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Bad News Can’t Thrive in Courageous Prayers

By
Sonya McKinzie
-
prayers

Your fiancé confesses to you that he or she no longer wants to marry you, and has found love with another person after your 10-year relationship.

You have been laid off from your job of twenty-three years as a result of the company going bankrupt.

Your home has been burglarized causing thousands of dollars in damage, and your homeowner’s insurance lapsed a week prior.

Your only sibling has Lupus and has recently tested positive for COVID-19.

These are all quite challenging circumstances, aren’t they?

When Bad News Strikes

Devastatingly bad news can take our breath away and leave us feeling numb inside. Times like these seem to knock us to our knees or send us running through an empty field of despair and brokenness. It’s a helpless feeling when the world we know and love collapses around us like hail falling from the sky.

That recognizable feeling ripping through our souls is none other than fear itself. It pulls at the core of our soul and digs down into our spirit; it threatens to take away our faith. When we are filled with fear versus faith, our emotions tend to find delight in doing the “Tango of Danger” with our heart and soul. This dance leads us straight to the breeding ground of anger, guilt, shame, and helplessness.

Truth be told, bad news is inevitable and everyone will experience it at some point. So… 

How Does One Cope With Bad News? 

prayersPause for a moment and ask God for strength and guidance. In the passage of Nehemiah 1:1-11, the Bible tells us that Nehemiah receives the bad news that his hometown of Jerusalem is in ruin – the wall of Jerusalem torn down, the gates of the city destroyed by fire. God gave Nehemiah a difficult assignment. He was tasked with gathering the Jews who had returned to Judah after the exile to Babylon, resurrect and rebuild His city, and bring back the people of God to the Word of God.

Think about how Nehemiah may have felt when God told him what He wanted him to accomplish. Perhaps he felt nervous, uncertain, or even depressed. These are the same feelings that we might feel when nothing is certain and clear.

However, God wants us to be like Nehemiah and receive the message, breathe, and pray for God to help bring us through our sad or painful times.

Bad News Requires Courageous Prayers

God often looks to us to be a vessel to pour His message into others, rebuild broken situations, and trust Him and the overall plan He has for us. 

Because God is a miracle worker, we should not be afraid to pray courageously. When Nehemiah found himself facing the king, he did not hide his sadness or pretend to be okay. Instead, he was transparent and vulnerable. Nehemiah had faith and knew that no matter the circumstance, God had already paved the way in his favor.

Nehemiah asked God to give him favor in the eyes of the king as he shared his distress. When he made his courageous request to be relieved of his duties to go and rebuild Jerusalem, he stepped out on faith and trusted God. He made a dangerously courageous request to the king, and God had already affirmed Nehemiah’s petition.

Courageous Prayers in Uncertain Times

Let’s consider the news surrounding the ever-changing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the president, our local and national officials, social media, and every news channel. There are enough different messages out here to make our heads spin. 

Now, let’s think about God and His everlasting Word. The Bible shows us repeatedly how faithful, consistent, and miraculous our God is. God has every answer we need – not only in bad times but in good times as well. The only request He has for us is to pray, talk to Him. Courageously, we must know that His healing power is greater than any plague or pestilence this world may experience.

Sometimes, we neglect simple prayers. 

Most times, we neglect courageous prayers.

At all times, we must pray because it is essential for our survival and, most importantly, God is standing by to hear from us. When we pray, it pleases God beyond measure. He tells us, “I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).

So, what’s the play call?

Think about your challenging circumstances. Breathe. Now humbly and courageously pray to God about it. It does not matter what your circumstances are – the restoration of a relationship, employment, deliverance, finances, healing, or spiritual turmoil.

God hears and answers our prayers. Remember that nothing is too difficult or impossible through Him, our Father God. 

It’s simple. Courageous prayers still work.

Asian Americans Call on the Church to Preach Against Coronavirus Racism

By
Christianity Today
-
racism

Inspired by their convictions around human dignity and their hope in the body of Christ, Asian American believers are asking the church to take the lead in opposing anti-Asian racism fueled by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Asian American Christian Collaborative released a statement describing the current rise in anti-Asian incidents—by some counts, more than 750 reports just last week—as the latest in the long history of “yellow peril” tropes in the US.

The statement denounces xenophobia, stands in solidarity with victims, and directs Christians to speak out and make changes in their churches, schools, and communities.

“Our hope would be that people would address this from the pulpit,” said Ray Chang, who collaborated on the statement with church planter and writer Michelle Reyes. “There is no Good News without the bad news.”

The statement evokes the Christian commitment to neighborly love, calling for signatories to “engage in whole-life discipleship in your churches, and embrace the teaching and work of Jesus, by actively combating anti-Asian racism from the pulpit, in congregational life, and in the world.”

Hundreds have signed on, from prominent Asian American Christian leaders like North Park Theological Seminary professor Soong-Chan Rah and Evangelicals for Social Action director Nikki Toyama-Szeto to the heads of major evangelical entities like Fuller Seminary president Mark Labberton and World Relief president Scott Arbeiter.

Asian American Christians have been vocal about racist remarks, characterizations, and violence since the earliest days of the outbreak.

“‘America first’ or ‘my own race first’ is not living out the Parable …

Continue reading…

Lonely? Bloom Where You’re Quarantined

By
Christianity Today
-
quarantine

This past Sunday, I took my children for a walk in a wildlife sanctuary on the edge of our small New England town. Sunday marked our ninth day of preventative quarantine from COVID-19, and after a busy week indoors adjusting to online schooling and working from home, we were ready to get outside in the fresh air. A shock of wintery weather had passed through Boston, so we pulled out hats and mittens, bundled up, and headed out to the Atlantic Ocean.

When we arrived, my four kids tumbled out of the car and went ahead of me down the trail. They ran and played, swatting each other with grasses and zigzagging off the trail to race through the meadows. As I stood for a moment and watched them, I closed my eyes and drank in the silence as the ocean wind carried away my children’s voices. Then it hit me like it has so many times over the last eight months: My husband is dead, and I’m here alone.

Only a year ago, my husband Rob brought me on a date to these meadows. We bought cherry hand pies from a local grocery store and sat eating them as the sunset. We enjoyed the companionable silence that comes with 17 years of marriage. As birds returned to their nests in the dusk, quiet rain began to fall. It was a moment out of a Robert Frost poem: Come over the hills and far with me, and be my love in the rain. But for all my wishing now, Rob will never be here again with me.

When he died last July in a tragic hiking accident, I discovered a dreadful aloneness that I’d never known before. At that moment when the chaplains came to tell me of his death, I lost my partner, my confidante, my co-parent, my lover, my advisor, and my best friend. I’d always been an independent person, an introvert, even, but I never wanted …

Continue reading…

Let’s Fight Together with the Salvation Army (New Video)

By
Editorial Staff
-

COVID-19 Is No Different, Let’s Fight Together for a Cure!

salvation armyThe Salvation Army has been on the frontlines of outbreaks and pandemics since the likes of typhoid, smallpox, and polio. Today, during the coronavirus pandemic, The Salvation Army’s support will be no different.

In the United States, one in six people live in poverty, and more than 550,000 are counted as homeless. These populations severely lack access to proper care, hygiene, updated information, and medical resources, which makes them more susceptible to the virus. This is where The Salvation Army comes in.

Watch their inspiring and hopeful new video, “There Was A Time.” This video chronicles key moments throughout the last century where our society has bravely overcome other notable health scares.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army and its efforts, please do so and spread the word in your community.

The Power of Pornography: Guard Your Idle Time

By
Keiston France
-
pornography

Anyone who has gone through puberty has struggled with lust. What is lust? Sexual lust refers to moving from simply appreciating the physical beauty of another to imagining a sexual fantasy. While men and women are both guilty of lust and improper sexual thoughts towards one another, men’s struggle is often more challenging. It’s a daily battle no matter how godly or spiritual a man may be.  With that in mind, pornography is like lust on steroids.

Pornography has always existed. But it wasn’t until the mid 20th century with the introduction of magazines like Playboy and Penthouse that pornography became more pervasive in American culture. Combine that with the sexual revolution of the 60s and we see a cultural shift away from the Judeo-Christian value system towards a “new morality.” Over time, Hollywood followed with more sexually explicit films, then TV and even advertising joined in.

Today, with computers, iPads, and smartphones in the home and office, pornography has permeated every sphere of society. And, where there is increased idle or downtime, porn can easily become a person’s favorite way to pass the time.

It’s so easy; it’s just a click away – and no one has to know.

What’s the Problem with Pornography?

pornographyOver time, pornography desensitizes a man’s view of women to that of a sexual object – to be used and thrown away for another. It’s all about selfish, entitled pleasure. Yes, many will “pay themselves” with pornography after a long, hard day. But it doesn’t stop there.

Think about the incredible abuse towards children with the worldwide growth of millions of child sex slaves. Out of the billions of dollars spent in the pornography industry, 20% comes from child pornography. As David Platt has written – If you are joining the masses to demand an end to sex slavery but still engage in porn, you are one big hypocrite.

Pornographic lust is never satisfied; there’s always a desire for more. Eventually, what begins as a casual activity can turn into an inescapable addiction.

So, What’s The Play Call?

If you’re struggling with pornography and lust, confess it to God. There’s incredible freedom in the forgiveness of Jesus Christ through the cross. Pornography is a killer in marriage and in men’s relationships with women. If you’re married, confess your struggle with porn to your wife and ask for her forgiveness, help, and prayers. Seek God daily for the strength to resist this temptation.

Secret sin exposed tends to lessen in power. If you’re a teenager or single adult, find a trusted friend or safe community to hold each other accountable. Think about it.

Stay Calm, Don’t Panic: God is Still in Control

By
Alecia M. White
-
panic

I’d gone to the store one evening, just as the toilet paper panic hit. Hopefully, you weren’t one of those Americans out here fighting over toilet paper.

Side thought: We received one instruction, “wash your hands”, and everybody cleared all the toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I’m still confused about what went on between CDC’s instruction and our translation, but anyhoo.

I only went to the store to grab some yogurt. I figured that nobody would really be out since people had wiped out the shelves earlier that day.

As I grabbed a mini cart and walked to the dairy section, I noticed random items were gone like fresh broccoli. What are y’all doing with the broccoli? There was, however, plenty of yogurts. I suppose that wasn’t on the national snatch-and-grab list. I got my yogurt and proceeded to the checkout line.

When Panic Knocks, Don’t Answer.

I walked past the toilet paper aisle and noticed there were about 4 twelve-packs on the shelf. I’m sure this was an oversight by the toilet paper hoarders, but I quickly grabbed one and threw it in my cart.

Just then – hilarious moment – my heart started to beat kind of fast. My mind started racing and wondering if someone would try to fight me over these twelve double rolls. Comedy, I know, but folks out here in these streets are crazy.

A woman and her husband passed me, and she began giving me the stare down as she looked in my cart. At that moment, I started to prepare myself for the worst-case scenario. I then heard her whisper, “Honey, she has toilet paper. Let’s get over there quick.” Whew… I didn’t have to throw hands over a basic household item LOL…too funny!

Panic is a Liar. 

panicNo, this isn’t about my adventures in grocery shopping during a national pandemic. Although, I have a couple more stories that I’ll spare you for now. Rather, this panic has made folks overbuy stuff that they’ve probably never purchased before (really, what are y’all gonna do with all that broccoli?). And, it causes people to do things in the moment that are not related to the solution, e.g. purchasing all that Charmin after the initial solution was to “wash your hands”.

In life, when we panic over a situation, it’s easy to overdo things. We overspend because “running out” gives us anxiety. And, by overspending, I don’t just mean financially.

Nope, we can overspend in loyalty and energy because we fear that others will run out on us. This leads us to do things that won’t produce the solution we need or desire.

We buy all of this toilet paper and still don’t wash our hands. We go through all these changes and still don’t confront the actual problem. Examples include avoiding proper communication, refusing help and resources from others, or even isolating ourselves from support – even when we know those things are our solution.

Panic also causes us to prepare for the worst. Now, that can be a good thing, but when we allow certain scenarios to enter our minds due to panic, it becomes an overreaction. Just like my mind drifted when that woman started eyeballing my cart, we begin to drift. This creates issues because we then spend all our efforts ready to solve a problem that will never come.

So, What’s the Play Call?

I know that with all that’s going on, it’s easy to panic and fear the worst. I’m not telling you not to prepare, but I am saying to trust the One with the solution. Here are a few things to keep in mind when we’re in a season filled with panic:

  1. God has given us many tools but fear is not one of them. We must recognize the difference in being cautious and wise and fearing the unknown due to current circumstances. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
  2. Trust God. There are so many fluctuations in the news and instructions that we’re being given. Be sure you’re placing your trust in the One that has all power. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalms 118:8
  3. Be sure that you are connected to wise, positive people. The wrong communication can cause our actions to shift negatively. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearketh unto counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15
  4. Let God give you peace. With the chaos and crazies we are surrounded by, and the bad news we are being spoon-fed, peace is imperative. Without it, we’ll succumb to the chaos and become one of the crazies. “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15, NLT

I know it seems hard not to panic when there are so many logical reasons to do so. But, it’s easier to embrace peace when we realize we serve a God who is not bound by logic. Trust Him and accept His peace.

 

The Regret Wish List: Tomorrow is Not Promised, Now What?

By
Brandi Hawthorne
-
regret

Over the last few years, my family has experienced a lot of sudden death.

My great-aunt died while sleeping on the couch. My great-uncle was found dead in his bed. Another great-uncle dropped dead in the yard. My grandfather was found dead in his home. My cousin went in for a simple surgery and found out in recovery that her body was riddled with cancer and was given 2 weeks to live. My aunt fainted and never woke up. My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and lived another 6 months. And, recently, my cousin passed away.

My mom said something that made me pause. She said, “While attending the funeral of their loved one, none of them had any idea the next funeral would be their own.”

Silence.

And then I thought, my cousin’s funeral could be the last one I attend!

Heart in throat.

What if Today Was Your Day?

Steve Jobs is famous for the quote:

“If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today?”

It’s hard to imagine not being here tomorrow. How can that happen when I have so much left to do? But, death isn’t logical. And, it often doesn’t announce itself (James 4:14).

For those who died without warning, they can’t come back and re-live their last day. Their bodies have returned to the dust and their spirits are with the Lord (Ecclesiastes. 12:7).

But, for all of us who still have breath in our body, we still have an opportunity to live a full life without regret (John 10:10, ERV).

So, today, I challenge you to make a regret wish list. If you didn’t wake up tomorrow morning, what would be your regrets? What are the things you wished you would have accomplished?

What Would You Regret, If Today’s Your Last Day On Earth?

This is the question I often ask myself. And, here are some of my answers and my action plan.

1. Not Tapping In.

I often give in to my circumstances. I concede and mope and pray desperate prayers. The Bible says we have more power than the enemy. We’ve been given the authority to stand on his head and not be injured (Luke 10:19). That power is directly linked to my prayer, my praise, and my words.

Action Plan:

I usually go straight to my journal when I’m having a particularly hard day. And, I mope. I’m going to put scripture on the cover of my journal with a note that says, “You’re powerful, girl! Use your mouth to change your circumstances! Tell your problems about God!”

2. Not Standing Up.

Sometimes, I feel like a wimp because nowadays even Christians are offended by the Word. And, I don’t want to get into a shouting match or petty wars about what’s written in the Bible if God doesn’t ask me to.

But, I think there’s a fine line between protecting your peace and neglecting the call to speak truth. Just because we don’t defend the Bible like the next person, it doesn’t mean we should avoid it altogether. If we take our ego and need for agreement out of the equation, we should be able to have a conversation where we help a brother or sister find truth for their circumstance. Even if we have to say, “Let me do some research and get back to you.” We must remember that we can only plant and water. God gives the increase.

Action Plan:

Look for situations to share God’s truth with others. But, speak with them only after my mouth and mind are dripping with prayer. And, also, study, study, study. I should always be ready with a Word for others. (1 Peter 3:15)

3. Being double-minded.

You can be in the same vicinity as a person and still not be there with them. I spend lots of time with my husband and children. Sometimes, I feel like I can’t get away from them! But, it’s not always quality time. If I’m always doing two (or more) things at once, one thing will always suffer.

Action plan:

Schedule quality time with the ones you love. Start with 10 minutes and increase as you are able. But, remember that this is a no-phone and no complaint zone.

4. Not Discovering & Doing.

We’re all wired differently. What makes me cry may not make you cry. What makes you furious may not make me furious. But, you know what we have in common? Those things that anger us, excite us, and move us are telling of how God made us and how we can bring Him glory.

I think I learned this early on. In fact, writing for Team Jesus Magazine is an example of me doing something I discovered was a God-given gift. They didn’t come searching for me. I emailed them and asked if I could be a contributor. We can’t sit back and wait for things to fall in our laps. If you know that you have a knack for doing something, find ways to exercise that talent in a way that gives God glory.

Action plan:

Every day I’m finding ways to give God glory, Brandi-style. Mostly, I share my personal experiences with others through blogging, coaching and speaking engagements so that others can learn the lesson without having to make the same mistake. But, God is not short on creativity and He created me in His image. So, be on the lookout! You never know what I might do next!

So, what’s the play call?

Get it done! Is what you’re doing today the way you’d choose to spend your last day? What would you regret if you passed away suddenly?

Start to squeeze those things into your life daily and go to sleep peacefully knowing that you didn’t let the most important things remain on the back burner.

UMC Split and SBC Votes Wait for Next Year with Conferences Canceled

By
Christianity Today
-
coronavirus

Last week, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) called off its annual meeting scheduled for June 9-10, its first cancellation since World War II 75 years ago. The week before, the United Methodist Church (UMC) announced it would have to push back its quadrennial General Conference another year after its venue, the Minnesota Convention Center, canceled events through mid-May.

While members understand the circumstances, the decisions still come as hard news. Besides the denomination-wide fellowship and morale-building that happens at these gatherings, they are the vehicle for important decision-making affecting churches and ministries.

Leaders from both denominations say the delay puts some business on hold—but in most cases, the votes can wait. That includes the long-anticipated decision over how the UMC could split over irreconcilable differences on LGBT issues.

UMC split delayed

Postponing the UMC conference to 2021 gives leaders more time to deliberate their disunion. In January a group of traditional and progressive denominational leaders agreed on the “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation,” which proposed allowing conservative congregations to break away and form a new body. Rather than voting on the protocol in May, delegates will hold off until the 2021 General Conference. Many UMC churches had already begun to discuss whether to stay or go—with exiting churches keeping their buildings and taking $25 million to form the new denomination under the proposed protocol—but it’s unlikely any could afford to jump the gun and leave …

Continue reading…

4 Ways the COVID-19 Outbreak Impacted Prayer for Italian Christians

By
Christianity Today
-
covid-19
An Italian flag hung outside of a window in Bologna with the slogan "Andrà tutto bene" (Everything is gonna be fine) during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how Italian Christians pray and live their faith, amid a nation reeling from 7,500 deaths—the highest tally in the world—among 74,000 confirmed cases (second only to China).

During the lockdown, we can no longer gather on Sundays or in-home groups. Social gatherings, travel, and weddings are suspended, as are most businesses. If someone is caught outside their home without a valid reason, there can be a heavy fine.

But this season of exile has helped us discover three facets of prayer we often neglect in times of abundance.

1) Prayer of Lament

Psalms of lament often felt hyperbolic a month ago. For example, Asaph’s complaint that God has made his people “drink tears by the bowlful” could seem overdramatic; David’s cry to God of “How long will you hide your face from me?” was a distant feeling.

But as humanity struggles to contain a fear- and anxiety-provoking pandemic, lament feels newly relevant to all of us. In March 2020, Psalm 44 now sounds pitch-perfect:

Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.
Why do you hide your face
and forget our misery and oppression?

We are brought down to the dust;
our bodies cling to the ground.
Rise up and help us;
rescue us because of your unfailing love.

Few Western Christians have experienced poverty, injustice, or persecution. Consequently, our worship usually reflects the moods of resourceful individuals in times of prosperity and peace: composed and mainstream. We do suffer individually; however, seldom is our corporate worship fueled by protest and mourning before God.

Lament is suffering turned into prayer. It’s the worship of people who feel out of balance and out of place. Historically, …

Continue reading…

The Pandemic in Prison: Remember Those Who Are Incarcerated

By
Christianity Today
-
prison

The advice to slow and curb the spread of the novel coronavirus is by now familiar: Practice social distancing. Don’t congregate in large groups. And always, always wash your hands.

But, what if you live with another person—or two or three—in a 6-by-8 foot cell, and you eat every meal in a cafeteria that seats dozens, and you have no soap?

That’s the situation facing around 1.5 million people in state and federal prisons in America and another 700,000 in local jails. As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates, detention facilities risk becoming “superspreader” sites, rapidly overloading inmates’ medical resources. The United States has the largest prison population and highest known incarceration rate in the world, and incarcerated people are uniquely at risk in this pandemic.

As Christians, we are called to their aid. Jesus listed “proclaim[ing] freedom for the prisoners” among the Spirit’s purposes for his ministry (Luke 4:18-21), and he described care for those in prison as an identifying mark of his followers, connecting those imprisoned to himself (Matthew 25:36-46).

Scripture is replete with stories of the wrongfully detained—Joseph, Daniel, Peter, Paul, and Christ, for a night—yet it never makes one’s innocence a condition of our call to care.

Rather, as in Hebrews 13:1-3, we are simply exhorted to “remember those in prison as if [we] were together with them in prison,” to treat them as we would hope to be treated if were we, but for the grace of God, in their place.

Polling commissioned by Prison Fellowship finds Christians—and especially evangelicals—are more likely than most Americans to want “safe and humane” prison conditions. COVID-19 creates a desperate need to put our faith into action (James 2:14-18).

Remembering Those in Prison

The single best and most achievable way to do that is to get people out of jail. Most people held in American jails are in pre-trial detention, meaning …

Continue reading…

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