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

Ability in Disability

            The wisdom of Ecclesiaties says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens; a time to be born and a time to die."  Boundaries are part of life. Every person is born with attributes which create mental and physical limitations for his or her activities.  Limitations can be viewed as either negative or positive,  Life hands us moments to depend on wisdom to change things that can be changed, and other moments to depend on grace to accept the things that cannot be changed.  Whether self-imposed, or generated by others around, each person's life story is written in great measure by how he or she responds to adverse surroundings.  Here is one person's story.

          On September 27, 1957 in Hanover PA, a healthy 8 lb. baby boy was born to teen parents.  Some time later this first born son was diagnosed as having opticatrophy, a severe deterioration of the optic nerve in both eyes.  No explanation for the cause of this disorder was available except that It was congenital.  The doctors informed the parents that the condition was not likely correctable with glasses, it would probably remain a serious limitation for life.  The boy was termed legally blind and as such would need special magnification devices to read newspaper-sized print, never be eligible for a driver's license, and participation in competitive sports would be improbable.  He would be considered disabled, and therefore, could become a burden to family, friends, or government.

          Would it have been responsible medical practice for the doctors to try to prevent the birth of this child?  By today's standards, through the use of ultrasound imaging and other medical data collection technologies, it could have been determined by the third month in his mother's womb, that this baby had some sort of

abnormality.  If indeed that were the case, would it not be more responsible for the parents to abort this child and "try again" so to speak?

          Well, I support the right to life for every human being from the moment of conception because I was that baby boy born in 1957.  My blindness was most likely caused by an injury during the birth process.  Whether it was the buildup of pressure from the long labor my mother experienced, or maybe the forceps used by the doctor, only God knows the cause.  Irregardless of whether someone can be blamed or whether an explanation can be found doesn't matter nearly as much as how I decide to respond to it.  My faith and resolve is strengthened, knowing that God has ways of making good things happen out of situations in which we feel hopelessly lost.  I can truly say that it is  God's grace (His ability) that has overcome my inabilities.

        Coping with a disability is not an easy matter.  In my case I've had to work much harder to achieve the same level of success commonly enjoyed by others.  I have no intentions of giving up or of being a burden on others for my livelihood.  Through the prime years of my life I lived in a single-income household with my income as the sole income.  Although my wife spent a number of years teaching special education in the schools, after our first child was born, she was able to devote her time to our small children at home.  I was employed as a computer programmer/analyst, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Millersville University. 

            First came a BA degree in German, a language which I speak fluently as a result of having studied at Marburg University in Germany my junior year.  After a 17 year career in software development, I went back to school and earned an MA in Human Service Counseling.  I was awarded the Outstanding Student in my class at Regent University. Prior to this a terminal degree was not even dreamed of, but in 2010 I finished a Doctor of Religious Studies at Trinity Theological Seminary.   My  dissertation project was the basis for a book I published in 2011 called Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart.

            In 2002 we opened a bed and breakfast business and I now remain multi-vocational.  I have been privileged to serve on various boards and committees in our community. In 2007 I became the founding President of a local affiliate of a national advocacy organization for blind and vision impaired persons. I served with the Lancaster Abilities Coalition to promote dignity, opportunity, equality, and empowerment for persons with disabilities.  Besides my education, employment, and community work, my wife and I married in 1980 and raised 4 wonderful, now adult,  children together.  Our entire family has been actively involved in church ministry over the years.  I have done much to defy the societal stereotype of a blind person, but it is God to whom I give the chief credit for these accomplishments.  If all this sounds exhausting, it is! 

          Though severe limitations are not the fate for all of us, we all face things that remind us of our human frailty.  It is our choice whether to become overwhelmed by the difficulties, or energized by the opportunities.   Perspective determines life experience.  Napoleon Hill has said, "Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle."  It is my belief that in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves, God is more than willing and big enough, not only to help us to overcome, but also to empower us to help those around us overcome as well.  

            Our shortcomings do not have to threaten our life's purposes from being accomplished.  So whether we consider ourselves enabled or disabled, rich or poor, skilled or unskilled, part of the "in" crowd or not, a victim or victor, a divine purpose exists for each of our lives.  Understanding the value the Creator places on each individual human life is essential to overcoming discouragement caused by infirmity and limitations based on bodily function.  The concept of "normal" has no place when considering human value and worth.  The value of an athlete's performance at the professional level, is not necessarily greater than a high school athlete's.  In team sports, the contribution to the team determines the value. The most gifted, well-trained athlete is not automatically the most valuable team member.  I recently heard success defined as your journey of  reaching your God-given potential in life.  Each individual person is a member of the team of the human race. 

            I pray that each person reading this will find the courage to believe that meaning and purpose is forging a way to make a difference in the world.  Each of us has a story being written with the details of our life.  The final sentence of our story cannot be written without our final breath to be taken. It's never too late to get on track.  Vision for destiny keeps us going. Both blind and deaf, Helen Keller said, “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight,  but has no vision”

  

            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: book.bluerockbnb.com . 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

Trustworthy Trust

            Trust is the foundation for all relationships.  The quality of our interpersonal relationships hinges on the level of trust extended among the individuals.  The key to trusting relationships is trustworthiness at the personal level. The main component of trust falls on each person's ability to be trustworthy.  When a person is trustworthy, he or she can be trusted;  when not trustworthy, it becomes too great a risk for others to extend trust.  Some people are not safe to be trusted.  We'll look at some factors here to help discern the reliability of trust.

            Trust is defined as confident assurance or confident belief in. Trust is the single most important element of any group project, organizational structure, governmental system, business, church, or family. In business, for example, when the level of trust is high, the speed of operations is high, and the cost of doing business is the lowest it can be.  When distrust exists in the relationships of company workers, the quality and quantity of work decreases, and the costs of production go up.  Trust, therefore, is essential for innovation, inspiration, creativity, freedom, morale, and everything that goes into a successful bottom line. The same is true in church and organizational leadership in terms of accomplishing the mission.

            What factors effect trust the most?  In a book called The Trust Edge, David Horsager shares the results of research which identifies eight "pillars" of trust common among successful leaders and organizations.  These pillars are:  clarity, compassion, character, competence, commitment, connection, and consistency. Individuals working the hardest to become trustworthy in these eight areas are the most valuable people to any organization.  Generally speaking, the forces demonstrated by the lack of or opposite of these eight pillars, would be the greatest enemies to trust.

            When trust is absent or hard to garner, relationships tend to not work well.  Ambiguity (or illegitimate flexibility) seems more convenient than clear boundaries. Compassion and empathy are overshadowed by selfish ambition and self-protectionism.  Offense is taken more easily when a co-laborers bad character issues surface. Failures and lack of skill and competence degenerate into blaming and shaming. Communication may break down, more so because of an insensitive method of delivery than an unclear message.  Collaboration on a project or ideal becomes harder than the work itself.  Commitment to tasks and people become overruled by impulses of bailing out.  Mistrust and dysfunction reign in the thinking patterns and behaviors of difficult relationships.

            It is often easier to blame others, rather than looking inside, for the mistrust in relationship difficulties. Pointing the finger illustrates how we try to remove a splinter in our neighbor's eye, but at the same time harbor a plank in our own eye (Matthew 7:2-5). While we cannot take charge of the change in another person's life, we must take responsibility for the change needed in our own life.  When we improve our character and learn how to become a more trustworthy individual, we have a foundation for trustworthiness.  When we demonstrate competence in practicing our skills with what we've learned, we build the trust necessary to develop or restore healthy, life-giving, and productive interpersonal relationships.

            The wisdom of the Proverbs has much to say about the subject of trust and trustworthiness.  It all begins with our concept of God and our ability to trust Him as an absolutely trustworthy Refuge.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).  God can be trusted no matter what.  We must confidently believe in his love and goodness for our personal relationship with him.  We can rely on him to help us become a more trustworthy person.  We can also rely on him to help us love others in spite of their untrustworthiness.  Is your God big enough to trust?  Can you trust him for change in your own life?  Can you trust him to change the people you may find it difficult to trust at the moment?  Can you commit to growing in the eight areas mentioned above to become a more trustworthy person?  My hope and prayer is that you can, and that you can find relationships with others who have made the same commitment.

           

            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

Where is God in Tragedy?

            The answer seems simple, right?  Since God doesn't change, He's the same place in the presence of tragedy, as in the absence of tragedy. Although perhaps that explanation is too simplistic, it is certainly true that God is generally pinned more quickly with the bad things that happen as compared to the good.  Maybe the real question is, and it's perfectly okay to ask a question like, "How can a good God allow bad things to happen?"  Since the beginning of time people have asked similar questions.  However, I believe our human perspective is clouded by filters we sometimes forget or try to ignore.  Let's look at a few important things to remember.

            First and foremost is the inherent goodness of God.   The nature and character of God as described throughout the Bible is holy, true, loving, kind, and faithful, and all things good beyond imagination.  In fact, God cannot in any way be considered unholy, untrue, unloving, unkind, or unfaithful. A number of great books have been written to help explain the awesome wonders of God.  One that has helped me is called Knowing God by J.I. Packer.

            Secondly, God can be known as a personal being.  He is all powerful and at the same time wholy personable. He is not just a paternal figurehead, but the most loving Father ever.  His protection and provision cannot be matched by the best earthly fathers we have as our perception of "father."  To get to know Father God in this most intimate of relationships, is to get to know His Son Jesus first (John 14:6).   We can each truly know God personally as Father by simply yielding to the truth, and way, Jesus made for us to come to Him (John 3:16). 

            Another important thing to remember is that God's original design for the world did not include tragedy whatsoever. Humankind was designed to be sustained by what the Bible calls the "tree of life" (Genesis 3).  Because humans chose to bear the burden of discerning good from evil (and rebelled against God's provision of bearing that burden on their behalf), we now have evil in the world, along with the good.  "The Fall," as it is called, is responsible for the broken, hurtful, tragic, injurious, and evil circumstances of which  humans are now born capable (by their own choosing, not God's choosing). Again, God does provide a way for this to be redeemed.  The Christmas and Easter stories are real as they highlight the core of the gospel message of Jesus coming to earth to "seek and save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

            God has made Himself accessible.  God does not impose Himself on anyone, but is available for those who seek Him.  In a book called Finding God, author Larry Crabb writes, 'You know you're finding God when you believe that God is good—no matter what happens."  Psalm 46 begins, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble."  Several weeks ago at an elementary school in Connecticut, much grief and loss was caused by a gunman who fits the description of a predator written about in Psalm 10 which was penned several thousand years ago.  Without space to unpack the treasures of Psalm 10 here, I encourage the reader to read Psalm 10 in its entirety and notice how the author ends the narrative.  Good always triumphs over evil.  For those who may be mourning a tragic loss at the moment, let me remind you of a transition verse in this Psalm 10, "but you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand."  God himself grieves loss in tragedy.

            One other important thing to remember is that our community is only as strong as the principle-centered behavior of its citizens.  Because of humankind's "fallen" condition, evil comes naturally for each person.  Unless mores are taught and caught from one generation to the next, our "decent" society erodes, just like all great civilized peoples have crumbled in the past.   We are doomed to repeat history if we do not learn from it.  The godly principles upon which our nation was founded, have largely been abandoned, and even deemed unwelcomed.  Our American society's thirst for violence, disrespect for chastity, obsession with death, and general intolerance for godly values (all promoted as "entertainment") weakens our moral resolve to conquer evil and do good.   Incidents like the one mentioned in CT, at least in part seem to exemplify an inescapable principle that "whatever is sown, will be reaped."   No degree of lawmaking will correct this sort of problem.   As Emile Burkheim says, "When mores are sufficient, laws are unnecessary; when mores are insufficient, laws are unenforceable."

             In addition to God's nature and character defining "good," and in addition to God being highly personal, and in addition to God originally designing creation for mankind not to know evil, and in addition to God making Himself accessible in spite of mankind's bad choices, and in addition to God still being there even when we gang up against him in community, and in spite of whatever other filters we erect that cloud our picture of God, our spiritual eyes must be opened in order to believe the truth about God.  Let us join our prayer with one an early church leader Paul prayed for believers in the city of Ephesus, "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,  and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, ²which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,  far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way" (Ephesians 1:18-23). Our true hope is not in the physical (bodily) realm, but in the spiritual realm inspired by the Holy Spirit of God.  Read Romans 8:18-39 to see how this works.

            May I encourage the reader not to allow evil deeds, resulting from evil choices, made by people prone to evil, to rob you of experiencing the good deeds, resulting from good choices,  made by an inherently good God, who empowers people to make good choices and demonstrate goodness in a broken world.  Let's choose to overcome evil, rather than being overcome by it.

  

            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 

by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry

How Do You Handle Disappointment?

            How a person responds to disappointments and failed expectations of self and other people greatly determines his or her outlook on life.  Maybe we would rather allow our thoughts to focus on whatever brings us happiness or pleasure, but stopping to think about what creates unhappiness and displeasure may be exactly what we need for the problem to be solved.

            Think about something in the last 24 hours that didn't quite go the way you would have liked. Do you think it's possible that your reaction, largely, or at least in a small way, had much to do with your initial feelings about the matter?

            Disappointment is common to every human being alive.  Because we live in a fallen, broken, and imperfect world, hurt feelings are inevitable.  We become disappointed by peoples' mistakes, misunderstandings, mistreatments, betrayals, injustices, abuses or even crimes.  Disappointment is the entry point into a sometimes vicious cycle of complaining, blaming, justifying, and offending.  Disappointment is the bait for the trap of defeat.

            Disappointment piled on top of more disappointments can create stress, burnout, disorders, and even disease.  Accumulated disappointments can be likened to a log jam.  The logs of disappointment mount, constricting the flow of water and draining the life out of the stream. The "king pin" of a log (disappointment) jam is critical judgement.  When we wrongly judge others because of our skewed perspective, we needlessly carry bitterness and resentment in our heart.  Jesus addresses this condition as recorded in the first book of the New Testament.  "Do not judge so that you will not be judged.  For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.  Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye" (Matthew 7:1-5; NASB).  Jesus uses the term hypocrite to describe someone who is quicker to point out the faulty actions of others than to correct his or her own attitudes and behaviors.

            Because human nature defaults toward the familiar and resists change, finding fault with another (or critically judging) is often a diversion technique to avoid making the painful adjustments necessary to improve our character or behavior.  The discomfort of restructuring our mind, will, and emotions must be overcome. Our core belief systems must be examined and destructive thinking and feeling patterns must be replaced with constructive ones.

            In an audio book  called Leadership:  From the Inside Out, Kevin Cashman writes, "Change is usually seen as something happening 'out there.'" The world changes, products  change, competition changes, technology changes, people change ....  All significant change begins with self change.   "Moving our concept of change for an outside-in paradigm to an inside-out paradigm has profound implications. When viewed from this perspective, we see change as an internal dynamic.  An internal process of learning and development.  Change is perceived as something to be mastered from within vs. something only going on 'outside.'  Ultimately, people resist, adapt, or learn from it.  In this regard, all change fundamentally takes place with the person."  If a person wishes to change the world, one must start by changing him or her "self." 

            Organizational change follows the same principle of inner preceding outer change.  Many leaders fail to make the connection between their own growth and transformation, and that of their organization.  Transformation is not an event, but an ongoing process of knowing who we are, maintaining clear vision of who we want to create, and then going for it.  Internal change precipitates marketplace change.  Businesses, churches, and institutions of all types (particularly their leadership) will save themselves much time and money by recognizing this inside-out change dynamic.

            So what are the steps one can implement to attain this kind of change?  That's a great left-brained question, but unfortunately, step-by-step methodology doesn't work very well in this case.  The three steps to unjamming the logs are as follows: 1) surrender, 2) surrender, and 3) surrender.  Surrendering to God the right to change your perspective on the people and events that created the disappointment jells the building blocks for lasting change.

            Not all change is good change.  Change for change sake is not good change. Change that takes a person further away from the ways of God is not good change.  Good change is change of mind and heart that gives substance for hope. Romans 5:1-5 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

            The closest I can come to a 3 step process is the following.   These are the titles to chapter 4,5, and 6 of a book I authored called Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart. The first, forgiveness: receiving God's gift.  The second, forgiveness: surrendering to God.  The third, forgiveness: trusting God for change.  I believe there is a way to allow the opportunity in every difficulty, to overcome the difficulty of the opportunity. Receiving the gift of God's son Jesus to forgive our sins and short comings is the beginning of a process of surrender that can lead to a trust in Almighty God to embrace change as a positive agent for victory. Even extreme disappointment and tragedy can be faced with a heart turned toward God as provider, protector, image bearer, companion, friend, comforter, caretaker, and teacher. Thus "His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). With all of our real needs met, what more could we ask for?

            Some reading this may still be disappointed in the fact that disappointment is a normal expected part of the process. After all, doesn't following Christ mean adversity goes away?  You may say, "I became a Christian to get rid of hard times."  If that is your understanding of what it means to come to Christ, surrendering that expectation to God is a very good first step entry point  in beginning the change process! 

 

            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

God's People United

            Before we get into the topic at hand, let me encourage you to take action in keeping with the current US Presidential "election season" before us.  Register to vote, and vote!  

            My September 2, 2012 blog post dealt with a biblical posture of heart for a follower of Christ to have toward government. Maybe it shouldn't surprise us to discover how many believers seem to be apathetic about elections coming up. Although our heart connection to God is much more important than our loyalty to a political platform, they are not completely independent of one another. Apathy towards our nation's heritage and future purpose on the globe, generally indicate an apathetic view towards God and His purposes for family, church, and community. 

            Apathy, or complacency,  is one of the "sins of Sodom" listed in the prophet Ezekiel's writings in the Old Testament.  The New International Version (NIV) calls it "unconeern."  Sodom's sins "'were  arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy'" (Ezekiel 16:49).  Frankly, the abundant prosperity in our nation has caused many people to become proud and lazy.  Being a disciple of Christ involves transformation of the inner person to root out apathy and complacency. This process takes intentional effort and dedication.  If your attitude is indifferent towards people less fortunate than you, beware lest the same needy condition appears in your own life. Worse yet, if your attitude is apathetic towards the sin in your own heart (and those around you) and deemed wicked (2 Chronicles 7:14) as discussed in my previous blog post, your personal life and relationships will suffer serious consequences. Complacency in the hearts of followers of Christ is one of the greatest threat to America today. Seeking God's forgiveness is the only hope.

            I wrote a book on the topic of forgiveness because it is the central theme of all Scripture and life with God.  Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the Heart helps the reader find freedom from the anger and fear that keeps people bound in pride and apathy.

            God not only designed the process of forgiveness and reconciliation for individual and family relationships to be the best they can be, but God’s purposes are much larger.  God is building a family of His very own—a kingdom of sons and daughters.  He restores relationships to be an expression of unity for Kingdom purposes. 

            The first sin fractured unity.  It broke the unity between mankind and heaven.  It fractured the unity between man and woman.  It destroyed the unity between man and nature (Genesis3:17-18).  God wants us to share in the restoration of unity throughout creation, fulfilling His purpose throughout the heavens.  Through the Church, He wants to bring all creation into His eternal purpose (Rom.3:19-21; Eph 3:10-11; Phil 2:12).  Forgiveness is the seat of unity for the restoration of the Kingdom of God.  “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!   It is like precious oil … It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.  For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore” (Psalm133:1-3).

            The level of unity discernable among members of a church congregation is indicative of the overall health of that body of believers.   If there is disunity, there will be heaviness, rancor, and distrust.  If there is unity, there is lightness, joy, and a sense of blessing pouring over all.  Forgiveness restores unity, and only where unity exists can blessing be poured out.

            The Church is riddled with the effects of unforgiveness.  Unforgiveness distorts truth and locks people in their own subjective perceptions of reality (Romans7:21-25).  Discernment becomes warped because issues are interpreted from a childish, ungodly point of view (1 Cor 3:2-3, 13:11-12; Eph 4:2-3).  Unforgiveness causes people to fall short of the grace of God (Heb 12:15; Rom 2:1).  It causes stress from unresolved debt and cycles of sin (Matt 18:23-35).  It destroys any hope for resolving conflict by taking away the ability to lovingly confront others and to receive correction from others (Prov 20:30, 25:11; 27:5; 2 Cor 4:16-18; 1 John 4:17).  The disunity caused by unforgiveness makes the Church more vulnerable to attacks by Satan (2 Cor 2:5-11; Eph 4:26-27, 31-32).  It creates facades, superficiality, distrust, and lack of transparency, honesty and integrity (Luke 11:39-40; 1 John 4:19-20).  It creates exhaustion! (Matt 11:28).  

            The heart of Jesus is for His Bride, the Church.  “The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life" (Rev 22:17).  Forgiveness is the “free gift of the water of life.”  Christ’s forgiveness is transforming the Church into a beautiful Bride. 

            Forgiveness changes hardness of heart into compassion.  People become consistently pure and transparent.  Forgiveness makes life richer, more filled with love, more expansive, more spiritually alive, more abundantly satisfying.  Although people may disagree with others, they appreciate the differences.  They begin to value diversity.  They learn to appreciate people for the way they provide balance for the whole—lifting, enriching, blessing, fulfilling, challenging and sometimes wounding as well.  Forgiving helps make people appreciate the ways differences, challenges, rebukes, and woundings drive them to perfection for Him.  People walking in forgiveness also provide the means by which God’s Kingdom is established on earth and the Father’s blessing is extended. 

            Spiritual authority is granted through forgiveness. “Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."  And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven" (John 20:21-23).  God’s authority is carried out through his people receiving and granting forgiveness. 

            Peace and rest are also granted through forgiveness.  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt 11:28-29).  Forgiveness provides a framework for authenticity in relationships.  It relieves the stress of trying to hide the inconsistencies in one’s life.  Forgiveness and reconciliation reveal a heart of trust in God’s plan for repentance and rest as the means of salvation (Isa 30:15). 

            In order to press in to a deeper place of abiding peace and joy in Christ, are you ready to throw off whatever hints of complacency are left in your heart?  Will repentance and forgiveness be understood and practiced by the Church, to the degree necessary for us to awaken from our slumber and unify.  Before we are overtaken by the consequences of apathy, I pray our hearts respond and heed the wisdom of Proverbs 1:32, "For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them" (NASB).  If you haven't yet read Eric Metaxas' biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, it is a must read to discover a practical example in modern history. It has been said, "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

            Let's remember the words of the author of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament, " See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.   We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first" (Heb. 3:12-14). We are forgiven, forgiving, and called to forgive until the end.

            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