Loss to Victory - Part 3

            Reading the April 7th and May 5th posts will give you background to understand this one better.  This post continues with more specific concerns and personal experiences on the topic.   

            In Part 2 I discussed the devaluation to human life and lowering of quality of life as evidenced by the acceptance of abortion in the past few decades. The trial last month of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell brings to the light some of the darkness surrounding the abortion industry. The formal charges centered around the deaths of four babies who were born and  could have survived had they been given medical attention and the death of a mother who overdosed on drugs administered by an untrained assistant. Emergency personnel trying to save the mother's life were barricaded from entry, at least in part to hide the evil proceedings going on inside the building.   Many say these types of conditions are the norm, not the exception, for abortion facilities.  If death is intended as the outcome for the baby, why should we be surprised of the unsanitary and illegal practices of abortuaries? 

            In a similar line of thinking, if our hearts become callous toward the plight of preborn children being treated unjustly, abused, and killed in their mother's womb, why would it surprise us that injustice, abuse, and social ills  in general would be occurring in greater numbers than ever in our society?   Three thousand years later, the truth of Psalm 41 still commands our attention: "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble" (v1).   The strength of a community is known by its weakest link.  There is a direct connection between genuinely helping the poor and needy and God's blessing and favor resting on a community.  I believe God calls his people (in our nation) to confess and repent for not taking this truth seriously enough (see previous posts).

Acceptance of abortion has led to the slippery slope of devaluing life and other things like euthanasia, infanticide, respect for gender of birth, and even the sacredness of marriage. Some people groups have been affected more than others. It is commonly recognized that  70% of abortion facilities are located in so-called 'minority neighborhoods.'  Certain ethnicities have been targeted more that others.

The casualness of abortion has also contributed greatly to a decline in love and respect for post-birth persons with disabilities.  Lives not worth saving in the womb has translated into lives not esteemed merely for their humanness. 

Pre-born children fit the category of persons with disabilities as well since their abilities to survive outside the womb are not developed.  In God's sight, worthfulness has nothing to do with ability  Romams 12 1-2  reminds us that offering our body to God is a spiritual act of worship.  All we have to offer is what God gave us to offer.  Psalm 139 tells us that He created us and formed us as he wills.  Therefore, our body as He created it should be respected and valued.   This view of our body is in contrast to a world view with emphasis being placed on performance and productivity.

            As a person with a visual impairment I am particularly aware of, and identify closely with, people in underprivileged classes. Society’s attitude towards people with disabilities is generally demeaning and lacking inclusively.  People with disabilities are generally viewed as “needy” only, instead of valuable contributors who possess a piece of what is needed for the community as a whole to thrive. Unfortunately, the Church seems to be as guilty as the society at large in the failure to provide people with disabilities dignity, opportunity, equality and empowerment. If the civil rights struggle to improve conditions for people with disability is compared to the civil rights movement of the ’60s—Rosa Parks being asked to give up her seat on the bus for a white person— might be compared to a person with a disability being told they shouldn’t be trying to board the bus. Lack of employment opportunities, poverty, and social isolation are common place and at much higher rates among this group than the public at large. There are some wonderful people doing some great things to address these problems. I would be remiss in failing to acknowledge and thank these persons. On the other hand, much of the assistance offered is patronizing because it fails to include the participation and contributions of persons with disabilities themselves.

            By default, as a member of the “disability community,” I have become an advocate forced to take occasionally unpopular positions on matters in the community at large. This is not a position I would choose, but by God’s grace I can help others bear their burden, to some degree at least.  For example, it took about three years for the process of installing an Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) at a dangerous traffic intersection in our local town.  Safety concerns; in general seem to receive more favorable attention for correction when they do not involve specific  concerns for the safety of persons with disabilities. Many communities flat out refuse to cooperate with accommodations for persons with disabilities.  I mention all this because participation in society as part of an “oppressed class” creates even more opportunities to understand and practice the grace of forgiveness and other topics of Refuge and healing.

            Jesus’ teachings consistently contrasted the physical realm with the spiritual. Most of the physical healings recorded in the gospels were performed with a direct message of spiritual healing. Jesus healed peoples’ eyesight to demonstrate the spiritual blindness of people of the day (particularly the religious). Our generation is no less “blind.” We are blind to the bitterness, resentment and blame in our hearts. Even God’s people are often blind to the power of forgiveness, and the world of freedom waiting outside the walls of the prison of darkness. “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but has no vision” (Helen Keller).

            Most profoundly, Jesus communicates this in the story of the man born blind that is healed in John chapter nine. I think many miss the main point of the story explained in the last few verses.

“Jesus said ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’  Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, ‘What? Are we blind too?’  Jesus said, ‘If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.’” (John 9:39-41)

Blindness is the spiritual condition of those unable to surrender to God the right to judge the guilt of offense. Jesus opens spiritual eyes. Jesus only frees those from debtor’s prison who first see their captive condition. Those who think they see well enough without Christ’s intervention, are doomed to a life characterized by blindness. The parts of our heart not yet surrendered to Christ for His judgment will grow like a cataract gradually creating greater degrees of blindness. There is no neutral territory. We allow the eyes of our heart to be opened wider to God’s message of forgiveness, overtaking the darkness, or we choose to close the eyes of our heart (being content in unforgiveness), surrendering to darkness.

            In the story mentioned above the physically blind man was accused by religious people of both having some sort of sin in his life, and not having enough faith to be healed (physically). They became trapped into thinking their physical sight qualified them to judge the “blind” man’s spiritual condition.  Hence Jesus warned, “now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”  Jesus was interested in healing the “whole person.” Understanding and practicing forgiveness is the centerpiece of spiritual vision and peoples’ freedom in Christ. I have experienced an incredible amount of healing in my own life. As I have allowed God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) to change my heart from the inside out, my responses to life circumstances improve; past, present and future. Triggers from past hurts no longer have the intensity they once did. Fellowship with God is more intimate because many blocks have been removed. The future looks brighter as God multiplies the seeds of my repentance (from ungodly judgments) to yield an increased harvest of good fruit.

I hope that something I may write serves to equip, challenge and motivate you to take the next step deeper in your commitment to restoring justice for those losing their lives to abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia.  And I pray, that the church will strengthen its resolve in the areas of teaching our children moral responsibility, cultivating family relationships, responding to people with disease, injury, or  disability, and helping the many emotionally and spiritually malnourished people whose needs can only be met through the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

            Luke 19:10 says that Jesus, "came to seek and to save that which was lost" (NASB).  Everyone experiences losses in life.  Losses are painful and keep us mindful of our need for a Savior who has sought us out, and given us the ability to be restored.  The pain of physical loss is nothing in comparison to the eternal loss of separation from God. All are born into a condition of spiritual disability.  We choose to live in darkness (dis-ability), or we choose God's grace (his-ability).   I pray that you may know the enabling power of Christ to meet you at your point of spiritual, physical, or emotional disability.  "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (Ephesians 3:16-17).

            Note:   The book Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart discusses themes of dealing with disappointments, offense and finding freedom in forgiveness.  This book is designed to help people (especially in the Christian faith)  to discover and dislodge things in life that lead to defeat. Don't miss out on your chance to use this book as a helpful tool in discovering Refuge in Christ. It can be purchased by clicking here: http://bluerockbnb.com/healing/book_main.htm . If you get anywhere near Pennsylvania for vacation or on business, be sure to look us up for lodging at  http://bluerockbnb.com 

 by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry

Loss to Victory - Part 2

            All personal growth involves change.  Experiencing loss as a result of minor or major changes in life circumstances is a common and expected part of being a human.  Hopefully you were able to take the time to answer the questions posed in part 1 of this post in order to identify recent losses in your life.  The goal here in part 2 is to help you determine how to recover and integrate these losses into a future that expresses hope and forward progress.

            Remember that a physical loss (eg. car, house, person) is generally accompanied by emotional losses with feelings such as abandonment, detachment, fear, shame, powerlessness, invalidation, hopelessness, rejection, failure, desperation, helplessness, insignificance, despair, indifference, and confusion.  These are "normal" reactions and not to be minimized or disregarded.  The process of letting go of these negative feelings is called grieving.  Every loss needs to be grieved regardless of how small or large.  Integrating change and reorienting behavior in a direction of growth and maturity requires self-honesty, intentionality, and time.

            Experts on grief commonly explain the process in five stages:  denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.  Seldom is there a clearly ordered path through these five elements of the process.  The greater the loss, the more a person may skip forwards and backwards in the process. Parts of the loss may be processed through to acceptance and parts of the impact may still be hidden.  With losses involving trauma, conditions for grieving. are compounded.  The effects of trauma in a person's life may create additional issues in the grieving process not discussed here.

            Adjustment to a loss generally includes at least these four areas. First comes the initial impact.  This may take the form of shock, numbness or denial.  An overwhelming feeling that this can't really be happening is accompanied by the body's reaction to preserve, protect, and progress to the greatest degree possible.  Second, is wrestling with reality. The normal routines of life have been disrupted and the reality of disorganization is starting to set in.  Searching for answers to the "why" questions often lead to blame being (mis)placed upon self or others.  Various forms and degrees of anger and fear are aroused with realization that life hands a person many things out of his or her control, and that at any time something bad could happen again.  Third, is directly facing the pain.  This is the lowest point of the negative feelings and emotions listed above. Regrets, guilt real or perceived), and shame may seem unbearable but are common reactions.  Fourth, is the new life.  Hope begins to rise in this phase because new ways are being found to cope and relate.  The old world which no longer exists is replaced by a world  that may actually take us to a higher place than before the loss occurred.

            Giving yourself and others "space" to grieve is an important part of overcoming losses in life.  Expressing emotion is not a sign of weakness.  Crying, for example, can help unburden a heavy load of sadness that would otherwise remain bottled up.  Emotions can be viewed as messengers containing messages about deeper root issues.  Humans are created with emotion for a reason.  Feelings and emotions are a real part of a person's heart just like thoughts and ideas are a real part of a person's mind.   The thinking and feeling processes are unique to the individual.  Comparing yourself or a friend to another person's grieving process should be avoided.

            No two individuals grieve in exactly the same manner.  The same loss may strike different people in entirely different ways. In her book On Grief and Grieving, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross writes, "Your loss and the grief that accompanies it are very personal, different from anyone else's. Others may share the experience of their losses. They may try to console you in the only way they know. But your loss stands alone in its meaning to you, in its painful uniqueness." 

            Asking yourself probing questions like the following may help you get to a greater level of freedom.  What losses have you grieved?  What losses have you perhaps partially grieved, but some pain still remains indicating more grieving is necessary?   Are there any losses you may still be completely in denial about?  Do you regularly feel any of the negative feelings in the list above?   How strongly do you feel it, and how is it affecting your relationships?

            Only you can grieve your losses.  No one else can grieve them for you.  May I encourage you to allow yourself to grieve.  If you do not grieve losses, they will continue to grieve you.  Allow yourself to feel the pain, identify what you are feeling, and wrestle through it.  There is light and hope on the other side.  Allow yourself to receive the light and focus on the light (new world).  Try to look more ahead and less backwards.  Decide what you can do and can be, rather than on what you can't do and can't be.  Set some goals and make plans to take action in the direction you decide to go. 

            If it feels like you're stuck in the pain, seek help to discover a pathway through it.  Life can be difficult, but like I have discussed in previous posts, and as the saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way.  I believe you were made to make a way; created to bring meaning and purpose to a lost world so that losses (perceived or real) can be turned into victories.

 

            Note:   The holidays coming up can be an especially difficult time for those coping with the loss of a loved one.  For some practical suggestions on how to better cope with the activities of the season, check out Patti Anewalt's remarks in the November-December 2013 newsletter of Pathways at:   

Click here for Pathways Newsletter

by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry

Loss to Victory - Part 1

            It's been said that constant change is here to stay.  Even the smallest of changes can create distress, but sometimes conflicts or crises create situations that makes a person feel like a tsunami hit his or her emotions.  Each person is different in how they react to stress.  Some changes (stressors) effect an individual's sense of normalcy more drastically than others.  When the negative effects of stress go undetected or unidentified over time, the buildup of cumulative stress may create a "break down" that forces a person to pay attention to what's going on inside the heart.   This post is meant to help the reader stay free of such a breakdown.

             Sometimes life doesn't seem fair.  Bad things happen to good people.  While many events in life seem uncontrollable, the choices a person makes also greatly effect the amount and intensity of change.  For example, when a person marries, it is to be expected that relationship with family, friends, and roommates will change significantly.  Or when a person moves to a neighborhood predominantly occupied by a different ethnicity, change is inevitable. 

            Whether by choice or not, all change incurs loss.  Any transition from one thing to another means that something is gained and something is given up or "lost."  Even "good change" involves some sort of loss.  In the example of marriage, the companionship gained by investing in a life-long covenant, involves at least a certain amount of distance to develop in former hangout buddies.  And although a healthy marriage maintains some individuality of each spouse, two spouses now relate to their buddies as a pair instead of as individuals. The amount of time spent together, places they go, and interests they pursue together are typical things that change.  Failing to recognize this shift  (loss) in the relationship can lead to some very difficult conflicts.  Another huge area of change after marriage involves finances in terms of how money is earned and spent together.

            Losses are identified by two major categories--tangible and intangible (sometimes called primary and secondary).  Tangible losses are physical losses of people, places, and things.  Examples are a house lost in a fire, a loved one's untimely death, or a family treasure stolen by a thief.  Intangible losses often follow these losses, hence they are attached to the term "secondary."  But their impact is often anything but secondary.  For example, the tangible loss of a spouse dying in a traffic accident, creates innumerable psychological and emotional losses for the family left behind.  Young children lose a caretaker, protector, provider, nurturer, teacher, and all the other roles of a parent. The spouse loses a co-parent, companion, lover, friend and all the other things "spouse" means to the person left behind.  Deep losses can even create core inner questions such as, "who am I?" and "what purpose do I have remaining?" after an unexpected death.  If a house is lost another place to live can be found, or if a car is totalled another car can be obtained.  Intangible losses, however, give a person no way to measure the value of loss and are sometimes impossible to replace.  

            Other examples of life events triggering loss include job changes, career shifts, co-worker dismissals, living arrangement transitions, gaining or losing a leadership position, team changes, keeping up with demands in school, legal challenges, tax issues, financial woes, health concerns, birth of a child, accidental fire or injury, traumatic experiences, death of a loved one, abusive relationship, conflict in relationships, and combinations of all the above. The list goes on!  Deep disappointment and overwhelming feelings may be created by the unresolved stress of these losses. 

            Having lived five and a half decades, I've had my share of losses in life.  I will spare you having to read my list, but I've discovered it to be a helpful exercise to list them on paper and consider the effects.  Feeling 'loss' from life's transitions, conflicts, and crises  is to be expected and very common.  Giving yourself and others space to grieve is an important aspect of dealing with the losses.  Understanding grief in the context of loss has helped me tremendously in living a more stress-free life.  In Part 2 (next post) I will share some of my thoughts on finding freedom through the grieving process. 

            Let me encourage you to take some time to identify losses and discover where they may have made a hole in your heart and still be affecting you.  Make some lists while answering questions like the following.   What "tangible" loss(es) have you experienced in the last few years?  What "intangible" losses has each tangible loss created?  What social, psychological, emotional, or other transitions have you been required to make as a result?  How well do you think you have adjusted?  How well does your closest friend think you are doing with these changes?

            You do not have to remain stuck in feeling alone, forgotten, or overwhelmed.  If you can, share what you are discovering with a trusted friend or counselor.  Check back for the next post on how to allow yourself to grieve in order to help release the pain.

            Note:   The book Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart discusses themes of dealing with disappointments, offense and finding freedom in forgiveness.  This book is designed to help people (especially in the Christian faith)  to discover and dislodge things in life that lead to defeat. Don't miss out on your chance to use this book as a helpful tool in discovering Refuge in Christ. It can be purchased by clicking here: http://bluerockbnb.com/healing/book_main.htm . If you get anywhere near Lancaster Pennsylvania for vacation or on business, be sure to look us up for lodging at  Blue Rock BnB http://bluerockbnb.com 

by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry

Father Loves You

            Father God is a source of hope, strength, and comfort, but sometimes it is difficult to open the human  heart to his love.  Ancient Israel's King David and other ministers of the time wrote the book of Psalms  in the Bible.  Many of the 150 Psalms include a phrase something like this one, "I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.  When I was in distress, I sought the Lord ..." (Psalm 77:1-2).  However, the Psalmist goes on for several verses to express an inability and unwillingness to receive God's comfort.  By the end he realizes a greater measure of God's love, but the path to this revelation was filled with darkeness, distress, and disappointment. Do you think your refusal to receive God's love has made for some miserable days in your life?  I know mine has.

            Father God's power, might, rule and reign are also spoken of frequently in the Psalms.  Throughout the Bible his standards are revealed.  In relating to God, consideration must be given to our behavior and choosing actions that align with his purposes.  These topics are important to address at another time, but for this discussion, I believe the attitudes and motivations of the heart are to be examined.  Discovering what is on God's heart and yielding our hearts to His, will change the world.  Love is on God's heart.  Love is the chief motivation.  God is love (1 John 4:16).  Love is all the things described in the "love chapter" of the Bible (1 Corinthians 13).  Our loving Father God, loves on his beloved (you and I). When God's love flows through the heart of a person, it changes lives.  It causes growth in the life of the lover, and it enriches the life of the loved.

            Father God's heart is bigger than you could ever imagine it to be. He has wonderful rooms (realms, places) prepared for His children to dwell.  The Bible speaks of Jesus as His firstborn Son among many to follow.  A disciple of Christ is welcomed into the family of God as a "son" (including both male & female gender).  God's sons (and daughters) are adopted into an inheritance of provision, safety, and identity unmatched by anything a human being could discover or develop on his own.  This place in Father's heart was provided for by what Jesus did through his crucifixion and resurrection.  Before Jesus went through this, he described to his closest followers what was about to happen.  They found it hard to believe it would happen this way, so Jesus was comforting them in their grief when he said,  “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going” (John 14:1-4).  The disciples were still confused about how and where Jesus was going so he clarified, " “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him” (John 14:6-7).   Jesus is the way to experience the limitless, unfailing, unconditionally accepting, matchless, amazing, wonderful, ...  love of Father God.  Jesus, speaking of himself as the way, truth, and life physically demonstrates God's love as directive, truthful, and life-giving.  Father God has provided for his children the way to experience life on earth to its fullest.  You don't have to wait for heaven.  You can enjoy his presence now.  Jesus made the way to know Father now.  You can experience Father's love the way He intends for it to be experienced.

            God is all about heart connection. Remember the ancient proverb, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."  God gave us a mind to direct us to the well, but drinking water from His well involves engaging our heart to quench our thirst.  Knowing about His love doesn't have the impact of knowing His love..  Knowing Father's embrace changes your life -  gives you identity, security, and protection to confidently face any obstacle.  A number of childhood experiences remind me of this.  For example, as a child when my father picked me up and carried me across a stream on the hiking trail, or put his arms around me when sensing I was fearful of an intimidating pet dog or bull in the pasture, my response was relief and calm.  Perhaps I could have stumbled across the creek, but wet shoes and a miserable rest of the journey was avoided by stronger legs and arms than mine.  Maybe the bull would have wondered away on his own, but my father's presence created an authority hedge the bull was used to submitting to.  The bull knew my dad very well.  The bull had to respect my small size because my dad and I were in the pasture together.  My identity was one with my father's in his presence.  Do you know Father God as your "dad"?  You can.  Jesus made it possible to know Father God as your personal dad.  You can feel his security.  You can be confident in the identity he has given you.  You can rest in knowing that whatever you have in terms of resources will be enough, because he is your provider.  These are the kinds of "rooms" Jesus is referring to in John 14 above.  You can have places (rooms) of peace, joy, and rest when you remain securely in Father God's presence. He will carry you if you allow him to do so.  He will embrace you if you let him into the deeper parts of your heart.  He will stand up for you if you let him.  He will chase away the bull (bullies) if you let him.

            Many people have had negative experiences with their earthly father growing up. Their image of "father" is perhaps tainted or even difficult to think about.  If this is you, let me encourage you that even the most well-intentioned earthly father makes mistakes and cannot live a perfect model of father.  My wife and I raised four children, and although I was committed to the process of becoming the best father I could be, I realize my fathering had many weaknesses.  Even for those of you who have had a "good" father (whatever that means), you must be careful not to compare Father God's love too closely with an earthly father's love or lack of love.  There is a place in every human being's heart that only Father God can satisfy. No human father, mother, spouse, friend or companion can match the love of Father God.  It is also true that no human mistreatment, betrayal, or even abuse can keep you from receiving the love of Father God. Jesus is your Savior.  Father is your Lover.

            Do you desire to experience the love of God in a deeper way?  I pray right now he takes you the next step to that place of knowing deeper love. The creative nature of God never stops making things better.  These places are not just for your enjoyment.  They are for God's entire creation.  He not only wants to comfort you, but He wants to empower you to comfort others.  He not only wants to love on you, but wants to empower you to love on others. Love considers the best interests of others.  Let's keep the love ball rolling.  Receive his love and give it away.

            Note:   The book Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart discusses themes of dealing with disappointments, offense and finding freedom in forgiveness.  This book is designed to help people (especially in the Christian faith)  to discover and dislodge things in life that lead to defeat. Don't miss out on your chance to use this book as a helpful tool in discovering Refuge in Christ. It can be purchased by clicking here: http://bluerockbnb.com/healing/book_main.htm . If you get anywhere near Pennsylvania for vacation or on business, be sure to look us up for lodging at  http://bluerockbnb.com 

by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry

A Baptism of Repentance

            Repent!    Sorry if that word is offensive, but it's a very important word.  Here are a few thoughts that I hope will help you see why. If you are a Christian, and you think you've already repented so you can move on to other things, be careful, since refuge and healing depend on repentance.

            Isaiah 30:15 says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength."  By letting go of your own ability to control people and situations, and resting in what Christ has accomplished through his death and resurrection, your spirit quietly trusts God to give you the strength to receive the gift of salvation in Christ.  This is not a once and done event. It is an ever continuing occurrence that spawns growth in the depth of your relationship with God. 

            A verse struck me in a new way reading the first chapter of Mark this week.  John the Baptist is described here as a forerunner for Jesus preaching the message that the Savior was about to appear on earth.  "John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Mark 1:4). The word baptism caught my attention.  Not only did John preach repentance, but he preached a baptism of repentance.  A baptism of repentance speaks of an initiation, introduction, beginning, and launching into repentance.  Not merely dabbling with repentance, but immersion into it, fully engulfed by it, and totally engaged,  This is how Jesus is to be received (when he came to earth, or in your heart on a daily basis). 

            So what is repentance?  One of the Webster's 1828 dictionary definitions states, "Repentance is the relinquishment of any practice, from conviction that it has offended God."  Some describe repentance as turning around to the opposite direction.  Repentance is turning away from whatever takes us away  from God, and turning toward the things that bring us closer to God.  This is a journey of continually engaging God in worship and prayer, listening and watching for God's revelation on the path of life.

            For our life in God to flourish, we must become aware of those things we do to offend Him, and turn away from them.  We are much like Israel, the people of God in the Old Testament.  In calling Israel to repentance, Isaiah (as God’s representative), demands that she forsake her thoughts and ways, because they are not His ways—which He sets over against theirs.  Instead, God insists she must begin thinking His thoughts after Him and walking in His ways (Isaiah 55:9).  These "higher" thoughts and ways have been revealed in the Bible (Isaiah 55:10-11).  Repentance is turning from one's own sinful thoughts and ways to biblical truth and holiness.   Acknowledging and confessing our sins to God releases His forgiveness.  "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9).

In the similar manner that repentance and confession are keys in reconciling oneself to God, repentance and confession are critical in reconciliation with fellowman.  Sorrow, remorse, and regret may accompany repentance, but neither can ever be equated with it.  A weeping offender in the presence of an offended person does not necessarily identify true repentance.  Repentance is not a feeling.  A person may regret his words or actions, but not be repentant.  Regret comes from many causes and may be mixed with true repentance, but real repentance comes only from the honest acknowledgment of wrong doing.  Repentance is real when the offender feels more pain for the hurt he caused the offended than the inconvenience he inflicted on himself. 

            Some question whether repentance is necessary before forgiveness.  To answer this, an important distinction must be made between receiving forgiveness and granting forgiveness.  The issue of repentance is vitally important to an offender accepting the forgiveness of a victim (as part of reconciliation).  Remember, as I explain in my book, Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart, reconciliation is not synonymous with forgiveness.   An offended person granting forgiveness to an offender cannot place demands (such as repentance on the part of their offender) as conditions for obeying God and practicing forgiveness. 

Sometimes the offended party must take the first step to restore a broken relationship.  Repentance and confession  (on the part of the offender) are necessary to receive forgiveness (from God).     While at the same time they are not required prerequisites for granting forgiveness, from the perspective of an offended person needing to forgive an offense.

Although repentance is a necessary ingredient to experience God’s forgiveness, one should never forget that God has made all the first moves to bring about that reconciliation with His creatures.  A Christian is saved by God's grace.  A person is given the grace to repent and cannot claim glory for the ability to repent.

            Nonetheless, repentance and forgiveness fit hand in glove in releasing an offender from his offense.  The offended person’s willingness to take responsibility for any part he or she plays in causing the offense demonstrates a true heart of humility, shows the love of God, and opens the door for reconciliation in the proper timing.

            Until we die, we all offend and are offended against.  There's no escaping offense.  Therefore, repentance as a lifestyle is a matter for growth and maturity as a disciple of Christ. As John prepared the way for Christ coming to earth, a baptism of repentance prepares our way for freedom in Christ.

            Note:   The book Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart discusses themes of dealing with disappointments, offense and finding freedom in forgiveness.  This book is designed to help people (especially in the Christian faith)  to discover and dislodge things in life that lead to defeat. Don't miss out on your chance to use this book as a helpful tool in discovering Refuge in Christ. It can be purchased by clicking here: http://bluerockbnb.com/healing/book_main.htm . If you get anywhere near Pennsylvania for vacation or on business, be sure to look us up for lodging at  http://bluerockbnb.com 

by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry

Declaring Your Independence

            On Independence Day last week I reread the Declaration of Independence and discovered a few noteworthy parallels to finding Refuge in God. 

            The 56 signers of the document believed it necessary to take the step of declaring a new direction  to "mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."   They approached the signing as a deliberate and calculated  response to injustice and tyranny. After listing the specific infractions they state, "In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."   Years of history led to these developments.  Undoubtedly, the colonists were not totally innocent of infractions themselves.

            Stepping out required declarations in three areas I will call dependence, separation, and commitment.  First, in declaring independence from a tyrannical earthly ruler, they were declaring dependence on a sovereign God they agreed to trust with their fate.  Besides the implied nobility of serving a cause much bigger than any of their individual efforts could manage, two  explicit references to God are included in the document.   At the very beginning they write, "When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."  By distinguishing between the "laws of nature" and "of nature's God," they acknowledge both a natural and supernatural realm of existence.  Both are important to recognize, and one is under the other.  The God of nature rules as he wishes. In fact, God's rule must be recognized and respected in order for humans to demonstrate a respect for nature.  The very last sentence states, "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."  Not only is divine providence mentioned, the entire Declaration exists "with firm reliance on" divine providence. This is significant because not only were the representatives of the first 13 states of the USA declaring their independence from an earthly Prince, but they were declaring their dependence on Almighty God. 

            Secondly, in declaring independence, they were declaring separation. The majority of the text of the document lists the ways they had been mistreated and how attempts to reconcile had failed.  It was time to separate, disconnect, undo, take apart, and break off  the ties to the old in order to build the vision they had for the new.  Attention could not be given to building activities and alliances in the "new world" as long as nagging encumbrances remained from the "old world."  Taking the step of forming a Constitution didn't occur for another decade, but it couldn't have happened without the Declaration.

            Thirdly, in declaring independence, they declared their commitment.  They clarified what was important to them and pledged their allegiance to it.  There was no turning back.  There was no "Plan B."  They were "all in" with their whole lives, fortunes, and sacred honors.   

            As a disciple of Christ, it is imperative to declare independence in the three areas mentioned here.  Declaring dependence on God and what Christ has accomplished for us, is the only way to freedom from the tyranny of sin and sin's deceitfulness.  Trusting merely in your natural ability and trying to earn your way to heaven will only lead to further enslavement (see Ephesians 2:8-9).  Declaring separation from the old way of thinking and believing is the only way to be free to form new beliefs and behave differently.  In the Gospel of John, the words of Jesus are recorded, " Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:25).  Not that God's desires are always antithetical to personal desires, but sometimes personal desires and preferences have to be deliberately set aside (died to, separated from) in order to fulfill God's master plan.  Declaring commitment to a lifetime of surrender to the laws of God is the only way to continually reap a harvest of purpose and destiny.  The principle of sowing and reaping cannot be escaped.   Sow good and you reap good.  Sow evil and you reap evil. 

            Ephesians 6:10-12 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  I pray that you can declare your independence.  Declaring independence in the spirit realm yields fruits of refuge in the natural realm as well.  Depending on God to help you separate from old destructive patterns commits you to a new way of life.

 

            Note:   The book Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart discusses themes of dealing with disappointments, offense and finding freedom in forgiveness.  This book is designed to help people (especially in the Christian faith)  to discover and dislodge things in life that lead to defeat. Don't miss out on your chance to use this book as a helpful tool in discovering Refuge in Christ. It can be purchased by clicking here: http://bluerockbnb.com/healing/book_main.htm . If you get anywhere near Pennsylvania for vacation or on business, be sure to look us up for lodging at  http://bluerockbnb.com 

by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry

Ability in Disability - Part 3

            Reading the April 7th and May 5th posts will give you background to understand this one better.  This post continues with more specific concerns and personal experiences on the topic.   

            In Part 2 I discussed the devaluation to human life and lowering of quality of life as evidenced by the acceptance of abortion in the past few decades. The trial last month of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell brings to the light some of the darkness surrounding the abortion industry. The formal charges centered around the deaths of four babies who were born and  could have survived had they been given medical attention and the death of a mother who overdosed on drugs administered by an untrained assistant. Emergency personnel trying to save the mother's life were barricaded from entry, at least in part to hide the evil proceedings going on inside the building.   Many say these types of conditions are the norm, not the exception, for abortion facilities.  If death is intended as the outcome for the baby, why should we be surprised of the unsanitary and illegal practices of abortuaries? 

            In a similar line of thinking, if our hearts become callous toward the plight of preborn children being treated unjustly, abused, and killed in their mother's womb, why would it surprise us that injustice, abuse, and social ills  in general would be occurring in greater numbers than ever in our society?   Three thousand years later, the truth of Psalm 41 still commands our attention: "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble" (v1).   The strength of a community is known by its weakest link.  There is a direct connection between genuinely helping the poor and needy and God's blessing and favor resting on a community.  I believe God calls his people (in our nation) to confess and repent for not taking this truth seriously enough (see previous posts).

Acceptance of abortion has led to the slippery slope of devaluing life and other things like euthanasia, infanticide, respect for gender of birth, and even the sacredness of marriage. Some people groups have been affected more than others. It is commonly recognized that  70% of abortion facilities are located in so-called 'minority neighborhoods.'  Certain ethnicities have been targeted more that others.

The casualness of abortion has also contributed greatly to a decline in love and respect for post-birth persons with disabilities.  Lives not worth saving in the womb has translated into lives not esteemed merely for their humanness. 

Pre-born children fit the category of persons with disabilities as well since their abilities to survive outside the womb are not developed.  In God's sight, worthfulness has nothing to do with ability  Romams 12 1-2  reminds us that offering our body to God is a spiritual act of worship.  All we have to offer is what God gave us to offer.  Psalm 139 tells us that He created us and formed us as he wills.  Therefore, our body as He created it should be respected and valued.   This view of our body is in contrast to a world view with emphasis being placed on performance and productivity.

            As a person with a visual impairment I am particularly aware of, and identify closely with, people in underprivileged classes. Society’s attitude towards people with disabilities is generally demeaning and lacking inclusively.  People with disabilities are generally viewed as “needy” only, instead of valuable contributors who possess a piece of what is needed for the community as a whole to thrive. Unfortunately, the Church seems to be as guilty as the society at large in the failure to provide people with disabilities dignity, opportunity, equality and empowerment. If the civil rights struggle to improve conditions for people with disability is compared to the civil rights movement of the ’60s—Rosa Parks being asked to give up her seat on the bus for a white person— might be compared to a person with a disability being told they shouldn’t be trying to board the bus. Lack of employment opportunities, poverty, and social isolation are common place and at much higher rates among this group than the public at large. There are some wonderful people doing some great things to address these problems. I would be remiss in failing to acknowledge and thank these persons. On the other hand, much of the assistance offered is patronizing because it fails to include the participation and contributions of persons with disabilities themselves.

            By default, as a member of the “disability community,” I have become an advocate forced to take occasionally unpopular positions on matters in the community at large. This is not a position I would choose, but by God’s grace I can help others bear their burden, to some degree at least.  For example, it took about three years for the process of installing an Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) at a dangerous traffic intersection in our local town.  Safety concerns; in general seem to receive more favorable attention for correction when they do not involve specific  concerns for the safety of persons with disabilities. Many communities flat out refuse to cooperate with accommodations for persons with disabilities.  I mention all this because participation in society as part of an “oppressed class” creates even more opportunities to understand and practice the grace of forgiveness and other topics of Refuge and healing.

            Jesus’ teachings consistently contrasted the physical realm with the spiritual. Most of the physical healings recorded in the gospels were performed with a direct message of spiritual healing. Jesus healed peoples’ eyesight to demonstrate the spiritual blindness of people of the day (particularly the religious). Our generation is no less “blind.” We are blind to the bitterness, resentment and blame in our hearts. Even God’s people are often blind to the power of forgiveness, and the world of freedom waiting outside the walls of the prison of darkness. “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but has no vision” (Helen Keller).

            Most profoundly, Jesus communicates this in the story of the man born blind that is healed in John chapter nine. I think many miss the main point of the story explained in the last few verses.

“Jesus said ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’  Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, ‘What? Are we blind too?’  Jesus said, ‘If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.’” (John 9:39-41)

 Blindness is the spiritual condition of those unable to surrender to God the right to judge the guilt of offense. Jesus opens spiritual eyes. Jesus only frees those from debtor’s prison who first see their captive condition. Those who think they see well enough without Christ’s intervention, are doomed to a life characterized by blindness. The parts of our heart not yet surrendered to Christ for His judgment will grow like a cataract gradually creating greater degrees of blindness. There is no neutral territory. We allow the eyes of our heart to be opened wider to God’s message of forgiveness, overtaking the darkness, or we choose to close the eyes of our heart (being content in unforgiveness), surrendering to darkness.

            In the story mentioned above the physically blind man was accused by religious people of both having some sort of sin in his life, and not having enough faith to be healed (physically). They became trapped into thinking their physical sight qualified them to judge the “blind” man’s spiritual condition.  Hence Jesus warned, “now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”  Jesus was interested in healing the “whole person.” Understanding and practicing forgiveness is the centerpiece of spiritual vision and peoples’ freedom in Christ. I have experienced an incredible amount of healing in my own life. As I have allowed God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) to change my heart from the inside out, my responses to life circumstances improve; past, present and future. Triggers from past hurts no longer have the intensity they once did. Fellowship with God is more intimate because many blocks have been removed. The future looks brighter as God multiplies the seeds of my repentance (from ungodly judgments) to yield an increased harvest of good fruit.

I hope that something I may write serves to equip, challenge and motivate you to take the next step deeper in your commitment to restoring justice for those losing their lives to abortion,

infanticide, and euthanasia.  And I pray, that the church will strengthen its resolve in the areas of teaching our children moral responsibility, cultivating family relationships, responding to people with disease, injury, or  disability, and helping the many emotionally and spiritually malnourished people whose needs can only be met through the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

            Luke 19:10 says that Jesus, "came to seek and to save that which was lost" (NASB).  Everyone experiences losses in life.  Losses are painful and keep us mindful of our need for a Savior who has sought us out, and given us the ability to be restored.  The pain of physical loss is nothing in comparison to the eternal loss of separation from God. All are born into a condition of spiritual disability.  We choose to live in darkness (dis-ability), or we choose God's grace (his-ability).   I pray that you may know the enabling power of Christ to meet you at your point of spiritual, physical, or emotional disability.  "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (Ephesians 3:16-17).

 

            Note:   The book Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart discusses themes of dealing with disappointments, offense and finding freedom in forgiveness.  This book is designed to help people (especially in the Christian faith)  to discover and dislodge things in life that lead to defeat. Don't miss out on your chance to use this book as a helpful tool in discovering Refuge in Christ. It can be purchased by clicking here: http://bluerockbnb.com/healing/book_main.htm . If you get anywhere near Pennsylvania for vacation or on business, be sure to look us up for lodging at  http://bluerockbnb.com 

by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry

Ability in Disability - Part 2

            Reading the April 7th post, will give you background to understand this one.  While the first addressed a general audience, this post engages more specific Christian themes.  

            Though I survived and have a success story to tell, about 4,500 preborn American children are killed each day for reasons of convenience and personal gain.  If anyone thinks my life is not worth living because I am blind or some other physically challenged person is worth less because of their so-called "abnormalities," or that unborn children are any less human simply because they can't be seen in the womb; let me remind him that all human life is created by, and precious to, God Almighty. 

           Remembering this motivated my wife and I to spend about fifteen of the early years of our marriage as leaders in the local and state pro-life movement.  We served preborn children and their mothers through our educational, counseling, and demonstration activities.  By observing leaders and people of all faiths, vocations, and backgrounds, we gained insights into the declining spiritual and moral climate of our nation.  Accepting the devaluing of human life in the womb has led to a slippery slope of devaluing and perverting of relationships, marriage, and the very truth of God which holds society together. 

            I was struck this week by some verses in Psalm 49 which say, " This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.  They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd" (Psalm 49:13-14).  By welcoming a casual approach to death for the unborn, a "spirit of death" shepherds (governs, influences, sets the tone for) other destructive behaviors. By individuals or societies "trusting in themselves" (making their own rules with no regard for God's), they open gates to belief systems and practices which lead to injury, disability, and  destruction.  Following a destructive path leads to destruction.  Following God (as the good shepherd) leads to righteousness (Psalm 23).

            To reverse the disabling trends in our society is  a daunting task.  It is beyond the scope and ability of any single institution or leader to turn our nation's people back to God in repentance and restoration.  While recognizing there is much outside the realm of my individual ability to change, I must remember that I can change myself from the inside out.  By keeping God's great mercy in view, I can trust Him to renew my mind so as not to conform or be swallowed up by the "world system" (Romans 12:1,2).  My Christian faith determines my world view.  As a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, I try to emulate his character.  I want to consider important what he considers important, pray for the same things he is now interceding for, respond to evil the way he would respond, display righteous anger the way he did, show compassion in the way he loved even the unlovely, expose the hearts of the foolish the way he did, and reduce religious works down to the motives of the heart, just as Jesus exposed pharisaical pride and injustice.

            Common ordinary Christians rising up in unity to obey our Lord in word and deed is what it will take to demonstrate the Kingdom of God and transform our communities.  The book of Proverbs gives a direct and sobering command in chapter 24,  "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.  If you say, 'But we knew nothing about this,'  does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done" (Proverbs 24:11-12)?  Each person has God-given gifts and abilities valuable to the success of the community as a whole.  God has placed each person in the community for a purpose.  Whatever our role, whatever our sphere, we all must admit that we could be doing more to breathe life into dying souls and to uphold God's standard in order to revive dying parts of our humanity.

           Moses is one of my favorite examples of disability being discussed in Scripture.   Exodus chapter 4 says, "Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your  servant.  I am slow of speech and tongue.   The LORD said to him, "Who  gave man his mouth?  Who makes him deaf or mute?  Who gives him sight  or makes him blind?  Is it not I, the LORD?  Now go; I will help you  speak and will teach you what to say" (Ex 4:10).  This records many excuses that Moses gave to God before he finally obeyed His calling to lead the people out of Egypt.  Moses understood how difficult a task it would be so he tried hard to get out of it.  But God kept reminding Moses how great a God He is.   Even though Moses thought that he was not articulate enough, God still called him.  Even deafness or muteness is a condition that God can overcome.  Even blindness is given to some, while others are given eyes to see. 

            In whatever circumstances we may find ourselves, God is more than big enough to, not only deliver us, but also use us to help deliver others.  2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."  May God give us the same attitude the apostle Paul expressed above about his weaknesses.  Our shortcomings do not threaten God's purposes from being accomplished.  Our willingness to cooperate with Him, however, is essential in receiving the blessings He gives to those who walk in obedience to Him. 

            Living a God-centered life is the best way to remove the "dis" from disability and focus on ability through Christ Jesus.

 

            Note:   The book Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart discusses themes of dealing with disappointments, offense and finding freedom in forgiveness.  This book is designed to help people (especially in the Christian faith)  to discover and dislodge things in life that lead to defeat. Don't miss out on your chance to use this book as a helpful tool in discovering Refuge in Christ. It can be purchased by clicking here: http://bluerockbnb.com/healing/book_main.htm . If you get anywhere near Pennsylvania for vacation or on business, be sure to look us up for lodging at  http://bluerockbnb.com 

by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry