New England news & perspectives
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The Days are Evil
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Indeed, the days are evil! On October 7th, Hamas’ militants slaughtered over 1300 Israeli civilians (even babies) in a surprise terrorist attack. On October 18th, Lebanon’s Hezbollah held “a day of unprecedented rage” against Israel and the United States. On October 20th, President Biden requested over $100 billion from Congress – not just to support Israel’s fight against Hamas, but also to continue funding for the Ukrainian war effort against Russia and to counter China’s latest hostility toward Taiwan.
How should we pray for Ukraine
Just a few weeks ago, Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. There have already been thousands of casualties and more than a million refugees. Meanwhile, the US and NATO have condemned the invasion, but are being exceedingly cautious in their response, fearing another world war.
Hope for a dying church
Troubled times for America: We had never been more divided politically. Battles raged over conflicting visions of freedom and justice. The country was on the brink of civil war. Business had been booming, but there were signs of impending economic collapse. Even more troubling, American Christians were in a spiritual malaise: discouraged and disillusioned. Many were falling away from the faith and checking out of church. The light of the world seemed to be fading…
Desperate measures
Our church has a long-standing partnership with several churches in Durban, South Africa, and we are deeply concerned about the current state of affairs there. In the last few weeks, hundreds of people have been killed and dozens of malls and businesses have been looted and burned by those protesting the imprisonment of former president, Jacob Zuma. The already struggling economy (over 40% unemployment), locked down due to another spike in COVID, has taken another blow. If they can restore order, it will take years to recover in any meaningful way. Even worse, this has further enflamed racial tensions that have put many of our dear friends of Indian heritage in great danger.
A word for young worriers
My son turned 18 last month. Yikes! This event got me thinking about my own experience and what counsel I might give to young adults heading out of the home and into the world.
My first decade as an adult was indeed full of adventure and discovery. To be more accurate: these were years full of anxiety and heartache. You see, when I was a child, I didn’t know anything about the world, but I didn’t have to worry so much because my parents made all the important decisions for me. Then I left home … I still didn’t know anything, but suddenly I had to make life-changing choices on my own – a truly terrifying prospect!
A blue (collar) Christmas
It was my father who first called my attention to the visitors in the Christmas story. “Look how the wealthy and highly educated wise men had to travel hundreds of miles, guided only by a star in order to greet the Son of God. And yet, the poor shepherds just doing their jobs were visited by millions of angels and only had to walk down the street.” It was always clear to my dad that the Lord had a special affection for the working class, while he was not all that impressed with the well-spoken “elites.”
Reflections on the election: Trust Jesus, not politicians
Tomorrow we’ll finally be heading off to the polls to elect the 45th President of the United States. Normally, this would be an enjoyable exercise in democracy for many of us as American citizens. Unlike most of the world, we actually get to choose our leaders. Even so, many Americans (including many Christians) are feeling more stress than joy this time around. Why? Because we have not one, but two flawed candidates of questionable character. Many of us are left wondering: “Are these two really the best we can do?”
Many happy returns!
There are many things that I love about being a Christian. The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting have always been my favorites, but lately I have grown to truly appreciate the blessing of the “happy return.” That is, after I have gone astray, wandering into all kinds of worthless distractions and selfish indulgences, I then come to my senses and long to return to God. The Gospel gives me the great assurance that I can get up quickly and return happily to my heavenly Father. I don’t even need to grovel or slink back under cover of night.
What to do when we don’t know what to do
Everything is changing. The ways we live, learn, work and play are all up in the air, and no one knows how things will land. Between the lockdowns, restrictions on gatherings, ongoing riots and protests in our cities, rising crime and racial tensions, it feels like we are lost in the wilderness without a guide. No one knows anything!