The Pope and Gay Priests

Pope Francis made the news yesterday saying he won't judge gay priests. It is the first time a Pope has spoken openly on the topic, the  significance of which is in acknowledging there are “gay” priests whom he defined as those with a “tendency” to same-sex orientation. He did not suggest any forthcoming change in the Church’s position against homosexual activity.

Surprisingly, the Pope’s comments came on the heels of an announcement by Exodus International (an evangelical ministry helping those who struggle with same-sex orientation) that it was closing its doors. Exodus President Alan Chambers said it was time for a new season of ministry: to “reduce fear and come alongside churches to become safe, welcoming, and mutually transforming communities.” The emphasis of future ministry will be on helping those tempted with same-sex feelings to live a life of celibacy and purity—just as the Church presently does with ‘heterosexual’ singles.

The Pope's words acknowledged that persons with ‘same-sex’ tendencies are no different from anyone who “searches for the Lord and has good will [good intentions].” While it may take some time to digest all of this and its impact, one thing resonates with me: evangelicals have a lot of work to do to change perceptions of hate and rejection for those of love and compassion.

Are You Enraptured?

Can you imagine an army captain telling his wife he will soon return from the war in Afghanistan, only to hear her say, “Can you wait for a while before returning; I’m busy.” When Christ returns for His Bride, she will be “looking forward to, or earnestly desiring, the day and hurrying it along,” NLT, ASV, (2 Pet 3:12). The Bride Christ returns to, and for, will be ecstatic—not indifferent.

 

Whenever I write about the rapture, the number of my reader goes up. People are curious. But how many believers are enraptured with the thought? If you’re like me, your desire for His return increases with hard circumstances, and decreases with soft ones! And if we are really “strangers and aliens” in this world, why do our preachers focus their sermons on helping us to live smarter and better on earth, a “me-centered’ gospel that asks 'what can God do for me?' Take a look at $ million Christian book titles, “Every Day a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week, or “Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life” or, “God Wants You Happy.” Will these ‘reads’ have you panting for the return of Jesus?

 

Does this mean Christ won't return until things on earth are hard enough, individually and corporately, to dispel ambivalence and incite passion? It might, if the condition for His return is a heart-rending love-hunger. Does the Lover of our souls deserve anything less? The crown of righteousness awaits all those who eagerly look forward to His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8).

Does God Keep the Sabbath?

If you were to ask me what I like to do the most, I would answer ‘nothing.’ Even though I am retired, I am busier than I want to be on most days.  I am happy when everything on my ‘to-do’ list is done, and I have “nothing” to do. I enjoy “nothing” more than anything. But, then again, is there really any such thing! Aren't we always working on things, like our character, or our relationships, or on things with God?

One time, after Jesus healed a lame man on the Sabbath and told him to pick up his bed, the Pharisees were so upset with Jesus, they wanted to kill Him. Instead of seeing God at work, they saw a man ‘working’ on the Sabbath. When the recently restored man was asked to explain himself, he told them it was Jesus who had given the unlawful order to “work” on the Sabbath.

When the angry Pharisees approached Jesus, He revealed His Father's work ethic: “My Father is always working, and so am I” (John 5:17).  Apparently, no one imagined God might not keep the Sabbath. Or, in our vernacular, never take a day off!  Thank God!  After all, if I am His work, (Eph. 2:10), I’d hate to think He might be on sabbatical when I call.

One Day at a Time

A few years ago, I started closing my emails and letters with the phrase “Looking Forward.” Although I am aware the statement appears unremarkable, as in “Looking forward to seeing you,” my intention is deliberate. My meaning is, “I am looking forward—not backward. The ambiguity of my ‘closing’ is there by design—hidden inside an otherwise innocuous statement.

I never imagined how significant this statement of faith was to become.  Since February when I had surgery for pancreatic cancer, I have tried to get back to normal. But I know I must rather embrace a more forward-looking view, a new normal that includes the uncertainty of cancer’s return. Without looking back, and not knowing what lies ahead, I must live one day at a time. 

 

Today I read a cancer survivor newsletter that said, “Don't look back, but remember what makes you happy [each day].” What makes me ‘happy’ is pleasing my Father by living one day at a time. Is it working? Not quite, but like Paul, “I [continue to] focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead [one day at a time]” (Philip 3:13 NLT).

Preoccupied: Me-occupied, or He-occupied

One’s occupation, or vocation, is that to which he or she is especially drawn and for which he or she is well-suited and qualified. Though today the concept is secular, it originated in the Bible. The nobility of one’s occupation is central to the doctrine that God has created each person with gifts to be employed for specific purposes that will fulfill God' purposes for him and Himself (Eph 2:10).

For this reason, Paul warns, “Do not neglect the spiritual gift(s) within you; take pains to be absorbed in them so that your progress will be evident to all, paying close attention to yourself; persevere in these things” (1 Tim 4:14-16, edited). In other words, we are to be resolutely “preoccupied” with our “occupation.”

What then keeps us from being so occupied? Is it perhaps that we are already preoccupied: “me-occupied.” This principle has been proven to me over and again: to the degree I am absorbed in my view of circumstances, I simply cannot occupy myself with His, and even worse, with HIM. Evidently, judging by the strength of his words, Paul must have known how challenging this would be. I wonder. Did he also find himself sometimes more “me-occupied” than “He-occupied”?

Living without a Pancreas

People ask me, “Can you live without a pancreas?” The answer is ‘yes’—I'm alive, and I do not have a fully functioning pancreas. The pancreas, which lies behind the stomach, plays a vital role in digestion, releasing enzymes that break down proteins, carbos, and fats, “mixing” with your food to make it nutritionally useful. 

When I had surgery in February to remove a tumor from my pancreas, the doctors also removed a large slice of my pancreas—rendering it dysfunctional, which now requires me to take enzyme pills to do this ‘mixing.’ And if I forget to take my pills, no matter how much nutritious food I eat, it is not useful (and I could die from malnutrition).

The writer of Hebrews uses this idea of ‘mixing’ to give us a vivid ‘word picture’: “The word which they heard did not profit them (was not useful) because it was not mixed with faith” (4:2), suggesting that the development of faith is like the body's process of “mixing” enzymes with food. In short, when the Word we ‘hear’ [eat] is not mixed with “dynamic” faith [action/obedience], it is not useful. Doesn't this open up James' words: “Be doers of the Word, not hearers only…Can't you see that faith without good works is useless?...for just as the body is dead without [a pancreas], so also faith is dead without good works” (James 1:22; 2:20, 26).

George or Trayvon: who do you trust?

I can’t let the George Zimmerman trial go without some comment. The tragedy of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin’s death has resonated with Americans no matter how they view this event. Though I won't offer an opinion, I do think we should reflect on what is happening in 21^st century America: Fear and Distrust.

Though fear in America is not new (growing up in the Cold War era, I remember when everyone was afraid of the Russians), one has to ask if current circumstances—terrorism infiltrating our country, and an increasing crime rate in our cities—are causing Americans to be more fearful (as was the case, allegedly, with George Zimmerman).

In a recent poll, a majority of Americans said the world is more dangerous than ever before; and they are increasingly distrustful. Though this is not a specific sign of the end times, fear and distrust have become a sign of the times. How incongruent, then, that at this most fearful time in history, there is a movement underway to eliminate “In God we Trust” from the national conscience—to remove it from our currency, when the opposite should be happening! “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you; surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Is. 44:10). Who do you trust?

Blind or Just Short-sighted

Over my 20+ years of employment with the Federal government, I had many co-workers from different regions of the U.S.  One time a co-worker from the South, said: “I miss magnolia trees; there are none in California.”  Of course that’s false—we had a magnolia tree in our yard at home. Another time, a co-worker told me there were no drive-up banks in California.  Both of these ‘foreigners’ had come to false conclusions based on a small vantage point. They were short-sighted. 

Short-sightedness began with Adam, who, at Eve's beckoning, succumbed to the wiles of forbidden fruit (symbol of desires that claim our immediate attention) and concluded it was a better offer than God’s long-term plans.  In hindsight, you and I ask astonishingly, ‘how could anyone be so short-sighted?’

But are we really any less so?’ Whether by ignorance or willful neglect of God’s truth, all of us have a propensity for short-sightedness, “falling short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). After reminding his readers they have inherited God’s divine nature, whose qualities include moral excellence, self-control, perseverance, godliness, love, etc., Peter tells them if we were not growing in these, they must be either blind or shortsighted” (2 Pet 1:9). Let us examine, honestly, our own short-sightedness. “Open our eyes so we may behold these wonderful things” (Ps. 119:18).

Can't keep my hands off of you

When I lived in Asia, I observed the custom of men holding hands as they walk. In case of a stumble, having someone there to lend a helping hand is a good thing. Even more, it is a declaration of friendship between 2 who have a hand in each other’s lives: “Two people are better than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one falls, the other can reach out and help” (Eccl. 4:9-11). On the same hand, God says, “Though the godly stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (Ps. 37:24).

Putting yourself in someone else’s hands is a sign of some dependence. That said, are we not, then, like putty in the hands of God? “As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand” (Jeremiah 18:6)—a very challenging notion for the Western self-made-man who always wants to have the upper hand. Indeed, no dignified, liberated life form imagines himself a lump of clay.

When the Potter re-shapes you unexpectedly, do you respond, “Thy will be done,” or do you react, “Stop, you're doing it wrong! How clumsy can you be? What’s wrong with your hands” (Is. 45:9, NLT/NIV, ed). Every time we murmur about God's work in us, are we not saying, “keep your hands to yourself.” But how useless. He always wins hands down. And besides, He loves you far too much to keep His hands off of you!

Two Little Spots on my Liver

After two months of chemo therapy for pancreatic cancer, a CT scan revealed that 2 spots on my liver had gotten bigger, or so it seemed. The fact is that these spots are so small that the increase could be explained by the way 2 different radiologists measure them.  Regardless, I am still receiving chemo infusions. And, I will have another CT scan next month.  If there is no further change in these two little spots, we will assume they are not cancer, but cysts.  Then, after 6 weeks of radiation therapy, we wait and see.

But more important than revelations on a CT scan are revelations of truth I have received during this present trial, many of which are returning to me  from posts I wrote in the past. For example, in August 2009, I wrote:  Toward the end of his earthly life, Jesus said “the ruler of this world is coming, and he finds nothing in me” (John 14:0). Peter explains that Jesus is “the lamb without spot” (1 Peter 1:19). There was not even one spot for the devil to get a foothold in Jesus’ heart.

I do not know if I have two little spots of cancer on my liver.  But what a great reminder to me that someday Jesus will return for a Bride that is without “spot” (Eph. 5:27).  And, in Christ, I am already spotless.

What can we learn from the Asiana flight crash?

We are now learning more about what may have caused last Saturday’s Asiana airplane crash at the San Francisco Airport.  But the thing that caught my attention, in particular, was this: the airplane was flying too low. Only a few days earlier, I had been reflecting on a spiritual principle: if you want to change your attitude, you must change your altitude; failure to do so may cause you to crash and burn. 

When our circumstances reach a critical point (we feel like we’re coming in for a bad landing), it is crucial that we see things as God does. He says, “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Is. 55:9). Is this not why Paul exhorts “set your mind on things above, not on earth” (Col. 3:2)?—more altitude?

David wished for the “wings like a dove that he could fly away and rest!” (Ps. 55:6). But you and I don’t have to wish—we have the wings of a dove, the Holy Spirit.  He is the One who will “make our feet like the feet of a deer, and cause us to stand on high places” (Ps. 18:33). I can almost hear Jesus saying, “You have heard it said that 'Attitude is everything'. But I say to you 'Altitude is everything'.”

Choking to death

I received a letter from a friend, a young man with a wife and two small children, telling me he is being careful not to spend too much of his time fixing and changing small things around his new house.  I could identify with that.  Having just sold 2 houses and moved in to a new one, I know a lot about these things.  Since moving in our ‘new’ home, we have been occupied with making it ‘ours’ (new paint, carpets, blinds, landscaping), in addition to the regular things that occupy our attention. Yesterday was a day  of extreme occupation, and distraction, for me—with many unexpected activities, as well as those that were planned (several frustrating calls to IRS, DMV and Social Security).

How did I handle it? Well, in baseball jargon, I choked (a choker underperforms under pressure). Jesus said, “the worries of this life… and the desires for other things… choke the Word, making it unfruitful” (Mar 4:19). Note that is not things, but our “desire for things” (in my case, for order and routine). Not to worry. I'm praying that today when these things pop up, like a fly ball, instead of choking, I will draw upon the strength of His Word, and 'catch' them before I choke; and rather I might choke them to death! (Gal. 5:24)

The Coming of the Lord is Near: Don't be Afraid!

The effect of Egypt’s implosion last week on the instability  of its own government and of the region has Bible students asking (again), “Is the end-time almost here?” Beyond the wars and rumors of wars in the Middle East, there are, of course, other signs of impending end-times: epic increases in extreme weather; escalating hatred of Israel, world-wide persecution of Christians, and a surge in apostasy.

Unfortunately, while the end-time is welcomed by most believers, it is a fearful thing to others. Why?  Fear of the unknown? Feeling unsafe? Displaced? And might this be why  Jesus said, “do not be troubled [afraid]; I’m going to prepare a place [of refuge] for you” (John 14:2).

 

Not surprisingly, the worldlings are looking for refuge in these uncertain times, building their financial shelters and end-of-the-world bunkers. Many are living in a state of panic! But... are we?  “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit, strengthen your hearts for the purpose of prayer ... for the coming of the Lord is near” (1 Peter 4:7-8); James 5:7-8).

Where do you stand? Or are you sitting this one out?

Last week, large crowds stood on the steps of the Supreme Court, taking a stand for or against gay marriage. But it is only one of several hot-button issues on the table these days. Is the cultural shift causing more controversy?  One thing is sure (and Independence Day is a good day to say it): we are a nation of people who love to exercise their right to take a stand.

That said, I find it pathetically ironic that just last week supporters of California’s Proposition 8 tried to take a stand against legalizing gay marriage, but were told they had no standing to bring it before the Court! Is this a sign of things to come? Will those with a biblical worldview be progressively marginalized?  Will we increasingly lose standing in the court of public opinion?

Who can know?  But this we do know: the Day is coming when we will stand before God’s judgment seat and give an account of the things we stood for (2 Cor. 5:10). And sitting that one out will not be an option!

Was Abraham the First Pitcher?

Are we living in a time when, in order to be a popular, a pastor must be a perfect pitcher?  One of the contemporary meanings of the word “pitch” is to promote or sell a person or product. A popular show on ABC, called “The Shark Tank” features aspiring entrepreneurs pitching their businesses/products to a panel of successful, sharky, venture capitalists, hoping to leave the show with an investment.

Does there appear to be a lot of pitching in the church these days—pastors pitching their preaching, products and personalities; and churches pitching programs? Locally, a church funding campaign, called “Please Hand Me a Brick,” is pitching to raise to $1.5 million over and above members’ normal tithes by 'selling' $1,000 bricks.

Ironically, the Bible uses the word “pitcher” to describe Abraham who, apparently despising bricks and building programs, “pitched” his tent wherever he stayed (Gen 2:8), a symbolic act of detachment, “looking to a city with eternal foundations, designed and built by God” (Heb. 11:10). That said, Abraham was a builder: while he was pitching tents, he was building altars to the Lord. And when Abraham pulled up stakes, all that was left behind was a monument of devotion to God. Might that be our legacy too?

Does Absence Make the Heart Grow Fonder?

One of the outcomes of increased technology is greater mobility. And more couples than ever are having long distance relationships, which begs the question, “does absence make the heart grow fonder?” Romantics may think so, but realists know the opposite is just as likely. Face-to-face time is the building block of any bond. 

Likewise, distance will strain our relationship with God. It can cause a loneliness that sends an ambivalent lover looking for someone more present. More than making the heart grow fonder, that long distance feeling can make the heart go wander.

People distance themselves from God for different reasons. The Jews distanced themselves from God when they thought He was unfair. David said un-confessed sin separated him from God.  According to Paul, long  distance feelings from God are a result of neglect (Eph. 4:18). The cure: increase your face-time.  

“When You said, Seek My face, my heart said to You, Your face, O Lord, I shall seek”(Ps 27:8)... So then, Let us rise early and go to the vineyards; Let us see whether the vine has budded and its blossoms have opened, and whether the pomegranates have bloomed. There I will give you my love (Song of Songs 7:12).

What Time is it in America?

Yesterday “Gay Pride” day was celebrated all across America.  And last week’s Supreme Court decision to advance gay rights gave way to boundless laughing and dancing in the streets. The words of Solomon come to mind: there is a time for laughing and dancing. But there is also a time for mourning and weeping  (Eccles. 3). Which time is it!?

What lover of God’s Word is not presently mourning the loss of the age-old foundations (Is. 58:12) of Judeo-Christian moral standards? Is this not a time to heed the words of James: “Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom” (James 4:9)?  

But this is not just political theater; it’s personal.  This is decision time for the many struggling Christian men and women all across America who believe acquiescing to their same-sex orientation will make them happy: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains” (Prov. 14:12-12). Solomon says there is a time to be silent and a time to speak.  What time is it in America?  It is time to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15).