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Why are We Shocked? 3 Reasons Why Societal Chaos Shouldn’t Surprise Christians

Made Matchless

June 1, 2020

As Christians, the chaos and killing around us shouldn’t surprise us if we read our Bibles as much as we should.

Frankly, I’m shocked that we’re shocked.

Now, I’m no seminary-trained theologian, but I do read my bible and ask God to give me wisdom. So here are three straightforward reasons why I think the chaos of today shouldn’t surprise Christians…

Reason #1: Chaos and rebellion is human nature apart from Christ

Anarchy, chaos, and rebellion are the very ingrained nature of us all before Jesus Christ becomes Savior of our lives.

Consider the apostle Paul. Before he had a radical, personal experience with the risen Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, he watched over the coats o f those stoning Stephen. In fact, he was ON HIS WAY to persecute and arrest followers of Jesus when he was intercepted by God.

Before Christ, Paul was not only capable of the things we see in the news today. He actually DID them.

Are we surprised to hear stories of mobs throwing stones at windows and other human beings? Because the truth is, if it were not for God’s saving grace in our own lives, it’s quite possible we’d follow in Paul’s footsteps, doing the same or even worse.

God equates hating another in our own hearts with physical murder. Yet we are astounded at the hate that manifests in racism and heartbreaking murder on a city street? I’d say, based on God’s Word, that you and I, apart from Christ, are capable of the very sin (or even much worse) that we’ve seen in the tragic video of George Floyd.

As Christ followers, murder, racism, and looting should deeply grieve us. However, it should not come as a shock. These are, after all, an exposure of the dark human condition apart from Christ. And in a way, they are an exposure of ALL our hearts, were it not for the grace of Almighty God. ALL of us, apart from Christ, are capable of the very things we grieve over.

That should humble us, bringing us to our knees in prayers of gratitude for our salvation and on behalf of anyone who does not yet know Jesus as Savior.

Reason #2: Chaos is the natural result of God’s absence

Society has believed the lie that excluding God from everyday life will simply leave a religious void that will benefit us all. Not so. Even Atheists are starting to admit it.

God is the very Creator of order. He spoke and intricately systematic universes came into being. All it takes is a quick (and honest) look around. We see order in everything from flowers to the human eye, from DNA to God’s perfect design for family.

So, naturally, when society rejects God and his established, perfect order as outlined in his Word, what else can we expect but chaos?

We see that when society rejects God’s plan and structure for family, his calling for leaders to be godly and for citizens to respect authority, his 10 Commandments for loving him and our neighbors…

Really, anywhere society has shouted at God to, “Get out!” results in chaos.

And despite what many believe, God’s absence doesn’t just leave a void for disorder and chaos to enter, but for evil spiritual forces to rush in as well. Even those who hold staunch anti-religious beliefs struggle to deny the reality of evil at work in recent events.

So as society orders the Creator of order to leave, we should not be shocked to see the ruler of chaos and confusion (i.e the enemy of our souls) to enter. Spiritual forces are at work.

Reason #3: Christ foretold the chaos and offers the solution

I saw a meme the other day that said, “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the consequences of my own actions.” I laughed, because somehow, I’m still surprised when the consequences of my own actions unfold.

Jesus, as the Son of God, KNEW what was in man’s heart and he knows it today.

And Jesus made sure that, as Christians, we’d be ready for the natural consequences of sin. He did this by foretelling and warning us.

So why are we surprised by the chaos in the world when Jesus spoke of persecution, wars, earthly disasters, lawlessness, betrayal, people “falling away”, hating one another, and more? If anything, it should be confirmation that Jesus is exactly who he said he is: the Son of God.

But Jesus didn’t just foretell chaos. He offered the solution: himself.

The most comforting verse in all of scripture is, I believe, John 16:33:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (ESV)

Believer, if you’re struggling or shocked by the chaos seen in the streets of society today, even as it directly effects you, take comfort in this: Jesus isn’t. Oh, he’s grieved, as we all should be. Deeply. But he’s not surprised. He saw it in us long before we ever did.

And the good, good news is that he saw our human condition–the rebellion, chaos, confusion, and sin–and though we deserve death, still offered up his life for us as a GIFT so that we might be reconciled before God.

Why? So that what is chaos today can be redemption tomorrow…IF we repent, receive his grace and forgiveness, and place our very lives in his hands.

So, as Christians, how should we respond to the chaos?

Prayer.

I’ve heard the very society who pushed OUT God and ushered IN chaos convince Christians that prayer is the response of the cowardly who won’t take action.

Don’t believe it. PRAYER IS ACTION. Prayer is the action of those who have seen the true human condition manifest itself again and again and know that it is beyond just building understanding, nurturing communities, or social activism.

It takes our Almighty and merciful God to change hearts, heal communities, and experience radical, lasting change. And it’s done through HIS power manifested in HIS people (that’s you and me, friends).

When necessary, repent.

We must ALL take a very honest look at our long-held beliefs about other people and weigh it against the truth of God’s Word, in context.

As Christians we must ask God hard questions like “God what does your Word say about how to live as a Believer and how can I apply it?” “God, am I doing all I can to help and serve my neighbor?” “Is my life a true reflection of Jesus’ love or am I just paying lip service?” “God, am I placing my personal experiences in a higher place than your Word in my life?” “God, will you reveal my true heart to me?” “God, do I have any prejudiced ways in me?”

Whatever sin God reveals, repent. Like, now. It’s by God’s mercy he reveals our true nature to us.

Respond.

Once we’ve prayed and repented, we must actually respond appropriately, when his Word convicts us.

Resist the temptation to obey what our culture pressures you to do. Resist the temptation to judge other Christians’ convictions.

In whatever way God calls you to respond, do it in obedience to him alone. Let that alone be your conviction.

Weep with those who weep. Make the phone call. Help your neighbor. Have a tough conversation. Show care, even when it’s hard. Love those who hate you. Abandon your pride. Listen well to those who are of a different race or background from you. Humble yourself in order to learn from others. Talk to your kids about the value of every precious human life. Read God’s Word and speak its truth only if you can speak it out of love. Share.the.Gospel.

And here’s a bonus: Don’t share that scathing article on Facebook (but be sure to share this one of course!).

Jesus never called his disciples to lives of passivity and comfort. But neither did he call them to lives of mere social activism.

He called them–and he calls you and me, Christians–to lives of love contrasting a world of hate… to holiness contrasting a world of sin… to life contrasting a world of death… to freedom contrasting a world of bondage… to salvation contrasting a world of destruction… to unity contrasting a world of discord… to supernatural peace contrasting a world of war… to Christian confidence contrasting a world of fear…to hope contrasting a world of despair…

and to a sound spirit contrasting a world of chaos.

Human nature again and again reveals itself in times like this. This is not just a time to “be better”. It’s an opportunity for our nation to repent, turning from our wicked ways and rejection of the God who loves us and sent his Son to die for us.

Apart from Christ, this is overwhelmingly impossible.

But take heart. For with God, all things are possible. Let’s pray for the impossible today.

How is God calling you to respond to the chaos? Comment below.

Need something to get your mind focused on God? Check out this free resource.

Where’s Jesus’ Power in the Pandemic?

Made Matchless

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May 13, 2020

I wish I could say I’ve been taking refuge in God’s power in these strange days. But the truth is, I’ve been unofficially considering other promises of safety and security. You could say I’ve been shopping around.

And to my dismay, as I take a long, honest look at my spiritual condition lately, it’s resembled an unbeliever’s far more than a follower of Christ’s.

Nahum 1:7 states that “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows those who take refuge in him.” What a comforting promise!

But here, today, as I look back on these days of uncertainty behind me, I’ve instead sought refuge in…

work
finances
distractions
our home
others’ opinions
government
health
family
honestly, any other poor substitute that shakes at the slightest indication of trouble. Go ahead and fill in the blank.

Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” These verses are so timely today as we continue in a season where so many search for a sense of safety. God alone provides that steadfast and eternal assurance. He alone continues to be our unshakable tower and refuge.

So why, friends, do we scramble for security and search out safety in literally EVERYTHING ELSE?

Answer? Because our hearts are sinfully set on this world and all its offerings. And it’s quite hard to ignore the options we see.

Now, it’s not to say you or I should stay ignorant to what is happening to the world around us. But setting our hearts’ security on these things has been an increasing problem. I know I’ve been looking for solutions I can actually SEE in real time to put my heart at peace.

We see things shaking. We want to see what can stop it. We feel foundations crumbling. We want to see what puts it back together. We just want to SEE.

We don’t want to trust in a name.

We want to trust in things like bank accounts, homes, positions, politicians, experts, food, vaccines, our bodies, vitamins, medicines, policies, pastors, celebrities, YouTube personalities, connections, ANYTHING but a sovereign God who created us, loves us, and asks us to run to him at the first sign of trouble.

Jesus said in John 16:32, “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.”

Jesus was facing a very troublesome future from a human perspective. He knew what awaited him in Jerusalem: mocking, torture, abandonment, betrayal, death. Jesus knew he would be utterly alone and experience physical, emotional, and mental trauma beyond what any of us could imagine.

But what did he say? “Yet, I am not alone, for the Father is with me.”

This truth would not just be a comfort to Jesus himself as he headed toward his earthly doom. But that truth would comfort his disciples, and continue to comfort all of his followers through centuries of persecution, heartache, holocausts, trials, and yes, even pandemics.

We are not alone.

The Jews at the time were searching for security in their trouble with Roman rulers. But even as the Safety and Security and Strong Tower stood right before them in the flesh, they did not believe. They thought they were alone.

They simply could not believe that safety could be found in a man, claiming to be God, associating with “sinners”, and now hanging on a cross.

And the truth is, many times, neither can we.

Simply put, just like with the Jews in Jesus’ time, in our minds, Jesus simply isn’t powerful enough for our problems today.

In John 16:33, Jesus continues by saying, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

And although when times are lovely and dependable, we can smile, seemingly satisfied with Jesus words, when foundations shake, our minds abandon this truth in an instant.

I have forgotten Jesus’ power.

I’ve nodded as pastors teach his power over wind and waves and sea. Yet I hang my head in hopelessness as viruses wash in waves over nations.

I’ve taught that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father on high for eternity. But I fret over government authorities in my tiny state of Illinois in 2020.

I’ve raised hands in worship as we sing that there is power in the name of Jesus. Yet I worry over seemingly-powerful humans grabbing for more under the guise of human welfare.

Here I am. Here we all are. Sinners in a broken world, wondering where our powerful Savior is. Longing to see things set right and to see the foundations settled again.

And that’s exactly our problem. We think the foundation is shaking.

But, friend, you and I must, MUST understand that, in spite of all appearances, the TRUE foundation still remains solid, firm. The tower is still infinitely strong. The refuge is still unquestionably safe.

Oh, how I love Jesus’ words, promising that we will have trouble. Do you know why? Because it shows how loving and real and caring he is.

He KNEW you’d be rattled, almost daily, by this fallen world, its fallen people, their fallen promises, and your fallen spirit. He knew your body would experience pain and your mind, torment. Jesus, your most precious brother and friend, knew pandemics, riots, injustices, governments, wars, and promises would come, rock your world, and go.

And he knew you’d desperately long for security, safety, and peace.

I want to tell you today–whether you’ve been a believer most of your life or whether you’re wondering if this could all really be true–that TODAY you can trust him. Why? Because on a dirty, bloody cross, Jesus–the most powerful man who ever lived–humbled himself and, because of your sin and mine, gave up his life for you.

And then, Jesus–the most powerful man who ever lived–used that power to literally come alive again, conquering the world. And today, that same Jesus, a friend of sinners like you and me, is sitting in power next to God the Father as the unshakable tower and refuge he is and always has been since before time began.

Long, long before pandemic was even a word.

Politicians and pandemics? We won’t see the last of them. False foundations are made to crumble beneath us. In fact, the only thing we can depend on in this world is that when we stand on them, they’ll fall.

But Jesus Christ has power.

Enough power to sustain you, protect you, carry you, and SAVE you, as your false foundations give out underneath.

Stop ignoring the only One whose power is true and let him catch you as you fall. Abandon your hopes in the people and promises of this world.

Repent. Turn from trusting in everything you thought would keep you safe and run to the strong tower.

There, you’ll be safe. There, you’ll realize that the power of a pandemic is NOTHING compared to the power of Jesus, the Savior of the world.

There, your peace will rest secure, not just today, but for all eternity.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

Character of God – an Activity for Moms in a Challenging Season

Made Matchless

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March 16, 2020

As a mom on social media, I’m seeing so many fantastic ideas on how to help your kids stay engaged, healthy, and happy through this challenging season in our nation. Free subscriptions, free activities, free learning websites, all sorts of great stuff. In fact, I even shared some suggestions as a homeschool mom on my FB page.

But moms…what about us?

As the world around us scrambles for control in the chaos, us Christians moms are doing our best to encourage others, to help and serve, to stay healthy and positive and hopeful and to not give in to fear and panic. And it’s easy for us to quote scripture about how we should trust God and abandon fear.

But if we’re honest, sometimes that feels difficult to do ourselves, right?

Today, I want to share with you MOMS a helpful activity YOU can do that will help you through these questionable times. And how this helps you will only trickle down to your daughters, sons, spouse, family, friends, and neighbors.

Before I tell you the activity, let me present a scenario.

Imagine you’re walking down the street, alone, on a dark evening. You see a man walking towards you, but you can’t see his face, as it’s hidden in shadow. A bit of fear starts to rise in your stomach. You begin to get visibly nervous. “Don’t come any closer!” you shout!

But as the man gets closer, you hear him call out, “Hey there! It’s me! Don’t be scared.”

Hearing his voice, you recognize him as an old family friend. And as his face comes into view, you’re immediately comforted. Why? Because he is familiar to you. And not just that, but you know his character…that he’s trustworthy, dependable and safe. And on a dark night like this one, you know he’d only have your best interest at heart.

Friends, right now, you might be feeling “in the dark” about the future and what could or couldn’t happen.

You might be afraid of the unknowns and the unseens and the yet-to-comes. If that sounds like you…or maybe even if it doesn’t, here’s what will help: knowing God and knowing his character.

Just like in our scenario, when relief swept over you once you recognized the friend and remembered his character… Knowing God and remembering the character of God will get you through the craziest, most questionable, darkest times you can imagine.

And I don’t just mean knowing OF God. Knowing OF a person is a lot different than KNOWING them. If you recognized the man, but didn’t know his character, you probably wouldn’t be nearly as comforted on that dark street.

In the same way, knowing ABOUT God, knowing OF him is NOT the same or NEARLY as comforting as knowing HIM, knowing his character.

But if you know him and trust his character, you can be fearless and teach others to be the same!

So moms, here’s the activity I have for you.

What I want to challenge you to do is, each day if you can, whenever you find the time, open up your Bible to the Psalms. I want you to get to know the CHARACTER of God through his Word. Because knowing God’s CHARACTER is what will bring hope, peace, and comfort when all else is uncertain.

Maybe you’ve known God for the majority of your life or maybe you’ve just become a Christ-follower recently. Trust me, either way this is going to be a fantastic season to do this activity. I even have this freebie you can download…it’s a beautiful sheet you can use to record what you discover about God’s character.

So, for example, I opened up to Psalm 65. I just grabbed a pen and printed the “God You Are” sheet. Everyday, I’m going to write down some character traits I find in God’s Word about who he says he is. That way, if and when I start to experience worry, anxiety, or fear of what may happen in this season, I can compare my fluctuating feelings with the unchanging, certain, and trustworthy character of God.

Some things I wrote down about the character of God just from the first five verses? “God you are…

worthy of praise
hearing my prayers
my atonement (payment for my sins, Jesus)
near
my satisfaction
good
holy”

Pretty amazing, right?

This free download gives you plenty of room to write down all that you discover about the character of God in his Word. Each day you can take just 5 minutes to add more to what you’ve written and then I encourage you:

Pray these BACK to God.

TELL him who you believe he is. It’ll be both an act of worship to him in this season as well as a reassurance to you and your spirit. And that can only help you as you seek to bring hope, peace, and comfort to those you love.

Friends, this doesn’t have to be a season of fear and uncertainty. It can be a season of discovery of who God truly is. It can be a season of confidence in who God truly is. It can be a season of worship, speaking back to God who he truly is. Because no matter how quickly things around this world change, his good character is unchanging. And he is worthy of praise.

Be sure to share this post (or the FB video of this post) with a friend to help bring them comfort, peace, and confidence in our amazing, trustworthy God!

What have you discovered about the character of God that is worth sharing in these troubling times? Comment below!