Just Breathe

I sit here tonight, like last night, heart-broken, angry, sad, confused. So I listened to “Just Breathe” by Jonny Diaz, again. It’s my go-to song right now and I’m trying to take the advice given in the song. I think it’s good advice. We are all sinners, some saved - some lost. Jesus is the difference. Jesus is the example. 

Jesus didn’t apologize, He didn’t need to, He never sinned. People didn’t understand Him. He didn’t do what they did, He didn’t react like they did, like we do. That’s the example. 

I’ve apologized…alot, but not enough. I’m an emotional creature - I get mad, I get hurt, I react. I say things, I do things I shouldn’t. I’ve hurt people with my reactions, my words, my actions. I fear God, I know (after I calm down and remember) there are consequences to my actions. 

Einstein was right (sort of), for every action there is a reaction, but he was speaking of the physical world in which we live. God is above that world. We, as God’s people are above that world as well. Yes, we live in it but that doesn’t give us the right to react, even equally or in an opposite manner, unless that reaction is the right one…the godly one.

Vengeance is mine says the Lord. Love your enemies. Turn the other cheek. Forgive. Walk the second mile. These are God’s words, God’s commands. We, God’s people, must obey. Love is the answer and God is love.

I know Satan is celebrating another victory tonight and that makes me angry. But what do we expect from a sinful world? The only thing that makes any sense is love. Love one another. Yes, there are differences in people, ok—so what? We need to be broken-hearted over sin, I’m the son of a welder and I know that when something is welded together (or back together) the weld is the strongest part. I’m asking God to mend my broken heart and to give me wisdom, and strength and self-control.  I must have more love, more faith, more grace. We, God’s people, are God’s ambassadors in this world. That’s why we’re here. Not to fight for our rights, not to look out for ourselves, not to protect what is ours. Nothing is ours, everything is His. We need to empty ourselves of ourselves and give the empty place to Christ. God isn’t pushy, He only occupies what is offered. 

So friend, whether you are black or white, man or woman, or any other means of classification, the only important thing about us is that we are a creation of a Holy God. Let the things that divide us go, give them up, turn it all over to Him, then follow. Be a conduit of love, of grace, of mercy, of peace. Stop reacting, just breathe…breathe a prayer, then listen for an answer…and then be obedient. It’s our only hope. He’s our only hope. God…help us! No more words, action…not reaction. Reconciliation, intentionality…they are just words, until they’re not just words.

jh

Where is the Hope?

To say that today’s political climate is volatile would be an understatement. One doesn’t have to peruse Facebook, or any other social media, very long to be immersed into the fray. Talk at the water cooler, the barber shop, or on the courthouse lawn is dominated by political opinions and concerns. Although I try not to share too much of my personal political opinions on social media or in public conversations, I am certainly concerned about the upcoming presidential election and the ramifications that will follow.

HOWEVER, I am a follower of Jesus Christ and that should make a difference. I’m trying not to allow myself to become bitter or worried about the future of America, mainly because America is not my ultimate future. My ultimate future is in heaven with Jesus! But as long as I am here I am to follow the example set by my Savior.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem there was a pretty gnarly political situation present. King Herod was large and in charge and didn’t want anything or anyone to stand in his way. That’s why he decreed that all baby boys below a certain age be put to death. Could God have stopped this? Certainly, but He didn’t and that’s important. 33 years later Jesus appeared before Pilate, another political situation to be sure! Could Jesus have turned things around in regards to His treatment at the hands of the Sanhedrin and of Pontius Pilate? Of course He could have! But He didn’t. Jesus had a plan that was far above the worldly political machine. God was, is and will ever be in control of everything that has happened, is happening and will ever happen and that should be where our confidence and hope is found.

I am often reminded of the words of Psalm 20:7 [KJV], “Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” Yes, I can be concerned about the political landscape and I must place an informed vote on election day. But my confidence is not in any elected official, rather my confidence is in the hands of the Holy God of all creation.

In the face of such negativity surrounding the apparent candidates between whom we must choose as the next President of the United States I cannot allow myself to be driven by fear or by anger. God is in control. In His Word God gives us very clear directions, not easy directions necessarily but clear.  Matthew 5:43-48 [KJV] says this: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

I am taking a stand, I am taking a stand and making a choice to fall to my knees. The only hope for America, for any political party, for any candidate is the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The very best thing that could happen is for the hearts of those who lead, or will lead, our country to bow their knee and accept the salvation offered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Who said it can’t happen? With God nothing is impossible! I am making a choice not to be a negative-minded, hopeless, hater of people but rather a positive-minded, hopeful, lover of people; a citizen who prays for his country’s leadership and someone who truly desires the fires of revival to burn brightly in our nation’s capital and the capitals of every state, county and parish in America.

Is America too far gone? Until there is no more America the answer is no! Let us share the love and the hope we have in Christ and ask Him to lead and guide. Let us be faithful to pray for those with whom we disagree, for those whom our flesh desires to hate or fear. Let’s put our conscious efforts into something that will actually do some good! Pray for our leaders, lead out in loving one another, share the message of the gospel! 

Many of those who followed Jesus during His earthly ministry, including many of His chosen 12 were political zealots. It was the misunderstood mission of Christ to change the hearts of men rather than the heads of state that turned the cries of ‘Hosanna” to the cries of “Crucify”.  As much as I love America and as much as I am proud to be an American, my true desire is driven by my citizenship in heaven and by the One who will still be on the throne when the things we know now are all cast down and there is a new heaven and a new earth. What’s the best thing we can do today? Trust Jesus, follow Him and pray!

II Chronicles 7:14 [KJV], “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Because He Lives,

Jeff Hulsizer