Deus Misereatur

(A version of these thoughts were published in 2015. This newer, reworked version was sent out in a congregational letter on 25 March 2021) Why is it that when God’s people are at their best, we are often un-trendy? What is it that sets our feet solidly on the ground while society swirls around with various forms of emotional and moral vertigo? Peter gives us clear clues in 1 Peter 1:1-5:   Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in h...

Fight for Power by Eric Walters My rating: 4 of 5 stars Society continues to disintegrate in "Fight for Power," the second volume of the "Rule of Three" series by Eric Walters. The story line follows Adam, his mother, Herb and the neighborhood into darker waters, deeper drama and a sinister spin at the end. It is an easy read written for teens that picks up where the last volume left off, and leaves the reader looking forward to the final installment. There are ethical twists, hard decisions and compassionate actions pulsing through "Fight for Power" that will bring the reader to ask themselves, "What would I do in this situation?" Again, as Walters follows the theme from the previous book, it is a "life-boat" scenario, pushing for serious decision-making. The question that crops up in subtle, and at times obvious, ways is, "What makes us moral human beings in inhuman and immoral settings?" One gets the impression that t...

O God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, who has promised that you will never leave us nor forsake us, so that we may boldly say, “The LORD is on my side, I will not fear, what can man do to me” (Psalm 118.6)? We pray for your Church throughout the nations, and specifically for New Life Church of God in Christ; Page Sanctuary; Rainbow Church of God in Christ; St. Timothy Church; Trinity Church of God in Christ and Victory Temple; sustain these brothers and sisters through the hard and happy times. Look upon their needs, provide them with all good things necessary for them to do the work you have called them to, stir up the glowing embers of their hearts, stoking the fires of your joy, love and holiness in them that they may be encouraged to remain faithful to you and consistent in their lives. O Lord, hear our prayer. Look on this congregation with your favor, O Good Shepherd. In the midst of our hurts, skinned-up hopes, and hesitations we pray in the words of yo...

Sunday Morning: O God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, Giver of all good gifts, we pray for your Church throughout the nations, specifically in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, and the rest of Asia: sustain these brothers and sisters through the hard and happy times. Look upon their needs and provide them with all good things necessary for them to do the work you have called them to. Give patience and joy to all the parents as we raise our children in your righteous ways. Aid the single that they may resist the pressures of our world and keep themselves chaste. Strengthen the young adults to continue to follow Christ faithfully. May these children (younger and older) embrace the Christian faith we have been handing on to them through Sunday School, Faith Alive! and in our homes. And for all of us, may the fruit of the Spirit…..grow large in us. We call out to you for those we know who need to believe in Christ and repent of their sins, those...

The Rule of Three by Eric Walters My rating: 4 of 5 stars This Youth Dystopia story revolves around the theme of the disintegration of civilization when a global virus hits all computer programs - cell phones, cars with computers, lap tops, planes, the power grid, etc. Quickly, out of the questioning confusion sweeping over the population, a few main characters rise to the top. Adam, a sixteen year old guy whose mom is the Captain of the police precinct and his dad is a Delta pilot, and Herb, a retired, 70ish government "employee" who has been in hot and hostile situations throughout his career. There are other, minor main characters that keep the story moving, such as Todd, Lori, and Brett. The story narrows down to the neighborhood which becomes a fairly resilient self-contained community. Most of the first half of the book is the building of community within the neighborhood and the growing sense of "belonging". There are moments of adventure and alarm as t...

O God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, who executes lovingkindness, justice and righteousness in the earth, and in these you delight (Jeremiah 9.24); hear us as we draw near and intercede for your Church and the world. We pray for your Church throughout the nations, as well as for Crossings Community Church; Shartel Church of God; South Agnew Church of God; Edmond Church of God; and Southern Hills Church of God . Fill us with courage and godly determination as we aim at seeking first your kingdom and your righteousness; fill up all our lack, grant us good health; guide our every step in holy ways, strengthening our desire to be faithful Disciples of Christ. And grant us to treat our enemies and detractors with the same gracious kindness with which you treated us when we were your enemies. O Lord, hear our prayer. Lord God, whose delight is seen in your readiness to show mercy; be gracious to all those who have strayed away from your ways, and those who are o...

O ETERNAL God , through whose mighty power our fathers won their liberties of old; Grant, we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.