give peace a chance

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Dana

In 1969 John Lennon and his newlywed wife, Yoko Ono, stayed in bed 8 days in a Montreal hotel interviewing with reporters, receiving friends, and singing: “All we are saying… is give peace a chance.” When asked if they thought their ‘peace protest’ would make a difference, John invited anyone who had a better idea to try it out. One of the friends at the recording of the song was Timothy Leary, a psychologist who promoted the use of psychedelic drugs like LSD. Leary’s idea for peace was captured in his famous phrase: “Turn on, tune in, drop out.” Many young people followed such thinking during the 60′s and 70′s, but in the battle of ideas, the most important thing is ‘truth.’

So what is the truth about peace? God knew the only way for there to be ‘peace on earth’ was for man to have peace with him. So the Son was sent, not to condemn but to save. Immanuel came to our world and Jesus became the Gate of peace. Any idea that does not lead to this truth will be short-lived. John Lennon was murdered in 1980 outside the New York City building in which he lived. Timothy Leary died of cancer in 1995 after exploring possibilities of freezing his body for a future resurrection. He finally decided to be cremated and some of his ashes were carried into outer space. Though they spoke and sang about peace, these voices could not deliver. Jesus also died… but he did rise from the dead with true peace as a gift for those who put their faith in him.

“The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Jn 14:26-27) Shortly after these words were spoken the disciples faced pure chaos. One hanged himself, one denied he even knew Jesus, and all deserted him. But after God’s plan was fulfilled: “Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’… Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you!’… And he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’… A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!… Stop doubting and believe.’” (see John 20:19-29)

For peace to have a chance in my life I must welcome Jesus’ beautiful greeting: “Peace be with you!” For peace to have a chance in my life I must also receive the Holy Spirit. The Counselor reminds us of God’s ways and teaches us to walk with the Lord. For peace to have a chance in my life I must also obey Jesus’ words – a negative command and a positive one: “Stop doubting and believe.” Jesus faced everything we face, but he rested in his Father who he knew to be peace. The enemy wants to steal peace from the children of God, but Jesus promises to be with us… and he is peace.

“You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33

Happy New Year!!!

Posted in Holy Spirit | Comments Off

so this is Christmas

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Dana

A Charlie Brown Christmas came on television last week. You’ll remember in the story that Charlie Brown was so frustrated by the commercialism of Christmas that he wanted to take action. At Lucy’s advice, he tried to pull together a Christmas play, which brought even more frustration. Then he took his friend, Linus, to buy a Christmas tree. Bypassing the popular aluminum trees, Charlie found a scrawny ‘real’ tree and brought it to the play. “Do they still make wooden Christmas trees?” Linus asked. Of course, everyone made fun of the tree and Charlie, in great despair, asked the all-important question: “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus then walked to center stage and quoted Luke 2:8-14 from the King James version of the Bible. “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them… And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.’” “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown,” Linus concluded.

The head of CBS did not want to air the show. Those that previewed it gave horrible criticisms. The cartoon was too simplistic. The music wasn’t right. The voices weren’t right. (Children with no experience were chosen over veteran actors.) Even when producers Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez previewed the show, they moaned, “We’ve ruined Charlie Brown.” Several argued: “You can’t read the Bible on a television show!” But Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, was adamant. “If we don’t tell the true meaning of Christmas, who will?”

The program first aired in 1965 and over 50% of American televisions tuned in. It won an Emmy and a Peabody Award and has been a Christmas classic for 45 years. Critics became fans. Harriet Van Horne of the New York World-Telegram wrote: “Linus’ reading of the story of the Nativity was, quite simply, the dramatic highlight of the season.” Many even credit the demise of the aluminum Christmas tree to this program.

God is so good. He sees people walking through the malls asking, “So this is Christmas?” and answers with a cartoon. He sees us confused about the meaning of life and permits a child to read His Word to remind a nation of the greatest Gift of all time. He sees war and hatred and serious arguments and petty squabbles and reminds us that He sent Peace to earth in the form of a Baby. He can use children; He can use cartoon characters; He can use an unlikely ex-Beatle; and He can use you and me to proclaim peace in a troubled world.

Of course outside of Jesus there is no true peace. Examine the life of John Lennon for a tragic example. Without the Prince of Peace no one has hope. Here’s the beautiful truth: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law and its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” Ephesians 2:13-18

May the peace of God be yours this Christmas!
(here’s verse two of John Lennon’s song: ‘So This Is Christmas’)

And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The road is so long.
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones,
Let’s stop all the fight.
A very merry Christmas
And a happy new year.
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear.

Posted in history | Comments Off

let it be

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Dana

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:15-16

Is this a command? Is this something that can happen any time? Don’t we always need the Lord’s peace? Don’t we always need his Word? The Holy Spirit says: “Let it be. Let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Let it be.”

There must be a part we play, but the comfort I get in peace-less times or word-less moments is the thought of God’s power. “Let there be light.” He spoke the Word and out of darkness burst light. He can do the same thing in our troubled times. No matter how great the storm; no matter how dark the cloud… He who is Peace can bring peace to our hearts. So what is my part? Paul succinctly wrote: “Let it happen.” Maybe it means I stop activity. Maybe it means I remember He is present. Maybe it means I look up with the simple faith of a child. If there were a list of steps to take, surely God would have given one, but rather He gently whispers: “Let it be.”

I have a good friend going through an intense trial at this very moment. He has no control whatsoever. Prayers have been offered for months; friends have encouraged him constantly, but the circumstance has not gotten easier. This friend is a strong man, a loving husband, and a faithful brother. I think the greatest blessing God could give him and his family is ‘peace,’ so, “Lord, let it be.”

A small group recently discussed the things that prevent young people (and old people) from drawing close to God and from keeping properly focused on priorities. Distractions are more numerous than ever. We are all too busy and far too often we are chasing the wrong goals. What can we do? “Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you…” That’s a great answer! We have little power over all the craziness in our society, but the Word of Christ can make a difference! Is this not what Jesus brought to earth? We argue: “That was the Messiah! I’m not Christ!” But Christ lives in us! His Word is present. His Spirit lives in our hearts and He can give us what to say. God states: “Let it be!”

On a final exam this past week, I asked two of my classes to share what good they received from Bible class this semester. It is a risky question because a person could honestly say, “Nothing.” In fact, I expected such an answer from one of my students. He was probably my most difficult challenge of the semester. Early in the school year he made a ‘smart’ comment and I came close to kicking him out of class. I’m glad I chose a more merciful option because evidently this young man paid more attention than I thought. His response to my question brought tears to my eyes as I realized the uncanny power of the Word of Christ.

“Coach Davis, your stories are what are the best. No matter what I was ever doing in class, I would always listen to your stories. Your wisdom and eventful life just blows me away. I feel that whatever brings you down, you face that problem head on, because you truly love God. Just getting to know you and understand your wisdom and stories were some of my favorite things about this year. I believe through Jesus I am better. Thank you.”

“Let it be.”

Posted in stories | Comments Off

two cents

Posted on December 9, 2010 by Dana

“I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:3-5

Her ‘two cents worth’ was all she had… and Jesus used her as an example of trust.

“Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me… I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” Mark 14:6-9

Her gift was called ‘wasteful’, but Jesus said her story would accompany the sharing of the gospel.

“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38

Though her reputation would be at stake, her acceptance of God’s purpose enabled the greatest Gift of all time to enter the world.

I want to be like these three ladies…

Posted in faith | Comments Off

two kingdoms

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Dana

One of my students shared this week about serving in the city during the Thanksgiving holidays. A few teachers and a bunch of teenagers spent several nights in a church and went out to feed the poor, encourage the hopeless, and invite all to follow Jesus. My student shared with his teenage classmates the clear difference he saw between two opposite kingdoms. So much is obvious: light/darkness, order/chaos, peace/anxiety, freedom/bondage, life/death… but at the end of his talk, he made an interesting statement. “The devil is just as active here where we live as in the inner city.”

I think we would all agree, but we don’t think about it too much because the enemy’s tactics are subtle and the results may not be as obvious: sincerity/hypocrisy, kindness/judgment, contentment/greed, generosity/stinginess, passionate/lukewarm… As always, Jesus is our Answer… He must be my Center, my Source, my Life. If I know I am lukewarm, the solution is not to pretend to be passionate… then I would be a lukewarm hypocrite. No, I must go to Jesus and confess a cold heart. He is the God of holy fire. He can make me passionate and there will be nothing fake about it. If I am consumed with ‘stuff’, I must go to Jesus who reminds me that even gaining the whole world does no good for eternity. When I experience his priceless love, I’ll want to share this love and my ‘stuff’ with those in need. If my kindness is lacking, I need to sit at the feet of Jesus, the Fountain of kindness. Then I must do exactly as He instructs. He’ll show me how to live while molding me into his image.

As we clothe ourselves with Christ, we have everything we need to stand strong in the kingdom of Light. His truth is around the waist (“I am the way and the truth and the life” – Jn 14:6). His righteousness protects the heart as a breastplate (“He is our righteousness” – I Cor 1:30). His faith extinguishes the arrows of the evil one (“He is the author and perfecter of our faith” – Heb 12:2). The gospel of peace makes our feet ready to go anywhere He leads (“For He himself is our peace” – Eph 2:14). His salvation protects the mind and gives us confidence to come to the Father (“He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” – Heb 5:9). And He is the sword that cannot be defeated (“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” – Jn 1:1). (See Eph 6:10-18)

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all that He has made. As far as the East is from the West, that is how far He has removed our transgressions from us. Praise the Lord, oh my soul, praise the Lord.”

“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col 1:13-14)

Posted in Jesus | Comments Off