Peace

Peace: As I return to this advent theme every year, I find myself once again preaching to myself of the need to have my expectations re-oriented, my desires re-focused.

If you want to experience the peace of God, you must know the God of peace. And if you want to know the God of peace, you must embrace his only begotten Son.

Real peace isn’t found in material things, in sports, in a successful job or a secure neighborhood. It’s not found in food or exercise or travel or holiday cheer. It’s not even found in a loving family or a vibrant ministry. In the final analysis, peace is only found in the Prince of it.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Luke 2:14 (KJV) 

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

Advent Reflections

2023 Advent Reflections

HOPE | PEACE | JOY | LOVE

The word "advent" means arrival. This advent season, I invite you to reflect on the biblical meanings of hope, peace, joy and love to discover how these virtues have arrived in the world through Jesus. 

This week, let's explore the biblical meaning of hope. 

The Old Testament and Hope

The OT asserts that hope is rooted in God. His steadfast love, or covenant-love, never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, and his faithfulness is great.  See Lamentations 3:22-23

Lamentations 3:24 declares "The Lord is my portion....therefore I will hope in him."  Even in the midst of the misery and discouragement -which dominate Lamentation- there is room for hope. Hope comes when the author turns his attention from the destruction of the city and land to his God, reminding himself of his character. The words which introduce this great affirmation are instructive:  But this I call the mind, and therefore I have hope (verse 21). 

The source of hope is the character of God! His reliability and consistent character are alluded to under the metaphor of a rock. According to Psalm 62:5-6 the writer's hope is from God who alone is his rock, his salvation and his fortress. 

Knowing the character of God and his faithfulness to the covenant, and having experienced his saving power in an outstanding way at the exodus, the Israelites had solid grounds for basing their hope in him. 

The New Testament and Hope

In the NT the term "hope" is found mostly in the Pauline writings. With less frequency it occurs in Acts, Hebrews and 1 Peter. The NT basically repeats the truths found in the OT. Christ himself is the ground of hope. Hope does not spring from a person's mind; it is not snatched out of mid-air. It results from the promises  of God. It is grounded in God. 

Hope is also rooted in the resurrection. The resurrection of Christ is therefore a solid basis for hope.  To fall asleep in him is not to perish; death is not the end. That we shall one day be raised from the dead is certain, for our Lord has preceded us.  

As we come back to reflecting on Advent - we anticipate the arrival of Christ Jesus and we anticipate the second coming of Christ. 

REFLECTION TIME

1. How would you describe the Hope that you have in Christ? 

See Romans 12:12, Romans 15:4, 1 Timothy 4:10, Isaiah 40:31

2.  Who has demonstrated Christian Hope for you?  How? 

PRAY 

Heavenly Father, fill me with all joy and peace so that by the power of the Holy Spirit I may abound in hope! Help me to trust in your plan, even when I cannot see the way. In Jesus' name, Amen!

 

REFLECTIONS ON 20 YEARS OF MINISTRY

Wow, God! Thank you! October 2022 marked 20 years since my ordination into gospel ministry. Tomorrow, January 16, 2023 marks 5 years of ministry at Northeast Christian Church. As I've reflected on the past 5 years of ministry at Northeast, I've also recalled some of the things I've learned in 20 years and the things for which I'm most grateful. 

1. Ministry is about God. It's about who He is - all sufficient. It's about what He is doing - redeeming and restoring. 

2. Family comes before ministry in the church. I am thankful for the people who spoke this truth into my life early in ministry. More importantly, I'm forever grateful to my mom, my husband and my two sons for supporting me in my call to Gospel ministry. 

3. The Gospel is powerful enough to change lives. It's Good News! Programs and personalities don't change people's heart - the Gospel does. I've seen the Gospel free people from the bondage of sin and give hope to the hopeless.  

4. Give ministry away. Invite people to serve and lead. People often ask me, "What keeps you loving ministry?" It's the people who love, serve and give sacrificially. 

5.  I'm tremendously grateful for the grace people have shown me. I'm thankful for the notes of encouragement I've received through the years. These notes are a great reminder to encourage others.

6.  I do not live by bread alone. God's word is living and active. John 15, one of many Biblical passages, centers my heart and my mind - and I mean the whole chapter. 

7. The hymn "Just As I Am" can still reduce me to tears, along with many other hymns and worship songs.

8. There is no healthy ministry without mentoring. I am forever grateful for the leaders who took a chance on me at a young age and as a young female pastor. These mentors taught me what I know. Thank you Mack Craddock, Chris Caldwell, Les Hollon and David Emery. You believed in me and modeled the love of Christ. The best leaders give away influence and spotlight. I pray God uses me to mentor others. 

9.  The blessing of friendship is a true gift of God. I have learned through the years how I desperately need friends who love me for me and can speak truth into my life. Being myself is essential to healthy ministry. It's crucial that I don't compare and try to be someone else. 

10. Don't avoid conflict and criticism. Thank God for it. Learn to manage conflict. When dealt with in a healthy way, God is glorified.

11. Develop rhythms of rest, relaxation and exercise. Eat healthy and take days off. 

12. Cross-cultural friendships and experiences are life changing. True ministry is relational not transactional. 

13. Embrace the wonder and mystery of prayer in your everyday life. Ask, Seek, Knock!

14. Read, learn and innovate. Don't be afraid of failure. Ask hard questions. Always be thinking about what changes and improvements you can make. Create space and pathways to learn from others. 

15. Learn contentment. Live with intention. Find balance. 

16. Everyone has value and is made in the image of God. Invite people to the table. Love your neighbor.

17. Show hospitality. If you are able, invite people into your home for dinner - even if you aren't a great cook. I'm thankful my small group likes food from Costco! 

18. Listen to people. Sit with them in their grief and their pain. You don't have to offer solutions or even quote scripture. Just be there.

19. Confess your sin and you will be healed. Put guardrails on your life. Set boundaries.

20. The Lord is a strong tower. Run to it and you will be safe.  

and many more but these are just a few....

The Pastures We Call Grace

I haven't written on this blog in well over a year. Within the past year, Wally's mom went to glory on November 16, 2021, Elliott graduated from the University of Cincinnati in December 2021, Elliott and Isabella were married April 3, 2022, Isabella graduated from Northern Kentucky University May 2022 and Max graduated from Ballard High School May 2022. I can testify that in the heartache, we experienced the pastures we call grace. And, in the celebrations we give God the glory.

HIGHLANDS CHORUS

So I will praise You on the mountain
And I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way
You’re the summit where my feet are
So I will praise You in the valleys all the same
No less God within the shadows
No less faithful when the night leads me astray
You’re the heaven where my heart is
In the highlands and the heartache all the same

Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

 At Northeast, we desire for everyone to live the Love the 'Ville Lifestyle in their Church, Home, City and Workplace. Here's an excerpt from Love the 'Ville in the City!  

Day Three – In the City (pt. 1)

 

Start by praying this:

Gracious God, bring a hunger for change in our city that fuels me to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

 

Now read Jesus’ teaching slowly:

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:37-40 NIV

 

Scripture is clear. Jesus commands His followers to take care of the marginalized, oppressed, and “least of these.” He identifies with those in need and makes clear that as we serve them, we serve Him. In the Old Testament we see God’s concern for the vulnerable as well. God tells the people to not harvest all of their crops, so that there might be some leftover for those who could not afford food (Lev. 19:9-10 NIV). God does not desire showy and loud acts of repentance, but “to loose the bonds of injustice… to let the oppressed go free.. to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house” (Isa. 58:6-7 NIV).

As you consider how you may care for the poor and marginalized in our city, I’d like to walk you through Micah 6:8. This verse serves as an outline in my “Love the ‘Ville Playbook” to help me discern how I can best unleash the love of Jesus among the poor and marginalized.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8 NIV

 

What does Micah 6:8 reveal about God’s desire for you and I?

Micah 6:8 shows us what it looks like to turn faith into action. God gives me the gift of salvation by grace. This verse describes what it looks like to respond to God’s grace in worship and gratitude – do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. 

 

I believe the most difficult part of this verse to comprehend is “to do justice.” My understanding of justice continues to grow every day. Biblical references to the word “justice” mean “to make right.” Justice is, first and foremost, a relational term — people living in right relationship with God, one another, and the natural creation. One of my favorite definitions of justice is from the Lupton Center - “to create a world where all people have equal opportunity to fully develop the gifts that God has placed within them.”

 

According to Scripture, justice isn’t simply about giving just punishment to those who deserve it, it’s also about giving just treatment to those who have been denied it. We have a responsibility to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the prisoner.

 

 

What does “doing justice” look like for you and I?

Meeting immediate needs are important but doing justice is more than that, it is also developmental. This means that we go beyond meeting immediate needs and we help people help themselves. I don’t just give others a fish, but I teach them how to fish.

 

Doing justice means I create environments where people can know God and achieve their full potential. I must remember that the poor have enormous untapped potential. It’s my job to find it, be inspired by it, and build upon it.

This means I may have to disrupt unjust laws, systems, and societal structures. This means I may need to become an advocate. Justice may mean closing the achievement gap in our local schools, ensuring affordable housing, taking in a foster child, or employing someone coming out of prison.

 

Questions for reflection:

-          How does this definition of justice - “to make right” - challenge you to Love the ‘Ville differently?

-          How are you “doing justice?”

-          Do the ways you serve and the causes you support meet immediate needs only or do they also promote development?

-          Do you have any relationships with people who are marginalized, oppressed, or underprivileged? What are their names?

-          How are you allowing them to teach you and add value to your life?

-          How can you step outside your comfort zone to engage “doing justice?”

 

What does “loving mercy” look like for you and I?

God desires for us to “love mercy,” or, in some translations, kindness. This is the Hebrew word hesed, which can be used to refer to God’s loving kindness. God wants us to be in love with mercy—to have compassion for those in need.

 

What is “walking humbly with God” look like for you and I?

To “walk humbly with God” is the basis for the previous two – “loving mercy” and “doing justice.” Cultivating our walk with God is of utmost importance as it provides the power and passion for us to fully engage. The adverb “humbly” moves us away from arrogance. It reminds us that we are not the Savior of ourselves or others, Jesus is! It reminds us that we all experience poverty in some fashion. It reminds us that we all need God and each other to discover grace and unleash our potential.

 

Complete this activity to make sure you are intentionally Loving the ‘Ville in our city!

 

1.       Scripture commands us to do justice and love the least. What person, pressing need, cause, organization, demographic, or neighborhood do you sense God is calling you to serve? What breaks your heart? What gets you passionate? What makes you feel righteous anger that this should not be so? Make a list of these in the section of your playbook dedicated to “the City.”

2.       Write down what actions you are taking (or will take) to “do justice” in these areas you have listed. 

3.       Write down your financial commitment to our church or to justice efforts in this city. Think of a couple small and big ways you can tighten up your budget to be more generous with those in need.

4.       If you’re only just beginning this journey and unsure what to do next, contact our Outreach Team! We can help you find a partner or place to serve in the city. Go to lovetheVille.org. Give to our outreach efforts at necchurch.org/give. Or contact me and I would be glad to help – Tomara.Brown@necchurch.org.

5.       Do you struggle sometime with wanting to be the “Savior?” Can you ask God now to help you walk in humility?

 

Tomara Brown is the Local Outreach Pastor at Northeast. Reach out to her or any of our team if you have questions on your playbook – Tomara.Brown@necchurch.org! We’re here to help!

 

 

Seeking Shalom

Can't believe it's been almost a year since we gathered at Northeast with our friends to take the Seeking Shalom Study by the Lupton Center.  Here are some nuggets from the study that have stayed within my heart and mind. 

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The traditional charity models provide a lot of activities and services...people have fuller bellies and a warm place to sleep at night, which are really good, but that does not change the trajectory of anyone's life.  Our common charity models have provided comfort to poverty but have not come any closer to ending poverty.  Katie Delp, Executive Directory, FCS | Focused Community Strategies

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We must remember that we all experience poverty and that we are all broken. We all need Jesus. 

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In your love, be relational not transactional!

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Being Poor is being close to death.  So, it's hard to experience abundant life. 

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You can't thrive when you're just thinking about where your next meal is going to come from. 

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Poverty is complicated. It is not a symptom of one thing. Sushma Barakoti

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A Systems Understanding of Poverty
Includes: Sustainable Employment, Strong Support Network, Safe, Affordable Housing, Healthy Neighborhood, Mental and Physical Health Care

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Everyone needs a voice at the table. 

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The Gospel has gotten all tangled up with a sense of Western White Entitlement. Walter Bruggeman

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Hope does not need to silence the rumblings of crisis to be hope.

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Material Poverty in Scripture has much more to do with ACCESS than it has to do with THINGS.  A more accurate representation of material poverty would be to define it as the experience of being UNDER-CONNECTED rather than UNDER-RESOURCED.

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Individual Flourishing
Physical Health, Family Life, Mental Health, Vocation/Work-Life, Social Relationships, Spirituality

Community Flourishing
Education, Housing, Social Services, Safety and Security, Connections to Neighbors, Business/Commerce

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In development, the community is always the first investor - Bob Lupton

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Key Words:
Mutuality
Participatory
Holistic
Mind (and Heart)
Impact

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Determine the ASSETS of a community - Don't just identify the needs!

Disciple Out Racism

I just celebrated my 3 year anniversary as the Local Outreach Pastor at Northeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. The longer I serve in this role, the more my heart breaks for the things that I believe break the heart of God. More than ever, my heart is breaking over the oppression I have witnessed in our city. Please trust me when I say, "I have stories." We have a responsibility as believers in Jesus Christ to understand how cultural, socioeconomic, philosophical and historical realities call us to confront racism and injustice.  And in order to "understand," I'm continuing to learn, listen and advocate for change.  Therefore, I took a Preaching Masterclass on Discipling Out Racism and here are some of my favorite quotes.

Preaching Masterclass | Discipling Out Racism | Host:  Albert Tate | 2.8.2021

Favorite quotes:

God has more mercy than we have mess. Bryan Loritts 

You cannot change what you will not name. Jo Saxton

The church cannot be silent when people are dehumanized. Jo Saxton

 True reconciliation exposes the awful mess. Jo Saxton

 Pursuing racial justice doesn’t get us into the Kingdom but it demonstrates that the Kingdom has gotten into us. Bryan Loritts

We need to consistently do the work of smashing down the dividing wall of hostility. Bryan Loritts

Don’t be isolated from brokenness. Eric Mason

It’s division to ignore division. It’s not division to talk about existing division. Eric Mason

Do not ignore history! Eric Mason

Be about peace-making and not peace-keeping! Janette OK

We need to read history and not just commentaries. Charlie Dates

Don’t read the Bible under the lens of privilege. Charlie Dates

Single out those not benefiting and lift their voice. Charlie Dates

Don’t edit someone’s voice. Susie Gomez

We have to disturb the status quo.  David Swanson

Racism has built structures that impact quality of life:  exposure to violence, housing inequities, segregation, educational inequities, infant mortality, …. David Swanson

We have to call our people to conversation, demonstration, and innovation. Ricky Jenkins

Methods change. Keep moving.  Isaac Newton says items in motion stay in motion. Objects at rest tent to stay at rest. Ricky Jenkins

Proximity is key. We have to cross over. Danielle Strickland

Go on a journey to confront oppression. Danielle Strickland

Before Martin Luther Jr said the word DREAM, he spent 11 min confronting evil. Danielle Strickland

We have to be faithful in exile.  Mark Labbberton

Never be timid about sharing the story that Jesus Saves.  Eugene Cho

Reminder that Faith without Works is Dead! Eugene Cho

We have the responsibility to hold someone else’s pain – to bear their burden. Susie Gomez

We need a new wineskin and it will feel difficult to embrace. Latasha Morrison

CRT (Critical Race Theory) is super helpful in helping us understand the mess of racism.  CRT does not hold hope for the future. God holds the hope for the future. Matt Chandler

The level of our offendability often reveals the level of our maturity. Rich Villodes

Discipling out Racism is not transactional. Rich Villodes