ThinkingInColor

On November 13, 2003 , exactly two weeks before Thanksgiving, Alabama Supreme Court’s Chief Justice, Roy Moore was turned out of office. The judicial panel that removed him cited Justice Moore’s insistence on acknowledging God in his courtroom as the reason he had to go. They did not say he was a religious bigot. They did not say he twisted the law to suit his religious views. They simply said that he acknowledged God. That was unacceptable to them.

In his defense, Justice Moore said that the prayer offered before each judicial session was itself an acknowledgement of God. The oath taken by persons elected to public office as they lay their hands upon the Bible was an acknowledgement of God. The entire basis of our declaration of independence and the constitution of our government was the acknowledgment of God. Therefore, to serve as a judicial officer in the State of Alabama , Justice Moore contended that the acknowledgment of God was required.

If the new standard of qualification to serve in the government of the United States is the refusal that God exists, we are all in trouble. It’s hard to tell where these disturbing developments will take us, but, if they follow the trend, we will become a totally secular state. That means that Thanksgiving will no longer be recognized as a national holiday. Christmas will likely lose its status as well. Gone will be prayer in the halls of Congress, “In God We Trust” from our coinage, “under God” from our pledge of allegiance, the white crosses from thousands of military graves, and all mention of God in public documents or shrines. The Bible says that the nation that forgets God will be turned into hell. What will happen to a nation that does not just forget God, but deliberately and methodically expunges all traces of God from its official life? Those who seek to dismantle the Christian underpinnings of this great country must remember that our very freedoms were not the discovered outside the Bible, but are the very outgrowth of Biblical principles.

Here is the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, issued June 20, 1676 . “The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present Warr with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgements he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard; reserving many of our Towns from Desolation Threatened, and attempted by the Enemy, and giving us especially of late with many of our Confederates many signal Advantages against them, without such Disadvantage to ourselves as formerly we have been sensible of, if it be the Lord’s mercy that we are not consumed, It certainly bespeaks our positive Thankfulness, when our Enemies are in any measure disappointed or destroyed; and fearing the Lord should take notice under so many Intimations of his returning mercy, we should be found an Insensible people, as not standing before Him with Thanksgiving, as well as lading him with our Complaints in the time of pressing Afflictions:

The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God’s Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being perswaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and soulds as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ.”

Over 300 years later, this same nation denies the even the right to acknowledge God, not to mention condoning the depth of religious fervor spelled out in this proclamation. Thanksgiving may very well be on our endangered species list. A secular nation cannot continue to observe Thanksgiving while asserting that there is no God to thank.

Let us be clear. As believers, we begin with the acknowledgment of God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6. Acknowledgement begets thanksgiving. Thanksgiving produces submission. Submission leads to obedience. Obedience aligns us with the divine will. These steps may be easily seen in a study of the scriptures. If we reverse the order, however, we will unravel the very cords that bind us together with all of our rights, privileges and freedoms. Our forefathers, fresh the the land of religious oppression and persecution, knew that true freedom flows from God himself. We must not forget these principles today.

The Christmas celebration has been the subject of some controversy over the years. The day, the title and the trappings have often been challenged on a number of grounds. The United Pentecostal Church International does not exalt December twenty-fifth as a High Holy Day. Churches and individuals make the day whatever they want it to be. Some go in for elaborate decorations and celebrations. Some keep it simple. Others do not recognize it at all, believing it to be a pagan holiday.

But long, involved debates about Christmas have never served us well. It is true that it suffers from over-commercialization. Society’s expectations of Christmas gifts and parties have become burdensome to many. Nevertheless, we have to recognize that Christmas, perhaps the most popular holiday in the world, turns the spotlight on the birth of Jesus. Wisdom often dictates that we follow a path that lies outside the normal range of choices. “He that winneth souls is wise.” If we can set aside our misgivings about the day long enough, marvelous opportunities to touch the lives of countless people present themselves to us. Here are a few:

Family gatherings. Many new converts disdain family get-togethers because of the drinking, foul language and immorality that invariably shows up. Some dread the arguments that often break out between relatives. Yet, Jesus deliberately visited in the house of sinners to be a beacon in a dark place. He knew that he had to enter into their society—-without partaking of their sins—-in order to have an impact on them. When you go, I advise you to do the following: Swallow your pride, smile through offensive insults, reach out to a hurting, lonely cousin or in-law, talk to everyone, and make sure you are remembered for something good. This is your opportunity to deliver a powerful, positive message by how you act, not by preaching. On the other hand, if you withdraw and express judgmentalism and disgust, that’s how you will be remembered. Leave before it gets too bad, but not before you have expressed the joy and happiness that is in your heart.

Gift-giving. Before you opt out of the gift-giving scene, consider the opportunity it affords you to establish a witness. The gift of a Bible, a book by a Christian author, a Christian tape or CD or some other Christian related gift may open a door to a person’s soul. Even if it doesn’t, you haven’t done any harm. It’s just another way to plant a seed.

Christmas cards and letters. Yes, it is a chore. Keeping any relationship alive takes work. Maybe the task will seem lighter if you try sending a distinctively Christian card. Better yet, write a little letter about the difference Jesus made in your life this year. If you include enough personal information in it, and not make it an impersonal sermon, it will get read.

Pictures. People will look at pictures, and they send wonderful messages. If you want the message to center on Christ, put a Bible in it, or have it taken with your church in the background. Your smile gives a silent testimony about Jesus.

Friendliness and cheer. The Christmas season gives all of us an opportunity to manifest a kind and charitable spirit that honors Christ. Call somebody that you haven’t talked to for a long time. Visit a neighbor and take along a pie or plate of cookies. Participate in a volunteer program. Do something that tells the world that love rules your heart.

Incarnation messages. Oneness believers are especially blessed by the miracle at Bethlehem because we recognize Jesus as deity robed in humanity. As a pastor, I welcome Christmas time as an opportunity to preach about the true identity of Christ. This centerpiece of the Apostles doctrine deserves to be heralded throughout the year, but especially in this season.

The Holy Ghost baptism. The gift of the Holy Ghost represents God’s greatest gift to the believer. Christmas time, while much attention is drawn to gifts, becomes an ideal occasion to focus on the Pentecostal experience. It’s not what gift you can give, but the gift that God alone can give that changes a person’s life. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory!

Christmas may be laden with tradition and imprisoned in pressure-packed circumstances. The way you line up on the issues remains your personal concern. But keep your eye open for times to share the good news. Don’t allow the extraordinary opportunities that Christmas affords to reach out to souls, most of whom don’t know or care about such difficulties, pass you by.

“Though thou be little, yet out of thee shall he come forth.” Micah 5:2

It was the place of Hebrew legends. It could have been something about Rachel’s tomb, or David’s birthplace, or the militant Philistines who established a fort there to house their garrisons. The “House of Bread” earned its name from some long forgotten incident now fallen between the cracks of history’s sketchy record. Maybe it spun out of David’s ragtag, but loyal followers, whose brave and undying support of their beloved leader wove itself into Israel ’s culture. Perhaps it hearkened back to Naomi, Ruth and Boaz who left their imprint on the fields surrounding the otherwise nondescript, little village, five miles south of Jerusalem in Judah ’s hill country. And any knowledgeable local could easily direct tourists to the probable spot where Samuel anointed David king of Israel .

God slips his secrets into crevices and folds where most people fail to look. The prophet asked, “For who hath despised the day of small things?” Zechariah 4:10. Divine bias leans toward the small, rather than the great; the poor rather than the rich; the lowly rather than the high; the covert rather than the overt; the little known rather than the famous, the little rather than the much. “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” Psalm 37:16. Eschewing the glory of earthly kingdoms, God situates his overarching truths in small places. “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.” Isaiah 28:10-11. In his ministry, Christ called attention to a little child, a little lunch and a little flock. The New Testament heralds a little book, a little strength and a little while. God’s subtlety denies satisfaction to the casual dabbler. He forces men to seek him out.

Bethlehem ’s illogic baffled the world. How could a place achieve historical significance without some impressive distinction to set it apart? Bethlehem was not important enough. It was not strategic enough. It was not wealthy enough. It had neither commercial value nor cultural worth. But, Bethlehem did fit the profile of God’s modus operandi. He wanted nothing from this world; he took nothing from this world. “For he shall grow up before him as…a root out of a dry ground.” Isaiah 53:2. Should he have added Rome to his list of credits, or even Jerusalem , he would have been beholden to this cosmos. His legitimacy to the monarchy through the lineages of Mary and Joseph, only received attention at a much later date. He had no known mentor, no handler, no agent and no sponsor. As a root out of a dry ground grows without water or nutrients—-a phenomenon that contradicts nature—-neither did Jesus borrow from the wealth of the world to enhance his own status. To the secular mind, Bethlehem was a liability, not an asset.

The world’s most profound secret patiently waited to be born in the midst of streets more suitable for driving herds to market than entertaining royalty. Nothing but an obscure prophecy suggested the glory it was about to know. Its residents were ignorant of that which was concealed in its bosom. Little Bethlehem was in God’s crosshairs. A star, a chorus of angels, Mary, Joseph and Judean shepherds all converged on this these quiet streets. “And Joseph also went up from Galilee , out of the city of Nazareth , into Judaea , unto the city of David , which is called Bethlehem .” Luke 2:4. Bethlehem ’s secret, before Christ, lay not in its past, but in its future. The secret was the Savior. “And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel .” Isaiah 45:3

Bethlehem ’s secret continues to reproduce itself in countless conversions today. People with no apparent value on today’s market, with nothing to give and even less to promise find themselves in God’s crosshairs, targets of divine grace. What happens when a sinner emerges from the pits of sin? A star appears. “…As unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19. Angels sing. “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10. A new birth takes place. “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” 1 John 5:1. God’s secrets are far better than the world’s headlines. Let us never discount any person as incapable of redemption. Secrets can come from anywhere.

(Written in December, 2001, reflecting on the New Year after 9/11.)

Assumptions can be dangerous. Still, let’s assume that on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001 , the offices of the World Trade Center operated pretty much like the offices anywhere else in America . Workers headed to the coffee pots, some pored over Monday’s stock market performance in their Wall Street Journal, and others were already haggling with customers in different time zones on the phone. In the hallways or over the cubical dividers, there probably was the same petty gossip, idle chatter, political maneuvering, cruel scheming, paltry attempts to exclude some unbearable bore from lunch plans…you know, the general junk that is standard fare for the corporate workplace. Suddenly, 8:46 AM happened. The world brutally veered off in a different direction.

For those who perished, these insignificant office proceedings constituted their final thoughts. Most of the survivors, after their initial minutes of terror, have slowly recovered their sense of worth and being. A few made it through the tragedy, but couldn’t handle the emotional and psychological trauma of the aftermath. For all of them, the remainder of their lives will be lived from the perspective of the worst act of terrorism in history. It is a part of them.

The year of 2002, for America and the world, will be different. How much it will change may have to do with what you do, whether you’re a soldier, a flight attendant, a business exec or a factory worker, but the change in heart will go across the board. All of us have witnessed a number of positive differences already, like the rise in patriotism, the increased mention of God in public, the outpouring of charity and the willingness to help the victims. On the darker side, we see tightened security, racial profiling, a loss of personal rights and freedoms and living with the presence of terror.

As citizens, there are some lessons still emerging from 9-11. We must assume responsibility for our own safety and security. We should recognize that the real heroes are the guys down the street. We must enjoy the moments we have, and hug our kids. We must understand that at some point, free nations have to make another payment on their freedom. We must come to terms with our own mortality. And, we must remember, “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”

One more change: We ought to know the people we live and work with. One chilling item found in the terrorists’ playbook was that they were instructed to move into a neighborhood where the people didn’t know each other very well. Anonymity became a shield behind which they could hide their evil designs. Unfortunately, this depicts far too many American neighborhoods in the twenty-first century. We’re so busy and we move around so much that we don’t have time for nosey neighbors. We have forgotten that one of the by-products of interaction among neighbors is the opportunity to feel comfortable with each other.

Neighborliness builds rapport. It also provides many intangible keys to emotional and psychological health. Since we are social creatures, we form much of our sense of worth and self-esteem by our acceptance among peers. Technological advances like email and cell phones have, in some ways, changed the way this acceptance process takes place. More significantly, it allows us to develop our relationships with people of our own choosing, not with those who happen to live in the house next door or the apartment below us. As a result, we feel no need to know people in close proximity to us because we can know far more interesting and likable people over the wires or airwaves. We can scurry past dull neighbors on our way to scintillating conversations with real friends.

The real world, however, will not allow us to ignore it for long. Events can swiftly jolt us back to face-to-face dealings with neighbors, co-workers, mail carriers, sales clerks and fellow shoppers at the supermarket. We would do well to cultivate these relationships to some degree. The more we know about the people who orbit in our universe, the better armed we will be if something goes wrong. But beyond selfish reasons, the people in our immediate world need the gospel. When we scurry, we often overlook witnessing opportunities God gives us everyday. Our priorities will be different in 2002 than they were in 2001. Will God’s value system have the upper hand in shaping them to reflect his ideals?

Let us not just be different this year. Let’s be better.

Remember the story of the little engine that tried to get up the hill? As long as it chugged out the words, “I think I can, I think I can” it couldn’t be stopped. White puffs of smoke poured from its stacks; the train it pulled behind it creaked and groaned; the conductor held his breath. But, the steep grade, the heavy load and its power limitations were overcome by its positive determination that it could make it. The message was simple and clear: if you think you can, you can.

The approach to a new year usually begins with the momentum of excitement and challenge. Many people roll into the first days or even weeks of January feeling pretty good about themselves. The new diet, the new resolutions, the new lifestyle, the new commitment, the new whatever seems like a piece of cake. In fact, if you had known it would be this easy, you would have done it a long time ago. Thirty-one days of unsurpassed, exhilarating success. Then, on day thirty-two, rude February happens.

February throws a cold bucket of water on all of January’s marvelous plans and progress. It turns the piece of cake into a formidable task. It takes the wind out of the sails, wipes the smile off the face, replaces the clouds under the feet with real dirt, ridicules dreams and laughs at good intentions. February asks, “WHAT were you thinking?” February’s shredders gobble up January’s goals. February proclaims itself the reality check to January’s delusions.

Okay! You see it coming. A pep-rally on paper. A back-slappin’ wake-up call. A “come-on, guy, you can do it” kind of encouragement meant to get you though the doldrums. Or, maybe a “shame-on-you”, “why are you such a weakling”, “lose the loser mentality” exhortation.

Actually, I just want to tell you that I know people who have had head-on collisions with menacing Februarys of the past and survived. They did a quick mental calculation about the meaning of God in their lives; about the likelihood of repeating the same scenario the following year if they quit; about worthiness of their goal; about the positive prospects of winning if they would just stick with it. Those who repeat the phrase, “I think I can” when it is truly based upon the promise of God’s deliverance, will discover incredible power out of nothing visible or tangible.

The Hebrew spies checking out Canaan ’s land saw that it flowed with milk and honey, but they also saw themselves a grasshoppers and the enemy as giants. As a result, their succumbing to February’s intimidation cost them an additional thirty-eight years wandering in the wilderness. Finally, Joshua and Caleb, who had originally proclaimed “we are well able to take the land” led Israel to Jericho for a great and decisive battle, a battle that sealed Israel ’s future in the promised land.

The early church exploded out of the upper room with the dynamite of Holy Ghost power. Thousands were saved. Miracles and healings ruled the day. It wasn’t long, however, before they ran into the buzz saw of persecution. They could have turned and ran from their tormentors to disappear back into their surroundings. They did not cave. Instead, they gave themselves to prayer, fasting and witnessing. Their initial momentum was challenged but not squelched.

“I think I can” only signals the beginning of the story. The rest moves to the cadence of “I know I can.” Paul said, “For I know whom I have believed in, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day.” March erupts in victory shouts for those who refused to give up one, single ounce of January’s momentum to February.

For every faith-based decision you make in January, February will turn inside-out and make it a “feeling” thing. Don’t give in to feelings! Keep repeating “I think I can”. Let it become “I know I can.” Consider your fleshly feelings as drags, weights and traitorous impulses that seek to rob you of your new-found freedoms. When all else fails, remember that the engine driving your forward progress is the Holy Ghost! “Greater is he that is within you than he that is in the world.” Your little engine can take you to the top of God’s hill of victory, blessing and spiritual success. It’s not your start, but your finish that makes the difference.