Priorities
Jerry R. Laudermilk

We all struggle with keeping our priorities in line. And we all get them out of alignment from time to time. That’s why we need to check often to see where our priorities really are.

I watched a short video once of a mother duck trying to get all of her ducklings up a set of stairs. She had a course set, and no doubt a destination in mind, but this obstacle had become a real issue for the ducklings. You know how baby ducks follow their mother, usually all in a row, but in this video she was having a terrible time keeping them all in alignment because of these steps which seemed almost insurmountable.

In this video, there were probably 12 ducklings and three to four steps.  She had no problem navigating the steps of course, but the tiny ducklings had a terrible difficulty in following her. Most of the time, she stood patiently at the top of the stairs waiting for them to each make the climb. Yet while she waited for the last ones to navigate the obstacle, a few of the stronger ducklings became impatient and would try to go ahead even though they had no idea where they were going. So Momma would go a certain distance from the steps as if to gather the wayward impatient ones, then return to wait for the ones still struggling. The ducklings that were first up the stairs, though growing impatient, would always return with her and to wait.  Once all of the ducklings were safely at the top of the steps she continued on her journey, as the ducklings realigned themselves in to a neat little line.

There are obstacles in our lives like those steps, and a line of priorities which we often struggle to maintain. Some obstacles seem insurmountable, others are only a slight difficulty. Yet though we might navigate them okay, the obstacles we encounter have a tendency to mess up our priorities. The ‘stronger’ things will often try to take the lead, even though they may not necessarily be the most important at the time, and we must corral them back into place.  Other things might seem ‘weaker’ and cause a delay in our plans or lives, and we have to slow or even stop and regroup... because they are important to us.   

The thing is, when we take care to not allow the pressing things to distract us from the most needed things, our priorities have a way of realigning themselves properly. Keep the main thing, the main thing. Seek first the kingdom of God, even if things like finding time on your knees seem to delay you. Reign-in those things that seem so pressing but don’t really even have a clue to the course already set in your life. Priorities will try to get out of alignment if you don’t pay careful attention, but with intentional care you will get your ducks in a row.

(I looked, and you can find that video on YouTube by searching, “Ducklings vs. Stairs” or by going to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHy6bBKu0j4)

Your Vote Really Matters Christian, But Pray First!

We’re still several months away from the national election here in the US, yet things are getting very heated on the political arena.  As I write this, the Democratic National Convention is well under way in Philadelphia, and the Republican National Convention just finished last week in Cleveland. By the time you read this, who knows what craziness will have happened in what so many people are calling a political “circus.”

There are a few things I’d like to go on record as having said now, that way no one has any questions of where I stand.  I don’t believe either political party has the answers.  I think they both offer very few answers actually. I don’t agree with either candidate fully.  I actually fully disagree with both candidates on a number of things.  I don’t like certain things that have been said, even by the candidate that I intend to vote for.  (Yes, I do have a personal choice for the presidency… and as a pastor I cannot endorse a candidate, but as an individual I can tell you who I am voting for if you ask.)  I believe both parties have adopted slogans that are somewhat deceptive.  No one can ‘make America great again’ but God, and the nation will certainly NOT be ‘stronger together’ going in an ungodly direction. Until we first realize that we are ‘one nation under God’, and submit ourselves to His Lordship, we are in great trouble.

However, I also want to state that I’m not looking for a savior.  I already have one.  I don’t expect either candidate to save me, or save America.  I am just looking for the candidate that best represents my Christian values.  I don’t expect either of them to have a perfect biblical platform.  Men and women are flawed.  If Jesus were on the ballot, I’d vote for Him.  But He’s not.  His is a Heavenly Kingdom, yet I feel that I must do my part to stop the moral decay of society and my vote will be based in that.    

As far as the current political issues, that are ‘specifically affecting Christians’, I would say the following issues that are most important to me in this election include:

The Sanctity Of Human Life (Including but not limited to the unborn.)  You might not realize it, but we are winning ground in the area of the value of human life, but that can lapse overnight with the appointment of Supreme Court Justices who do not fear God.  Considering the ages of current justices serving, the next president will possibly appoint as many as six!  They serve for life.  This may be our most important issue to consider!  

Freedom of Religion/Freedom of Speech (Which believe it or not, are ‘very seriously at stake’ because the current LGBT agenda is stripping away the rights of Christians as it gains momentum – both agendas cannot fully have their liberties when they are so diametrically opposed.)  While I do not hate homosexuals, transgenders, or others, I believe the agenda they are promoting will finally strip Christianity of its voice in America if left unchecked.  We may soon not be allowed to speak against sin, or the need for a savior because our views seem offensive to this group.  So, maybe this issue is most important.

Other issues that may not be directly connected to my faith in Christ, but are still very important to me are:  Immigration/Refugees (We are a sovereign nation, we need borders along with strict rules on refugees who might intentionally seek bring danger into our country.)  Health Care (I, not my government, should choose what doctor I can see.)  Finally, Gun Control/Gun Rights, (According to the US Constitution it’s my right to own a gun to protect my family.  I don’t want to lose this freedom.  I love my family enough to protect them with my own life.  If this is stipped from us, the old adage is true that “Only criminals will have guns.”  But perhaps that means many Christians would become the criminals, because I’m uncertain we’d all give them up.  

A few other issues very important to me are: Racism (I hate HATE!!), funding of Planned Parenthood, Same-Sex Marriage, Electoral Issues (Showing ID to vote)…  The list goes on.

Consider your choice very carefully.  A vote for the wrong person - the wrong agenda, or even not casting your vote for a person who can make a difference on these important issues… might relegate the America we all love, into the pages of history.  Please pray for our nation (2 Chron. 7:14).  Also pray for wisdom before you choose a candidate.  And if you are a Christian (Own up to your obligation!) vote for a candidate that is the strongest on Biblical Principals and that also has a chance at winning. Don’t look to these people as saviors, but certainly look at them as a means to an end.  Don’t waste your vote.  We need to get this right.  We are likely at the point that we will have no second chance in America.

Powerful and Precious

The promises of God are powerful and precious.
They speak generally, to ALL of us at once.
They speak directly to each of us.
They have deep personal meaning.
They give us hope of eternal life!
They reassure us in doubt, worry, and frustration.
They comfort us in times of trouble.
The remind us of God's feelings toward us; His love, His compassion, His tender mercies.
They empower us to win in spiritual battle!
They correct us when we are off track.
They help us to become better than we are without them.
They thrill us with the awe of God's greatness.
They remind us of our frailty and our need for Him.
They make us anxious for home.
They give us hope to face each day, no matter what may come our way.
They sustain us in drought.
The revive us when faint, like fresh cool water.
They tell us His will for our lives, our health, our future.
They reassure us of life abundantly in Christ.
They tell us good news, in a world of that desperately needs good news!
They give us something to reach for.
They give us joy for our journey.
They give substance to our faith.
The promises of God are powerful and precious.

"God Isn't Fixing This..." - NY Daily News

The article from the New York Daily News claiming that "God isn't fixing this", is an affront attack on Christianity.  It's an atheistic statement attacking Judaeo-Christian values and the practice of prayer. Sure, it's clearly meant to be a shocking statement of propaganda used to urge the public toward gun control, but it's also a jab at Christians.  There is another element too, the mocking of republican candidates. The mocking however, is focused on their practice of prayer. 

It's okay. I'm not offended. As a matter of fact, I'm unmoved by it in the least.  My ideas on my 'rights' as an American to bear arms are unscathed.  My 'trust in God' is unshaken. Political affiliation is irrelevant to this issue in my opinion, but prayer is still powerful. I'm still praying for the victims. This senseless tragedy is less a sign of a need for a change in gun laws though, than it is a sign of the need for changed hearts... which only happens with prayer.

It might surprise some, but I will agree with the statement, "God isn't fixing this!"  

God isn't fixing this because our nation has turned it's back on Him.  We have removed nearly every vestige of Him from American leadership. We have used our forefathers' idea of 'separation of church and state' to dispel God from anything governmental or political, when the original thought was clearly not that God should be removed but that everyone should have the right to worship Him as they see fit, free of government oppression.  Why would God step in on a national problem that we have banned Him from? He won't force Himself on us.  Biblical history shows us that His character is to abundantly pardon and forgive, IF we turn to Him... Not turn away from Him (See Isa. 55:7). The nation that forgets God though, will be allowed to continue on its chosen path and be turned into hell (Psa. 9:17). 

God isn't fixing this because we, the church, have not yet humbled ourselves and repented from our own wickedness as is prescribed in 2 Cor. 7:14.  Until the church itself is serious enough about the state of affairs that we find ourselves in, we will continue in our complacent unconcern and our nation will continue to be overrun by the godless. If, and when, we ever get concerned enough corporately to humble ourselves, repent, and ask God for revival and the restoration of our land, we are promised national healing. We don't see a 'fix' because church doesn't pursue it by pursuing God in prayer for it.  We don't pursue it because we don't believe it...  And we don't believe it because we are believing the propaganda, rather than the scriptures.

Do you want God to 'fix this'?  Then it's time to repent and seek Him for our nation. Attention New York Daily News, Attention Christians: There is no hope for America, other than God! Pray is exactly what we need to do, but the 'fix' begins with prayers of repentance.


Breitbart's link to coverage of this story...

Sheep And Goats

We usually consider the goats and the sheep being separated in Matthew 25, as "Christians" and "non-Christians".  Perhaps that's what it is about.  But read that story in context.  The whole chapter is about the two types of people coexisting in one group. 

The story of the 10 virgins, is a story of young women who are morally pure but some have oil, and some do not,  five are wise, and five are foolish.  (The beginning of wisdom, is the fear of the Lord. The fool has said in his heart there is no God.) The ones who have oil are taken into the bridegroom's chambers.  The others who don't are left behind.  They were all in the same group, they were all virgins, they were all waiting for the bridegroom. Yet only 5 were wise and had enough oil. The five foolish were left outside.

The story of the talents (or bags of gold) is a story of three servants. They were each given varying amounts of wealth to care for and invest, by their master. The servant given five bags of gold, went to work and multiplied it. The servant given two bags of gold did the same. The servant given one bag, hid it in the ground and kept it safe, but did no more. All three were servants of the same master, all three were entrusted with talents, all three were expected to accomplish something with what they had been given by the master. The first two heard "Well Done".  They probably all expected to hear it. The last though was considered a wicked and lazy servant and was taken away.

Then, toward the end of the chapter the nations of the world are gathered for a final judgment.  There is more than one way we can look at "nations" but most often the word nations in the Bible, refers to people groups not necessarily geographical boundaries.  Anyway, one gathering of all people groups is brought before the King, notice that all of them call him Lord.  From that one 'flock' people are separated into two groups, just like a shepherd will separate his sheep from his goats.  Those who are represented by sheep are placed on the right.  These are said to be righteous, and blessed of the father.  These had served Him well, even down to serving the sick and the poor and the imprisoned. They are given an eternal inheritance. The others though, from that same gathering who were separated to the left 'as goats', are called cursed ones.  These didn't regard the poor, the sick or the imprisoned and the King was very offended by their actions.  So offended was he, that he says, if you did this to the least of them you have done it unto me. 

So, my point? There are two groups of people in the church (I think this is the correct understanding of these parables). You can't necessarily tell them apart by their morality, the way they dress, what they say, or even their claim to serve the Lord. Goats will be right alongside the sheep in the house of God. Yet God knows the difference and He will sort them out. He is the one who will divide his flock into sheep and goats (Not my job). Our job is to be wise (fear the Lord), keep your lamps full of oil (Be filled with His Spirit, not your flesh), be faithful to use what He has given you (Multiply it through diligence!), don't forget the hungry, the poor, the sick, or those in prison but genuinely care for them. 

The key to understanding Matthew 25 is found in Matthew 24: 45-51 (Read it). It tells us that the sensible and faithful servant is the one the master can give responsibility to. The others will have their place among the hypocrites. This stirs me to the core!  I cannot allow myself to just go through the motions! I must be numbered among the sheep! Can He trust me?  Is he REALLY my Lord, or just in name?  I am in the group who calls myself a Christian, but am I a sheep or a goat? Wow...

Revival!!

We all have our own ideas of what revival looks like, or at least what we think it should look like. Most of those ideas are based on what we’ve personally witnessed in past years.  However, God doesn’t always consult with us to see how we think He should do things before He does them. Sometimes, God does things differently than we might expect. 

I’m reminded of stories in the Bible when people, no doubt, expected God to do things one way but He did something differently.  I can imagine the Children of Israel never expected to defeat Jericho by marching around the city, or shouting at that wall.  They probably expected a show of military might, or of strategic genius, but victory came thought obedience.  I’m sure King Saul wasn’t expecting deliverance from the Philistines, and their champion  Goliath, to come through a teen-aged shepherd boy who wasn’t even old enough to be in the army.  Yet David fought for Israel, and God fought for David.  I doubt that Peter expected to have money to pay his taxes by catching a fish and finding a coin in its mouth, but that’s what happened at Jesus’ command.

We should remember that God says, “My ways are not your ways…” (Isa. 55:8-9).  I’m steadfast in my belief that what God is doing among us, and in many other American churches, is unlike what we’ve seen in the past or even have expected for our future.  I believe that God has likely done things this way before, but our experience is so limited that we may not have seen it. 

I was talking to a pastor last week who had heard about God doing some miracles here in our fellowship.  He told me that he had been confronted with a woman who was in need of healing from cancer, and was reminded of what God had done in Sister Edith’s body with the removal of tumors, so he decided to pray for that woman right then and there!  I earnestly hope and expect to hear a good report from that prayer.  I talked to another pastor this morning who has been in ministry for more than 40 years.  He told me that he had witnessed God move this past weekend in a way he had never seen.  God had given such specific information to a man of God about a woman they were praying for, that it was absolutely astounding.  That woman was convinced of God’s power, she was touched and filled with the Spirit of God!  I’ve heard others within the last month, people who have been in church all of their lives, say they have never felt God so strongly or seen Him move in such a powerful way.

My point is that we shouldn’t be surprised when God does something surprising.  He does things His own way. He’s God after all!  What we call revival is simply the restoration of what was once alive, back to a state of life or vitality!  That’s what revive actually means and that’s what God is doing in His church!  It might look different than we expected. It might sound different.  It might even leave us a little perplexed, as was probably the case for the nation of Israel, for King Saul, and even Peter in the previous examples.  God does things differently than we expect.  Yet if God is the one doing it, it’s good… and I’m all in!  How about you?  Revive us Lord!!

What We Hold As Convictions...

We love to judge others by what we hold as convictions.  All the while, we are seemingly oblivious that things we are doing may not be considered holy enough by someone else.

This is not a personal jab at someone.  I'm not here to start a 'holy war' among the self righteous. I'm not here to condone the practice of habitual sin. I'm writing this blog today to remind you, and me, that we will all stand before God for ourselves, and He will judge each of us. I also want to remind us all, that the Bible says that each of us should work out our "own soul's salvation with fear and trembling."

In the last two days I have been approached by as many people who want to address my 'relaxed stance' on purchasing Starbucks coffee, or actually allowing my daughters to purchase it. See Starbucks is very pro-homosexual in its worldview and is known to support homosexual marriage. I don't support that, or even agree with the ideology. My worldview is undeniably Christian. Yet, I haven't stopped my daughters from their patronage of the said establishment and for that I am perhaps being misunderstood.

What I'm hearing from these folks is that some may see that choice to not stop our patronage as hypocritical. I understand that. I have even been right there! In 1996 when the Southern Baptist Convention boycotted the Walt Disney Company for it's "anti-Christian, anti-family direction", I participated even though I'm not Southern Baptist. In 1997 when Ellen Degeneres came out as openly lesbian and ABC Television chose to air her show 'Ellen', I was very disappointed and, for a while, was determined not to watch ABC.  In 2005 when the American Family Association called for a boycott of Ford Motor Company, I was in! I was determined that I would do my part to make the difference! ...But where were all the bold Christians in 1996, 1997, 2005?  I felt alone then. Just a few of us were willing to take a stand and I was a little put off by their lack of action.

Now, let's fast forward about ten years from that last date.  Today, September 22, 2015, I am being questioned for my stance as perhaps being too soft and appearing hypocritical. For the record, as far as I know no one has called me hypocritical, but concerns have been expressed that my lack of boycott might be seen as support. Again, I understand that but let me say on record, my values have not changed. I still believe that marriage is to be only between one man and one woman.  I still believe the Bible is true and that it declares the homosexuality is a sin, just as it declares that heterosexual sex outside marriage is a sin. I still believe God will judge all sin, of all types. I also believe in boldly declaring it!

Today however, we live in an America that is far different than it was when I grew up. In this society there are extremely few non-homosexual supporting corporate entities out there.  Yet there are multitudes of companies that do support homosexuality.  Here's a list of 379 companies that urged the Supreme Court to rule in favor of same-sex marriage.  Do you use the products or services any of these corporations in your daily life?  Probably. (Amazon, Apple, CBS, Colegate-Palmolive, DirectTV, CVS Pharmacy, Ebay, Estee' Lauder, Facebook, General Electric, Google, Johnson & Johnson, J.P.Morgan/Chase Bank, Levi Strauss & Co, Microsoft, Nationwide Insurance, Office Depot, PepsiCo, Starrtek, Target, United Airlines, VISA, Verizon, Wells Fargo, Wyndham Worldwide Corp... and 354 more.)

We have arrived at a day when it's virtually impossible to buy anything without supporting someone with whom we disagree morally. The previous list only includes a fraction of those who actually support the homosexual agenda, they are the few that spoke up on behalf of the agenda to the Supreme Court.  A great number of others are on board as well, but didn't address the Supreme Court. Among those are favorites like Walmart, Nabisco, Frito-Lay, and the list goes on. 

So where does that leave us, as Christians?  It leaves us to consider our own convictions.  To me, today's issues seem very similar to an early New Testament Church issue. People of differing convictions, tried to decide whether or not to eat meat sacrificed to idols. One group of believers considered it completely unethical. Another group of Christians, including the Apostle Paul, saw no danger in it. Paul dealt with this topic in 1 Cor. 8:4-13, and then dealt with our Christian liberties in 1 Cor. 10:25-32.  The basic ideas found in these scriptures would teach us to not judge one another for seeing things differently, but to also try not to offend one another with our liberty. 

Here is my conclusion: I'm not willing to give up my faith!  I'm not willing to compromise my values.  I am not willing to turn my back on the Bible, or to wink at sin. However, on issues like this one I am willing to concede the 'culture war', for now. The only hope for America is revival! We need Jesus! It's too late for boycotts! Also, judging others for their convictions only divides a Body of Christ that really needs to be in unity right now. I urge you to stand for your own convictions. I urge you to not bow to religious persecution. I urge you to pursue God and grow in your faith! What we hold as convictions may slightly differ. What we hold as convictions may be used in judgment against us by God one day if we ignore them... so live by them! Yet what we hold as convictions should guide us, they should not divide us.