20 “Be strong and courageous,” David said to his son Solomon. “Get to work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, because the Lord God, my God, is with you. He’ll neither let you down nor leave you before all the work for the service of the Lord’s temple is done. Insert scripture text here
Reflection
I saw a review for a book about to be published on April 23rd and immediately placed my Kindle order. It is a terrific book, but 320 pages long, and with so many things going on in my life I am still not quite done. The book is written by Elizabeth Neumann, “Kingdom of Rage.” Goodreads does say the book is not an easy read being heavy, academic, and takes time to get through in a meaningful way which makes me feel slightly better about taking so long to finish it.
Neumann began her government career in the anti-terrorism branch of the Homeland Security Council in the wake of the September 11 attacks. As her career evolved she began to see that the greatest threat to American security came not from Afghan religious fundamentalists but radicalized religious fundamentalists in the very institution that was closest to her heart – the American Evangelical church. In February 2020 she testified before Congress but left government service shortly thereafter feeling that Congress had no will to act.
The book has extensive research including scripture and clearly shows her faith and Christian values. The book does not level hatred or diatribes against Christians, conservatives, or liberals, or those from other faiths. The author takes personal responsibility in reflecting and lamenting how she and others in the evangelical community have contributed to detracting from the major tenets of true faith in the Gospel.
Unlike many who have simply diagnosed problems such as vulnerability to conspiracies, radicalization, and political defensiveness within the Christian community and then stopped, Neumann closely examines the why and how to recognize these tendencies and then offers a series of practical solutions to return to unity by embracing the core message of the Gospel and living it out in the local community.
I find myself seeking, I think it is what she is trying to achieve, ways for us all to come back to peace, even in an increasingly polarized society, step-by-step, with the love of Jesus as the solution.
This past Sunday Pastor Joe spoke about grace as the way to move forward. Our scripture works well for me because, at its foundation, it is based on recognizing that with God all things are possible when we ask and listen. Those little steps that Joe spoke of will work if we believe.
It does take strength and courage to look at things that are wrong in our world and then develop ways to work well.
To wrap up, I have to say that I am always looking for ways that lead us to a better life and, in the looking, often find comfort and goodness in things that I never knew existed. If you have an extra couple of minutes please take a look at this link:
https://wellbeing.uiowa.edu/news/2024/09/embracing-grace-and-gratitude-our-university-community
This discussion by the University of Iowa, Mental Health group, is addressing the value of Grace and Gratitude.
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering and Prayer
Have you thought about Grace as extending kindness and understanding to ourselves and others, even when it’s difficult?
Does it help to think about this as more than just about ourselves? Those around us are human and thus imperfect as well. Who do you know that you would enjoy sharing grace with? Could that grace take the form of gratitude?
Prayer: Dear Lord, we ask for your forgiveness as a society, and individuals, for not knowing you better. In this tumultuous time we do not know if you will renew the church in America. But we do know that through the aid of your Spirit we can change one person, one relationship at a time by practicing kindness and love. Thank you so much Lord for your relationship with us and knowing that you do hear our prayers. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.