A Bold Claim

It wasn’t always this way for me, but I can genuinely tell you that Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, is Lord.

I realize that it is a bold claim that this man that actually appeared in history (and split out calendar in two) has the full power, authority, and majesty of Almighty God. Regardless of how shocking, bold, reckless, foolish, or offensive this claim may seem to those who do not (yet) agree, it IS TRUE.

I also believe fully in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, as miraculous proof and confirmation of the promises the Word of God has made that we will be saved by His atoning Blood, that we will be made right weigh God,  that we will be in relationship with God, and that by the power of the very superior of God feeling with us (and in us) that we will be made new and whole and will live in God’s will.

I know that I am not perfect, and that I still make mistakes. I am still tempted to listen to my selfish desires, but I am no longer blind or powerless to be ruled by them. The areas in my life where I am still weak at times,  I can give God the glory for His mercy and grace towards me. And the areas where I can recognize that I have been strengthened, delivered and brought through addictions, depression, anxiety, greed, selfishness, and lust, I can give God the glory for making a way for me where there once was no way for me to overcome these giants that stole from my life.

Life as a believer still comes with its challenges,  and God is no genie that simply grants me my wishes when I ask. He is the wise heavenly Father who teaches me and guides me in what is best when I am willing to listen and walk with Him. And He loves me enough to discipline and correct me (in His patience and gentle kindness) when I have foolishly chosen a way that puts me in danger. Prayer can be a request for help after I’ve played the prodigal son who turned his back on wisdom to pursue foolishness, but it is much more effective as an ongoing friendship and conversation where He and I are walking together through this life of mine.

As I continue to know God more personally, I am challenged (and I am changed) by my appreciation for the purity of His character and nature. He is not like so many men who might consider themselves “righteous” or “powerful” (but who have no real righteousness or power,  just an overtaking of pride and ego). He is not looking down from on high hoping for an opportunity to oppress or crush or demand from us, but He is making wisdom available to those of us folks who are willing to come and see that there is a better Way.

As I reflect on the recent passing of my Uncle Jerry Ford, who was a wonderful man of God — I remember what I sent to my coworkers in our “PigOut BBQ Thursdays” chat group on Microsoft Teams as I headed to the funeral:

Uncle Jerry boldly proclaimed Jesus with his whole life — and when necessary,  he used words to do so. You may have heard the statement “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” that is often incorrectly attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. There is a great warning in this statement against hypocrisy,  but it also can foster a false dichotomy between “speaking” and “doing”. For the believer and follower of The Way, there shouldn’t be “one or the other” but it should be “both”. We should be no less eager to love and serve our fellow man for the glory of God,  and we should be no less eager to speak boldly of our faith and of the glory of God.

Sadly, I can forget this sometimes, but I have loving men of God like my Uncle Jerry and so many others that pray for me and that stir me and encourage me to see this race to the end.

Thank you to each and every one of you who pray for me,  encourage me, and love and serve me (and my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ). May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may God’s face always shine upon you — in favor and goodness and mercy and power. Amen.