Losing Jesus

Do you remember a time when you lost a child at the supermarket or lost a friend while traveling together? If so, you know the feeling of fear and panic.  One of the readings this week from the liturgical calendar is in Luke 2:41-52 and it is one of the only accounts we have of Jesus as a child/teenager.  Please be encouraged by the following article - Losing Jesus.  If you have lost Jesus then it is time to seek him again and if you'll seek him then you'll find him - just like Mary and Joseph found him in the temple!

Losing Jesus by Brian Zahnd 

This story (Luke 2:41–52) is about losing Jesus. Mary had Jesus. She gave birth to Jesus. She nursed him and raised him. She knew him. Better than anyone. Then she lost him. After an agonizing three day search she found him…but he was different. Mary was forced to re-evaluate what she thought she knew about Jesus. Years later Mary would lose Jesus again. We lose Jesus.

We seek Jesus.
We find Jesus.
We rethink Jesus. 

Mary had lost Jesus. She couldn’t find him anywhere. Jesus had gone missing. He wasn’t among the friends and relatives who had traveled to Jerusalem for Passover and who were now returning home to Nazareth. Jesus had always been reliable and trustworthy, but now he was inexplicably absent. Concern gave way to panic as Mary and Joseph rushed back to Jerusalem to search for their missing twelve-year-old son.

For three days Mary and Joseph frantically searched Jerusalem. It must have been agony. On the third day they found Jesus in the Temple, sitting with the rabbis immersed in theological conversation. Mary’s anxiety turned to relief and then to irritation. “Why have you treated us this way? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” 

Our sympathies are naturally with Mary. After all, twelve-year-old boys aren’t supposed to disappear for three days without telling anyone. But this isn’t just any adolescent — this is the divine Word in boyhood. Jesus is unapologetic. He doesn’t offer an excuse. What he does say are the first recorded words of Christ:

“Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

Mary and Joseph didn’t understand what Jesus meant by this. It wouldn’t be the last time people failed to understand Jesus.

When Jesus began his ministry around the age of thirty, he left Nazareth and moved to Capernaum. But Jesus’ family didn’t understand what he was doing and wanted to force him to return home. Apparently they thought he was out of his mind (see Mark 3:21). When they found him in Capernaum, a message was brought to Jesus: “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who are my mother and brothers? Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” For the second time Mary had lost Jesus. After seeking and finding him, she had to again rethink what she thought she knew about him.

Mary would lose Jesus one more time. Again for three days in Jerusalem. She would lose him on Good Friday…and find him on Easter Sunday. After that Mary would have rethink Jesus in the ultimate sense.

Losing Jesus. Finding Jesus. Rethinking Jesus. This is how we make spiritual progress. This is the only way we make spiritual progress!

We think we’ve got Jesus figured out. We think we know the crowd where Jesus can be found. We think we know where we can always locate Jesus. Then one day…he’s not there! And we have to go searching for him. “Seek and you shall find.” But when we find Jesus after losing him, he’s…different. That’s when the rethinking (repenting) starts. It’s the only way we make spiritual progress.

I’ve had the experience of what feels like losing Jesus several times in my four decades of trying to follow Jesus. It’s distressing. But it’s also the way of progress. I became a Christ follower during the Jesus Movement. Those were glorious days, but the Jesus Movement wouldn’t last forever. For a long while I followed Jesus in the context of the Charismatic Renewal. It was wonderful. But renewal movements eventually run their course; and besides, the fullness of Jesus cannot be contained in any one movement. So in midlife I was forced to seek Jesus in a new way. After a desperate search I found Jesus in robust theology and the ancient practices of the church. I wasn’t expecting that. Just like Mary wasn’t expecting to find Jesus in the Temple. It was a joy to find Jesus in a new way, but I also had to rethink some things about how I understand Jesus and his church.

How did I become a sacramental, liturgical Christian? By losing Jesus and then finding him again…this time in the theology, sacraments, and prayers of the church. That’s my story. Others have a different story of losing and finding Jesus. Going from Jesus Movement to Charismatic Renewal to the Great Tradition is not necessarily a pattern (though a lot of us seem to have a similar story). What is a pattern is losing Jesus, finding Jesus, and then having to rethink Jesus.

What about those who never have the experience of feeling like they’ve lost Jesus? The Christian mystics would probably suggest they simply lack the spiritual sensitivity to notice Jesus’ absence. Because Jesus was in their crowd ten years ago, they assume Jesus is still there. But this is exactly what Mary and Joseph assumed. Jesus is faithful, but he’s not predictable. The Jesus of the Gospels is full of surprises. To assume that the way we once understood Jesus is the way we always understand Jesus is a prescription for spiritual stagnation.

We have Jesus.

This is the inescapable pattern for spiritual growth. In his book When God Interrupts: Finding New Life Through Unwanted Change, Craig Barnes says, “The deep fear behind every loss is that we have been abandoned by the God who should have saved us. The transforming moment in Christian conversion comes when we realize that even God has left us. We then discover it was not God, but our image of God that abandoned us. … Only then is change possible.” 

Losing Jesus.  This is how we grow. Without these difficult experiences, we simply stay the same, not even realizing that Jesus is no longer traveling in our company. But if we can have enough spiritual sensitivity to notice when we’ve lost Jesus, we can seek him anew, find him again, and in the process be transformed.

TO KNOW HIM BETTER!

Inspired from the book PRAYER by Timothy Keller

I have heard the prayer from Ephesians 1:15-19 many times including last week as we celebrated the beautiful life of Tracey Walling.  Since hearing this prayer read by Dolly Mills, I have meditated on this prayer again. At the heart of this prayer is the revelation of the greatness and importance of prayer.

It is remarkable to me that in all of Paul's writings (to my knowledge), his prayers for his friends and the churches contain no appeals for changes in their circumstances.  It is certain that they lived in the midst of many dangers and hardships.  They faced persecution, death, disease, oppression and separation from loved ones.  Yet in these prayers, I see not one petition for a better emperor, healing from disease or even bread for the next meal.  Paul doesn't pray for the goods we would usually have near the top of our lists of requests.

Does that mean it is wrong for us to pray for such things as bread, healing and protection?  Not at all. As Paul knew, Jesus himself invites us to ask for our "daily bread" and that God would "deliver us from evil."  In 1 Timothy 2, Paul directs readers to pray for peace and for the needs of the world.  In his own prayers, then, Paul is not giving us a universal model for prayer in the same way Jesus did.  Rather, in them I believe he reveals what he asked most frequently for his friends - what he believed was the most important thing God could give them.

What is that?  It is - TO KNOW HIM BETTER.  Is this what I pray for when I make petitions for my children, my family and my friends?  I must admit that I am challenged to begin praying for my children, my family and my friends in this way!  Paul explains in verse 17 - "I keep asking that....you may know him better." I believe that Paul sees this fuller knowledge of God as a more critical thing to receive than a change of circumstances.  More than good circumstances, Paul sees the importance of communion and fellowship with God!

If you are reading this to the end, know that my prayer for you is that regardless of whatever circumstances you are facing in your life right now - you will know God better!

Are you Blessed?

Modern Day Beatitudes! 

Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed are those who seek more authentic ways of being Church in the world today, they are my witnesses. 

Blessed are those who strive to live 'in communion' in their endeavors to build community, they are my people.

Blessed are those who struggle for justice within oppressive structures, they are my prophets in today's world.

Blessed are those who strive to live according to my Gospel rather than societal values, they are my heralds in this land.

Blessed are those whose hearts are bent on serving, rather than being served, they are my true servants. 

Blessed are those in whose hearts my law is written, they are my friends. 

Blessed are those who seek humility and act with integrity as the Church's mission is redefined and the call to partnership is heeded, they are my stewards.

Blessed are those whose ministry is of healing, prayer and reconciliation in a broken and fragile world, they are my peacemakers.

2015 Post Mission Trip Reflections

Each time we serve others, we meet Jesus; and when you have an encounter with Jesus, your life changes!

While I deeply missed seeing my dear brothers and sisters in Christ this summer in Costa Rica, my soul is deeply grateful for the life-changing work that has been accomplished through Mission DC, Mission Detroit and Honduras/Loma De Luz.  I am already anticipating how God will continue to cultivate the seeds planted in many hearts, including those who ventured on these trips with Middletown Christian Church.

While on these trips, I saw students and adults cross boundaries (step out of their comfort zone) to share life together and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I witnessed students and adults serving with great love. I witnessed the faith and sacrifice of people who are living out Matthew 6:33 - Seeking first the Kingdom of God! Missionaries like Carl at Rippling Hope & Iain/Liz McKenzie at Sanctuary House and Dr. McKenney/Rosanne at Hospital Loma De Luz taught me once again what it means to LIVE BY FAITH!

One of the greatest joys of leading mission trips is that I get to spend an entire week with students/adults living life and putting the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) into practice! I am deeply grateful!

I'm thankful that those at Middletown continue to say 'YES' and 'GO.' When our churches become spiritual spas in which we retreat from the world, our salt loses its saltiness, and we are no longer able to impact the culture! (The Hole in our Gospel) My prayer is that each person who ventures on an overnight mission trip will live their lives differently once they return home. And, they will live it in such a way that has an impact on culture that ultimately glorifies God in all things!

Highlights from Mission DC:

• Joining our Middle School Students/Adults as they served diligently to clean up/paint at Craig Springs Camp (Disciples of Christ Camp) 
• Joining students/adults in packing 12,000 pounds of food at the Capital Area Food Bank
• Learning about Gleaning and serving alongside students/adults as we "gleaned" through potatoes and lettuce for those who were hungry and homeless
• Providing assistance at City Blossoms in downtown DC
• Witnessing the flexibility of our group! Move the rocks, move the rocks again and move the rocks again!
• 4 Square!
• Super Ninja Time!
• Small Group Time/Prayer/Teenagers praying out loud for the first time!

Highlights from Mission Detroit

• Joining our students/adults as they were Ripples of Hope in inner City Detroit
• Can I say painting, painting, painting and more painting?
• Real Conversations that involved tears and hugs
• Neighborhood kids waiting for us at the church after a long day's work
• Small Group Time/Prayer/New Songs to Sing
• Carl!  Yes, Carl!
• Boarding up Houses! Clearing Lots! Using Power Tools!
• Motown and the Detroit Tigers!

Highlights from Honduras

• Just say "Yes" to God! TESTIFY!
• Witnessing the faith, perseverance and faithfulness of the missionaries at Loma De Luz
• Debrief at Rosie and Prayer Time on the Beach
• Tears, Reunions, Friendships and awkward hugs
• God's Beautiful Creation - Water, Earth and Sky
• Doctors in Denim/Doctor's Parking
• Kristen being stressed over the plants, tumulos, Jill's awesome playlist of muic
• Matt's excellent Spanish Speaking Skills
• Ocean time with Marvin and the children from the Children's Center
• Roseanne's great meal and the giant bug that flew into Jill's lap! Dr McKenney's Stories!
• Wally and Bill's Driving Skills, Raccoons, Pastalitos, Kids jumping out of trees
• The Impact being made at the Hospital, Children's Center and Bi-lingual School

and many more!

GRACIAS A DIOS!

Pentecost 2015

I had the privilege of preaching my first sermon on Pentecost this past Sunday.  Although I did not grow up in a faith tradition that followed the liturgical church calendar, I have come to greatly appreciate such celebrations.

As I was preparing for this message, I realized that I could do an entire sermon series on Pentecost.  However, I tried to communicate what I felt was timely for our church. There are two primary reasons I believe the church should celebrate Pentecost each year!

First, Pentecost reminds us that we are to be a WITNESS!  I believe that Pentecost is best understood in light of Acts 1:8 - You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.  The mission was clear and present.  It is clear and present for us in the 21st century as well.  As I dove deep into the scriptures, God revealed to me that to be a WITNESS in the context of Acts, has to do with being a martyr.  Whether in reference to a person who is a witness, the testimony by a witness, it all relates to martyrdom.  A witness dies. No wonder we need the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. We need the power to die. The same spirit that anointed Jesus to make him the Christ is the same Spirit that came like a mighty rushing wind at Pentecost.  And now, it is the same Spirit that empowers us to be witnesses - giving us the power to die.  Just ponder that for a moment.  Even though we are not being persecuted for our faith like our brothers and sisters in the middle east or in other parts of our world, we must consider what it would mean for us to die - to be a martyr.  Could we do it?  Would we do it?

The power to die also means dying to comfort as the Spirit challenges us to go beyond our comfort zones, denominationally, racially, economically, culturally and geographically.  The power causes one to die to the familiar and stretches us as wide and far as the ends of the earth.  Power is needed to cross boundaries because you will be foreign and what you encounter will be foreign.  It is the power to die to the self while living in the Spirit.  The power is discovered more deeply I feel when we enter into boundary-crossing mission!  That's why I love to venture on mission trips on a global scale because the Spirit empowers us as we rise above and transcend our human boundaries.  The Spirit (dynamite) will blow up our cultural cliques.  I've seen it and it's a great thing to behold! We have to die to ourselves to be a witness because faith has feet and requires a power that will lead us to places we might have never imagined going and we would surely never go without God!

The second reason we should celebrate Pentecost is because Pentecost affirms the multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-racial mission of the church!  The Mighty Wind, the Spirit, blows our way and inspires us not to stay together in the sameness and status-quo.  On the day of Pentecost we see God's great deeds of power proclaimed in many different languages.  Symbolically, this miracle reinforces that we are to be a community in which all people are drawn together to experience God's great love!  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female!  We are all one in Christ Jesus!  Pentecost challenges us to rethink our prejudices and our attitudes about those different from us.  The Spirit of God will help us do this!

The paradox of Pentecost is that the Holy Spirit comes as a Mighty Wind and the Holy Spirit is not always going to be nice and orderly! Are you ready for the Holy Spirit to shake things up for you?

Will you pray "Come, Holy Spirit, Come?"  If you are willing to say that pray - be prepared for how your life might be disturbed!

An Exhaustible Glory

I bleed blue and therefore I must admit that today I was a little disappointed in hearing the news that 7 players from #BBN announced that they will enter the NBA draft.  What’s wrong with chasing your dreams?  People do it everyday without attaining a college degree.  Well, there’s nothing wrong with chasing your dreams. Living out your passion (your dreams) brings a deep sense of peace and joy. I witness it all the time. I trust that each #BBN player planning to enter the draft is truly chasing their dream instead of someone else’s dream for them.

At the beginning of the season, my desire was that my family would enjoy our basketball team with great sportsmanship.  With every game on the Road to the Final Four, my family was hoping we would have the opportunity to attend a final four game and we did. For the past two years, we have had a great time as a family enjoying the final four at AT&T Stadium and Lucas Oil Stadium.  We love the game regardless of whether our team finishes as #1.    

We were made to admire glory.  It’s why I love driving through the beautiful mountains of Costa Rica. It’s why I love standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon. It’s why I love to hear the ocean waves crash onto the shore. It’s why I love to watch baby birds grow. It’s why I love to hike at Red River Gorge. We love to behold something glorious. This is why no one pays to watch church basketball but will spend thousands to behold the glory of Kentucky basketball.  But, earthly glory fades.  And the heights of glory will eventually run dry.  UK basketball is an exhaustible glory that will leave us wanting. Eventually, our idols fail us.  But, it’s our fault.  Even though I love college football and basketball, sports were never intended to fulfill our longings.  We have placed unfair expectations on a basketball game and we must choose more wisely! 

In Jesus Christ, we discover a glory that is inexhaustible!  We are to behold His Glory!  10,000 years from now, the story of Jesus - His Life, His Death, His Resurrection - will still amaze us! 

Although I walked out of Lucas Oil Stadium disappointed Saturday night, I’m thankful for the Glory of God that never disappoints. And, I'm thankful to worship the Word made flesh that remains undefeated.  

In the words of Marcus Lee - Don't Worry! :)

Seeds of Hope

Ken Wytsma has inspired this blog with the following excerpt from his book Pursuing Justice: A Call to Live and Die for Bigger Things.

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24 (NIV)

When we die to ourselves – when we give our lives away – God takes our lives and uses them to bring new life and restore creation and goodness. We are told what is required of us – to act justly; to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.  We are called, in the words of Wendell Berry, to practice resurrection.

In a broken world full of inequity and injustice – from human trafficking to racism to gender violence, and from gossip to consumerism to petty anger – can we really expect to find true life and happiness in obeying Him as we seek to give our lives away for others?

I think we can!  I think we must!

A Contented Spirit

In continuing to think about being in the "School of Contentment" as we go through the Satisfied Series at my church, I can't help but think of Pastor Chuck Swindoll and his thoughts on attitude. I have shared it many times with others and have taught it to my boys.

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important that the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do.  It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day.  We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes."

I have learned that contentment does not depend on having; it depends on our heart's wanting the right things!  I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have than to have things I am not able to appreciate.

Ken Wytsma tells us in his awesome book The Grand Paradox - "When tempted to compare yourself with those who have more; give yourself to those who have less."

And when I think of having a great attitude - I always think of my friend Steve Edwards!

You Belong!

Isn't it fun to belong?  Many of you know that I am a BAMA football fan as well as a Green Bay Packers fan.  If you follow football, then you know that both of my teams came very close to the "final game."  Sports brings people together - sports bring a sense of belonging! We all need a place to belong.

In Jeff Manion's book, Satisfied, he reminds us that the Apostle Paul reminds the church of Ephesus that they belong before reminding them how to behave. This is an important reminder for us to remember as parents too.  As a parent, it is my responsibility to teach my children how to behave but it is also my responsibility to teach them that they belong!

I took time to read through the first three chapters of Ephesians tonight and once again I am struck by the phrase "in christ."  This is our identity!  Our identity is found "in christ."  Our identity is not found in our possessions or in our accomplishments or in our significant other or even in our children.  Our identity is found "in Christ."  You are blessed "in Christ."  You have a purpose "in Christ." You have been included "in Christ."  You were created "in Christ."   "In Christ" you who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Jesus.

Take a moment and read Ephesians 1-3.  Note the times that Paul says to the church that they are "in Christ."

How is it that you can begin to understand your identity in Christ?   - through faith In Christ

Ephesians 3:12 "In Him and through faith In Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."

For these reasons, I praise you!

Today as we experienced our second week of the "Satisfied" series at church, I was encouraged by our Senior Minister to make a list of the things for which I am thankful.  This list could be hundreds of pages but I sat down and wrote the first 20 things that came to mind...

I am thankful for...

1.  Wally Brown (husband) who loves me unconditionally, who kisses me every morning before he leaves for work and who works hard to support me, Elliott and Max!

2.  Dianne Hurt (mom) for teaching me how to pray, for letting me follow God as a young person to places like Russia and for always encouraging me to follow God and to keep him at the center of my life and for finding a way to make sure I went to college!  

3.  My step-dad for treating me like his own child and for taking care of my mom.

4.  My dad - God’s faithfulness to me in the death of my father, Roy Fox. (James 1, Philippians 1:6) 

5.  Education and Teachers!  I will always remember my 3rd and 4th grade teachers who helped me through my dad's illness and death. This is a pic (with my brother) from my graduation from the University of Kentucky!

6.  J.W. Orange and Millie Orange (grand-parents) for teaching me a strong work ethic (on the farm) and that God and family are the most important things in life, for the home-made biscuits, for the canned green beans and for the front porch swing conversations.  

7.  Ruth Edna Fox (grand-mother) for teaching me to love people no matter the color of their skin and for her $10 dollar bills at Christmas, her popcorn balls at Halloween and her homemade quilts that I will cherish forever.

8.  In-Laws for supporting and loving our family in many ways. And, they keep our dog Remi for us! 

9.  Having the opportunity to be a MOM!  I love it!  Elliott Brown - who keeps things real and who takes school seriously and loves serving at church and in his community. Max Brown who inspires me with his prayers every night and who inspires me with his great work ethic and sportsmanship!

10.  The Churches that have played a huge part in my faith journey....Childhood Church, Concord Missionary Baptist Church, for teaching me about Jesus.  The first Church I served while working full time for Lexmark International, Inc. - David’s Fork Baptist Church and Bro. Mack Craddock for allowing me to serve as Youth Minister. Broadway Baptist Church & Dr. Chris Caldwell for encouraging me to be ordained & then ordaining me. St Matthews Baptist Church and Dr. Les Hollon for giving me my first opportunities to preach. Middletown Christian Church for encouraging me in my leadership.

11.  Childhood friendships that continue to be in existence.  I so enjoyed staying with a childhood friend, Tracey Lee Fletcher, while attending the Final Four in Texas to watch the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

12.  The Bible study, Experiencing God, because it truly changed the way I live out my faith in Jesus Christ.

13.  Friendships, Friendships, Friendships....with colleagues, with church family, with teenagers whom I have had the privilege of leading, with family, with friends from High school, with college friends, with Costa Rica Friends, with Honduras Friends...

14.  Experiencing and Learning on Mission Trips...Myrtle Beach, Daytona Beach, Hells Kitchen (NYC), Camden  New Jersey (Urban Promise), Gulf Coast (Katrina Relief), Mission Arlington, Hopi Reservation, Navajo Reservation, Appalachia, Sunset Gap, St. Louis, Costa Rica, Honduras, Russia, San Antonio

15.  Basic Needs such as food, clothing, shelter and warmth in the cold

16.  Technology - We are able to stay in touch with family and friends from around the world

17.  Javanon and Coach Thuto - Max loves soccer!

18.  Dave Seely, Michael Swartzentruber, Miriam Georg and Tammy Bradley  - for the ways they love and teach Elliott and Max

19.  Opportunity to be a Mom Taxi - My car that gets us around to where we need to go :)

20.  Vacations that have allowed our family the space to have fun together and grow in love together!

Consumption & Gratitude

This past week, our church began a 6 week series that focuses on how we can live a Satisfied life.   We were challenged with the truth that consumption does not equal contentment.  We were asked to count our shoes and our shirts.  Yes, I have over 40 pairs of shoes.  And, I have 24 pairs of high heels.  Then we were challenged to give something valuable away.  As I engaged in this assignment, I found it difficult to figure out what I would want to give away and to whom. Do people really need my "stuff?" Well, maybe & maybe not.

I remember the first time I served as a missionary outside of St. Petersburg in Russia. I was nearing the end of my time there and I offered almost all of my clothing to a teenage girl that I had befriended.  With excitement, I gave her my clothes (thinking she needed them.)  She looked at me and shook her head "no."  She didn't want my clothes.  I felt very awkward and embarrassed.  You see, she had clothes but she just didn't have very many clothes - maybe 8 outfits.  Even though I thought she could use some more clothes, she knew she didn't need anymore clothes. I then remember her pointing to my backpack - my new LL Bean Cobalt Blue Backpack.  She wanted and needed my backpack. Honestly, I hesitated.  This was my new favorite backpack but it was what she needed.  How did I miss that? She had been carrying around items such as books and food all summer and had even used my backpack for her things.  I missed it because I wasn't sensitive to her needs.  I thought I knew what she needed and I was wrong.

Moscow, Russia - Red Square - Taken 1995

In reflecting on what God taught me while I served 10 weeks in Russia and in recalling God's word, I was drawn to Dueteronomy 24 where scripture teaches us about the rights of the widows, orphans and immigrants.  

17 Don’t obstruct the legal rights of an immigrant or orphan. Don’t take a widow’s coat as pledge for a loan. 18 Remember how you were a slave in Egypt but how the Lord your God saved you from that. That’s why I’m commanding you to do this thing.

19 Whenever you are reaping the harvest of your field and you leave some grain in the field, don’t go back and get it. Let it go to the immigrants, the orphans, and the widows so that the Lord your God blesses you in all that you do. 20 Similarly, when you beat the olives off your olive trees, don’t go back over them twice. Let the leftovers go to the immigrants, the orphans, and the widows. 21 Again, when you pick the grapes of your vineyard, don’t pick them over twice. Let the leftovers go to the immigrants, the orphans, and the widows. 22 Remember how you were a slave in Egypt. That’s why I am commanding you to do this thing.

Throughout Deuteronomy, there is a strong anticipation of the promised land, which was soon to be in the possession of the Israelites. The majority of Israelite families would be allotted a portion of the land and they would harvest the produce of the land, crops and fruit. But there would be some who would not be landowners and who could easily feel left out of the life of the community in that they did not share directly in the possession of the land promised and given by God. This instruction makes sure that resident immigrants, orphans, and widows, though not owning land for themselves, might nevertheless share in the fruit of the land. The manner of their participation in the fruit of the land would be such that they could maintain their honor and self-respect. They would not have to beg or seek a "hand-out"; they would go into the fields and orchards after the harvest, and like the farmer, they would work for their own small harvest, as they searched and gleaned for the grain and fruit that had been left there. And the farmers, who had allowed some produce to remain, were not simply being charitable to those less fortunate than themselves; they were expressing their gratitude to God, who had brought them out of the slavery in Egypt and given to them a land of their own.

You see, when we choose not to consume all that is at our fingertips (even if we can afford it), we are simply expressing gratitude to God for all that he has done for us.  I am very thankful for a frugal husband.  He definitely keeps my spending in check.  He has taught me through the years that when we don't consume the things we don't need, we are expressing our gratitude to God for all that he has given to us.  And in the spirit of gratitude, we are able to then provide honor & self-respect for the immigrant, the orphan and the widow. This is a difficult task.  Sometimes, people can use my clothes.  Other times, people simply need money or my time. And at other moments, people need to be able to afford a house and find a job. I am very grateful for a church that honors immigrants by partnering with Kentucky Refugee Ministries - that gives $43,000 dollars toward a bilingual school that will help orphans - that adopts children into a loving home and is generous to those widows who are in need. May God continue to give us discernment on how we can give honor and self-respect to the immigrant, the orphan and the widow.

I look forward to what this series has in store for our Church!  God is Good!