50 YEARS OF MARRIAGE...WITH AN ANGEL

      On August 19, Sherry and I gathered with our family to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary... and as we sat in a nice French restaurant, my thoughts raced back to a summer evening in Ankeny, Iowa. It was August 19, 1967, and we were gathered at the Grundon's place, which was the nicest home that I had seen at that time... with its pool and fountain and cascading steps- all of which were set against the woods that bordered their home. Dad was there, mom too, and my brother, Randy. My brother, Larry, was stationed in Cape May and he couldn't make our wedding (just as our granddaughter, Brittany, wasn't able to join us at the anniversary).
      A Lutheran minister officiated and we said our vows- I DO, for better and for worse, and all

Kendra, Brooke, me, Sherry, Justin, Shawn, Steve, Kelli
and Archer in front. Not pictured- Donald, Brittany, and
Donald Ray. We love each and every one of them!

the rest. Sherry seemed to grasp the depth of what we were saying, but I didn't have much of a clue. I was happy- no doubt about it- and she was beautiful ... but I didn't really understand what it meant to be present, vulnerable, and intimate... in the deepest sense of the words. I was too "messed up"- too confused- and it would be years before I came to grips with who I really was ... and what it meant to be in a loving relationship (as opposed to being "in love.") My growth was slow, painful, and uneven...but Sherry was always there! Sometimes as my biggest cheerleader. Sometimes Sometimes as my biggest critic. But she was always there... and (praise God) she was always willing to forgive and to invest in another tomorrow.
      It took a lot of patience and a lot of effort. At times our love story wasn't very pretty... but with God's grace and Sherry's steadfast love, we made it to our 50th wedding anniversary. Mom, dad, Larry, and Randy have all passed away- so have the Grundons- and I suspect the Lutheran pastor too. Times have changed in many ways because 1967 occurred in another age. Our daughters are grown and they have children of there own. Indeed, our granddaughter, Brittany, even has a kid of her own. They are beautiful people- the women and the little boys too- and in my eyes, they all shine like diamonds! Sherry gave special gifts to the women at our gathering and I gave gifts of love to Archer and Donald Ray. It was a sacred hour, and I felt like a rich man! Indeed when I looked around the table, I thanked God for every face that I saw, for family who could not be present, and for all of those who had taken the time to show me love- both tough and generous- through the years.
     

   
       It's been a wonderful, often stimulating, sometimes surprising, and even entertaining journey! Like others who reach my age, I've had more than my share of "highs" and I lived through more than a few "lows." Hundreds of people have had a hand in my life story and many of them have left a deep impression on me. But Sherry has always been at the center! She's always been the "grown up" in the room and she stole the show at our anniversary dinner as well, giving an emotional and inspiring speech that I didn't even try to top. When the meal was over, I looked at her and saw that she was even more beautiful than she was in the summer of '67. Then, I took her hand and together, we led the family out the restaurant's door... and back to a journey that will lead each one to the place that God has reserved for us. I'll be 121 on our 100th anniversary... and I expect to be dining on a heavenly feast. Amen!

WAS JAMES MADISON A CHRISTIAN? HOW ABOUT JAMES MONROE?

      James Madison ("Jemmy" to his friends) and James Monroe, our 4th and 5th Presidents, were both Episcopalians, and if you believe that belonging to a Christian denomination makes a person a Christian... our central question is already answered. However, it's not clear that Madison used the Bible as a guide for his life... and it's not clear that Monroe even wanted to. Both men were born in Virginia, and because of that, they (like Washington and Jefferson) were obliged to join the Episcopalian Church. Neither man said much about his faith, and Monroe said virtually nothing at all. This is why I've also included him in our discussion this time, but I will begin with Madison.
      James Madison was President of the United States from 1809-1817, which meant, among other things, that he ushered America through the War of 1812. Madison was born into a wealthy family and he matriculated through Princeton at an early age. However, when he graduated, he stayed in college for another year, and studied theology under John Witherspoon. Some writers have called Madison our "first graduate student," but his interest in theology didn't take hold, and he turned to politics in short order. He served in the Revolutionary War with honor, and he attended church whenever he was near home, Some of his biographers have called him a "deist." Others have maintained that he was a "model of orthodoxy," but it's hard to know what was in his mind or heart because, like mainline Christians of our own time, he didn't speak openly about his faith... and he certainly didn't talk about undergoing a conversion, or accepting Jesus as his personal Savior. All we know is that he attended church as a young man and that he spoke respectfully of the church throughout his lifetime.
      In Madison's early years, the Church of England was the sanctioned church of Virginia and other denominations were not welcome. Indeed, when Presbyterians and others made Virginia their home,  they were harassed and persecuted. Their ministers were even jailed from time to time, and this was especially true for the Baptists, whose form of worship did not suit the stoic Episcopalians. As a young man, Madison encountered a handful of Baptist ministers who were in jail just for being Baptist, and he was outraged. Indeed, he never got over the injustice of it, and he became a crusader for the separation of church and state. He worked tirelessly on this issue, and with Jefferson's help, it became law in Virginia and eventually in America. When Madison attended an open-air meeting at the Blue Run Church in 1771, he shared a worship experience with 5000 Baptists, and afterwards, he noted that, if one overlooked the emotional nature of their worship, it was actually "very orthodox." Madison was committed to separating church and state throughout his life, not by keeping prayer and church out of the public arena (as it is generally seen today), but by keeping the state from making any laws or taking any action that would infringe on the practice of religion.
      We know a lot about Madison's work on matters of church and state, and we know that he was a "kind" slaveowner who never "mistreated any of his slaves," from a book that one of his slaves published after Madison's death. We also know that, even though he owned slaves, he was active in a movement to re-colonize them in Africa. But "being nice" to one's slaves does not make one a Christian... so let us consider what little evidence we have on Madison's christianity.

Evidence in Favor of Madison Being a Christian

1.  He was baptized and relatively active in his Episcopalian church;

2.  He said that religion was essential for "good order, good morals, and happiness;"

3.  In a letter to a friend, Madison wrote, "(a) watchful eye must be kept on ourselves lest, while we are building ideal monuments here... we neglect to have our names enrolled in the annals of Heaven;"

4.  In a comment that reminds me both of Camus' admonishment of Christians and also of the Biblical warning against n"lukewarmness," Madison noted, "I have often thought that there could not be a stronger testimony in favor of religion... than for men who occupy (important positions) and are rising in reputation and wealth, to publicly declare their unsatisfactoriness by becoming fervent advocates of the cause of Christ;"

5.  When Madison was working on the Virginia Bill of Rights, he noted that, "It is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity toward each other;"

6.  According to one of his pastors, Madison "always attended public worship in his neighborhood, spoke of religion with respect, invited ministers to his house, and had family prayers in his home (although he did not kneel)

Arguments Against Madison Being a Christian

1.  Despite his baptism and church attendance (especially in his younger years), several of Madison's biographers believed that he was more of a "deist" in his heart and mind. Deism, which is the belief in a God who is not involved in human affairs and who can be found through reason, was popular among intellectuals at the time of our Revolution;

2.  The lack of evidence about what he believed about God, Christ and Church... is too many people... evidence that he didn't believe much;

3.  Episcopalian Bishop William Meade reported, "I was at Mr. Madison's house but once, and then our conversation took such a turn... as to call forth some (discussion) which left an impression on my mind that his creed was not strictly regulated by the Bible."

4.  When Madison's friend and mentor, John Witherspoon, published a book of his sermons, several noted men of the time recommended it. The list included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, John Day, and many of Madison's peers from Princeton... but Madison himself did not subscribe to it.

      Well, that's all we have on this President who championed religious freedom from state interference, but who said little about his own faith. Madison, it seems to me, was a Christian in exactly the same way that many mainline Christians are Christian to this day, but perhaps you disagree. Was the 4th President of the United States a Christian?

YES    or    NO

      James Monroe was the last President who is grouped among our founding fathers by historians. He was baptized as an Episcopalian and attended St. John's Episcopal Church when he served as our President. In 1825, he dismissed Mordecai Noah from his position as consul to Tunis because Noah was Jewish, and when Noah formally protested, he received written support from Jefferson, Adams, and Madison. Records also show that a Presbyterian pastor in Albany, NY, said that Monroe, "lived and died as a second-rate Athenian philosopher," in 1832. It has been noted that, like those who preceded him, Monroe had deistic tendencies, but others have suggested that he "may" have believed in an interventionist God. 

      It's not much information, I know, but biographers have noted that, when it comes to religion, we know less about Monroe's faith than any other President.  I looked for Monroe's quotes, but found none that a would even hint at his religious faith. We know that Washington, and to a greater extent, Adams and Jefferson, wrestled with their faith in some ways and left us a record of what their faith meant to them, whether we agree with it or not. Monroe doesn't seem to have done either and it is tempting to think that he didn't give faith, let alone discipleship, much thought. But what do you think? Was our 5th President (and the last of the Virginia dynasty) a Christian or not?

YES     or    NO

FROM TISHBE TO HEAVEN

      Elijah was born in Tishbe, which is only mentioned once in the Bible, and even then in the Book of Tobit. It’s located in the mountains of Gilead and of little consequence, except that it is the birthplace of Elijah, who was among the greatest of God’s prophets. Ahab was King in Elijah’s day… and the evil, Jezebel, was his wife. Together, they gave Israel over to Baal, and to his consort, Asherah, and the people gave themselves over to sin… because Baal and Asherah were not the gods of the promise… or gods at all. It was the worst of tines for Israel, but Elijah trusted completely in God. He trusted God completely and he challenged Ahab to his face. He challenged 450 prophets of Baal to a contest at Mount Carmel, so that the world would see, once and for all, whether Yahweh or Baal, was the living and true God.

      Well, Yahweh prevailed and Elijah- the great man of God- who had already worked miracles in God’s name- was the man of the hour. Never before had the prophet wavered or lost hope, but when Jezebel threatened his life, he ran for it. He was, inexplicably, afraid… and he said that he had had enough. He ran toward Beersheba, and prayed that God would take his life there… but God nourished him instead, and he moved on to the Mt. Horeb, and hid himself in a cave. I don’t know how long he intended to hide there… but God called him to step outside of the cave so that he might learn something new. And as he stood there, a violent wind stirred up. It was strong and scary, but Elijah did not encounter God in the wind. Then there was an earthquake, not all that uncommon in that part of the world by the way, but Elijah did not meet God in the earthquake. And it was the same in the fire that followed.  So he went back into the cave and in the silence that engulfed him, he heard God speak. “What are you doing here?” That’s what God asked. “What are you doing here, Elijah?” No accusations, no chastisement… just a question…and new marching orders for the weary prophet. Get up, get packed, and get going, God seemed to say, because I have more for you to do. And Elijah got up and went where God called him to go and he did all that God called him to do… until the day came when God literally embraced him and lifted him directly into heaven.

      It’s a great story… but what does it have to say to us? What is God’s word, living and relevant, saying to us in these passages about an ancient prophet?

1.     1.  Well, for one thing, we are reminded that God is less likely to give up on us than we are to give up on ourselves. The same God who called Elijah would surely provide a way. If you’re down, fine, but don’t stay down; 

2   2. Even the best of us experience moments of fatigue, fear, and even doubt that we are making a difference, or of use any longer! Elijah showed more faith on a single, ordinary day than most of us muster up in the best of times… but he was not immune to the very things that make us human. If your work is undervalued and even threatened, it’s bad… but don’t quit;

     3. Quit looking for God in all the wrong places. Chances are, He will not be among those who are flattering… because you are not the center of God’s story. He is… and when He appears, it may well be in the faces of those who need food, clothing, love, empowerment, and opportunity the most, rather that the sound and fury going on around you; 

     4. If you want to hear God’s voice, get away from the sounds that drown it out and listen to your soul. Are you doing what God wants you to do? Are you in love with sins that you can’t bring yourself to let go of? Are you listening for God’s voice through His word, through His church, through your prayers? Remember, all spiritual journeys begin with surrendered trust; 

     5.  I’m no Elijah. Chances are- you’re not either, but we are equipped to do his work. And we do have ears that hear… so listen to that voice within you that is not obsessed with self and stuff, but challenges you to forgive and love and get involved for God. Listen to the voices of those things that break your heart. Listen to the injustices that make you mad every time you think about them… and listen to the talents that God has given you. Listen to your setting in life. Listen to the people whose lives are intertwined with yours, and listen when God asks, "What are YOU doing here?"

     6. Consider all of these things in the stillness of your spirit and you will hear God’s voice calling you to leave your cave and get busy for Him. His call to you may not be the stuff of Kings and Queens, but it will involve life-changing and life-saving work. He may not ask you to free the Israelites, or to challenge the prophets of Baal… but He will ask you to confront evil and offer love to His people. 

     7.  I won’t be taken directly to heaven like Elijah was, but through Christ, heaven will be my home. And my record of service will not measure up to Elijah’s, or John’s, or Mother Teresa’s, or perhaps to yours… but I do long to hear the words, “well done good and faithful servant,” and I believe that, through His Grace and against all earthly bets… I will.

      Now, let me return to surrendered trust because it isn’t possible to provide faithful service without it. In my own life, I’ve seen bad moons rising, I’ve heard the thunder roll in darkened skies, I’ve chased lesser gods to the gates of hell, and I’ve begged an unknown God for another chance. Like you, I've seen and heard many things... BUT I didn’t see God in the storms or in my wilderness. I didn’t hear God in the thunder, or through the cluttered thoughts that filled my mind. Indeed, I didn’t hear God at all until I experienced a great emptiness and surrendered to His will, no matter the cost. Looking back, I see now that He was there in the best and worst of times.  BUT I couldn’t see Him until the fear and pride within me gave way to a surrendered  trust. That may be your need too. If it is, come to Christ now because He is the source of your faithfulness. However, if you’ve already done business with Christ, listen for His voice ,,, as it comes from deep within your life and your spirit. Listen and follow. Follow…and do your part to further His kingdom here on earth! Amen!

SIN WILL ALWAYS COST YOU MORE THAN YOU WANTED TO PAY

   It was in the spring of the year... when kings led their armies to war, and David had always done that because he was a self-confident and brave man... but in the spring of this particular year, he stayed home. I don't know why he stayed home, but I do know that he saw a woman bathing from his rooftop. He could see her easily because his rooftop was well above her and, for all we know, he may have watched her bathe before. He might have turned away when he saw her, but instead he took in her beauty and decided to have her for himself. So, he sent men over to get her and before the night was over, the two of them- the King and the wife of another man- had sex. It was an ugly tryst, all the way around, and the entire thing was filled with abuse and dishonor. It was a sinful night, but it may have ended there... except that David's lover became pregnant.
      David's sin would now be uncovered. What he had done at night would now be revealed in the light of day... and David could've confessed to his sin right then. He could've paid whatever the fiddler was charging and went about his life... but instead, he came up with a plan to cover his sin up. He sent for the woman's husband, Uriah, and when the loyal warrior reported to him, David couldn't praise him enough. You're my kind of man, he said, and you need a little TLC... so get over to your home and "get reacquainted with your wife." David knew that Uriah would always consider Bathsheba's child to be his too... if he had sex with her, but Uriah would not allow himself to enjoy such pleasure, not when his fellow soldiers were engaged in battle. Uriah would not violate his code of honor, not even when David got him drunk the next evening... so David to solve his dilemma by sinning all the more. He sent a note to his military commander, Joab, telling him to leave Uriah on the front line during their next encounter with the enemy, and Joab did just that. Uriah died that day, in the line of duty... and David was home free,
      No one, he was sure, would ever know about his sin against Bathsheba (and Uriah)... but he was wrong... because God knew all about it. God knew what David had done. God knew that David had sinned against Him... by violating the Image of God in others... and by using others as if they were just things to play with. God knew that David had sinned and he knew that sin has a heavy price... so he sent his prophet, Nathan, to confront David. Nathan showed up at David's door and he told the great King a story: There was a rich and powerful man, he said, who had a huge flock of sheep. And one day, the rich man had to provide a meal for an important guest. He had to cook a lamb for his guest... but he didn't want to use one of his own lambs. So, he seized his poor neighbor's only lamb... and fed it to his visitor instead. That was the story, and Nathan asked, "What do you think of that?" "Why, it's outrageous," David cried, "any man who would do that should be put to death." The King was outraged by the rich man's arrogance and insensitivity. Then Nathan delivered the punchline- "You are that man!" You are the one who took what was not yours. You are the one who violated your neighbor, and you are the man who sinned against both neighbor and God. You are that man, Nathan spoke for God, and this child of yours will die. Indeed, because of your sin, a scarlet thread will plague your family from this day on because the wages of sin is death!
     Isn't that the way it goes? A sin gives way to a bigger sin, which is covered up by another sin, and soon sin becomes a way of life, and before you know it, sin runs (and ruins) your life! Here is a spiritual axiom: sin will always keep you longer than you intended to stay, and it will always cost you more than you intended to pay! It will never let you go without a fight and it will never tire of enticing you with idle promises, half-truths, and outright lies. David was in the wrong place, at least, he lingered in the wrong place. He saw what he should not have seen and he took it all in. He opened the wrong door, knowing that nothing good could come from it... because he was blinded by self-will. He made the wrong decision and he stuck to it even after he learned that the woman was another man's wife. That was bad enough. It was unsavory and despicable on its own, but he compounded his sin by entrapping her husband and arranging for his death,
      Wrong place, wrong couple, wrong agenda, manipulation, abuse of power, violation of trust. A night of conquest and abuse of power... leading to progressively deeper sins and increasingly higher costs. That's the way it goes. Sin works that way. It never lets go and never has had enough. Sin will always weaken your relationship with God and with those who trust in you. It will short-circuit your prayer life and steal your joy. Stay a way from it. Flee while you can. But if you should get caught up in its web, remember this: God loves a contrite heart! David was forgiven (read Ps. 51), not because he was right or because he had a good reason, but simply because he surrendered his sin to God. I was forgiven too, and so were millions of others through the ages. Indeed, any person who trusts in God will be a new creation. This is the truth of it, but beware: sin is nothing to play with and many of those who have tried to play with it... have never found their way back to God.