shepherd."  It does NOT require me to win the so-called "culture war."

Jesus saw the crowds of distressed people and was "moved with compassion" all the way to the Cross where He crushed the power of sin, once-and-for-all.  God's Word makes it clear who the enemy is..."For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places"  Ephesians 6.12

God's Word tells me what it is I must do to engage these evil adversaries and prevail...

"10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."  Ephesians 6.10-24

Note that this passage does not instruct Christ-followers to revile the sinner, legislate a solution that protects my family, leave the Union, or disengage from "life in the world--not of the world."  This is not a political war, not a culture war--it is a Spiritual battle that calls for weapons fashioned by God for taking down, taking back, strongholds.  Our weapons?  See...truth, righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, faith, salvation, God's Word, intercessory prayer, wisdom from God to speak the truth in love with boldness behaving as an Ambassador/Doulos (bond-servant) for the King.

When we allow ourselves to be drawn into a "culture-war" mentality, we lose; people yet to trust Christ and experience spiritual re-birth lose.  We allow the "the rulers, the powers, the world forces of darkness, the spiritual forces of wickedness" to pick the time and place of the struggle; we lay the Armor of God aside--and we are impotent in the face of such evil. It's high time believers figure out "who and where" the enemy is and the rules-of-engagement; then take the fight to the enemy as per Paul's instruction in Ephesians 6.10-24.  Only then will we see the tide of evil begin to recede. 

We will not prevail in the long-term by building higher walls around the spiritual reservations we have fashioned our churches into,  by asking Focus of the Family to lobby our politicians, by finding conservative-too often shrill--politicians to write laws and pack the courts; cursing-the-darkness won't win the battle. 

Choose God.  Love people.  Know who the enemy is and "10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."  Ephesians 6.10   

Our battle is NOT against flesh and blood.  The stakes are infinity higher than a culture-war; eternity hangs in the balance for those yet to embrace Christ with effective faith.  

For the sake of the Kingdom, and especially those who have not yet secured a place in the Kingdom through effective faith in Christ, keep your eye on the ball.

Live it well...bN tGit

Hope.

Several years ago I received a note from a good friend..."my dad's cancer is progressing. His time here is probably down to days..."  When I read those words I was transported back to the last time I was with his dad.  I was saddened by this news, concerned for the grief this final act of life would introduce to my friend and his family...and not.

My friend's father did lose his life; but not once was he in danger of losing his hope: the certain promise that he, as a believer in Jesus Christ, would finally be transported into the presence of His Lord and Savior, there to enjoy life as HE designed it to be.

Life is hard, then we die.   We will all lose our lives, but we need not lose our hope.

Praise God for the hope we have in Christ, and the healing death brings for those who have embraced Christ through effective saving faith; for these death need not be something to be feared

DEATH levels the playing field of life. No one ever gets out alive. Feels capricious and mean-spirited. Yet, not. You see had not death been allowed to efficiently rampage through humankind, with no exceptions, we would be once and forever separated from experiencing the face-to-face, real-time, relationship God created us for in the first place. It's through this portal that we bound into eternity; it's the portal my friend's father bounded through. 

Without death we would be chained to a relationship of enmity with God; we would be eternal beings, like Lucifer and the legion of angels which were cast out of heaven because of their rebellion; no reverse, no repair--NO hope.

Death became the modality that God uses to foil Satan's attempt to co-opt God's crowning creative act, the human race.  So then, death is the definitive "check-mate" and demonstrates God's mastery; always steps ahead of evil and the chaos of sin. Genesis 3 describes the event that initiated the rebellion of Adam and Eve to sin and it's necessary result, death; it's also here that we learn that death is part of God's bigger plan for hope and the redemption of human-kind.

The rest, is history, 1 John 4.9,10...

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son 

into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 

10  This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us 

and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."

We know that love is a four letter word, spelled H-O-P-E; more importantly, we know that death simply marks the first day of the rest of our lives, 2 Corinthians 4.16-18...

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet 

inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary 

troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, 

since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

"What is unseen is eternal..." welcome to the real world.   In Christ, we will rise; thanks be to God.  

It's a GRACE day.

Live it well...bN tGit