Shepastor: “Are We Perishing from a Lack of Knowledge?”

6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6, KJV

As leaders in the faith community, we are held to a higher law – that of teaching, preaching and leading people to know and love the Lord and to trust and follow His Word. We also have the very important responsibility of serving as community leaders – exemplifying and teaching what it means to “do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.”

Like no other time in recent history, the covers are being pulled back on the health, economic and educational disparities between the majority culture and minorities in America. False information is leading some to believe that minorities and younger individuals cannot be infected by the Corona virus. According to a recent news report, African Americans comprise approximately 13.4% of the U.S. population, yet they account for approximately 60% of deaths related to COVID-19 (Read more at "Black communities account for disproportionate number of Covid-19 deaths in the US, study finds")

Many, believing and hoping that somehow COVID-19 will just disappear and we can return to life “as usual,” are ignoring the realities of science and the cautions of the medical community. It is incumbent upon us as faith/community leaders to help people to understand the elusive, dangerous and deadly nature of this disease. Without inciting fear, but instead by faith, we must encourage our congregants and others to listen to the facts, follow the guidance of our health professionals and avoid engaging in activities that unnecessarily expose themselves and others to the virus.

We also have the responsibility to challenge “the powers that be” to do all that they can to increase testing, pursue a viable vaccine and support local governments financially, enabling them to issue the necessary finances to individuals, families, small business leaders, etc., so that people can survive.
May we arm ourselves with the necessary knowledge to address all of the above. May we do what we can to help support one another…call others, send cards, make donations, offer to help someone who cannot help themselves, practice social distancing, wear gloves and masks. Walk in wisdom!

Refuse to perish for a lack of knowledge!

In faith, hope and perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org

Shepastor: “Be Counted…”

Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: 2 “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names… Numbers 1: 1-2, NIV


The concept of a Census is not new. It helps governments to know how many people are living in the country and how resources should be allotted based upon states, districts and communities. The Census is only taken once a decade. The 2020 Census has now been underway for a couple of months. Have you completed your 2020 Census?

Funding for our schools, community centers, safety net programs etc., as well as congressional seats and the drawing of district lines are at stake! In 2010 Ohio lost OVER $139 MILLION for our communities due to low numbers received during the Census. What about your state? Let’s not repeat that in 2020!

It is easy, safe and imperative that we respond! Here’s how:

Online: go to www.my2020census.gov
By phone: Dial 844-330-2020
By US mail: Complete the forms and mail in

If you don’t have your personal code, it’s ok. You can still complete the forms!!!

Please help us in this critical endeavor. Complete your 2020 Census, turn it in and share this information with others! BE COUNTED!!!

In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org

Shepastor: “Lessons We Must Learn from this COVID-19 Season…”

1 Chronicles 12:32 New English Translation (NET Bible)
32 From Issachar there were 200 leaders and all their relatives at their command—they understood the times and knew what Israel should do.

“Stay at home…social distancing…wear masks and gloves…” These all are admonitions given by world health authorities and government leaders to try and flatten the pandemic curve and to save lives. These important physiological health instructions are critical for the well-being of all. However, these guidelines do not address the “sickness” that for too long has infected the moral compass of society.

The scripture reference for today highlights an obscure commentary on members from the tribe of Issachar. It suggests that the leaders and their families “understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” One has to wonder, are we as discerning? If we would be like the wise “Issacharian” leaders, we too must learn some lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and by doing so, gain an understanding of what we must do. Let’s consider the following…

We must learn to work together to get through this… A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. As much as possible we must honor the guidelines given for us to stay safe and alive. People of faith should lead the way as examples. Defying common sense health measures will not bring glory to God. On the contrary, it will bring shame upon the people of God if pride and ignorance govern our response to this pandemic.

We must learn to share more than ever… We must do more to help one another... It is becoming blatantly evident that “trickle down economics” will not work. While we wait for reasonable, strategic and “fact-driven” plans to “re-open our country,” we must re-think how our economy works. Our nation must do everything it can to provide assistance to those who, by no fault of their own are without work. We must all do that we can to share what we have with one another.

Cooking extra meals, making monetary donations, paying for someone’s groceries, making masks and gowns, offering free services when able for example. Utility companies should agree to continue to provide water, heat and lights while customers are without an income. Mortgage companies and banks should hold off on evictions for nonpayment of rent/mortgages. America is a wealthy country. It is time to share that wealth to care for the hard-working people who keep this country running and are devastated by current circumstances.

We must learn from our mistakes and re-consider our ways… Hateful rhetoric, divisive attitudes and behaviors, greed, slander, overlooking the needs of the poor, taking advantage of the ill-informed, voter suppression, oppressing and disenfranchising minorities, perpetuating systems designed to keep generational cycles of poverty…all of these sins must be addressed. Idolatry, sexual immorality, irreverent behaviors, pride and arrogance, racism, bigotry, sexism, “otherism”…ALL OF THESE THINGS have positioned us for unnecessary pain, devastation, loss and ultimately, destruction.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

May we SOON learn and live these lessons. May we be wise, discern the signs of the times and by so doing, “know what to do.”

In faith, hope and perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org

Shepastor: “The Deadliest Week…”

And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. Matthew 26: 1-14, KJV

We have been cautioned by health professionals that the week of April 6th – 11th 2020 may be the “deadliest week” so far in the United States. This ominous designation is directly related to the number of anticipated deaths our nation will endure because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Governors and health professionals are urging people to stay home as much as possible, particularly this week when the pandemic is thought to be at its height.

To date, over 10,000 lives in America have been snuffed out due to COVID-19. The “Death Angel” is sweeping across the land. For the Christian community, we remember this week as Holy Week…another “deadly week” that will “forever live in infamy.” For it is during this week that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ conquered Death, Hell and the Grave! At the beginning of the week Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, palms waving and adoring crowds shouting “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” By the end of the week he was struggling to carry a heavy, splintered cross, on his whipped, bloody, flesh torn back down the Via Dolorosa… crowds jeering and chanting, “Crucify him!”

Betrayal, denial, abandonment and separation…cruel mocking, inhumane beatings, excruciating, unimaginable suffering, condemnation as a criminal, death on a cross. These are the markers that were placed down during this deadly week for our Lord. Jesus endured all of this for us…for our salvation…for our redemption…for our restoration…for our healing…for our deliverance…for our peace…for our victory!

Friday, we mourn, but Sunday is coming! Do this week, in remembrance of Him!

In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org

Shepastor: "Don't Be a Fool!"

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1a, ESV)

Today is April 1st, a day known as “April Fools Day.” It’s a day when people play silly pranks, tell jokes and overall, seek to have fun at another person’s expense. In a sense, both the joker and the one on whom the joke has been played may be considered, “fools” in the spirit of fun. But in a very serious sense, being a fool is no laughing matter.

A fool may be described as someone who is “a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense,” (Dictionary.com). The Bible, however, states that a fool is anyone who says “There is no God.” The Scriptures teach us many important lessons about fools…

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15 (ESV)

Like a dog that returns to his vomit
is a fool who repeats his folly. Proverbs 26:11 (ESV)

Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,
but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. Proverbs 15:21 (ESV)

Fools are always right in their own eyes… We can avoid being foolish by seeking godly wisdom, accepting godly counsel and admitting when we are wrong.

Fools continue to repeat behaviors that bring about their own destruction… When we continue to repeat behaviors that we know are destructive and against God’s ways, we are acting like a fool. We must ask the Lord to help us and give us the mind and the will to break cycles of dysfunction.

Fools would rather enjoy “sin for a season” than to walk “straight ahead…” When we take “spiritual detours” and side step the “right path,” we will reap the painful consequences of momentary gratification. It is important to remember that each action yields a consequence.

The fool says, “There is no God…” It is foolish to believe that things in this life, in the world and in our lives “just happen.” It is foolish to believe that there is no accountability for our actions. God is sovereign. Whether humans acknowledge God or not, God’s omnipotence (all powerful) is not contingent upon humanity’s beliefs. The wise will humble themselves before the Lord, seek God’s wisdom and knowledge, turn from wicked and foolish ways and follow the path of righteousness. The wise will learn lessons from mistakes. The wise will keep walking “straight ahead.”

In this season and every season, may we honor the GREAT and awesome God. May we walk in wisdom, not leaning to our own understanding. May we seek the Lord’s mercy and favor. May we humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face and turn from wicked ways so that we may be healed.

Don’t be a fool!

In faith, hope and perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org

Shepastor: “When I Am Afraid…”

Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3, NIV

“Looking back across the landscape of my lifetime, I realize that something unexpected and larger than life seems to happen every once in a while, that acts as a corrective measure...” These are the words shared by Dr. Ken Druck in his article, “The 'One Planet, One People' coronavirus corrective.” In this article, Dr. Druck suggests that life has a way of reminding us about what really matters.

Right now, the world is facing a pandemic in the form of the Coronavirus. Many are gripped by fear. Many are hoarding hand sanitizer, toilet paper and water, depriving others of what is needed to try and stay healthy. Churches are struggling with real decisions regarding meeting the needs of their congregation, pastoral care and finances. Some are in a panic.

However, as the people of God, we must remember that “we are not as those who have no hope.” Even in the midst of this modern-day plague, God is still in control. Even though many painful and sad things are happening including death, isolation, fear and struggle, several positive things are happening. We are being reminded of our humanity, our frailty, our need for compassion and our need for one another.

Community members are reaching out to one another…calling one another…going grocery shopping for the elderly, working together to ensure that school children, home due to the virus are getting meals. Teachers and administrators are working tirelessly to be sure that youth get their lessons. People all over the world are praying together in various ways. The government is looking at ways to provide financial relief to its struggling citizens.

Every now and then, God allows the “reset button” to get pushed. Times like these remind us of what really matters in life…relationships, compassion, love and the common good. COVID-19 is scary. But God remains in control. When you are afraid, trust in Him!
In faith, hope and perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org

Shepastor: “Fasting from Injustice”

Amos 5:21-24
21 I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.
22 Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.
23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.
24 But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

This was a time of great wealth, economic growth and national strength in Israel. The Northern and Southern Kingdoms (Israel and Judah) were working together, trading, building and forming political alliances. Because of their great wealth they were able to expand their boarders. Their buildings were made of the finest materials such as marble, ivory and gold.

It was easy for them to equate their wealth and prosperity with the favor of God. Their prophets were in the pockets of those with power and prestige. Therefore, all of their proclamations pronounced favor, grace and peace flowing from the throne of the Almighty.

But there was a problem in this man-made paradise. Contrary to what they believed, God was not pleased. There was a complete lack of social consciousness or concern. The wealthy were super wealthy, but the poor were super poor. The legal system was corrupt, the poor had no recourse, not even in the courts. The rich enjoyed every convenience possible while the poor were made to scrounge about and serve those in high positions – and God was not pleased.

There were no words of condemnation, confrontation or accountability – and God was not pleased. Therefore, God called for himself a prophet – a real prophet, a man of God who neither desired their approval or feared their reprisals. God chose Amos, who was neither a prophet or the son of a prophet but a herdsman, a shepherd, a country boy if you will – a farmer to stand boldly and proclaim what thus saith the Lord to a wicked and sinful people. Amos spoke in righteous anger, calling God’s people to look hard and long at what they had become.

We are currently in the season of the Christian Calendar called, “Lent.” For many, this is a season of fasting from sweets, delectable, goodies. The purpose is to sacrifice something that we enjoy in order to focus upon getting closer to the Lord. The practice is admirable. Its intent is beautiful. But could the Lord be concerned about more than us giving up the chocolate bunnies, cakes, pies, etc.? It’s easy to give up those things, but what does the Lord really want us to give up? What would truly be a “sacrifice?”

In Amos’ day, people were fasting, attending religious gatherings and even paying their tithes. But their hearts were far from the Lord. They were checking a proverbial box of religious behaviors. Today we must ask ourselves, “Are we any different?”

America is the wealthiest or at least one of the wealthiest nations on earth. Yet in our land of plenty, there are millions of people living in poverty, unable to meet their own basic needs. Poverty exists in every state across the country—in urban, suburban, and rural areas—and its reach crosses every barrier—age, race, gender, and family situation. Poverty can be situational (people experiencing a crisis such as illness, divorce, or unemployment), generational (families living in poverty for two or more generations), or relational (isolated people without a support network to turn to).

People in poverty experience not only a lack of income or material possessions, but a lack of such things as life choices, physical and
emotional security, stable relationships, social participation, and self-esteem. Poverty is teaching millions of Americans that they are not
valued, that failure is to be expected, and that hope is futile.

Our approach to poverty has to change. Meeting immediate needs are wonderful, but if we don’t challenge the systems that perpetuate poverty, our gifts are but band aids on devastating wounds that require major surgery. We must fast from more than candy and other sweets, we need to fast from injustice! Crazy wealth for some and crazy poverty for many is unjust. We ought to have righteous anger, righteous indignation that shakes us from our spiritual lethargy and asks the question, “What can we do, what can I do to help make a difference?”

As the Church, we need to begin to prayerfully ask God in 2020 what new things can we do to help bring about relief and support to our surrounding communities and the world. We need to ask ourselves the question, “Are we simply bringing before the Lord meaningless fasts, burnt offerings and sacrifices of tradition and that which does not require us to leave our comfort zones?” How can we come together with other churches to collaborate to meet some needs right in our back yard? God desires more than us meeting together on Sunday morning to sing and pray. The Lord wants to use us to help break some chains, open some blinded eyes, bring some relief, to show His love and compassion to a dying world…to “do justice!”

Let us prayerfully consider what we can do to help serve this present age. As we fast and pray during this Lenten season, may our fasting cleanse us from lethargic and selfish ways. May our fasting convict us of empty practices. May our fasting pull us towards actions that give God’s heart joy. May we fast from injustice!

In faith, hope and perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org