Oasis (n) – a pleasant or peaceful area in the midst of a difficult, troubled or hectic situation.

I saw the most interesting sign today. It was at a church, and it said “Be an oasis of truth in a workd of false salvation”. That sign changed my whole day! It challenged me to my core, and here’s why.

Every movie scene I have ever seen of a person lost in the scorching desert has at least one oasis scene. The desperate, parched and half dead person suddenly reaches this beautiful area, with water, trees, and a place to rest. It is literally lifesaving for said person.

Enter our situation the day before inauguration of a new president when the country is a desert. The entire world is watching this transition and holding its breath to see what will happen to America. Some people think they know, and some are blindly ignorant. Among the rest, there are thousands upon thousands who are scared, hopeless, and feeling the searing heat of doubt and distrust and conflict. They are desperate for an oasis.

We, the born again believers saved by the blood of Christ should NOT be among the hopeless! The world does not need to see us wringing our hands and acting as though our mighty God is not still in control. But read the sign again…”oasis of truth in a world of false salvation.”

False salvation has been very prevalent among supporters of our current president. It is also prevalent in those who cling to our government and system of laws as their “salvation”. There are those who are literally paralyzed by fear of changes coming and are looking for anything to save them.

Our role? “Oasis of truth”. Not just any truth either. But the Truth as representated by our Lord Jesus Christ. And there’s the rub. There are far too many Christians who have Bibles covered in dust! We have Christian books on our shelves, written by mere men, that have pages that are worn and sections highlighted. We will share with others and try to live them out ourselves..while the inspired, inerrant Word of God lies dusty.

Here’s the scoop. No written book by man other than the Bible, which was written by God through His chosen authors, will ever ever bring anyone to the knowledge of the real Truth. No other book is alive and current for every generation. No other book has the power to change lives by it being read. And that is the Truth we are called to share!

2 Timothy 4:2 clearly states “be prepared n season and out of season”. I Peter 3:15 also states “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 us in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Doesn’t that sound like an oasis to you? Picture a tired weary and worn person coming to you, and finding gentleness, respect, and an answer to despair by the hope you have through Christ, the author of truth! Its a tough and rough world, but if every Christian took up this challenge and became an oasis, just think what God could do with that! Get those Bibles out, people, and start reading them again, so that you will be prepared!!

HE WAS BETRAYED FIRST.

No matter how we may feel right now about our politicians or country; or friends, family and co-workers who voted differently than we did….

IT HAPPENED TO HIM FIRST.

I will confess that right now I am frustrated, disappointed, and actually do feel betrayed by so many of our country’s leaders.  I see things happening that I cannot believe, and I have asked over and over, “Can’t they see what they are doing to our country??  How can people vote for that??  Don’t they know what that means??”  The sad and simple answer is, yes.  Yes, they do.

Because when you look in the Bible, it all becomes crystal clear.  Jesus, in His last hours, experienced more betrayal with a deeper hurt than you or I will ever understand.    During His ministry, the religious leaders of His day spent their entire time ridiculing and arguing with Him.  During the last week of His life their plans to oppose and destroy Him grew.  His words meant nothing and His life meant nothing except an obstacle to what they had and wanted to continue to have.  And they would have none of it.

The most interesting betrayal to me that night is one we are experiencing right now…the betrayal by the crowd.  When Pilate presented Barabbas and Jesus to the crowd for their vote on who to release, the people loudly cried out for Barabbas.  Pilate, being completely shocked, asked one more time..”what has this man done that he deserves to die (my paraphrase)??  The crowd grew more violent and vocal, demanding Barabbas so that Jesus would be the one to die

Ever thought about how that felt to Mary, the disciples, and all the other followers?  I have.  I believe it was utter shock as well, and all the questions we are asking right now were questions that they had.  EVERYONE knew Barabbas.  Everyone knew he was a liar, thief, murderer, and much more.  NO ONE expected him to suddenly change or rehabilitate; the assumption was that he would continue his life of crime and violence.  And NO ONE cared! They knew what they were getting, yet they were so focused on killing Jesus they had lost all sense of perspective.  No longer was it about what was right, it was about what they insisted on having at any cost.

We as born again believers covered by the blood of Jesus are facing times in this country that we have never known and never thought we would encounter.  There are a lot of reactions we can choose from right now, but I am going to encourage us (me included) to choose the path of Jesus.  He had no rebuttals, He didn’t break the law trying to change it, He didn’t burn down buildings or storm palaces.  He simply prayed, committed His will entirely to God, prayed more, faced the future, endured the suffering, and pleased His Father the entire time.

The end result of course?  He WON!  He conquered everything the enemy threw at Him and doomed him to an eternal hell.  And His victory ensured OUR victory….even though it won’t really be complete till we’re home with Him in heaven. 

Take heart!  The battle is raging, it may turn into absolute war and chaos, but we know who WINS!

I was reading an article recently about the Hurricane Michael destruction in 2018 in Mexico Beach, FL and came across this statement from a longtime resident: “I have lived here for 30 years, and I couldn’t find my own street at first. And now I have to count street entrances every time to get back. There is nothing left to tell me where I am.” Wow. What an amazing and terrifying statement! The hurricane came through our city too, and we had a lot of damage..but nothing compared to that.

However, as we have all been part of the last 4 months (since I have posted) I believe it is very safe to say that being disoriented now is the new normal. Nothing feels right, looks right, or has much resemblance to the lives we were living just back in January. Things that used to be so simple are now a thousand times harder with masks, gloves, and “social distancing!” in place. All the comforts of routine and a daily schedule are gone. As one Facebook post says, the most useless Christmas gift of 2019 was a 2020 planner!

In other words, we are all experiencing a great deal of disorientation, and many, many people are struggling to find guidance and a map to navigate this crisis. Doctors, scientists, the president, astrologers, worldwide health organizations and thousands of other “experts” have weighed in with their ideas and opinions. It’s been hard to understand and information overload.

Yep, my world and yours have been disrupted and scattered. Things we never thought possible..all major sports cancelled..the Olympics cancelled..Vegas shut down..have all happened. Toilet paper has become the new gold. Everyone told to stay home. And those suffering with allergies treated like thay have leprosy. Family members watching a loved one die by phone because of contagion worries.

And now, we have rioting and looting in a lot of major cities because of a murder, and it has been escalating every day. Curfews, laws, and common sense and decency have been abandoned, and it seems as if the world (at least our part of it) has gone completely mad.

So then, the question above…WHERE is God?? Doesn’t He see and know, and care?

YES. Yes He always has, does today, and always will. Isaiah 6:1 assures us where God is: “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up…”. That has never changed. Before the foundation of this world it was true, and now it is also true, and it will be forever.

Does He know? Absolutely. “The Lord looks down from heaven, He sees all the children of man; from where He sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth.” Psalm 33:13-14. And does He care? Of course! “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:14.

Now in the middle of all these things, we also had a tornado touch down behind our house. I was told to leave work (5 miles away) to get home before the storm. Unfortunately, I got home just as it hit, and was out in our carport screaming in terror because my husband locked the storm doors thinking I was safe at work. I faced a new level of terror, and my thought was no! I cannot die in this! Many days later I am still having moments when I flash back to THAT moment of “where ARE you God??” And all of the above answers are true or I would not be writing this! He covered me and protected me, and if He hadn’t His blood shed for me would be the ultimate protection as I would have been with Him face to face!

So here’s the point, and its HUGE. If you are a born again child of God, redeemed by His blood, this is for you and me: “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them.” Psalm 5:11. Amen!

One of my most favorite hymns since childhood is “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. Every verse of the song has had an impact on my life at one time or the other.  Recent weeks have brought me back to this song, and this verse in particular always gives me new hope:

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall NEVER call retreat,

He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat,

Oh be swift my soul to answer Him, be jubliant my feet,

Our God is marching on!!

Don’t those words give a beautiful word picture? Not only is God still on His throne, but He is still actively working!  His Word is true, His goal is the same, His trumpet will NEVER call for retreat, and He is marching on.  Never mind what the news channels, the internet, social media, and any other negative reporting says.  Never mind how we feel on any given day about the state of affairs, it is still the truth.  And never mind how often we want to pick up our trumpets, and white flags, and give up….He doesn’t!  Because He knows the end of the story, He is never shaken by the events of today, or next week, or even next month.  He is continually calling His people to battle, and He will until He returns for His church.

Even more important, He KNOWS the hearts of everyone.  That’s what “sifting out the hearts of men” means.  Notice where the sifting is happening, too.  Not at the mercy seat, but at the judgement seat.  In other words, He will have the final say, and He will repay every injustice in His time.  This gives me great comfort as well.  In the heat of a battle I may involved in, I get frustrated.  I can’t know what my enemy is doing or planning, and that causes anxiety.  I can guess, and maybe even have a pretty good idea of their schemes and their goals, but I do not know how well they are prepared, or what the outcome will be.  That is uncomfortable.  It forces me to be humble and dependent on God which is hard for me (and a lot of others) and rest in Him.  And yet!  He is confident, testing my opponents, judging their actions, and preparing HIS battle plan.  All I have to do is trust Him and believe that He has it in His very capable hands.

But is that a passive state?  Absolutely not!  “Oh be swift my soul to answer, oh be jubilant my feet!”  Does that sound relaxing?  Again, no.  It implies this:  We should be always looking for God’s work.  We should always be aware of the spiritual battles around us, and asking God where He wants/needs us to help.  Then once we find that, we should be SWIFT to answer.  And jubiliant!!  In other words, we should be living in this world, but always with an attitude of it being JUST this world.  We are citizens of a different world altogether. As those citizens, we need to be involved in reading God’s Word, worshipping, praying, meditating, and then putting on our shoes!  We should not face new days and new challenges with a sense of dread or fear.  Allowing the “duty” attitude to come into our thoughts about our ministry will KILL our jubilance.  Allowing God to show us what HE can accomplish will set our feet to dancing and our spirits to rejoicing.  We will become effective workers in HIs Kingdom, and will participate in the greatest work ever known.  After all, the first verse of this song says this,

“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord,

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored,

He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword, His truth is marching on.”

That is a vivid statement of God’s take on this world, and on all that needs to be accomplished by His children.  We are to work and minister and share His gospel, and continue on until He tells us to stop or we go to be with Him. Then one day He will come in His glory, trampling out grapes of wrath, with lightning and His sword!  That is a God worthy of worship and praise, and lives filled with honoring Him.  It is also a God that we can be confident in and allow Him to use us in HIS plan, and not the other way around.

The point of all this?  Just this.  We are here in this time for a PURPOSE.  We have work to do.  We cannot give up and let the enemy rejoice that we have withdrawn from the battle.  We need to approach every new day He gives us with this thought:

GLORY, glory hallelujah.  Glory, GLORY hallelujah.  Glory, glory HALLELUJAH!  Our GOD is marching on!  Amen!

 

It is fact that we now live in the most “offended” society in recent history. And while it’s frustrating, and sad, and occasionally ridiculous, it’s the truth. Suddenly every little thing that someone doesn’t like becomes an occasion to be offended, call the media, and make a scene about. There are no boundaries, either. While politics, race and religion have been topics for years, we now throw in signs, reserved parking, holidays, tv shows, etc etc.

Keeping in mind that some things like injustice, crime, and abuse SHOULD be offensive, let’s all just take a deep breath, look around, and agree it needs to stop. And here’s why.

In the beginning, GOD. Holy, righteous, eternal God, created the heavens and earth and everything in it. He filled the earth with everything good and pure and beautiful, including man. He set Adam and Eve up in an astounding world, where sin had never entered and nothing was defiled. At the end, He saw that it was good, and He rested.

It was amazing..but not for long. Satan, evil and temptation came calling trying to deceive the very first generation. And He succeeded. Suddenly, the perfect beautiful world was infiltrated with sin and disobedience, and God was offended. VERY offended. He was angry, and sad, but in His holiness He could not overlook it, and Adam and Eve were barred from the Garden of Eden, destined to now be fallen people living in a fallen world. Worst yet, they were separated from God and His intimate presence.

AND YET…GOD!! The same God who created and blessed was not done. He was not willing to leave His people poor, broken and lost in sin with no hope. The separation from them brought about by sin broke HIS heart.

Now keep in mind that He knew, even as He created, that this fall would come, and that He would have to act to fix it. Therefore, we have CHRISTmas. Years went by, generations came and went, and sin was not only present, it was vibrant, alive, and creating havoc everywhere. God was offended! He was angry with the condition of the workd. He was incensed that the very people He created in His image by and large spurned Him, and dared Him to retaliate.

Get the picture? The Most High, perfect and pure God was being OFFENDED. He was scoffed, disobeyed, ignored, and mocked. His name was taken in bain, people refused to listen to Him, and His very right to even have an opinion about His world was refused.

So He struck back! His revenge was sending Jesus, His only Son, to come into this filthy world, live among its sinful and unholy people…and DIE for them. You read that right! He who had the most reason and power to exact revenge on the world and wipe it out, DID NOT. He did not do any of the things that you and I would. He acted in grace and mercy. He responded to our need for Him and to be reunited with Him with compassion. He was offended, but He offered a way for man to be redeemed and forgiven. Everyone who accepts His sacrifice is totally restored and has an eternal home with Him.

So are you offended right now? With little tacky stuff? Are you being rejected and mocked for your faith? Are you ready to strike out and get even? Try God’s approach of grace and mercy. Give yourself and others the best Christmas present ever..try Christmas!

Our Chickfila, where I work, was built in 2008. It has been renovated once, on the inside only. However, as our community has continued to grow the traffic at our store has at least doubled in the past two years. The only problem with this is our parking lot. The drive thru window, where I work, is on the south side of the building, with the order screen in the back of the building. During rush times, the line to get to that screen (or the outside order takers) can wrap all the way BACK to that screen, and sometimes out to the road. This leads to essentially two full lines of traffic..one line trying to get to the pickup window, the other trying to get around to actually order!

In theory, this isn’t always a disaster. The car at the pickup window moves off, the next car moves up, the line shifts, and etc. However, it usually ends up with no one paying attention to our “please allow room for the drive thru lane to leave” and cars squeeze up as close as they can and block those trying to leave. This leads to gridlock. The people with food can’t leave, so no one moves. And so the jockeying for position begins. Add to this the cars PARKED on that side, who need to back out and leave, and it can get ugly.

And why? Because its time to get to work. Or its only a 30 minute lunch. Or lots of people are running late. Or its just been a bad day for someone. And the spirit of “not in MY lane!” can take over quickly. We’ve heard it all. “I HAVE to order NOW” “It’s not MY fault they can’t drive” “I was here first, I am NOT letting them in!” “They can just wait it out like I did!”

In reality, however, there is a very spiritual occurrence going on here. Yep, it’s in the Bible even, because Jesus had to teach his disciples about it on more than one occasion. Here’s the spiritual issue..none of us really like being SECOND. Being first looks like (and sometimes is) more fun, and more fulfilling. It’s the only measurement of importance and success. After all, everyone knows that coming in second really means “first loser”.

Now in sports, business, school and some other places, first is a worthy goal, and striving for it is NOT wrong. If that goal spurs us on to succeed and do our best, then awesome. The Bible has many verses that reference doing well, giving every effort, and working to the best of our abilities. So let’s put that aside and go back to the “me first!” attitude we were talking about.

It is officially the Christmas season, and for way too many people, it’s the busiest, most pressure filled time of the year. Everything seems to happen at once, and in honesty by New Years it many times seems like a blur. Therefore the “me first” attitude has an awesome opportunity to rear its ugly head and come out in even the normally calm and humble.

AND YET. Christmas is also the time when it’s easiest to share Jesus…if we just pay attention. Even the most hardened lost person will usually attend some kind of service at a church during December. A lot of people are experiencing the first Christmas without a loved one, without a job, with a new diagnosis of cancer..the list goes on. It’s a beautiful season too..and it makes it so much easier to help people see the real beauty of Christmas. There are prople all around who need encouragement, love, support..and especially Jesus.

So let’s all decide to spend THIS Christmas being SECOND. Give up the parking spot, you need the exercise anyway. Let someone cut in line ahead of you without complaining. Smile at the person waiting on you..it may be the only one they get. Tip 20-25% and make a server’s day. Just be kind and gentle and unrushed, and you will be a great witness for Jesus.

And most of all, use every chance you get to tell someone about God, and His Son Jesus..and about the rest of the story..His death on the cross and His resurrection. You will never ever feel like the “first loser” again, you will experience the joy of second.

This picture is not a mistake. Really, it’s not. Let me explain.

I have been sharing the “word for this year” fad, and the fact that the Lord had finally given me one this year….courage.  I have also shared that there is nothing “magic” about having a “word”, it doesn’t cause anything, change anything, or guarantee anything.  It’s just simply someone’s idea a few years ago to give people a goal or attribute that they can focus on.

Unfortunately, this concept has been distorted and misused to the point that it is no longer being used for its intended purpose. Every year it gets more elaborate.  People now rush to choose their word before the end of a year, whether it is a valid idea or not.  There are now necklaces, bracelets, headbands, bookmarks, everything available to have “your” word engraved or sewn on.  Beautiful slogans accompany these:  “Wear your word close to your heart”.  “Share your word with others by wearing this gorgeous bracelet”.  Etc, etc. All sweet and pretty and delicate and designed to let everyone know your word and how to get their own.

As stated above, my word this year is courage.  Courage.  As in, no fear.  Brave.  Bold and new.  Trusting God as never before.  But let me tell you….there has been nothing pretty or sweet about my experience!  I made my first “mistake” by writing down Scripture verses about courage, and finding out that I was going to be in WAY over my head with this subject.  Courage in the Bible is not instant, but it is to be desired to the point that fear is conquered and God is honored.  It is FIERCE.  It is almost always used in battle or dangerous situations.  It is not a delicate word for a delicate necklace…it is a battle cry.  It is complex, and it is deep.  And it has slapped me in the face more times than I can count since God gave it to me.  God has shown me so many places that I have been in a rut, comfortable, and not really growing.  He has turned the spotlight on a lot of different areas, and I have not been proud of what I have seen.

So, I have struggled to live out this word this year.  In the big and the small.  I have changed little things, like eating habits, and I have changed big things, like giving up a small business I thought I needed to supplement our income, but which proved to be a mistake.  I have let God remind me (over and over) that I have been doing a lot of “helping” His plan and provision for my life, and not paying attention to what He was actually wanting to accomplish.  I am also working..sometimes on an hourly basis..to surrender my future to His agenda and not mine.

And the point of the picture above?  In a free self defense class recently, I found a new passion that fits in perfectly with GOD’S plan for me, not mine!  One thing He has shown me is that my physical wellbeing had been shoved to a far corner of my life…very far.  I have always approached exercise as a thing to be dreaded, or at the very least just tolerated, in some sporadic attempts to “get in shape”.  And my consistency has been sad to say the least.  But no more!  I am now a student of self defense…officially known as “krav maga”.  I am in love with it.  Forty five minutes twice a week, late in the evening no less, and I LOVE IT.  I EAGERLY leave the house to drive to it.  I am invested in money and time and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Why?  Because.  Because the classes are all about protection and learning not to be a victim, but they are about WAY more than that.  I am learning confidence, and trust, and the ability to practice and persevere until a skill is learned.  It is fun, and my muscles and joints are loving being used in so many different ways.  It’s tough, but for all the right reasons.  And I am encouraged by my fellow students, all of whom have been doing it much longer than me.  It’s amazing.  But more than that, it is all about COURAGE.  And for me, it has also brought Scripture passages to life, especially the ones on spiritual armor and spiritual warfare.  Just as I am getting used to new equipment and how to use it, I am being reminded that I have weapons for spiritual battles that have gotten way too much “dust” on them.  And as I learn that I have so much to learn in protecting my physical body, I have even MORE than that to learn about spiritual protection.  The similarities are amazing, and as I build confidence in my earthly abilities, I am also being reminded by God of my spiritual abilities through Him.

Courage….what an amazing word!  How grateful I am God is using this word in my life, and how awesome is His willingness to always teach us new things, and to give us power and authority through HIM to face each day with confidence.  I’ve got my gloves…do you??

“You said You’d be there to share all my sorrows; You said You’d be there for all my tomorrows;

I came so close to sending you away,But just like you promised, You came there to stay; I just had to pray…

And Jesus said, Come to the water, stand by my side; I know you are thirsty, you won’t be denied.

I felt every tear drop, when in darkness you cried; and I strove to remind you, that for those tears I died.”

This old hymn says it best, don’t you think?There have been struggles this year that have worn me down. Facing obstacles that stand and shout “YOU CAN’T BEAT ME!!” has been exhausting and time consuming. Grief has entered where it was not welcome, when people who I thought wouldn’t die now in fact did. Financial issues, health issues, etc have all been part of this landscape. And here’s what I have to say:

Only Jesus.

Can I say it again? Only Jesus. There is no other explanation on this earth that can EVER explain how anyone ever gets through these situations.

Sometimes, I dance around “in your face” gospel sharing..I try the gentle, persuasive, and happier approaches. I mention answered prayers, healing, protection in situations, etc. And there’s nothing wrong with that, unless it’s the only view I allow others to see of my walk with the Lord. It’s almost like I want to wait until they know Jesus to let them see the hard stuff.

But sometimes, Only Jesus. I just need to get down off any pedestals of my own sharing and just stand in a cleared off space and shout: “No! I am NOT handling this or anything else on my own! I am NOT capable. I have been beaten up, slammed down and frustrated by everything! Please don’t think it’s me, because ONLY JESUS!!

When I am there I know tears are freely flowing, and I am not standing in some polite, refined prayer pose. I am on the floor, pounding on it, crying out to the only One who created me, knows me, and loves me infinitely. I am unconcerned with how this looks..I am just being completely utterly REAL.

Which leads to this:

Dear world that does not know Jesus, I don’t know how you do it. I really can’t begin to understand. I know that I was a sinner, separated from God, and that the only hope I had was Jesus Christ and His death on the cross, which paid the penalty for my sin, and made me righteous in His sight. I know that because of His resurrection and triumph over death, that I can have victory THROUGH Him living in my life.

And THAT is the ONLY way that I survive. That’s the only reason I can ugly cry at the death of loved ones and still leave knowing that they have victory. The only reason I can face giants and win. Maybe with scars and bruises, but still a win. The only way that I can face eternity because I know I will live with Him forever.

THAT is the real Christian life. That times will be tough, struggles will be real, defeats will happen, and death will come. And only Jesus. Period. If you do not know Him, please seek out someone who does, and who can lead you to Him. Because in the end, it’s ONLY JESUS! Amen.

Recently my FB popups have been centered around “churchy” things..in particular worship music and worship fashion. Reading the ones about church clothes always makes me sad, and here’s why:

It. Really. Doesn’t. Matter!

Really. To explain why I say that, it’s simple. In my 58 years I have been part of several churches. Small ones, large ones, huge ones. In the state I live in now (Georgia) and several other states. As a child, teenager, and adult. I grew up in a very traditional church and home. Sundays were for your best attire, best Bible, and best attitude. You may have been having a knock down drag out argument in the car on the way to church, but by golly you were dressed for it! The call to worship was solemn with organ chimes, and the whole service was geared to reverence and awe. And that was fine..except…that was the ONLY day that God was honored in too many lives there. Way too many. But that was church in the ’60s and ’70s.

Through the rest of my years, I have been in churches mostly where any ladies coming to church in pants were welcome (finally!) but shorts? NO. Tattoos? Not happening. Same for flipflops and tennis shoes..God could not be honored with that.

Now..not everyone in every church felt that way. And there’s nothing wrong with being convicted that God deserves our very best..because He does. Just don’t limit it to what you wear and consequently how you act on Sunday! Because THAT does matter! And don’t treat the church as a sacred and holy place where you must present yourself to God in “churchy” clothes..because He sees and knows what you wear and how (or if) you present yourself to Him the rest of the week!

In other words, consider this: if someone comes into church with their maybe dirty and ragged shirt and blue jeans, just accept them. Don’t try to ignore them, or hand them a copy of your church’s dress code, or in any other way disdain them. And if a mother who has been up all night with a sick child comes in a wrinkled shirt and shorts and hair everywhere, even though she has 6 dresses and accessories in her closet, don’t make them feel outcast and like God disapproves! Because He doesn’t! He is more pleased that we seek Him out than in what we wear..always. He is more pleased with our effort to be with His people and hear His Word than anything else.

To further my case, I can honestly say that no one has EVER come up to me at any church and said “Oh, what God-honoring clothes you are wearing today!” No one. And I know that’s an extreme example, but it’s still true. I have been complimented on my clothes, hair, makeup etc, but that is true in any other place I might be. But I have heard from people who have been told “we don’t dress like that in God’s house”. We had a senior adult join our church a few years ago because she was asked by another larger, more traditional church to not come back if all she had was sandals!!

So here’s the bottom line…instead of being concerned with what anyone is wearing, be concerned with their hearts! And your own! The person in the 3 piece suit might have spent Saturday with his mistress..and the guy in cutoff jeans might have won someone to the Lord this week! We cannot know hearts, so we should not judge by dress. As one motorcycle church planter told me years ago..”put me in a room full of bikers and chains and smoke and tattoos, and let me live the rest of my life showing them Jesus!”

Wouldn’t it be great if we all had that attitude? And we can..if we stop focusing on the unimportant, and embrace the true ministry of the church..to welcome each other, and love each other, and lead each other to greater ministry together, as we work to win the lost to Him!

I watch crime shows fairly often, mostly because I am fascinated by neverending ways that people try to outwit police officers, detectives and others in their crimes. It never ceases to amaze me the lengths criminals will go to in order to plan their “perfect” crimes, and the tiny little things that trip them up. I am also amazed at the resources crimestoppers now have to catch said criminals.

In one recent show, however, I saw something so new and startling that God taught me a huge lesson from it.  There was a series of assaults, some very brutal, against several young women in this particular area.  The detectives were working their hardest but had very little to show for it.  As the days and months went by, they became more frustrated and determined to bring the attacker to justice.  They were also up against a statute of limitations in their state and it seemed they would not be able to meet that deadline.  Meanwhile more women were being victimized, and the assaults were getting worse.  Then one detective remembered a very seldom used law in their state…the John Doe indictment.

Because the attacker had been very, very careful there was little physical evidence to tie him to the crimes.  However, in one case, there was one drop of blood….yes, just ONE…left behind.  That one drop was big enough to be DNA tested, and a profile was issued from it.  At that moment, the John Doe law was used to get an indictment against that DNA profile…even though they still had no idea who the person was!  This would allow the criminal to be fully prosecuted, whether the statute of limitations expired or not.  In other words, this to-be-announced person was already in trouble and would be required to appear in court to answer charges whenever he/she was discovered!  As the show progressed, the attacker did get careless, and a victim was able to scratch him, leaving his DNA under her fingernails.  And it WAS after the statute had run out..but because of the earlier profile indictment, he was tried, found guilty, and sent to jail for life, with no possibility of parole.  As the DA said to him as he was being taken out, “if you were not going to jail, there would be more women”  to which the criminal answered, “Yes, there would have been”.

I couldn’t really believe what I had seen, until I went to the internet and discovered that John Doe was an active law in several states, although it had not been frequently used.  That’s when I had the moment of SPIRITUAL discovery from God.  You see, we all (the human race) eventually trace our roots back to Adam and Eve.  And although there are hundreds of centuries between our lives and theirs, we are their descendents.  Physical DNA will never prove that, but the Bible does.  And further, the Bible states that we are related to Adam and Eve in another way…spiritually.

You see, when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, and were thrown out, and punished with separation from God, it affected ALL of us.  All.  No exceptions.  Instead of having a genealogical history of perfection and union with God, we inherited the drastic alternative of being sinners by nature…or by spiritual DNA.  And just like we cannot “undo” our DNA that gives us red hair, or blue eyes, or height or weight, we cannot undo our lost condition.  A condition that we are born with, because we inherited it.

AND YET!!  Unlike the attacker in the tv show, we do NOT have to pay the price for it!  Once we accept the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord as payment for our sins, and relinquish lordship of our lives to Him, we are RELEASED!  Unlike the man who was sent away from society to serve the remainder of his days in prison without parole, WE can become free.  Free from the penalty of sin (death), free from having to depend on our own power to escape, free to live in the light of the Word of God, and have Him as our constant guide.  GOD has paid the penalty for ALL the ugliness of our lives, no matter how long our “John Doe Indictment” was!  Even though we entered this world already indicted and heading for punishment, GOD took that away on the cross not only for one of us, or two, or people living then…but ALL the punishment for the rest of time by ALL who come to Him in repentance.

John Doe Indictments are meant to catch and punish wrongdoers, even when they are not known.  God’s work on the cross is meant to forgive and release wrongdoers, even before they are born.  Have you been indicted?  Yes.  Are you still living that prison?  It’s up to you!  God is waiting for repentant hearts, and will not turn one away.  Amen.