As I write this article 2008 is gone and 2009 is upon us. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are memories and many New Year’s resolutions have already been broken. So what’s so new about New Year’s you may ask? I’m so glad you asked that. I just happen to have a very Biblical answer.
The concept of new or newness is found throughout the Scriptures and in this concept we find great hope as well as great expectations. Perhaps the most important idea is found in Laminations 3:22-23 which says “Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not, They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” One very important thing is new every year, every month and every day, it is the LORD’s mercy. Our gracious God never runs out of mercy and grace toward you and I. The Hebrew word for mercy here is “hesed” and it means “loyal love”. Thus we know that God’s unfailing loving kindness to you and I is brand new 24/7 365 days of the year. That’s what’s new in the New Year.
A second concept of newness is found with reference to all who claim to know Jesus Christ as personal Savior. The Bible speaks of us as having a new birth (1 Peter 1:23) We are also told as new born babes to desire the pure milk of God’s Word. (1 Peter 2:2) This new birth experience has changed us dramatically. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says of us “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Thus we know that we are indeed new people, a new creation because of Christ. That’s what’s new in the New Year.
A third concept springs from our new life in Christ. We find in this new life new opportunities and new responsibilities. Paul in Romans put it like this “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4) In essence he is saying “because we died and rose with Christ we can live like Christ”. That’s the opportunity. The responsibility is found in Ephesians 4:22-24 where the apostle says “That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness”. We must and can choose to put off the old man, the old garments of sinfulness which are no longer in style for the believer and we must put on the new man, the new stylish clothes befitting a Christian. Thus we have a new lifestyle. That’s what’s new in the New Year.
A fourth concept that is worthy of our consideration is with reference to the body of Christ, God’s Church. In Ephesians 2:14-15 we read “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.” God’s newest institution is the church. In it, He has broken down the walls of racial division and made one brand spanking new man of which we are a part. Thus we are now part of God’s new community of people from every tribe, tongue and nation under the heavens. That’s what’s new in the New Year.
The foundation of the new birth, the new creation, the new lifestyle as well as the new community is our fifth and final concept. It is the New Covenant. This new covenant was promised in Jeremiah 31:31-33 and it is spoken of by the author of Hebrews as being a better covenant based on better promises (Hebrews 8:6) Jesus Christ is the Mediator of this covenant and He initiated it during the Last Supper when he took the Cup of Thanksgiving and said “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:28) In that same breath He promised us a future kingdom with Him saying “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” Thus we are reminded as often we eat the bread and drink the cup of the LORD’s death till He comes. May His return be what’s new in the New Year. Amen.
Maranatha, Even so come Lord Jesus,
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Reflections on Inauguration Day
“In the year King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting on the throne, high and lifted up and the train of His robe filled the temple”. These words, written by Isaiah, describe the transitional nature of political leaders, governments and even nations. It also describes for us the permanence of God’s rule in the universe. He is always completely in control. In our nation we believe that we elect our leaders but, in actual fact, our Sovereign God selects them. Daniel proclaims, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise; And knowledge to those who have understanding.” This truth should give us assurance and strength. God, for His purposes, gives us our leaders.
A closer look at the words of Isaiah from a New Testament perspective reveals an even greater truth. In John 12:41 we see that the One Isaiah is speaking about is none other than Jesus Christ. Jesus is Lord and always has been and always will be. He is Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth. He is Lord of you and He is Lord of me. He is Lord over all the leaders of all the nations great and small.
On April 30, 1789 after the revolutionary war right here in New York City, George Washington took the oath of office to become our very first President. As he did so, Jesus was Lord. On March 4, 1797 when John Adams took the oath to become our second President, Jesus was Lord. On March 4th, 1861 when the country was about to be torn apart by the issue of slavery, Abraham Lincoln was sworn in as our 16th President, and Jesus was Lord. On March 4, 1933 while the country was in a deep depression and Germany was beginning it’s rise to world power, Franklin Roosevelt took the oath to become our 32nd President and as he did so, Jesus was Lord. On January 20, 1981 as the Soviet Communist Empire was expanding in the world and Nuclear War was a real possibly, Ronald Reagan became our 40th President, and on that day too, Jesus was Lord.
I hope you see the trend. Things may change on earth but they remain the same in heaven. Thus, our hope is never in earthly kings or leaders but in the heavenly King of the universe. Thus we pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We pray for our leaders and for all those in authority (1 Tim. 2:1-2) because we know that the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord and that like rivers of water He turns it however He wills. (Proverbs 21:1). We give our leaders their due honor, for that is what we are commanded to do. (1 Peter 2:17) However, our total obedience and absolute allegiance goes only to the One who saved us with His precious blood, our Savior, Jesus Christ, for He is Lord.
Today, as always and as always will be, God is on His throne. Therefore you and I can, and should, say “On January 20, 2009, in the year Barak Obama was sworn in as our 44th President, I saw the Lord, high and lifted up and His train filled the temple.”
And yes, Jesus is still Lord.
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
A closer look at the words of Isaiah from a New Testament perspective reveals an even greater truth. In John 12:41 we see that the One Isaiah is speaking about is none other than Jesus Christ. Jesus is Lord and always has been and always will be. He is Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth. He is Lord of you and He is Lord of me. He is Lord over all the leaders of all the nations great and small.
On April 30, 1789 after the revolutionary war right here in New York City, George Washington took the oath of office to become our very first President. As he did so, Jesus was Lord. On March 4, 1797 when John Adams took the oath to become our second President, Jesus was Lord. On March 4th, 1861 when the country was about to be torn apart by the issue of slavery, Abraham Lincoln was sworn in as our 16th President, and Jesus was Lord. On March 4, 1933 while the country was in a deep depression and Germany was beginning it’s rise to world power, Franklin Roosevelt took the oath to become our 32nd President and as he did so, Jesus was Lord. On January 20, 1981 as the Soviet Communist Empire was expanding in the world and Nuclear War was a real possibly, Ronald Reagan became our 40th President, and on that day too, Jesus was Lord.
I hope you see the trend. Things may change on earth but they remain the same in heaven. Thus, our hope is never in earthly kings or leaders but in the heavenly King of the universe. Thus we pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We pray for our leaders and for all those in authority (1 Tim. 2:1-2) because we know that the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord and that like rivers of water He turns it however He wills. (Proverbs 21:1). We give our leaders their due honor, for that is what we are commanded to do. (1 Peter 2:17) However, our total obedience and absolute allegiance goes only to the One who saved us with His precious blood, our Savior, Jesus Christ, for He is Lord.
Today, as always and as always will be, God is on His throne. Therefore you and I can, and should, say “On January 20, 2009, in the year Barak Obama was sworn in as our 44th President, I saw the Lord, high and lifted up and His train filled the temple.”
And yes, Jesus is still Lord.
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Missing Christmas
The images of Christmas are quite vivid in most of our minds. You haveprobably heard about the boy who, when asked about the Christmas story, could only remember the three maggots who brought gold, frankincense and smurfs to the baby Jesus.
In addition to this distorted image of Christmas, there are many other ways that we view Christmas. Some see it as a time of giving and thus, shopping. Some think of family. Others are reminded of plays, candy, and presents.
It is, as one writer has said, ``harder and harder to see Christmas throughthe wrapping paper of our culture.''
In 1989, the actor Charles Durning made a film entitled, ``The Christmas That Almost Wasn't.'' The film portrays Santa as very unhappy. He is so bothered by the greed and selfishness of the world that he has threatened to cancel the holiday, thus causing everyone to miss Christmas. Sadly, almost everyone misses Christmas every year.
In addition to this distorted image of Christmas, there are many other ways that we view Christmas. Some see it as a time of giving and thus, shopping. Some think of family. Others are reminded of plays, candy, and presents.
It is, as one writer has said, ``harder and harder to see Christmas throughthe wrapping paper of our culture.''
In 1989, the actor Charles Durning made a film entitled, ``The Christmas That Almost Wasn't.'' The film portrays Santa as very unhappy. He is so bothered by the greed and selfishness of the world that he has threatened to cancel the holiday, thus causing everyone to miss Christmas. Sadly, almost everyone misses Christmas every year.
How is it that we miss Christmas? We miss Christmas when we don't personally receive the gifts that the Lord Jesus Christ came to give us. Jesus came as a Savior to save us from our sins and to give us a new life, as well as eternal life. We miss Christmas when we don't receive his free gift of salvation.
We also miss Christmas when we fail to personally give the gift of ourselves to Jesus Christ in worship and thanksgiving. We almost always give gifts to those whom we love. Why, we should ask, do we forget our Lord.
The ``how'' of missing Christmas is simple but the ``why'' of missing Christmas is somewhat more complex. Let me suggest some reasons why we miss it that are taken right from the Biblical account of the very first Christmas.
Firstly, it is very possible to miss Christmas because we are preoccupied. Like the innkeeper who had no room in his inn for Joseph and the very pregnant Mary (Luke 2:7), we are not hostile or unsympathetic. We are just very busy. The shopping, the Christmas parties, the Christmas concerts, the wrapping of gifts, etc., make it so very easy for us to miss Christmas. It takes a real effort to focus on the real reason for the season.
Second, we can miss Christmas if we are perplexed about the Christ child. Just as those who heard the shepherds' first announcement of the Savior's birth (Luke 2:18). These individuals marveled at the good news, but did not personally go to check things out for themselves. They missed Christmas. Sadly, to most people, who Jesus really is and what he came to do is some what of a blur. Growing up in church I had a vague idea about the identity of the baby Jesus, but I understood very little of the implications of His coming to earth. I made very little effort to checkout His claims. Frankly, I was comfortable in my ignorance. The result was that for many years I missed Christmas.
We can also miss Christmas because of our own fears regarding Jesus Christ. I call it the phobia of Christmas. When Herod and the Jewish leaders were approached by the Magi from the East they were troubled (Matt. 2:1-3).The Magi sought a new born king. King Herod feared that new king might take away his title as king of the Jews. Jesus comes not only to us as a Savior, but as our King. We miss Christmas when we are afraid to give Christ full reign in our lives because of the changes that He most certainly would require.
Lastly, we can miss Christmas because of pride. The chief priests and scribes were experts in the law. They even quoted Micah 5:2 to Herod about the whereabouts of Christ's birth (Matt. 2:4-6). Yet they failed to seek out the Christ child. They were content in their religious tradition. They had a concept of a Messiah that they were comfortable with. Evidently, the Jesus that the Magi sought was not what they were looking for. We must never forget that it is not the religious traditions that make Christmas. It is Jesus. Let's be sure not to replace Him with ceremony.
In a few short days Christmas will come and go. Let’s not miss it. Let’s put aside our preoccupations with the presents and focus on the person of Christ. Let’s deal sincerely with the questions we have about Christ. Let’s search the Scriptures to find the answers. Let’s bow down before Him as King. Let’s humble ourselves in His presence.
Regretfully, this year many will once again miss Christmas. Don't be among this group. Jesus Christ extends an invitation for us to experience Him and His salvation all year `round.
Receive His free gift of salvation with its forgiveness of sin and
eternal life today and in turn, give to Him the gift of your heart.
Merry New York City Christmas,
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Reflections on the 2008 Election
In a couple of days Americans will go to the polls and pull a lever to elect a new President of the United States of America. We are truly a privileged people. Christians in centuries past had to put up with maniacal dictators who persecuted and martyred our forbears. Even today there are places in the world where believers are suppressed and oppressed. Because of our freedoms I hope you will avail yourself of the right to vote. Being a good Christian means being a good citizen, rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s, so go and vote on Tuesday, November 4th.
A sample of internet sites from and for believers will yield a multitude of reasons to vote for one candidate or another. Many times we are told to pray and seek the Lord’s leading as to who we should vote for. I do believe we should pray. However, I don’t think we should so much seek a leading as we should seek discernment. We need discernment to see through the media’s hoopla and the candidates’ smoke and mirrors. They are, after all, politicians. But there is more.
As Christians we have been given the infallible, life-changing, inspired Word of God. From these Scriptures we can discern, at best, which candidate we should vote for or, at worst, which candidate not to vote for. It seems to me that there are five timeless truths in Scripture that give us the guidance we need.
These truths are:
Principle #1 - A commitment to a pro-life position – All life is sacred because we are all made equally in the image of God (Genesis 1:27-28). The life of the innocent unborn is indeed precious. The Scriptures teach us that God supervises our creation in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16) and that He has a purpose for us from before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). In Amos 1:13, God promised to judge the Ammonites for their mistreatment of the unborn. God is clearly on the side of the unborn, so the person we vote for should be fully of that persuasion as well, both in their personal and political convictions.
Principle #2 - A commitment to a pro-traditional family position – From the time of Creation, God has defined marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman; Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve or Eve and Elaine (Genesis 2:22-25). Same sex marriage and or polygamous marriages are outside of God’s design. A society cannot survive without strong traditional families. Every effort should be made to hold this Biblical model up as the standard. What’s more, any perversion of God’s original design for the family is both dangerous and destructive to a society. The person we pull the lever for should share God’s view of marriage and the family.
Principle #3 - A commitment to a pro-Israel position – God promised Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you. And I will curse him who curses you.” This Abrahamic Covenant is unconditional and carries through to today. It behooves our nation then to bless Israel, to support her. This is a Biblical conviction we should embrace and hold to. It doesn’t mean we don’t confront Israel’s evils and faults. Israel doesn’t get a free pass to do whatever it pleases. However, it is clear that the Jewish nation is still the apple of God’s eye and we and the person we vote for should see them that way.
Principle #4 - A commitment to a pro-Judeo/Christian values position – Proverbs 14:34 tells us that “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people”. The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount reflect what the Lord means by righteousness. Psalm 94:20 asks, “Shall the throne of iniquity which devises evil by law, have fellowship with You?” The Lord says He will have no part with the kingdom/nation that legislates evil behavior. As Christians, we should support those who share our values. We live in a pluralistic country, but we are under no obligation to vote for those who don’t share our Judeo/Christian values. These values are a major foundation for the goodness of our land.
Principle #5 - A commitment to a pro-compassion position -- Psalm 9:17-18 tells us, “The wicked shall be turned into hell and all nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten, the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.” It is clear that God cares about the poor and needy. The Church should have that same concern and so should those we vote for. Turning our back on those who are genuinely in need can result in God turning His back on us as a nation.
I encourage you to use these five simple principles to determine which candidate would best reflect our Christian values. As believers in Jesus Christ we are told to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”. Thus, we don’t vote a political party but our Savior’s priorities. We cannot vote our color, but His creed. We don’t vote our ethnicity but His ethics. We don’t merely vote for “A Change we can believe in”, we vote according to “God’s Word that we can count on.” We don’t vote “Country First”, we vote “Christ’s Kingdom First.” We don’t even vote according to our pocketbook, but rather, we must vote according to His principles. And in the end, our prayer is not for what we want but what He Wills.
If you aren’t sure where a candidate stands, Google that candidate and the principles above. This time around, let’s be sure we search the Scriptures, search the internet, search our hearts and on Tuesday, search out our polling place.
As a citizen of the United States of America I am grateful for the privilege of voting to elect a president and other public officials. As a citizen of heaven I am grateful for the knowledge that the Lord ultimately selects our leaders. Daniel 2:20 tells us that the Lord “changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings”. First, foremost and always though, you and I are committed to follow one person, our Lord, Jesus Christ. He is our only real Hope both now and eternally.
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
A sample of internet sites from and for believers will yield a multitude of reasons to vote for one candidate or another. Many times we are told to pray and seek the Lord’s leading as to who we should vote for. I do believe we should pray. However, I don’t think we should so much seek a leading as we should seek discernment. We need discernment to see through the media’s hoopla and the candidates’ smoke and mirrors. They are, after all, politicians. But there is more.
As Christians we have been given the infallible, life-changing, inspired Word of God. From these Scriptures we can discern, at best, which candidate we should vote for or, at worst, which candidate not to vote for. It seems to me that there are five timeless truths in Scripture that give us the guidance we need.
These truths are:
Principle #1 - A commitment to a pro-life position – All life is sacred because we are all made equally in the image of God (Genesis 1:27-28). The life of the innocent unborn is indeed precious. The Scriptures teach us that God supervises our creation in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16) and that He has a purpose for us from before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). In Amos 1:13, God promised to judge the Ammonites for their mistreatment of the unborn. God is clearly on the side of the unborn, so the person we vote for should be fully of that persuasion as well, both in their personal and political convictions.
Principle #2 - A commitment to a pro-traditional family position – From the time of Creation, God has defined marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman; Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve or Eve and Elaine (Genesis 2:22-25). Same sex marriage and or polygamous marriages are outside of God’s design. A society cannot survive without strong traditional families. Every effort should be made to hold this Biblical model up as the standard. What’s more, any perversion of God’s original design for the family is both dangerous and destructive to a society. The person we pull the lever for should share God’s view of marriage and the family.
Principle #3 - A commitment to a pro-Israel position – God promised Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you. And I will curse him who curses you.” This Abrahamic Covenant is unconditional and carries through to today. It behooves our nation then to bless Israel, to support her. This is a Biblical conviction we should embrace and hold to. It doesn’t mean we don’t confront Israel’s evils and faults. Israel doesn’t get a free pass to do whatever it pleases. However, it is clear that the Jewish nation is still the apple of God’s eye and we and the person we vote for should see them that way.
Principle #4 - A commitment to a pro-Judeo/Christian values position – Proverbs 14:34 tells us that “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people”. The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount reflect what the Lord means by righteousness. Psalm 94:20 asks, “Shall the throne of iniquity which devises evil by law, have fellowship with You?” The Lord says He will have no part with the kingdom/nation that legislates evil behavior. As Christians, we should support those who share our values. We live in a pluralistic country, but we are under no obligation to vote for those who don’t share our Judeo/Christian values. These values are a major foundation for the goodness of our land.
Principle #5 - A commitment to a pro-compassion position -- Psalm 9:17-18 tells us, “The wicked shall be turned into hell and all nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten, the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.” It is clear that God cares about the poor and needy. The Church should have that same concern and so should those we vote for. Turning our back on those who are genuinely in need can result in God turning His back on us as a nation.
I encourage you to use these five simple principles to determine which candidate would best reflect our Christian values. As believers in Jesus Christ we are told to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”. Thus, we don’t vote a political party but our Savior’s priorities. We cannot vote our color, but His creed. We don’t vote our ethnicity but His ethics. We don’t merely vote for “A Change we can believe in”, we vote according to “God’s Word that we can count on.” We don’t vote “Country First”, we vote “Christ’s Kingdom First.” We don’t even vote according to our pocketbook, but rather, we must vote according to His principles. And in the end, our prayer is not for what we want but what He Wills.
If you aren’t sure where a candidate stands, Google that candidate and the principles above. This time around, let’s be sure we search the Scriptures, search the internet, search our hearts and on Tuesday, search out our polling place.
As a citizen of the United States of America I am grateful for the privilege of voting to elect a president and other public officials. As a citizen of heaven I am grateful for the knowledge that the Lord ultimately selects our leaders. Daniel 2:20 tells us that the Lord “changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings”. First, foremost and always though, you and I are committed to follow one person, our Lord, Jesus Christ. He is our only real Hope both now and eternally.
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
Thursday, October 02, 2008
On the Money
We live in very confusing times. Political leaders are warning of a dire economic crisis. Elected representatives are stumped as to what to do. The Stock Market is up and down like a yo-yo. Credit is tight and sales of antacids are up. Gas prices are high and consumer confidence is low. Presidential candidates try to offer hope while the media seeks to instill fear. What’s a person to do in the midst of this craziness?As I have watched the news over the last week I have tried to navigate my way through all the reports and commentary. However, all of my efforts have just left me frustrated. Our political leaders do not seem to have any real definitive answers.
As I mull over the role our Christianity plays in daily life I move from frustration and fear to faith and peace. It seems to me that, as believers, there are at least five simple anchors that we can drop that will hold our lives steady when we find ourselves in tumultuous times or circumstances. Please allow me to share them with you.
Anchor # 1 - The Creator of the universe is not surprised by any of the present happenings in the Stock Market. This is true because God is omniscient, He knows everything. He knows the future completely even when it takes an unpredictable turn. The early church father Augustine wrote, “To confess that God exists, and at the same time to deny that He has foreknowledge of future things, is the most manifest folly.”
Anchor #2 - Our Heavenly Father is ultimately in control of the affairs of this world, even in the world financial situation. Speaking of Him in Daniel 2:21, the Scripture states, “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise, And knowledge to those who have understanding.” God is always in control. He is Sovereign. As our Father we can be sure He has our best interests in mind. The One who holds the future holds us in the palm of His hand.
Anchor #3 - God should be praised no matter what happens around us, even in a fiscal crisis. The Biblical character Job is legendary for suffering. His example is one we should aspire to follow. Having lost everything he says, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.(Job 1:21)” We should seek to praise God not so much for what He gives us as for who he is.
Anchor #4 - The Lord Himself has us given timeless truths in His Word that are relevant even in challenging economic times. Biblical principles and promises are something we can take to the bank (figuratively speaking). The borrower will be a server to the lender (Proverbs. 22:7). We do reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). If I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all these things (the meeting of my needs) will be added unto me (Matthew 6:33). In His Word I can hope unashamedly.
Anchor #5 - The Solid Rock of our salvation is the only safe place to put our trust when things on Wall Street affect us on Main Street. .The Psalmist, King David, tells us, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2) Later on he will say “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2) Thus, we can say, ”God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
These five anchors can be summed up in one simple phrase. “In God We Trust”. In times of financial crisis or economic uncertainty we do well to follow this command. It is more than a cliché. It is way of life and it is “right on the money”, literally.
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
Thursday, September 11, 2008
September 11, 2008
This morning around 5:30 A.M. the alarm on my PDA sounded. When I got up to shut it off I got a chill in my bones as I read to myself the date. September 11th.
I really don’t know how and I really don’t know why but I am and it seems I will always be affected by those two words. September 11th.
I just came from the Firehouse where almost everyone in Engine 158 was gathered. Some of the retired guys had even come back. We had breakfast, we laughed, we joked. But at 8:46 we stood in front of the house and were silent and somber as we remembered the 343 members of their department who had died on September 11th
I don’t understand how much of the country goes about their business today. I don’t understand how business can be as usual. How can you go to class, how can you buy a new pair of pants or a DVD? How can you have a party? I guess everyone copes with things there on way. But I just want to shout “Don’t you know it’s September 11th. “
Like masochists who need the pain I think we must grieve. We must remember the horror of the 2968 who lost their lives in New York, in Washington and in a field in Pennsylvania. We must hear the strained voices as their family members read the names of the loved ones they’ve lost. We must see their tears. We must cry with them. Not to do so would be sacrilege. It’s September 11th.
This is a day like none other. I guess it’s our generation’s and our kid’s generation’s Pearl Harbor. But I really don’t know. It seems so odd. Our elected officials treat it like a holiday and I really think it should be. It could be called “The Day Things Changed Forever, September 11th.”
On this day those of us in this in this city want to be close to our families. We want to hug each other, eat together, and catch up with each other. We miss those who aren’t with us. We ask in advance “what are you doing on 9-11”. We seek religious experiences, that is we watch the coverage of ground zero or we attend a ceremony, go to a firehouse or write. We sing or listen to our 9-11 hymns; Amazing Grace and God Bless America. We hear the 9-11 bells ringing, those sharp pings marking the striking and then falling of the towers and the crashing into the Pentagon. Then we watch the tree lighting; those two overwhelming spotlights from Ground Zero at dusk, piercing the sky where once those two beautiful towers touched the heavens. It has all the hall marks of a holiday. We just will never be able to say “Happy September 11th. “
I know there is much to be thankful for today. Things could have been much worse. We’ve not been attacked in 2557 days, we‘ve made improvements in security. So much good has come out this unthinkable evil. But there are still boys and girls who don’t remember or never met their dads. There are 8 year olds who want their missing mommies when they fall down, there are grown men who were robbed of a lifetime with their sons, grown women who will never help their daughters prepare for her special day, middle age husbands and wives who will never celebrate a 25th wedding anniversary. It seems so unfair, so wrong. One day, a few moments, marred these lives forever just seven years ago on September 11th
We make memorials, lay wreaths and try to make sense of it all. Sometimes life doesn’t make sense. I wish for our nation, for myself and for my city for more than moment of silence. I think in light of this extremely loud and incredibly close event we should have a yearly national day of silence. Perhaps if there was a sacred Sabbath, a day where we shut down, we could know in a life altering way, the presence of our God, comforting our souls and strengthening our hearts, showing us the way. Then we might be able to commemorate “The Day God Changed Us Forever, September 11th. “
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
I really don’t know how and I really don’t know why but I am and it seems I will always be affected by those two words. September 11th.
I just came from the Firehouse where almost everyone in Engine 158 was gathered. Some of the retired guys had even come back. We had breakfast, we laughed, we joked. But at 8:46 we stood in front of the house and were silent and somber as we remembered the 343 members of their department who had died on September 11th
I don’t understand how much of the country goes about their business today. I don’t understand how business can be as usual. How can you go to class, how can you buy a new pair of pants or a DVD? How can you have a party? I guess everyone copes with things there on way. But I just want to shout “Don’t you know it’s September 11th. “
Like masochists who need the pain I think we must grieve. We must remember the horror of the 2968 who lost their lives in New York, in Washington and in a field in Pennsylvania. We must hear the strained voices as their family members read the names of the loved ones they’ve lost. We must see their tears. We must cry with them. Not to do so would be sacrilege. It’s September 11th.
This is a day like none other. I guess it’s our generation’s and our kid’s generation’s Pearl Harbor. But I really don’t know. It seems so odd. Our elected officials treat it like a holiday and I really think it should be. It could be called “The Day Things Changed Forever, September 11th.”
On this day those of us in this in this city want to be close to our families. We want to hug each other, eat together, and catch up with each other. We miss those who aren’t with us. We ask in advance “what are you doing on 9-11”. We seek religious experiences, that is we watch the coverage of ground zero or we attend a ceremony, go to a firehouse or write. We sing or listen to our 9-11 hymns; Amazing Grace and God Bless America. We hear the 9-11 bells ringing, those sharp pings marking the striking and then falling of the towers and the crashing into the Pentagon. Then we watch the tree lighting; those two overwhelming spotlights from Ground Zero at dusk, piercing the sky where once those two beautiful towers touched the heavens. It has all the hall marks of a holiday. We just will never be able to say “Happy September 11th. “
I know there is much to be thankful for today. Things could have been much worse. We’ve not been attacked in 2557 days, we‘ve made improvements in security. So much good has come out this unthinkable evil. But there are still boys and girls who don’t remember or never met their dads. There are 8 year olds who want their missing mommies when they fall down, there are grown men who were robbed of a lifetime with their sons, grown women who will never help their daughters prepare for her special day, middle age husbands and wives who will never celebrate a 25th wedding anniversary. It seems so unfair, so wrong. One day, a few moments, marred these lives forever just seven years ago on September 11th
We make memorials, lay wreaths and try to make sense of it all. Sometimes life doesn’t make sense. I wish for our nation, for myself and for my city for more than moment of silence. I think in light of this extremely loud and incredibly close event we should have a yearly national day of silence. Perhaps if there was a sacred Sabbath, a day where we shut down, we could know in a life altering way, the presence of our God, comforting our souls and strengthening our hearts, showing us the way. Then we might be able to commemorate “The Day God Changed Us Forever, September 11th. “
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Got Integrity?
The long political season is in full bloom around us. The candidates are in mid- season form as they and their surrogates exchange charges and counter charges with their opponents. On a daily basis we have new accusations involving each candidate’s integrity. The “spin” is not that lies were told but that individuals misspoke or had a memory lapse of some sort. Finding truth in the midst of a political campaign is like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.
A sad fact in politics is that one of the first casualties of any campaign is the candidate’s integrity. Unfortunately, this political season seems to be no exception. As a society, we have come to expect a lack of integrity from our elected officials, therefore, we are not surprised or disappointed when it comes to light. Sadly, we seem to willingly accept this lack of integrity as normal instead of demanding better from those who desire the great privilege and responsibility of leading us.
In contrast to our society’s standards for those who would lead us are God’s clear demands for integrity. As King Solomon was ascending to the throne of Israel the Lord set forth His conditions for blessing and prospering Solomon’s kingdom. He said, “Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom…”(1 Kings 9:4-5a) In Psalm 78:72 we get a little more insight into David’s leadership when it says “So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”
Integrity from a Biblical standpoint is important because of what it means and what it implies. The Hebrew word for integrity is “tom” and it means “soundness” and “completeness”. Someone with integrity doesn’t lie, deceive, or swindle because, spiritually speaking, they are complete. Their heart is sound. They don’t have gaps in their character. Character flaws and defects cannot help but affect someone’s behavior. A sound and complete heart, a heart of integrity, grows out of respect and reverence for God and His Word.
Life is filled with many challenges. There are many pitfalls and snags that can easily derail us. Integrity is an indispensable quality that keeps us on the right track. Proverbs 11:3 tells us that “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” King David beseeches the Lord to “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You” (Psalm 25:21). He prays “Vindicate me, O Lord, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip.” (Psalm 26:1).
Integrity is not just something that is of benefit to the one who possesses it. It is also of great benefit to those around that individual. Specifically, this soundness of heart follows the family of the person who has integrity. In Proverbs 20:7 we read, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.” Integrity then, is critical not just for public officials but also for parents.
The concept of living a life of integrity comes into play in yet another area. When it is all said and done we will be judged by our integrity. Psalm 7:8 says “The Lord shall judge the peoples; Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, And according to my integrity within me.” Scripture lets us know in no uncertain terms that “man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart”. When we are judged, our soundness, our completeness, our lack of hypocrisy, will be what God evaluates.
As far as God is concerned integrity is one of, if not the most, important quality for us to possess in terms of character. We see how valuable he considers it in Proverbs 19:1 where we read “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.” In other words, the one who “walks the talk” is better than the one who “talks the walk” no matter how good his/her talk is.
This is probably why Job clings to his integrity so tenaciously. In the midst of his suffering he says, “Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me” (Job 27:5). Later he proclaims “Let me be weighed on honest scales, that God may know my integrity” (Job 31:6).
Almost all the verses for this study on integrity are found in the wisdom books of Scripture. If you or I are to be wise people we are going to have to be people of integrity. Begin to pray this very day that God will help each of us to be just that. May who we say we are as Christians line up with who we really are in heart. And as that sound heart guides and directs our words and deeds, our reputation will not require defense or spin.
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
A sad fact in politics is that one of the first casualties of any campaign is the candidate’s integrity. Unfortunately, this political season seems to be no exception. As a society, we have come to expect a lack of integrity from our elected officials, therefore, we are not surprised or disappointed when it comes to light. Sadly, we seem to willingly accept this lack of integrity as normal instead of demanding better from those who desire the great privilege and responsibility of leading us.
In contrast to our society’s standards for those who would lead us are God’s clear demands for integrity. As King Solomon was ascending to the throne of Israel the Lord set forth His conditions for blessing and prospering Solomon’s kingdom. He said, “Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom…”(1 Kings 9:4-5a) In Psalm 78:72 we get a little more insight into David’s leadership when it says “So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”
Integrity from a Biblical standpoint is important because of what it means and what it implies. The Hebrew word for integrity is “tom” and it means “soundness” and “completeness”. Someone with integrity doesn’t lie, deceive, or swindle because, spiritually speaking, they are complete. Their heart is sound. They don’t have gaps in their character. Character flaws and defects cannot help but affect someone’s behavior. A sound and complete heart, a heart of integrity, grows out of respect and reverence for God and His Word.
Life is filled with many challenges. There are many pitfalls and snags that can easily derail us. Integrity is an indispensable quality that keeps us on the right track. Proverbs 11:3 tells us that “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” King David beseeches the Lord to “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You” (Psalm 25:21). He prays “Vindicate me, O Lord, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip.” (Psalm 26:1).
Integrity is not just something that is of benefit to the one who possesses it. It is also of great benefit to those around that individual. Specifically, this soundness of heart follows the family of the person who has integrity. In Proverbs 20:7 we read, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.” Integrity then, is critical not just for public officials but also for parents.
The concept of living a life of integrity comes into play in yet another area. When it is all said and done we will be judged by our integrity. Psalm 7:8 says “The Lord shall judge the peoples; Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, And according to my integrity within me.” Scripture lets us know in no uncertain terms that “man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart”. When we are judged, our soundness, our completeness, our lack of hypocrisy, will be what God evaluates.
As far as God is concerned integrity is one of, if not the most, important quality for us to possess in terms of character. We see how valuable he considers it in Proverbs 19:1 where we read “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.” In other words, the one who “walks the talk” is better than the one who “talks the walk” no matter how good his/her talk is.
This is probably why Job clings to his integrity so tenaciously. In the midst of his suffering he says, “Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me” (Job 27:5). Later he proclaims “Let me be weighed on honest scales, that God may know my integrity” (Job 31:6).
Almost all the verses for this study on integrity are found in the wisdom books of Scripture. If you or I are to be wise people we are going to have to be people of integrity. Begin to pray this very day that God will help each of us to be just that. May who we say we are as Christians line up with who we really are in heart. And as that sound heart guides and directs our words and deeds, our reputation will not require defense or spin.
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
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