Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

This morning I read some words spoken by the director of the FBI, James B. Comey.

He gave a speech at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.  He asked some great questions.

"...I was born into an Irish Catholic family in this great, wonderful and safe country, but the Holocaust has always haunted me, and it has long stood as a stumbling block to faith.

How could such a thing be? How is that consistent with the concept of a loving God? How is that in any way reconcilable with the notion of a God with a role in human history? How could there possibly be meaning in life, when so many lives were snuffed out in such a fashion?

I have asked those questions since I was a young teenager. I have asked them my entire life. 

I asked the same questions standing in the pit at Ground Zero in early 2002. I have asked those questions many times as I have confronted unimaginable suffering and loss.

And I know I am in good company asking such questions."

Sadly - though - he also says "...I ask, as so many of us do.  And I still don't know.".

I know where he (and we) can find the answers.

Here they are:

- "Why do bad things happen to good people?" at whataboutjesus.com 

-  "Hard Sayings: Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?" from Mark Jeske at timeofgrace.org 

In summary - it's a sin-sick world we live in.

While you're a resident here - bad things will happen.

To you.  To your neighbor.  To children.  To everyone.

But through Jesus - a perfect place is waiting.

Where bad things NEVER happen.

Know Jesus.  Know Peace.

No Jesus. No Peace.

Amen.

God bless [your country name here]

God certainly has blessed my country.

A couple of weeks ago we explored our nation's capitol (Washington, DC) and early settlements (Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown, Virginia).

In our explorations - we happened upon old things, new things and very interesting things.  It was amazing and a lot of fun.  Here are some pictures...

Yes - we saw that God has certainly blessed and guided my country.

The people involved might not have felt so at the time (not every battle was won, not every settlement was a success).

And as we experienced some of the re-enactments of historical events in Colonial Williamsburg we saw that revolution is a messy and confusing business.

But in hindsight - we see the hand of God leading us through history to where we are now.

We see that throughout the Bible.
God used leaders that believed in him and followed his orders (most of the time)
- Moses
- David
- Isaiah

God used people that ran away from him or didn't listen very well.
- Jonah
- Samson
- Saul

God used people who wanted nothing to do with Him.
- Pharaoh of Egypt - with Moses and Israelites in Exodus 7-14
- Xerxes - in the book of Esther
- Pontias Pilate - as he dealt with Jesus

Politicians have always been politicians.
Leaders always lead (but not always in the right direction).
But God is ALWAYS in charge.
And God ALWAYS keeps his promises.

God bless [your country name here].
He has.
And does.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous.  Don't be afraid.
The Lord goes with you.
He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Lord,
"Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won't you lead me"

Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

The Impossible Simple Instruction

[Guest devotion from my brother Chris]

The Impossible Simple Instruction – Titus 2:7-8

Paul delivers very specific guidance regarding desired/required behaviors for Christians under Titus’s care.

Titus 2:1-6

·         Older Men – “lives of temperance, dignity, wisdom, healthy faith, love and endurance”

·         Older Women – “lives of reverence with no gossip, drunkenness.  Models of goodness.  Guides for younger women to see how to properly love their husbands and children.”

·         Young Men – “live disciplined lives.”

My sinful nature skims over the section on older men and zeroes in on those Older Women and Young Men.  If THEY would only do as their told, the world would be a better place.   My sinful nature is so very good at leading me to believe Paul is speaking to someone else. 

Paul knows the sinful nature though, and he strikes to the heart of the matter with the most impossible simple instruction in Titus 2:7-8.

“But mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself…”    Wow.   “Do as I say, not as a I do” was just as foolish a notion back in Paul and Titus’s day as it is today.  In modern terms, it’s critical that we walk the talk.  Our words and actions must match.  How often do I fail in this regard?

“…incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane.”  Incorruptible?  Me?  I’m the textbook definition of corrupt.   I ramble and babble and contradict myself and often speak when silence is called for.  I react emotionally, fail to love completely and shatter opportunities to show Christ’s love by uttering words that are the opposite of solid and sane.

Again, wow.  I’m in trouble.  If Paul had left off here, I’d leave depressed, dejected, hopeless and lost.  I have no hope.  All I have to do is look back at my life to see more examples of my failure to live as God directs than I could ever count.  One month’s worth of my sin’s, shortfalls and failures could fill the pages of a very large book…  Depressing for sure.

But thankfully, Paul doesn’t stop there.  In Titus 2:11-14 we read:

“God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public.  Salvation’s available for everyone!  We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a Godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life.  This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears.  He offered Himself as a sacrifices to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people He can be proud of, energetic in goodness.”

The instruction is still impossible, IF I rely on me.  But that’s the key.  It’s NOT about me.  

It’s about God.  It’s about His decision to create me, choose me, to write my name in the book of life, to send His Son to die for me, to send His Holy Spirit to empower and embolden me.    

He places each challenge, opportunity, obstacle, blessing in front of me and gives both the instruction and the ability to follow it.

============================

Lord - 

Thank you for keeping it simple for me.

Inspiring Paul to write clear, personal word that speak to my heart.

That convict my heart.

That liberate us "from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life".

Make me a person you can be proud of!

Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Cntl-Z (Undo)...Like!

You know - I really like Cntl-Z (Undo).
It's one of the greatest things about working with software.
My mistake(s) - UNDONE!

Even better - when they allow me to undo everything I did one step at a time.

If only I could Cntl-Z (Undo) the things that I personally do.

Wow - if I could just unspeak what I've said.
It brings to mind the chorus of the Howard Jones song "Bounce Right Back"
"Button up and tighten your lip, keep a check on what you say.
Those crazy words you fling from out of your mouth will bounce back on you someday."
But of course - I can't Cntl-Z (Undo) my words.

I can't unsee what I've seen, either.
The devil knows how our bodies and minds work - and uses that to tempt us at every turn.
I could page through almost any magazine in my home and find a blatant example.
One that shows me I'm not thin/strong/sexy/clean/perfect enough.

Or worse - leads me to think things that I can't unthink.
Down the road to pornography or other addiction.
(aside - a friend of mine at work here as been through this journey and co-founded the site mychainsaregone.org with others who have been down this road)

If only I could Cntl-Z (Undo) the things that I do.

I can't do it...but God can.

And did.

God sent his Son - who didn't speak, see or think anything wrong.

Ever.

And then sent his Son to the cross to take all my wrongs on him.

And die for me.

And rose again to prove that Cntl-Z (Undo) IS DONE for me.

(See Easter)

In Isaiah 43:25 God says "I, even I, am he...who remembers your sin no more."

My sins are forgiven.

My sins are forgotten.

My slate is wiped clean.

I love how the apostle Paul puts it in his letter to fellow pastor Titus.

In Titus 3:3-7 - he reminds me what I was before becoming a follower of Christ ("stupid and stubborn" - sounds like me). 

And reminds me what I am now (washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit).

And where I'll end up (heaven).

Dear God,

Thanks for technology that let's me undo some of my wrongs.

And thanks for salvation that takes care of the rest of them.

Lead me to "thanks-living" so that the rest of my world sees that, too.

Amen.

Cntl-Z (UNDONE!)...LOVE IT!

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Easter changes everything!

(written on the day after Easter - Easter Monday)
The theme for our Easter celebrations at Holy Word Lutheran Church this year was "Easter changes everything".  Yesterday's worship was a feast for our faith - wow.

I pray that your Easter was special.
A celebration of despair turned into joy.
Of Introspection to resurrection.
Of death to life. 

(Coincidentally?) My Bible chapter to read today is Isaiah 61.
It is all about changes, too.  

"Announce the freedom to all the captives!"
In verses 1 to 7 he describes huge change from...
...Bouquets of roses instead of ashes
...Messages of joy instead of news of doom
...A praising heart instead of a languid spirit
(had to look that one up - languid = "having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed")

But he saves the best for last - how it changes me!
Verses 10-11

I will sing for joy in God,
    explode in praise from deep in my soul!
He dressed me up in a suit of salvation,
    he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo
    and a bride a jeweled tiara.
For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers,
    and as a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom
    and puts praise on display before the nations.

Speaking of "bursts with spring wildflowers..." - some pics from the past couple of days.
Flower and water (05 Apr - Wild Basin Preserve)
Bluebonnet and friends (02 April - HP Austin)

Bee cool (02 April - Austin)

Everything's coming up roses (04 Apr - our front porch)

God,

Thank you for the suit of salvation that fits me perfectly.

How did you know my size? (oh - yeah - you know everything)

Help me sing for joy in you and explode in praise from deep in my soul.

Talk to you later...

Amen.

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

Be Still My Soul

How's your "stillness quotient" today?

Is your "To do" list longer than the number of hours in the day?

As you read this - do you have the nagging feeling that you're late for something?

For Christians - today - of all days - is a good day to be still.

This is Good Friday.

When we lived in the Dallas area our church (Atonement Lutheran) held a special worship service that started at noon and went for three hours.

They're having that service today - Pastor Belter tells about it on the Atonement.org web site...

And I quote:

"Tre Ore is latin for 'three hours'.

“From the sixth hour until the ninth hour, darkness covered the land (Matthew 27:45).” From noon until three, as our Savior hung on the cross, darkness was everywhere. The sun stopped shining and God’s Son took the full brunt of the Father’s anger and wrath for our sin. 

We remember the sacrifice, the suffering, of our Savior during these hours, but most importantly his love for us, to endure such hardship and suffering for us. Now we will never have to face punishment for our sins.

The Tre Ore service is a series of seven meditations based on Jesus' 'seven words' from the cross."

If your local church has a Tre Ore service today and if you can make the time to participate in this stillness and reflection - do it.  If not - attend a Good Friday service this evening.  You will NOT regret it.

If not - I have some Alternative Stillness methods

1) There is an exhibit currently on view at the Hirschhorn Museum in Washington DC.  We were there a couple of weeks ago and it was absolutely amazing.  The exhibit is called "Days of Endless Time".  If you can get there to see it (it ends on April 6th), go.  

If not - then taste a sample in David Claerbout's video called "Travel".  It is 12 minutes of slow-moving stillness-inducing bliss (in my opinion).  

Find an un-interuptable place, get some headphones on, turn the lights down, and watch Travel (by David Claerbout) in full-screen mode.

2) Now that Travel has quieted your mind - go to A Quiet Place (by Take 6).

3) And from your quiet place - you, dear friend, will Be Still My Soul (by Libera)

Enjoy the peace and quiet promised by our Lord in Isaiah 32:15-20.

Lord,

Slow me down.

Hit my pause button and help me to reflect on your love and sacrifice - for me.

Show me how to live this peace that goes beyond my understanding.

Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Don't believe it, they're just words...

I am going through a Bible reading schedule that walks me through the Bible chronologically (in the order that things actually happened).

Every day – I have just one chapter to read.

Every day – I am tempted to just read the words.

Tempted with “Don’t believe it, they’re just words…”.

I supposed some of it is the same reason I use in school and at work.

It’s an assignment.  Something to get done.  An item on the to-do list to check off.

Skim through the Algebra, Project Management Body of Knowledge, Scaled Agile Framework, Isaiah 58.

Look for the important bits.

The bits that will be “on the test”.

That is SO not how I should read my Bible.

And do I REALLY believe that words are “just words”?

Did you have a cruel childhood nickname (or at least one you didn’t like to be called)?

Did just thinking about it make your stomach jump and your teeth grind?

Yes, and yes?

But aren’t they “just words”?

Or on the other side – when you receive the unexpected compliment…

A heart-felt and unasked for “I love you” from a child…

A cat saying “you are the best person in my whole world right now” in their purr as you rub behind their ears.

Just words?

Nope.

Why – even when words are just sound bites – they are not just words.

See politics.

But – now that I’ve thoroughly distracted you…

Today’s reading was Isaiah 58.

It accused me of using “just words” and empty actions to express my faith.

Isaiah 58:1-2

“busy, busy, busy at worship” – hmmm – that sounds like me.

…And then clearly explaining the expectations for me.

Isaiah 58:7-8

And promising rebuilt foundations and full lives for you and me.

Isaiah 58:9-12

Tempted with “Don’t believe it, they’re just words…”.

DON’T.

Believe it!

They’re JUST words!

Straight from God.

Amen.

May your life glow in the darkness for all to see today!

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway