Clever Free Methodist

I was reading a devotional article recently that challenged the old saying that “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” I must admit that I never have bought into this saying because it seemed to be steeped in arrogance that I can not only do it all myself, but somehow that God will step back and actually let me solve everything under my own wisdom and power. When it comes to life, I will quickly admit that I really don’t want to handle it. I confess that I not only need help, but would greatly appreciate and welcome all help that could be directed towards my cause. When life becomes challenging or difficult, I usually quote the all-too-familiar, 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Perhaps even a similar passage of Psalm 55:22 , “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Now, back to that devotional I was referencing earlier. The author challenged the mindset of “G...

When it comes to the Apostles’ Creed, there are some of us who have been challenged by some of the statements made in the Creed. When we came to those statements and read the words printed on the page, it created such a misunderstanding that we either stumbled through verbally or simply “skipped that part.” One, of course is the “I believe in…the holy catholic church.” Once we learn that it is not a direct reference to the Roman Catholic church, but that the word “catholic” (lowercase “c”) can be translated as the “Universal Church” (all Christians), we grow more accustomed to making the proclamation. However, there is another statement that rings loudly that has caused some discomfort. As a former United Methodist, there was a time in the Denomination’s history that the words were actually omitted. What part are we talking about? The belief that states Jesus Christ “descended to the dead” or in some translations “he descended into Hell.” The shortest way to summariz...

The current state of affairs around the world today is one of unprecedented rules, regulations and precautions. We are not only washing our hands, sanitizing and staying at home for weeks, but practicing the art of “social distancing.” What was once an absurd concept and not overly conceivable is now the norm of behaviors in our communities. However, despite the precautions needed to slow down the spread of the coronavirus and guidelines issued by various governing authorities, there are those vigilantes who continue to march by the beat of their own drum. Their actions are drawing unnecessary attention. In the realm of faith, there are those pastors who continue to open their church sanctuaries for regular services. Although the request has been to shelter in place, close services to large gatherings and not to meet in groups of more than ten, we still see those churches still gathering in large crowds on Sundays in defiance to not only rules set by governors, but the Pr...

We, as the Church Universal….the holy, catholic church, as we say in the Apostle’s Creed…has been offered one of her greatest opportunities. Unveiled before our eyes is the world-wide pandemic called COVID-19, the coronavirus. It has unleashed upon us levels of unprecedented mayhem, confusion, panic and fear across the world. Yes, there is cause for concern and precautions must be taken to mitigate the swirling eddy of information, truth, and fiction funneling around this virus. We must not lose our minds or our ability to reason. We keep our heads and live in a realm of common sense. 2 Timothy 4:5   "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." The last thing the Church needs to do is join in on the panic and stir up just as much fear. We must keep a sound heart and level head. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; i...

President Franklin D. Roosevelt said during his 1933 inaugural address,  “…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself!”  He went on to say that we should not fear unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts “to convert retreat into advance.” Yes, we now have a pandemic with the Coronavirus. We have cause for concern, but must we really live in fear? No, we don’t. We can have a healthy respect of fear. The basic emotion of fear can be good as it guides our “fight or flight” response to stay safe. Fear heightens our sense of awareness to get prepared and to remain vigilant. But, fear, if allowed, can be dangerous. The negative side to fear is when it holds us back from doing what is right which can lead to panic, clouded thinking, and mayhem. An unhealthy response to fear can cause unnecessary panic,    misleading posts on Facebook, dissemination of rumors as fact and on a grander scale could even lead to inciting riots, mass crowds overwhelming loc...

There are many powerful stories in the Bible that we would classify as those with a “happy ending.” That is, an ending where God saw individuals, groups or a nation of people through a peril, hardship, test or even eminent death. One such story, we remember from Daniel 3:16-30 , concerning the “fiery furnace” and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Another powerful event is the beloved story in Daniel, Chapter 6, about Daniel in the den of lions. Plus, who could forget the frightening adventure of Moses against the mighty Egyptian Army of Pharaoh, in Exodus, Chapter 14 , when their backs were up against the Red Sea? Yes, all these stories ended triumphantly with the saving presence and mighty hand of God granting them their victory and escape from death and danger. But, we know this after the fact. The point I am making is that all those involved had no idea what the outcome was going to be. They entered these situations with a sudden realization that they were probably go...

One of the oldest laws in the world is known as “lex talionis” or “equal retaliation.” Oddly enough, this law had a purpose which was to restrict unlimited revenge. This law is found three times in the Old Testament passages of Exodus 21:24 , Leviticus 24:20 , and Deuteronomy 19:21 . It was understood to be “and eye for an eye” or a “tooth for a tooth” by allowing the law, judges and courts to render the appropriate judgment, restitution and punishment. It was never intended for individual retaliation. So, if that is the case, then why did Jesus say in Matthew 5:39 , “But, I tell you, do not resist an evil person….” ? The Greek verb “resist” means “to set one’s self against, to oppose” or most closely means “take legal action against.” Did Jesus really say “don’t” resist? Did he literally mean that? What exactly is he saying here? At first, it sounds like Jesus is saying we should just stand there and get pummeled physically and mentally by all that these evil peop...