There Is a Better Way

Cindy and I went to a new restaurant today for lunch. It was the kind of place where the menu is on the wall and you order at the counter, then take a seat and wait for someone to bring you your food. That's not unusual. Sounds like your typical fast food restaurant. What set this place apart from other hamburger joints we've been to, however, was the detail of each menu item listed on the wall. Not only was the particular burger listed, but also its calorie content, organic origin, and its designation as "free-range" meat. Now we didn't go there because of any of those things...we just wanted a good burger! Every condiment and additional topping that could be added was also listed on the wall and beside each listing, the calorie content for each one as well. After a while, it became too difficult to keep track of the calories; that was just too taxing when the smell of grilled onions, french fries cooking, and the occasional chocolate milk shake that was being delivered to someone near my table captured my attention. It was all just too distracting, and I was simply too hungry to get caught up in the particulars that this restaurant thought I was either interested in or should know.

When our food was delivered, it looked and tasted wonderful. As I took the last bite, however, my mind wandered once more to the board and all the information listed there...the healthy information the management had displayed for my good and perhaps to ease their consciences. It was then I began to ponder..."Is it good to consider the degree of sin in the midst of the moment, or just forge ahead and consider the consequences later?" For this day, I must admit, my hunger got the best of me. The calories added up to more than they should.

I suppose our momentary weaknesses produce the kind of sin that brings recognition, like that calorie-laden burger just before the last bite is finished. The apostle Paul must have struggled with this sort of thing to some degree. He wrote to the Christians In Rome that he found himself doing the things he didn't want to do while often not doing the things he knew were right to do. That is the struggle with sin that we all face. Paul came to the conclusion that there was nothing good enough within him to overcome that sin. "What a wretched man I am," he wrote in the seventh chapter of Romans. "Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord." His hope was not in his own ability to overcome, but in the power of Christ to help him overcome. When we stop to count the calories...the sin, we recognize that there is a better way. Paul was right...Thanks be to God--though Jesus Christ our Lord!

Well, it's nearing dinner time. I'm grateful that Cindy hasn't listed the calorie content of the meals she prepares on the wall...yet.

Jim Abernathy    

I Continue to Trust

As citizens in a free society, we live in a reactionary state where triumph and tragedy breed responses that exhilarate and confound, sometimes at the same time. In this twenty-first century, we live in very dangerous times where safety can evaporate in a moment's time, or in the case of a theater in Aurora, Colorado earlier this morning, in the span of a few frames of a motion picture.

By now you have most likely heard of the horrific shootings at the Century 16 theaters in Aurora, Colorado. As I write, fifteen persons are known dead, fifty others injured, several of those, critically. It seems unthinkable that something like this could occur, and yet, the unthinkable once again confronts us with a savagery that has become all too common. In the aftermath of such tragedy, there will be calls for measures to be put in place to prevent such things from happening in the future. These reactionary changes may have some effect in slowing such activity, but the best precautions cannot always anticipate the mind of one bent on destruction or whose twisted sense of notoriety causes him to do such terrible things.

In the aftermath of 9/11 new security measures were introduced that made certain experiences more challenging, from airport security, to entrance in government buildings, even certain sporting events. We are all a bit more aware of our surroundings, perhaps even more selective about the places we go and the kinds of events we attend. Overhead signs on major highways tell us to be watchful and to call government hotlines if we suspect terrorist activity. This most recent shooting will spark passionate debate about safety in the public square...the kind of debate that is necessary in a free society.

Our freedom is both our greatest asset and deepest threat. Danger always tempts the kind of reaction that limits freedom. In certain circumstances that is a necessary response that indeed saves lives. But most of us will not choose to live under such heaviness, seeking instead to live our lives within reasonable parameters of liberty that allow for personal choice. Hence, the choices we make and the way we make those choices becomes vital to our own well-being, and to some extent the well-being of others around us.

As a person of faith, I believe that the ability to think and make choices is a gift from God. I also believe that my best choices are made when I am walking in right relationship with the One who has made me. Trusting myself into God's hands isn't a guarantee that I won't face danger, but I do find peace in recognizing that God is with me, no matter what I face. I don't believe that I serve the Lord best when I cower in fear, but when I trust God to go with me everyday into the unknown. The promise of Jesus to his disciples as he ascended into heaven is the same promise for us in the midst of continuing uncertainty..."I will be with you always."

Cindy an I will be going to the movies later today. Our lives continue in the midst of great tragedy. Our reactions to life's challenges help define our next steps. I continue to trust the words of the One who has promised to be with me. In heartache, joy, and threat, that will not change.

Remember the families of those victimized in this terrible tragedy. 

Jim Abernathy

WOW!

WOW!!!!

I know that is not a very interesting or thoughtful opening line, but "WOW!!!" is really hard to improve on when describing this year's Vacation Bible School. I could talk about the record number of children enrolled, or the generosity of the children and their parents in their daily offerings for ServeTrust, or the wonderful organization and leadership skills of our VBS staff, but most importantly, we talk about people. From the youngest child to the oldest volunteers this was an incredible week that reminded us of the significance of community where every person is important and every opportunity to share God's love, truly a treasure. At parent's night on Thursday evening as each group got up to sing, I marveled in watching preschoolers, children, adults, and senior adults singing and sharing in the wonder of God's love. I have said on a number of occasions that Westwood does large things well and this year's VBS is certainly evidence of that. Together, we accomplish so much more than we could apart, and together, we honor the Lord through the gifting of ourselves for the cause of Christ.

This afternoon there are probably a lot of naps being taken...mostly by adults, I'd guess. Those moments of rest and solitude have been earned through faithful and loving service. Thank you Westwood family for reminding me and our community once again, that God is at work among us. WOW, indeed!!!

Jim Abernathy

Keep Trusting the Lord

The kind of persistent, extreme heat we have experienced recently alters our routines and schedules, causing us to reconsider things often simply taken for granted. Whether it's working in the yard, running errands, walking the dogs, or playing golf, we consider alternative times for pursuing these interests or alternate activities that will keep us in cooler places for longer periods of time.

Losing power last week forced many of us to be confronted by the blessings we so routinely take for granted that were suddenly non-existent. Several times I walked into rooms and flipped on switches, as I had done many times before, only to be reminded that without electricity, the switch and the light fixture, were useless. My neighbors hooked up generators that rumbled day and night, but they were only a temporary solution, and depending on the size, a poor substitute for the source of power we utilize every day.

Now, certainly there were circumstances that were life-threatening, depending on the age or physical needs of particular persons, but for most of us, these challenges were more manageable than we would probably like to acknowledge. Adjustments were made, complaints were voiced...then we moved along to do what had to be done.

Life is like that...recognizing our situation, assessing next steps, then moving forward to do what we have to do. The Psalmist has good advice for us in such transition... "Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help." (Psalm 37:5, CEV) I know the frustrations of day to day challenges sometimes get the best of us. I know we grow weary of things and people that don't always work as we think they should, but remember...in the dark, in the extreme heat...even when nothing around you seems right, God is still working...Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help."

Stay cool and keep trusting the Lord for help. That's the best advice on a day like today!

Jim Abernathy