Real Peace

In my depression after another Capitals playoff loss Sunday night, I began channel-surfing in hopes of finding a diversion. I didn't have to go far. News was breaking about the death of Osama bin Laden. I watched as the President gave details of the operation and spoke of the heroic efforts of those who carried out the mission. Analysts did what analysts do in the midst of breaking news with very little detail...they began to try and piece together from the President's speech, and their sources around the world and across the studio, the elements of this story that shocked the world. Details were few, yet opinions and hypotheses were plentiful. I was preparing to turn the story off and wait for the details on the morning news shows, when the broadcast suddenly shifted from the studio to the scene outside the White House where seemingly hundreds of people were gathering to celebrate. Chants of "U S A!", "U S A!" were gaining momentum as if the United States had just won a medal in an Olympic event. There was dancing, hugging, flag-waving, banner-waving, and more impassioned chants of "U S A!" with fist's pumping as more revelers joined the celebration. I could not remember anything like it on American soil in my lifetime...a government-sanctioned strike, carried out with surgical precision, to "take out" an enemy. Certainly military operations had been carried out before and the reports made to the American people. But I do not remember the kind of spontaneous response nor the degree of celebration that I witnessed Sunday evening, not because war had ended, or violence stopped, but because another human being was dead.

Now let me say at this point that Osama bin Laden's actions in setting in motion the 9/11 attacks, and other terrorist activities over the years, marked him as a criminal whose actions demanded justice. Many believe that justice was served in the early morning hours of Monday in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad as United States Navy Seals carried out their mission, ending the life of the most notorious terrorist of the modern era. I recognize the frustration and anger of many within this country who bear the burden of having lost loved ones over the past ten years who found release in news of bin Laden's death. I cannot know what such news means to families of New York City firefighters or police officers killed in the line of duty on that day, nor to the thousands of family members who lost loved ones in the twin towers, the Pentagon, or a rural Pennsylvania field, as well as family members of soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11. But I am left to wonder, in the aftermath of raucous celebrations and the commentary of a those I heard interviewed in the last few days who claimed closure now for bin Laden's victims...has his death truly made us safer...does this closure that is spoken of suddenly end the grieving for those whose parent, child, spouse, sibling, or friend was lost on that dark day or in the years since?

In the 14th chapter of John's gospel, Jesus talks with his disciples about transition. His death is imminent and he is seeking to prepare them for what will follow. He promises them a gift unlike any other they might receive, the Holy Spirit. Then, in verse 27 he says, "I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don't let your hearts be troubled or afraid."

It occurred to me as I watched the celebrations in the streets of DC and at Ground Zero, that our American response was much like what we see in other parts of the world when an enemy leader dies. The anger, hatred, and retaliation that marks a warring world was certainly on display in our streets.

Jesus offers us something different. "My peace I give to you," he said..."I do not give it to you as the world does." It is tempting to be caught up in the chants of patriotic fervor when a long-sought enemy is destroyed...but the threats of this enemy still remain. There is release for the moment in believing that justice has been done in the aftermath of heinous crime. Families and friends awakened, however, on Monday morning, and this morning, and will for every morning that they live, with the realization that their friend or loved one is still gone, and the longing for their touch, voice, wisdom, and love will not be satisfied. Yet, in the midst of these continuing threats and grief, Jesus affirms, "...don't let your hearts be troubled or afraid." Genuine peace comes not because an enemy is killed, but because the Spirit of God brings change to the human heart that cannot be destroyed, no matter the threat.

The bad news of Sunday evening that drove me to channel-surf has been compounded with another Capitals loss. They stand on the brink of elimination tonight. The violence of this world seems to move us ever closer, some would say, to the brink of elimination. Our hope is not seen in the visual evidence of an enemy's death, nor heard in the chants of patriotic cries after momentary victory...Hope is found in the One who offers real peace...peace that cannot be duplicated by the world. May you and I share the peace of Christ with the world around us, and in doing so, may our hearts be neither troubled or afraid.

Jim Abernathy

All Day, Every Day!

"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean revel in Him!"


The Message translates Paul's words in Philippians 4:5 as a true declaration of praise and an unmistakable call to live each day to fullest. There seems to be little room for compartmentalization. In everything, praise God!

The Psalmist stated it this way: "I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1, Amplified Bible) This is not a call to live life apart from pain and disappointment, for heartache and uncertainty wound us deeply in the seasons of this life. These two writers remind us however, that praise is not a situational gift offered to God. Praise is to be a constant expression of faith that speaks more about who God is that what we believe about God. Our feelings and viewpoints will change, but the Eternal One does not change. God is worthy of our praise every hour of every day. Therefore, we praise God sometimes with joyous words and thoughts, and sometimes we praise God through tears and brokenness.

The cold, mid-winter ground yielded a momentary glimpse of spring a few weeks ago as two tiny crocus blooms presented themselves in full color outside our kitchen window. It was a reminder of things to come, but also of God's provision in that particular moment. Jesus spoke in John 10:10 of the abundant living that he came to bring for all. We choose at times to live as people of poverty, not in a monetary or deeply spiritual sense, but rather as those beaten down, disadvantaged, who have little hope. Paul reminds us that God is to be celebrated every day..."I mean revel in Him!"

Our struggles aren't made non-existent when we offer God praise, but we gain a perspective about who God is that empowers "next-step" living, particularly when we don't think we can put one foot in front of the other. To praise the living God is to look beyond ourselves and recognize that our hope comes from the Lord, "the maker of heaven and earth."

In your devotional time tonight or tomorrow, read again Psalm 121. Be reminded that God is your help...that God knows of your "coming in and your going out," and that "the Lord watches over you."

Yes brothers and sisters, "Celebrate God every day, all day." Let us revel in the One who is ever worthy of our praise!


Jim Abernathy

A Walk to Remember

I have been reminded today that God is at work in the routines of daily life...you know, those ordinary tasks that must be done, but hold little excitement. Take walking the dogs for instance...not high on my fulfillment list, but necessary just the same. I suppose Freddie and Max, our miniature Schnauzers, think their walks are pretty cool because whenever the door is opened, or their leashes gathered, they immediately run to the kitchen for a new adventure...tails wagging, tongues panting, and often an agitated movement that makes putting their leashes on a test of manual dexterity and patience, particularly when we are returning home and they are released from the basement.

This morning I was walking with the boys when a neighbor drove by, stopped and rolled down the window of her car. We greeted one another and amazingly, Freddie and Max who always believe that every conversation and every encounter is an opportunity for them to join the discussion, stood strangely reserved. In the unexpected quiet, I was able to carry on a conversation with this neighbor and she asked if we had a prayer list at church. I assured her we did and asked how we could pray for her. She told me that her daughter had a massive stroke a few weeks ago. Her daughter has two teenage sons and has recently become engaged to be married. This daughter has had a number of health problems through the years, but this stroke has been devastating. Compounding the heartache is the fact that this woman's fiance's sixteen year-old daughter was seriously injured in an automobile accident a few weeks ago and is now in a coma.

As I stood in the street, Max and Freddie, quietly listening at my feet, my neighbor expressed her appreciation for including her daughter in our prayers, and then I asked her if I could have a prayer with her, right there in the street. She consented and we prayed...no traffic came by, no neighbors walked about us, and the dogs sat suddenly quiet and obedient. It was a moment of opportunity in the midst of a rather mundane, routine chore. Yet, God was present in a most unusual way.

As I finished, with tears in her eyes, my neighbor thanked me and drove away. Max, Freddie, and I made our way back home and they received their usual treat for a successful trip. God does work in mysterious ways, opening doors in particular moments with particular people that bring blessing. In the 119th Psalm, the Psalmist wrote, "Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders." (The Message) Having prayer with a neighbor is not necessarily a miracle event, but recognizing how God works in often unanticipated ways is indeed an eye-opening event. I believe God would have us walk, particularly through the routines of daily living, with eyes, minds, and hearts open to how He might use us...reminding us, and the world around us, of his "miracle-wonders."

Jim Abernathy

Looking Beyond the Shadow

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on Groundhog Day this year which means, according to those who believe in such things, that we will have an early spring. Now I must say that I am not a true believer in Phil's ability to predict the weather, but I must admit, any prediction for an early spring is something I would like to believe in! Who knows, he either does or does not see his shadow...a fifty/fifty proposition. Chances are pretty good that he could be right.

We spend a great deal of our time in wishful thinking. When it comes to the weather, the meteorologists have their computer models and maps, but their forecasts are still simply predictions based on what they think will happen. Yes, their technology has improved through the years, but the outcomes are often still uncertain, mostly because they cannot control the weather. I suppose that often our wishful thinking focuses on things beyond our control. We wish for what we do not have or for what we want to happen. Sometimes those wishes come true, and sometimes....

In the midst of uncertain times, Paul spoke not of wishful thinking, but bold assurance: "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day." (II TImothy 1:12, TNIV) He believed the gospel message of Jesus Christ to be trustworthy and he gave himself fully in living that truth before the world.

D.L. Moody, nineteenth-century evangelist, once said that the world has yet to see what God can do with one man (or woman) completely committed to Him. The challenge of Moody's words may seem a bit overwhelming to us, and as a result, we are sometimes more comfortable "playing the percentages" of our wishful thinking instead of boldly stepping out in faith to trust the Lord.

I don"t know the accuracy of Punxsutawney Phil's record, but I doubt there are too many people swayed by his annual February predictions. Trusting fully in the living God, however, I can live with assurance in the One who has promised never to leave or forsake me. I don't have to look for a shadow...I believe in the resurrected Christ! That is good news you and I can count on!

Jim Abernathy

Real Power

"Summon your power, O God," the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 68:28. Though not written for my particular context, about three o'clock this morning, it would have been a worthy prayer. Like some of you, our power went off Wednesday evening just before 7:30 and did not come back on until around 5:30 this morning. Candles and flashlights were dug out of drawers and layers of clothing were applied, particularly as we slept the last two nights. Rumors were rampant in the neighborhood about when the power would be restored and I, and others, became quite familiar with the automated customer service line at Dominion Power. I must tell you, it is an altogether unsatisfying experience in the midst of a power outage to have your options for help limited to the actions of pressing the numbers 1,2, or 3 on one's telephone keypad. Perhaps the height of frustration came Thursday morning around 7:15 when the company's automated system called to inform me that the power was back on in my community. I patiently waited for the third option after this declaration and pressed three to announce that our power was indeed NOT ON!!! A call later in the day brought news that the power would be restored between 5 and 11 pm Thursday evening, but that did not materialize either. I grew weary of pressing numbers and went on to bed in a 45 degree room until the light by the bed suddenly came on at 5:30, letting me know that power had been restored and soon HEAT would be flowing through the vents.

Going nearly 36 hours without power is a fairly insignificant thing for most of us when compared with the problems so many face in our world...more inconvenience than anything else, yet, another reminder that life takes interesting turns, often with little if any notice. As a response to the offering Sunday morning we will sing, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name, On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand." To stand on the solid rock of Jesus Christ is stand firm, to find strength and power to face moments of loss, disappointment, and struggle. We serve a God whose power is not threatened by life's storms, whose promise is to always be with us. That indeed is a better guarantee than Dominion Power can give, and I also don't have to press any numbers on a key pad to access this power.

As I write this note I am at home. I hear the dryer going, as well as the furnace and have light to work as I type on my computer. Electrical power is wonderful. But the power of God, summoned on our behalf through the blessing of faith in Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, truly empower our daily living. Let us stand on that rock and know the power of God at work within us.

Jim Abernathy

"...even if you don't ever die."

I heard an interesting commercial on a satellite radio station while on the road this past week. Commercials on satellite stations seem to have a fairly narrow window of advertisers, many in the financial industry, or at least so it seems to me.

The particular commercial that got my attention was about life insurance, and of course, how this particular company could save the insured lots of money, while providing generously for his or her family. Sounds like a good idea, but near the end of the commercial, a claim was made that caught my attention and strained the limits of truth in advertising. The announcer said, "...we have some term policies that build cash value that you can cash in, even if you don't ever die." "...even if you don't ever die..." I wondered if I heard that right, or perhaps had missed something along the way, but it was later confirmed that indeed I had heard it right.

Perhaps this company knows something that I do not, but I have always labored under the assumption that death comes to us all. Hasn't it been said that death and taxes are the two things we cannot avoid? The certainty of death is chronicled in Hebrews 9:27, as the writer proclaims, "... people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment..." Perhaps that wasn't the encouraging word you hoped for...perhaps you want to find out more about the perspective of the particular insurance company in the radio ad. Before you get too nervous, let's finish the thought of the writer of Hebrews who continues in verse 28, "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

From the perspective of faith in Jesus Christ, there is the possibility of escaping death, but only if Jesus returns during our lifetime. There are currently a few "followers" who believe this will happen in May of 2011, information they seem to have that Jesus said even he did not possess. Whether Jesus returns in May or a thousand years from now, death is not a threat to those who believe Jesus to be the resurrection and the life. In Him I can claim the promise of His word as he said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)

Life is eternal, not because of the claims of an insurance company, but by faith in the living Christ. It is good to adequately prepare financially for your family in the event of your death, but the greater preparation is made in knowing Christ and living in hope because of that relationship. When you write out that check to your insurance company this month or this quarter, give thanks that you can provide for your loved ones, but better still, thank God for a greater hope and provision through Jesus Christ.

Treasures Beyond Black Friday

The term "Black Friday" was first used in in the nineteenth century after a catastrophic day on Wall Street. Since, there have been "Black Mondays" and probably other "Black" days to signify big losses in the financial markets.

In 1966, the term "Black Friday" was used in Philadelphia by local police to identify what was for them, one of the worst traffic days of the year in the downtown area as people flooded the streets to shop the day after Thanksgiving. In the mid seventies the term began to catch on in other areas, signifying the profits retailers hoped to make the day after Thanksgiving. Today it is term that describes a shopping craze noted by stores that open at midnight, have shoppers camping outside their doors overnight to be first in line for those one-of-a-kind "door-buster" sales. It is chaos that I have chosen not to participate in anymore, particularly since I have learned the joys of on-line shopping. My computer is my "Black Friday" friend!

There was a degree of chaos the first Christmas as well. This chaos was not created by frenzied shopping, but rather, the burden of taxation. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for the census even though she was due to give birth to her first child very soon. No rooms could be found for them to find rest...ultimately a stable was secured and there, the Savior of the world was born. No "one-day-sales" ensued, in fact the first visitors who came to see the child were the poorest of society, shepherds who said to each other after the angels announced to them the birth of Jesus, ""Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." (The Message) I suppose the first rush of Christmas was to see the Christ-child. What a novel idea...drop everything and come to Jesus!

Perhaps the shepherd's example is one we should follow as well. In the midst of a season often characterized by distraction and chaotic frenzy, we are called once more to hear the angel's proclamation of good news and come at once to the manger to see God's great gift of love. The treasures of Black Friday cannot compare.

As we begin the season of Advent,come, join us as we make our way to Bethlehem "to see for ourselves what God has revealed to us."

Jim Abernathy