Monday, January 29, 2018

MONDAY MORNING REFLECTIONS: DYING IN THE DARKNESS




BY STEVE DUNN


       In America today there is much furor, debate, and suspicion of press coverage--especially coverage by the mainstream media of the President of the United States.  Mr. Trump is constantly rebutting what is said about him with the with the dismissive of "fake news."  And many others in America dismiss the news outlets supporting the President as creating "fake news."  We now know there is even a growing industry that proudly claims that it creates fake news (the reason for which defies me).  Many people simply embrace the concept that the best news is negative news and others embrace the idea that unless the news is positive about their side--it should not be reported at all.

      The Washington Post carries this banner "Democracy Dies in Darkness" which I understand goes back to the days when Woodward and Bernstein exposed the darkside of President Nixon.  I know my quoting this banner will cause some to dismiss what I say declaring that I have a bias.

     I do have a bias. I have a bias--it is a bias towards the light.  In a democracy, especially the democracy that makes me thankful to be an American and causes me to pray God's blessing on this nation; darkness--hiddenness--secrets--manipulation of the truth--outright lies are the enemies of democracy.  And whoever would want to hide the truth from the American people, especially for their own political purposes undermines our democracy.

      My bias, however, does not come from a political position. It comes from my faith and from the Word of God.  Let me quote just a few verses that inform my bias:

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. - John 3.19

 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” -  John 8.12

“You are the light of the world (meaning Jesus' disciples). A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  - Matthew 5.14-16

    May we always embrace the light and drive back the darkness.






Monday, January 1, 2018

MONDAY MORNING REFLECTIONS - EMBRACING THE NEW


BY STEVE DUNN

      As you are reading this, I am probably playing with my newest granddaughter, Gracie and her sister, Abby. They’ll probably get a lot of attention today because I am so rarely with them (they live more than 600 miles from my wife and I) plus their household doesn’t have cable TV and most of the football games will basically be inaccessible without a lot of computer gymnastics. I never was that good at gymnastics in any form.

      This really is our Christmas with the bulk of our kids and grandkids—Christmas 2017. I serve as an Intentional Interim Pastor and this year had to stay close to home for Christmas Eve services and then lingered a few more days to officiate at the Memorial Celebration of one of God’s everyday saints who struggled his final years with Alzheimer’s.  2017 needed to hang on a little longer.

       Nonetheless, 2018 has arrived—the New Year.  Like most of you, for me 2017 was a challenging and at times troubling year.  I am not going to list my personal ups and downs nor am I going to blemish today with one more analysis and/or diatribe about the politics of the past 12 months.

       I really am not sure what 2018 will hold—who among us can truly know?  I have some plans like visiting spring training, attending a granddaughter’s high school graduation, serving the church where I am as interim until the new pastor arrives – but I learned a long time ago to hold any plans I make loosely.

     Two scriptures inform me as I embrace this new year. “He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" (Revelation 21.5) and “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13). Those of us who serve God know He is always moving forward—and we know that wherever that takes us, God will work in and through us.

      So I leave you to embrace the new along with me and offer this prayer from that prolific saint and author Anonymous.



© 2018  by Stephen L. Dunn.  You have permission to reprint this provided it is unchanged, proper authorship is cited, it is in a publication not for sale, and a link is provided to this site or to www.drstevedunn.com. For all other uses, contact Steve at sdunnpastor@gmail.com