October 2020

My heart hurts. It’s not from the normal wear and tear of life, but rather from what I am seeing around me.  Constant bickering, complaining, and arguing.  As Tom would say, “Even the Cooking Channel has Cupcake Wars these days.”
 
I don’t know who is right, but I am SURE that we are all wrong in some way.  That is our human condition.  We are broken and sinful and we all fall short of the glory of God. Yep. No matter how much we pretend, none of us have it totally together, none of us are perfect, and, no matter how hard we try, we are bias in our version of who and what is best.  Seemingly more than ever, we, individually and collectively, are in the midst of cultural chaos.
 
I was on my way home from the pool earlier this week and as I looked at the truck in the lane next to me, it had INDWELL printed on the side.  It’s the name of an architectural company but it made me think.  And then, it hit me. God is indwelling me.  Everything is swirling around me, but I have the ticket!  I have the God of the universe, the One and ONLY, the great I AM indwelling me.  I’ve known this since God saved me 16 years ago, but now, in this season, in this chaos, being reminded anew is HUGE.  I need Him AND I have Him indwelling me.  I can call on Him when I am anxious, when I am concerned, when I just simply don’t know what is next.
 
Tom did a great lesson on Daniel and how we should respond as His children to a culture that is out of control.   

How about if we rise above our mess and do what Jesus would have us to do? “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).  Would you be willing to step out in faith and show love, compassion, and care for others by serving them?  Will you pray for His guidance and act in a way that reflects His set of norms – His values, His love, His servant leadership?

Even the smallest thing – a smile, a phone call, an apology, a text, a note telling someone how much you appreciate them - will make a difference. I know you can do it, because He indwells you too.  Start today.

And remember, your faith IS your greatest asset – especially in today’s times.   

September 2020

If this were a normal year, my letter would be all about the Hawkeyes and the start of college football.  

But 2020 is anything but normal – right? 

Each Fall, beginning this week, Tom would wake up early Saturday morning and hang his Hawkeye flag outside, waiting anxiously for College GameDay to begin. He would proceed to watch any and every game until the Hawkeyes played for the week.  

Yet, even without the start of college football, Tom would have been glued to the television watching the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention. Election years were, although nerve wracking, frustrating, and totally unpredictable--Tom’s favorite.  Tom liked to watch both conventions--minute by minute--to see, hear, laugh, criticize and most importantly, to gain an understanding of each candidate. Tom would get twisted in the mess of politics, the arguing, the blaming, “It’s the democrats’ fault!!  “The republicans are the problem!” 

“This guy/gal is off, don’t they realize what they are saying?”    

“If ‘so and so’ gets into office we are doomed.”  

“If ‘so and so’ is elected, the economy is going to fall apart.” And on and on . . . 

Well, from what I see and hear lately, a bunch of us are feeling the pain and convictions of election year. We know what is right for our country and we want to be sure everyone else does too.  But let’s refocus.  Here’s what I really know--regardless of which candidate is elected, God is still on the throne and my identity is in HIM, not in my political affiliations, the economy, whether I have to wear a mask, or exactly how our country reopens safely. 

I get it.  These are important and significant issues impacting our livelihood, daily lives, and future.  Yet, even bigger than all that is God. Our identity, our futures and our hope are in Christ and to Him we owe everything. Can we all take a deep breath and rest in the fact that we are HIS children?  In 2013 Tom did a great message from a study in Romans entitled “Who is your Master?”

Here’s a note from Tom’s files: 

“If we are enslaved to Jesus, we need to know what is important to Him. What was Jesus’ agenda? Perhaps it might be valuable to first note what was not on His agenda. He was not here to be happy. He was not here to look out for Himself. He was not here to advance a political platform. He was not here to be successful by the world’s standards. Wow, He did not come in pursuit of the American Dream. That is right, He came to advance His kingdom. To seek and save the lost. To proclaim the gospel. To care for people, especially the hurting. To obey the Fathers’ will. To reach out to all people.  

The bottom line--what matters to God and, therefore, should also matter to us, is lost people, His people and His Word.”

Let’s do our part by voting, making decisions illuminating His light and love in this dark world, and living our lives to honor and glorify Him.

And remember, God either causes or allows all, for our good and His glory. We ARE gonna be okay on November 4th. . . Because Jesus is our hope.  

So, how about if we advance His agenda?  How about if we seek Him and rest in His hope? 

Talk soon,

Sandy
Executive Director
saeps2@yahoo.com

PS.  In case you missed Redemption-Arcadia’s “Shraderisms” last month, here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozsrl0lDSzE

August 2020

I am bored. 

I am ready for schools and businesses to open and for things to get back to normal. 

Do you remember the movie Groundhog Day, with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell? One day follows another and it is the same thing over and over. For us, the long, hot summer drags on. The waiting continues.   

Think back to the Old Testament. Thousands of years after Adam’s sin, generation after generation yearned for their Messiah, their King, the Chosen One who would free them from their bondage. Now THAT was waiting. We’ve got nothing on them.   

Yet this seems to be taking FOREVER. I am not good at the mundane, the same thing day after day. I want a vaccine to be discovered and for all of us to be safe from the virus. I want things to return to “normal”.    

But, oh my goodness. I am self-centered, spoiled and SO not deserving of the incredible blessings God has given me. I do NOT have a clue when it comes to suffering, to famine, to destitution. I live in a home, community, and country that has not experienced real hardship for decades. Whoa, is me! I am not worthy to even lodge a complaint!  

In Groundhog Day do you remember what did change?  Bill Murray’s character, Phil Connors, after a lot of trial and errors, actually evolved into (give me slack…) a nice guy.   What changed was his attitude, his perspective. Maybe I should get out of my head and look to God instead of complaining, bickering, arguing, and wishing this would magically go away! God is still on the throne and His Kingdom has no end. This season, on the other hand, will end (it can only last a lifetime…) and when it does, I hope that I come out of it knowing God more deeply, allowing His love and grace to be seen through me, and serving Him and all those around me in ways I never even imagined. 

He is my rock, my salvation, my only hope.  I have everything I need - especially now. 

For this month’s Tom video, I bring you Christmas in (JULY) August.  This video is from Scottsdale Bible Church, December 2018. It was Tom’s last time teaching before he was promoted to heaven in January 2019.  Although the message is within a Christmas series, Tom’s lesson is perfect for us today, in THIS season, as we wait.  (Jamie Rasmussen’s introduction of Tom begins at 24:31 and Tom’s lesson begins shortly after.) 

For more Tom messages and lessons, please check out https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/. And, I hope you’ll look beyond the numbingly sameness of each day and take time to count your blessings thanking God for all He has given you.  God is good. Always.

PS: Please join (virtually or in person) Redemption Arcadia for an evening of "Shraderisms" on August 19th, from 6:30-8:00pm.  For more information please visit https://arcadia.redemptionaz.com/events/shraderisms/

July 2020

The other day I was doing my morning workout which involves a little run around the block.   In the past, I REALLY ran – marathons, races, and anything that had a start and a finish.  But not anymore.  I just simply run around the block and I am pretty sure that the grandkids could walk it faster than I run.  But, shh! I don’t want to embarrass myself.

Anyway, as I was running, this dog came flying out of his house, along with grandma, dad, kids, and suitcases. And this dog did what dogs are supposed to do – protect their family.  Unfortunately, the way this dog chose to protect its family was not a good thing for me.  It jumped up on me, its paw-nails grabbed shirt and skin and the dog’s teeth wanted to bite but my ribs got in the way.  OUCH!  

I now have a holey shirt, a nice bruise, and some missing skin.  I am okay – just in case you are wondering.

I tell you this because I think, in the last few months, we have all gone a little stir crazy and are maybe acting out a bit just like my new dog friend. You see, we were meant to be in community.  God made us for each other – to love, to care and to be part of each other’s lives. But “safer at home” restrictions have us apart from each other, and unemployment and the woes of the economy have us wondering how we will continue to provide for our families. And then there is the news, the protests, the politicians, the health experts, and so much more pressing in on us, without a way to let it out or let it go.  There are so many unanswered questions right now.  

We are unmoored.

Stress levels are high, and concerns are deep.  

Tom’s video this month is all about stress.  It is from Grand Canyon University (GCU) chapel in 2015.  I still remember how much Tom enjoyed seeing the GCU college students and their love for Jesus.  He had such fun that day. This video lesson is quintessential Tom.  I hope you enjoy it!

Getting back to Fido, Fido knew his job – to protect. Fido had purpose, and he did what he knew to do.  How about us?  What is our purpose as children of God?  Well, first and foremost,  we are to “Love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind” and to “Love our neighbor as ourselves”  (Matt 22:37-39). We are called to live in community, in unity, with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  When God is in the center of our lives, when we allow Him to reign and rule as King over us all, then we are safe in Him.  If every day we seek Him and remain close to Him in prayer, spending time with Him in Scripture, we can rest, regardless of what is happening around us. 

Amen. 

I need rest, how about you?

When I walk with Him, I feel so much better. I have peace, comfort and even joy - which is not so easy to find in our world today. Will you join me? Will you put down your phones, your screens, your signs, your worries, your anger - just for a few minutes - and sit with Him, asking Him to show you His plan, His purpose and His love for you? He will. He is right there with you today and always.

For more of Tom – please click into his library at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/
And, lastly, when you do pick up your phone, would you reach out to someone and share some love?

June 2020

For the first time in 132 years, Hotel del Coronado temporarily suspended operations. 

The first time in 132 YEARS…   

The world has changed.  Our way of working, our trends, our hobbies, our communities, and our daily rhythms are different.  We are living in a paradigm that is unprecedented and so sudden it feels surreal and there is no date when we go back to the way it used to be.  For many of us this evokes concern, anxiety, and fear. And, then, the news – the unfathomable acts of injustice, the protests, the anger, the blame, and disunity.  This is not good, and it feels like it is getting worse.   

Do you know what isn’t in flux right now? 

God.  He is still on the throne.  He is unchanging, constant, unending.   

He is faithful.   He is hope.

He is still in control.   We are not.  

He loves you.  And, His love came first.  He sent His son to die for our sins while we were still sinners.  We are no longer held in the bondage of sin.  Christ has redeemed us, forgiven us and set us free to be who we were meant to be.  

What would happen if we; as business leaders, as parents, as neighbors, as friends, took this love into our zoom calls, into the streets, into the world as it opens back up? Could we be agents of reconciliation - praying and walking alongside those who are scared, hurting and afraid? Could we all begin to listen to other’s points of view, knowing that they too were created in His image? Could we, as Christ followers, strive for unity and compassion instead of criticism and blame? Could we be bold enough to trust Him and share His love with others – even those who are different?

You see, we are all trying to figure this new reality out.  There’s no road map on how to reopen, how to restart and how to move forward.  But, if we seek Him, if we look to Him with our fears and concerns, He will give us what we need to do His work – especially in the midst of this craziness. Trust Him.  He has this and He is not surprised by all that his happening.  He is faithful. 

Tom did a great lesson from 2008 about trusting God in times that may have felt similar. I hope you’ll watch, listen and learn.    

The world IS different today and we won’t be going back to the way it was before the coronavirus.  But maybe, just maybe, this is our opportunity to step in with God, reflecting His love, grace and mercy to make our slice of the world even better than it was before.  

May 2020

This morning I opened a notebook and in Tom’s handwriting was “The culture and times we live in are not easily conducive to spiritual growth . . . we want instant gratification. Spiritual Growth in fact is ongoing and difficult … but mandatory.”

I wish I could tell you that the rest of the notebook was full of Tom’s notes, thoughts and ponderings. Like many other journals, Tom wrote a note or two on the first page, but nothing else.

By my count, this is week eight of “Safer at Home” and the new normal. 

This is hard. COVID-19 has brought uncertainty, health concerns, an economic slowdown, job loss and lots and lots of pain and anxiety to all of us. Many of you and your families are amid huge financial and/or health challenges.

But God.

Perhaps He is growing us spiritually.

Perhaps He is teaching us perseverance.

Perhaps He is strengthening us.

Perhaps this is exactly what we needed to be more dependent on Him.

Here’s what I am learning during COVID - The sun comes up each day and sets each evening. One day follows another. God has slowed things down to help me see what is so much more important than my once super-packed, over-scheduled life before the Coronavirus. He is letting me see His handiwork, His love, His provision. He is reminding me that I am His child and I can rest in Him. He is showing me He is God and I am not. He is growing me spiritually.

God is good. Always.

Tom did a great lesson on finding joy and seeing God during trials years ago when Susan was in the hospital. Check it out:

And, how about a top 5 COVID-19 list from Tom’s library for your listening pleasure?

• How to be Happy through Hurting

• How to Find Meaning in a Collapsing World

• How to Handle Adversity

• Stability Amidst Difficult Circumstances

• How to Remove Anxiety from Life

In the coming weeks I hope you’ll take some time and click into these treasures at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org

Hang in there.

And, remember, “This can only last a lifetime. . .”

Sandy Shrader

April 2020 - Pandemic

Pandemic – that word never meant much to me. Pandemics are historic things that happened before there was medicine or in countries that are not as sophisticated as the USA. 

Wrong. 

The Coronavirus is here, and it is affecting every aspect of life as we know it.  In the last couple of weeks I have been asked “What do you think Tom would say about all of this?”  Well, I don’t know, but as I think back over Tom’s many surgeries during his last 7 years, he would say to me, “Don’t worry about me, all I have to do is lay there.  My job is easy.  PRAY for the doctors - they have the hard job.”

And, really that is fitting for us.  All we have to do is STAY HOME.  Self- Isolate.  Don’t go out.

Wait. For this to pass. Wait.

I don’t know about you, but for me it was kind of fun – at first.  Like a snow day in the Midwest.  But now the waiting is nerve wracking.  It brings anxiety, worry and many questions that no one has answers to.  How long will this last?   What about my job?  What about my family? What about the economy?  When can we go back to normal? 

I don’t know.

But I do know that God is bigger than this. I do know that He is still in control. I do know that He is with us. I do know His promises are true. I do know He is faithful.

“What you know trumps what you feel. . .”

God has this and He will be faithful through the Coronavirus. He can give you hope in the midst of this REALLY difficult time of uncertainty and hardship for you and your family. He is still God and He will use this for our good and His glory.  Here is a great lesson from Tom about God’s fulfillment of prophecy and His sovereignty throughout time:

Prophecy Fulfillment And Hope from Priority Living on Vimeo.

So, how about if you lean into it and do some of those house projects you never had time for?  How about reading those books on your shelf? How about cleaning out the garage? Cooking a new meal? Or, listen and watch some of Tom’s messages at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/  I am sure he’ll make you laugh.

And, while you are at it, ask yourself

1. What am I grateful for?  

2. How do I see God working today? 

3. Who am I checking in with today? 

4. What unhelpful thought should I let go of today so that I have more peace?

Tom would say, “Don’t screw this up.”

Do your part; adhere to social distancing if you must go out and mostly, just stay home. Keep your family, friends and community safe and healthy.  And, please do pray for those on the front lines – the medical personnel, grocery store workers, delivery people, our leaders, etc.

This too will pass.  I am sure of it.

In Him,


Sandy Shrader
Executive Director
saeps2@yahoo.com

March 2020

Saturday afternoon. No baseball. Nothing to do.  THE. PERFECT. AFTERNOON. TO VEG. 

The doorbell rings.   My sinister side ignores the noise and interruption.  My curious side looks out the window. Curiosity wins.  

It's election time and Gilbert city council seats are up for grabs.  Tom loved (in his own pessimistic way) the elections. He could get all tied up in the who and the what and what did they say.  Politics and politicians didn’t always set well with Tom and this year would be no exception. But today, I was delighted to spend time with our young Gilbert city council candidate, Tyler Hudgins, and his wife, Kelsey.  What I loved was their optimism, their desire to be servant leaders and their love for Jesus. You see, they knew Tom and told me the indirect effect that Tom had on their lives, their marriage and their walk with Jesus. And that, my friend, with the Holy Spirit’s prompting, is what led them to run for office.  

Wow, how cool is that?  Tom is in heaven and our doorbell rings with a person that was and is HUGELY affected by Tom’s teaching and legacy.  That is God. He used an ordinary man to do EXTRAORDINARY work. 

You see, Tom’s legacy will not just impact decades, but rather, God will use it to impact centuries. That is God.  

Yet, here we are today in this broken world and it is a mess: Coronavirus.  Super Tuesday. Falling stock prices. Tornadoes. Destruction. Disruption. It all seems overwhelming.  God is bigger than all of this.  And He is lining all things up for when Jesus returns.  God has this all under control. I can hear Tom say; “What you know trumps what you feel.”  God is sovereign and none of this is a surprise to Him.       

On Friday, I was exhausted. I needed to simply relax and not think about the roller coaster world we live in.  I needed something to calm me and to bring me back into that space of knowing God is in control. How awesome to find Tom’s video series on God’s Plan for Salvation.  It is one of Tom’s favorites and definitely one of his best. https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/video-archives 
 
As I listened and watched Tom, I drew closer to Jesus.  The stress, the worry, the news, social media, and all that “stuff” fell away.  God gave me, through Tom’s biblical teaching, not only His plan for salvation, His word and His truth, but also a few laughs along the way.  

I hope you will join me by listening to Tom’s seven sessions on God’s plan for salvation.  It will be worth your time. I guarantee it.

In Him, 

 Sandy Shrader
Executive Director
saeps2@yahoo.com 

January 2020

Dear Friends, 

January 13th marks the one-year anniversary of Tom’s first breath with Jesus. I find it hard to believe that Tom has been gone from this earth for a whole year. Throughout the past months many of you have shared times when your grief felt so heavy and you REALLY missed Tom: 

• Remembering those special text messages, coffee meetings, phone calls or conversations with Tom

• Wednesdays or Thursdays when you would have been at Priority Living

• “Tom-isms” that pop into your head at seemingly random times

• College Football Season - and WOW!  How about those Hawkeyes!! Not only a bowl game, but a win! Go Hawks!

• As you draw closer to Jesus in thought, action and words because of something Tom taught 

• Unique ways that Tom encouraged you to re-orient your life, marriage, parenting, career and/or faith walk    

God undeniably used Tom in an amazing way.  Tom’s messages and life touched each of us, altering the trajectory of our eternity and pushing us to live out our faith in God at our homes, workplaces, communities and churches. Tom was an encourager and an example for us all.  

Tom showed us that “to live is Christ.”  We saw this in his life and in Tom’s weekly teaching. Tom demonstrated how to be a man after God’s heart. And he did it well.  Yet, now, I see clearly that “to die is gain” because not only is Tom out of pain and with Jesus, but also because so many of you are listening (and watching!) Tom’s teachings.  AND, Tom is still bringing people to Jesus as they hear the gospel through his many messages. Philippians 1:21: For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.  God IS good.  Always.  

Tom taught us to grieve as those with hope: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14: Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 

So, as the calendar turns to January 13, 2020, I have a few assignments for you.  

• Take 43 minutes and watch Tom talk about grieving with hope as he shares his grief journey of Susan’s passing below. (This is also found on the prioritylivingaz.org website at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/video-archives, Thessalonians series 5 of 5) 

• Watch the College Football National Championship (Clemson vs. LSU) game on 1/13/2020 and eat some ribs and brownies, knowing Tom did exactly that last year for the National Championship game.  (Go Clemson!)

• Smile and thank God for Tom and all that he taught us.   

In the coming weeks, I hope you’ll explore the video section of the PL website at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/video-archives. There are a bunch of videos that have been uploaded for you to watch and share with others.  (As you go into the video section, click on the left side of each of the videos and note that there are several additional videos in each series.)  They are great to watch, learn and remember Tom.  I guarantee you will laugh, smile and shed a few happy tears.  

Thank you for your generous support and gifts to keep the website up and running. Because of you https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/ will continue for years to come.  Thank you.

In Him, 

Sandy Shrader
Executive Director
saeps2@yahoo.com 

November 2019

Dear Friends,

I am writing today as I sit at Denver International Airport awaiting my flight home to Phoenix. Airports are interesting places. So many people, so many stories. Life narratives are full of twists and turns, sometimes wonderful, sometimes tragic and yet we see God’s faithfulness and provision throughout. We each have a unique story AND we are all part of God’s story. His story is the bigger narrative running through time and space. You see, His story has no beginning and no end, but ours does. We are here for a short time only. How amazing and wonderful it is that God uses US to fulfill His purposes during this season!

Tom, in his brief time on earth, played a big role in God’s story. God used Tom to share His love, light and truth with many. Later this week, on Thanksgiving, it is Tom’s birthday. Tom was always super excited when his birthday and Thanksgiving fell on the same day of the year. Doesn’t it seem fitting that on this doubly special day Tom gets to celebrate WITH Jesus?

For me and our family, Thanksgiving will be a joyful day of sharing our memories of Tom; his funny stories and classic wit as well as the unique ways he touched our lives. We have much to be thankful for!

Many of you have contacted me about Priority Living and Tom’s annual update. You have been faithful supporters over the years through your prayers, friendship and finances. As I have written, we will be continuing https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/ and uploading website links and video content of Tom’s teachings as they become available. I hope that you will share Tom’s messages with friends and family for many years to come.

And, similar to past years’ letters, I have a medical update. Tom is doing GREAT. He is in heaven with Jesus and his pain and suffering is over. For we are told; “They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev 21:3-4)

This year, I want you to know how grateful I am for you. So many of you have reached out with prayer, encouragement and love. Thank YOU. You continue to bless me and our family abundantly as we maintain and update the prioirtylivingaz.org website. I am truly grateful and humbled by you and your love.

In Him,

Sandy Shrader

PS. Check out Tom’s last sermon at Scottsdale Bible Church,
https://scottsdalebible.com/messages/shepherds

October 2019

Go Hawks!  

They started the season with a 3-0 and now Hawkeye fans are licking their wounds after their first loss of the season.    Reality hurts.     

Relationships, jobs, careers, games, possessions . . . they start off effortlessly with positive vibes and emotional highs and then, well, somehow difficulties, boredom and the mundane sets in.  Expectations are not met, and the exhilarating headiness of the win begins to dissipate. It happens in big ways and in small seemingly unimportant areas of our lives. And it hurts. It is the reality of living in a broken world.  

Tom was good at dealing with the hard parts of life.  He taught lessons on “Mastering the Mundane,” how to stay committed, and how to live, even while aging, with hope and expectation.  He made it fun. Each one of us could relate as Tom talked about his frustrations – the traffic light that was always red, the Hawkeyes and their less than perfect season, the invisibility and humbleness of getting old.  Tom would self-proclaim that he was a glass half-empty kind of guy. And, as negative as that seems, Tom was 150% all for Jesus.  

Tom’s trust and dependence on Jesus was off the charts.   

Throughout his ministry and life, Tom taught us that each struggle, each loss, each new ailment was another opportunity to lean on Jesus.  Although life could be frustrating, boring, difficult and disappointing, Tom never wanted to press the “out” button. He didn’t attempt to find an easy way to eradicate the pain.  Tom showed all of us how to push forward – never forgetting what Jesus did for us when He took our sins to the cross. And, because of Jesus, we have the expectation of spending eternity with Him.

So, when your team is 0-3, when you feel underappreciated and overlooked, and when your latest Amazon delivery wasn’t the ultimate you thought it would be, take heart.  Jesus is ALL you need. He is ALL THAT and He did what no one else can do. If He is your Savior, He gives you, His child, life to the full and eternal life with Him. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10

If you haven’t been online at prioritylivingaz.org recently, check out the video section and “see” Tom in action at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/videos. We are uploading Tom’s lessons from Redemption Church.  Please share the videos, audios and the overall site with friends and family. Tom’s ministry lives on because of you.  Thank you for your prayers, support and love.   

Go Hawks! 

August 2019

August. Time for the kids to go back to school, the monsoons to come and go and, for Tom, time to try to find a way to squeeze in one more trip to Flagstaff or Coronado as he waited for Iowa football to begin.

Yep. College football. Tom Shrader. Iowa Hawkeyes. 27 days until game day. Bold predictions for Kirk and the Hawkeye team for the 2019 season. My predictions are even better; in fact I don’t have to predict. I know that Tom is with Jesus and, well, Tom’s version of Iowa football this year tops any prediction the sports journalists make. Tom is with Jesus and there are no losses. Scripture tells us in Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” There are no tears. Tom is out of pain. And, maybe every day is a win for the Hawkeyes in heaven.

We know that every day for all of eternity is a win for Tom Shrader (1 John 5:11-12.)

As I went to the mailbox yesterday, I realized this will be the first year we won’t get the yellow Priority Living card with the September dates for the start of Tom’s bible studies. As quickly as that profound realization came, it was replaced with the joy of knowing that Tom is with Jesus and his ministry lives on. Although we won’t get to “see” Tom teaching, he left us with his rich legacy of Priority Living audio lessons at prioritylivingaz.org. And, soon we will populate the site with select video teachings from Tom’s ministry at Redemption and other churches. My hope is that you and others will continue to “come”, learn and allow your life to be transformed by Jesus as you listen and share Tom’s messages with others.

Thank you for your prayers, messages and continued encouragement for me and our family. I love hearing from you and look forward to seeing how God will continue to use you and the PL website at prioritylivingaz.org for years to come.

Blessings,

Sandy Shrader
Saeps2@yahoo.com
480 478 5125

PS. This fall, as you eat nachos and hotdogs cheering for your favorite college team, I hope you’ll give a wink and nod to Tom knowing that he is watching a winning game with Jesus in heaven.

Go Hawks!

New Content on Website

Dear Friends,

As I was attending chapel services earlier this week I was struck by Paul’s letter to the Philippians.  Paul is writing to his dear friends in Philippi while being imprisoned, yet Paul is joyful and content knowing that Jesus “has his back.”  

Paul writes, “For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21)

In Tom’s last few months, Tom often spoke of Jesus and how, without Jesus, we wouldn’t even have a chance.   In Tom’s last few days he wanted you -his dear friends- to know that everything was going to be okay. Tom knew that he would be with Jesus soon.

As I thought of Paul’s words in Philippians, I realized that Tom showed us all that “to live is Christ.”  We saw it in his life and in Tom’s weekly teaching. Tom demonstrated how to be a man after God’s heart. And he did it well.  

Yet, now, I see clearly that “to die is gain” because not only is Tom out of pain and with Jesus, but also because so many of you have reached out to say that you are listening to Tom’s teachings, that your weekly bible group is taking a few weeks to watch Tom’s messages, or that you are starting your own bible study using Tom’s messages. Thank you.  

God is still using Tom to bring people to Him.  

In the coming months, Sharon will continue to upload Tom’s Priority Living messages from years past. And, we will be re-designing the website to make it easier to navigate and find lessons by topic and/or name.  In addition, we will be adding video content from Tom’s Sunday teachings at Redemption. 

Please continue to check the PL website weekly for newly uploaded audio content. I hope the new website will be up and running by the ime you return from vacation. Until then, keep listening and sharing https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/audio-archives with your friends.  Love you all! 
 
Blessings,

Sandy      
 
 

What is Your Legacy?

Greetings,

You are receiving the email a bit later than usual.  That’s by design.  Saturday afternoon I attended the memorial service of someone I have known for a long time, Jodi Dennis.  I felt certain that “celebration” would cause me to be reflective and I would want to share some of those thoughts with you. I was right.
 
Here’s some background:

I don’t remember the circumstances surrounding the first time I met Jodi. I do know I met her through church.  Like many others I immediately noticed her. Jodi possessed a big, warm, and inviting smile. She had apparently heard me teach, so she opened our conversation with an introduction as irresistible as her smile. “Hi. I’m from Iowa.”
 
As time passed our lives continued to crisscross. She and her husband, Tom, remained a constant at church.  I had the privilege of being with them in moments of great happiness and through some of life’s most difficult challenges.   While it is true adversity builds character, it is equally true adversity reveals character.  What Jodi’s tough times revealed was a strength and joy that were a result of faith in her Lord, a faith grounded in His Word.
 
My daughter Sarah and I visited Jodi a few weeks ago.  Physically Jodi was noticeably weaker than our previous visit just three weeks earlier. But oh, that smile.  Once we got settled, she asked me how I was doing.  Quickly I turned the question back on her. She gave me her medical update.  It was not very promising.  Jodi was aware of her condition and she understood death was near.  There was no denial in her mind. Yet her joy remained.  Cancer was taking her physical strength and would eventually take her life.  But she also understood the cancer was her gateway to heaven.
 
During our last visit Jodi talked about 2 realities that she (all of us) held in balance: The reality of grief and the reality heaven.  During each visit she recalled wonderful memories of her family, her friends, and her life.  Those recollections produced laughter and tears. Her concerns were not for herself, but for how all this was affecting the people she loved.  Her worry was for their pain. The tears were also for the upcoming momentary separation from her “team.” 
 
Knowing that death is an inevitable issue each of us faces, Paul writes of Christ’s second coming.  As he sought to instruct us in this matter, he also sought to comfort us. Here the Apostle reveals his motive for writing, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope” (I Thessalonians 4:18).   As we experience death our grief is real. But we should not despair. We have hope in the certainty of our resurrection.

The second reality Jodi spoke about is the reality of heaven, eternal life with Jesus.  Yes, in heaven there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more suffering and so on. All those things are true. But also, you will be with the Savior…..FOREVER.  Jodi is living that right now.  The moment following her last breath on earth, she took her first breath in heaven.  Again, from the Apostle, “For we walk by faith, not by sight— we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.  Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:7-9; NASB).

That is not just the future for Jodi but for all who believe in Jesus and trust Him.  The most recognized verse in all the Bible, John 3:16, states it clearly: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” 

The truth of God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, and steadfastness should be the framework through which we understand and live today.

As you would expect, part of the tribute to Jodi was the opportunity for people to share their personal remembrances.  I am always amazed what people remember. For sure those big, somewhat predictable events are mentioned. But also referenced are the seemingly small, insignificant interactions. A kind word, a handwritten note, sharing a brief minute together.  An action so small it could easily be forgotten but will never be forgotten by the recipient of the gesture. A word that summarizes all this is legacy.  Saturday afternoon I witnessed at least part of Jodi’s legacy.

Friends, co-workers, the obvious people who come to mind when you think about the topic.  Likewise, the list includes those with whom you have only “casual contact.”  The person at the gym, the nurse in the doctor’s office, the checkout person at Costco.  Daily you are building your legacy. What do you want people to say about you at your “memorial”?

Think about that as you gather for your Thanksgiving feast.

“Talk” again soon.

Make America Sane Again

I woke up Wednesday morning, got a cup of coffee and turned on the news. I wanted to check the results of the Arizona senate race. Instead what a saw were 3 consecutive ads for “accident lawyers” who would “fight for me.”  I knew officially the midterm elections were over.

 Tuesday night I had gathered an assortment of snacks and got comfortable so I could begin monitoring and scrutinizing the election returns. Sooner than I expected, a picture of the results emerged. As the dust began to settle it seemed to me the numbers were producing a mixed result. The returns were like abstract art.  You could study them intently, then arrive at any conclusion you wanted to see. Pick your “team” and you could find a reason to either celebrate or be discouraged.  Frustrated, I went to bed earlier than I anticipated but my curiosity woke me early Wednesday morning to check the latest news on the senate race.

 For me the big take away happened on Wednesday morning as the President and the White House press staged a mud wrestling match. These events are often called a “press conference.”  Here is some background: While being interviewed Tuesday afternoon the President was asked, I am paraphrasing now, if looking back over his 2 years in office he had made any mistakes or was there anything he would do differently?  He answered, that he might “change his tone.”  I hit the button on my remote to replay that exchange wondering if I heard him correctly. Yep, that was indeed his answer. Wow! That would be a welcomed improvement. A ray of hope in the darkness.  Fast forward, less than a day after that seemingly genuine moment of self-awareness, he was asked about the opportunity for bipartisanship.  The president expressed his desire for a spirit of “unity, peace, and love.” There he was, demonstrating self-restraint yet again. Predictably, the reporters’ questions and the President’s answers grew confrontational.  The tension increased and boiled over following an aggressive line of questioning from CNN reporter Jim Acosta. In a combative exchange with the reporter, the “kinder, gentler” President demanded Acosta stop his questioning and hand the microphone to a White House staffer. Following the President’s directive, a female intern attempted to retrieve the microphone from Acosta. He resisted and in doing so appears to push the young lady away. Always the protector of women, the President said, “That’s enough.” Acosta, however, continued to question him. Back and forth they went.  Finally, the President had enough. Modeling what unity, peace and love looks like in his “drop the mic” moment (see last week’s blog at priotylivingaz.org), the President declared, “I tell you what, CNN should be ashamed of itself, having you working for them.  You are a rude, terrible person.” Watching all this you could feel the unity, peace and love breaking out all through the room. That was the quote from the commander in chief, the leader of the free world, the man who sets the tone for all of us to follow.

“You are a rude, terrible person.”  Drop the mic.

 My big midterm election take-away is this: Sadly, we must endure at least 2 more years of this narcissistic, egotistical, adolescent and his totally inappropriate behavior. His conduct is inexcusable.  

I have found that privately even his most committed supporters will acknowledge his behavior is offensive. “Granted, he is vulgar, immoral, lacks self-control and is self-centered,” they say, then whisper, “But….” They give him a “pardon.”  His defenders will say, “Look at the Clintons!” “The democrats do/did it!” “The ‘fake news’ is to blame.”  Doesn’t that sound like your kids’ response when you intervene in their sibling squabbles? They plead their case with feeble claims -- He hit me first! I was playing with that first! She gets to do it, why can’t I?  In dealing with your kids, do you find those arguments persuasive?

 Remember we are not talking about three kids in the back seat of a car on a long road trip.  This is the President of the United States. Shouldn’t he be held to a slightly higher standard of behavior? Seemingly, the only two people he treats with graciousness are Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. Oh yeah, and Sean Hannity. To me the President’s behavior appears to be out of control, or worse, and I think more likely, it is intentionally designed to create havoc.  Maybe a bit of both.

 Here’s my plea. You can endorse his policies and at the same time condemn these juvenile antics. Stop trying to justify this deplorable conduct. I understand the economy is booming. I realize monies set aside for retirement are growing. But realize when you defend this mentality, you also lose your moral authority and integrity.  What does it profit a man (woman, church or party) to gain a tax cut and lose their soul (integrity)? Please abandon the attempt to be the President’s defense attorney – although that job is available, as his lawyer is on his way to prison. I noticed when they finally did “drain the swamp,” they uncovered a meeting of Trump’s senior campaign staff. Regardless of how he is being treated or mistreated by his enemies in the “fake news” and others, he needs to set the example and rise above it. 

 Have you found yourself saying to your kids or grandkids, “Watch President Trump and act that way”? Of course not. Me neither. If they did act the way the President does, you would take away their smart phone and put them in timeout. He may be earning an A in his managing of the economy, but he is earning an F in setting the moral and discourse tone for the nation. To me, the biggest unknown is the long-term effects of this neglect of moral leadership. Look around. Fights are breaking out at Costco between 70-year-old men waiting for samples, and frustrated drive-thru customers are assaulting workers at McDonalds. Everything is a battle. If you need proof of that watch anything “talk”….news, sports, HGTV, the Food Network, or Cupcake Wars. (That’s the real title of a show!) All these are marked by people interrupting each other, talking over one another and eventually screaming to be heard, not to be understood, but to be heard. Is he to blame? He certainly sets the tone. He is rewriting the rules of etiquette and code of conduct. This is nuts!

 MAKE AMERICA SANE AGAIN.

 “Talk” again soon.   

Drop the Mic

To me for almost 5 months Wednesday means a visit from Frank Switzer.  Frank serves as the lead pastor at Redemption Arcadia. Frank is smart, educated, well informed, thoughtful and articulate.  Our conversations repeatedly cover the topics of, family, theology, church, movies, books and the “state of the union.”  Recently we find ourselves returning to the current cultural challenge in holding an exchange of ideas with someone who holds an opposing point of view.  While we quickly affirm one another’s ability to successfully navigate those treacherous waters, we lamented the fact that is rarely the case with everyone else (my tongue plant in my cheek). 

 Last week during our “meeting” the topic surfaced again. On that occasion I went beyond simply lamenting the condition we both encounter, and I was rambling when Frank interrupted and asked if he could read me some of his reflections on the matter.  Well, I was winded from my drawn-out pronouncement, so I welcomed the breather. Frank opened his iPad and began to read.  As he read, I recognized that he had identified a pre-existing condition that impedes almost all attempts at real discussion.  A few days later I sent Frank a text expressing my reaction to his insights. I then asked if he would develop the “musings” further so I could post it here.  He agreed.  So, meet my first ever “guest blogger,” Frank Switzer. 

“Drop The Mic”

We live in a “drop the mic” culture.  And that is just SO sad.  Some of you know what I mean.  The rest of you, you’ll catch on.

 A “drop the mic” culture rarely thinks, discusses, debates, and learns.  Rather, we all look for that one thing to say in a conversation that shuts down all discussion, then we metaphorically drop the mic and walk away …

 Case closed.

I win.   

You lose.

 The “Drop-The-Mic” culture demonstrates one of our deep-seeded problems of idolatry and identity.  It is common knowledge that the greatest idol in the American Church today is politics.  And it is obvious that so many of us desperately want our identity to be found in our cause and correct political position.  But now we’ve found that’s simply not enough.  Our new and true identity is now found in the INTENSITY with which we hold these political positions:

“I believe this so strongly and it is so much a part of who I am that I don’t even want to talk to you. I’ll simply say something that shuts down the conversation, then “drop the mic.”  All done!”

 Here is one of the prime examples of this culture, especially manifested in the Church: Immigration is a drop-the-mic topic.

 Now be prepared.  Take a deep breath and count to ten.  What you are about to read will offend people on “both sides” of this issue.  I realize that, and you can feel free to tell TOM all about it!  But just be ready because no matter what “side” of this issue you are on, this will make you uncomfortable.

 I’ve found that if I talk about how the Bible tells us repeatedly of God’s love for the stranger, immigrant, alien, or sojourner, I am met with, “We are a nation of laws!”

 BOOM!  MIC DROP!  DISCUSSION OVER.

Well, guess what?  Israel was a nation of laws too! 

BOOM!   Another mic that needs repair!

AND, Jerusalem had a wall around it!

DOUBLE BOOM!

 It seems that God was all over the place on this.  And so are we. Israel had laws.  Israel had walls.  Israel was a nation.  Israel had borders.  And Israel was supposed to love the immigrant.

 So few people know how to live in tension anymore.

 So few people know how to give and take.

 So few people know how to think and ponder and debate and discuss and learn from each other – especially each other’s differences.  I believe we were better and smarter and more interesting when we weren’t so focused on dropping mics everywhere.

The reality is: We have to have laws, and they should be obeyed and observed.  But the reality is also that every human being is made in the image of God, has dignity, and from the Christ-follower should receive mercy and compassion.  We need policy.  But we also need compassion and understanding in the moment we encounter another person.

 Just as Christ-followers are called, the Israelites also had to live in tension with God.  They had Laws, from God. And God was cool with nations and borders.  In fact, He “invented” them.  But God also said that His people were to love the stranger, the alien, the immigrant – the one different from them.

 The one entering their land … crossing their border.

 What do we do with that?  It’s not that simple, is it?

 Welcome to faithful living – IT’S LIVING IN TENSION!

 Do you want to drop a mic, or do you want a genuine hearing from the person who doesn’t agree with you?

 Here’s one of the problems:

 All of us are correct in what we affirm – The pro-immigrant people are correct in affirming the immigrant’s dignity, need, and image-bearing.  The pro-law people are correct in affirming that we need order, not chaos, and we need a better system for immigration. We are correct in what we affirm.

 But we are wrong in what we deny – The pro-immigrant people are wrong when they deny the importance and respect of the laws – even though they don’t like the laws.  And the pro-law people are wrong when they deny the need and dignity of the sojourner.

 Honestly?  It’s really … weird … because on this issue I feel like I don’t have a place.  Most pastors feel this way.  I’m wrong and uncompassionate with the pro-immigration people.  And I’m wrong and stupid with the pro-law people.

 And remember, this issue is just one example.  Gender?  Sex? Abortion?  Poverty?  Justice?  We’re dropping mics everywhere!

 A great many people come to church or faith or Jesus with the expectation that it will eliminate tension, friction, and/or the need to think and wrestle in life.  But in fact, living as a faithful person of God requires tension, thinking, wrestling, and wisdom.  When Jesus said, “Be in the world but not of the world,” I’m not sure how anyone can interpret that call as “tension-free.”

Immigration is not the only issue we have, have had, or will have tension and friction over.  But one thing remains sure: The faithfulness, wisdom, and grace that God has given us.  We need that now more than ever.

 —————————————————-——————————————————————-

I’m Tom Shrader and I endorse this message, except for the “you can feel free to tell TOM about it” part.

Talk again soon.

If I Was a Rich Man

“What would you do if you won $1.6 billon?”  Thankfully, over the last 3 weeks, that question has successfully muffled some of the political noise. 
 
I have heard the subject discussed on every local news cast, at restaurants, at the grocery store, even in church. I was struck by the lack of enthusiasm and imagination of the answers. I suppose that’s because we know the conversation is hypothetical, especially if you haven’t purchased a ticket. The answers I heard all felt predictable: 
 
“I would quit my job.”
“I would travel.”
“I would pay off my debt.” 
“I would volunteer.”
“I would give to my favorite charities.”
Those were on everyone’s list. 
 
Mark 8:36 “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?”  At this point you expect me to quote and then unpack a passage like that one, but I won’t. That is a good starting question for you to perform a bit of self-examination. Life is more than stuff.  An unknown author has written: 

"Money can buy a House-But not a Home
Money can buy a Bed-But not Sleep
Money can buy a Clock-But not Time
Money can buy you Medicine-But not Health
Money can buy you Sex-But not Love
...
Money isn't everything. It often causes pain and suffering. I tell you all this because I am your Friend, and as your Friend I want to take away your pain. So send me all your money.

And I will suffer for you.”  

Even if you have things, lots of things, they are temporary. 

Here were my two thoughts. First, when I speak with seniors who have been retired for a couple of years, obviously they have quit working, they have traveled, they have paid off debts, they have volunteered, and they have made charitable contributions (of time and money).  Cut me slack here, but they have won the lottery and don’t realize it. They really are, unknowingly perhaps, living the dream.

Secondly, the respondents lacked enthusiasm and imagination, I think, because many of us refuse to wait for “our ship to come in” before we pursue the fulfillment of our deepest desires. By age 40 we have traveled Europe, worked at church or the food bank, or tutored.  We have no “bucket list” because we have scratched each item off as fast as we wrote it down. Today, delayed gratification is waiting until the day after Halloween to begin celebrating Christmas.

Here’s a life verse, “PURSUE DELAYED GRATIFICATION.”

Speaking autobiographically, I have almost everything I have ever dreamt of and more because I have things that didn’t exist when I was dreaming of my future.

I asked Sandy what she would do with $1.6 and she said, “not much different.” When you eliminate the outrageous luxurious items, such as buying a jet from your lottery wish list, I am guessing that is how most of us answer the question.  We too are living the dream.

Our home is populated with pictures, posters, plaques, cards, bible verses – all that provide us daily reminders of some basic truths.   Here is a photo of one of them.

“Talk” again soon.

You CAN Fool Me

Recently I made my annual pilgrimage to the cathedral dedicated to all things outdoors, the Bass Pro Shops. This store is in Mesa.  To the best of recollection, I have never purchased anything at the store other that something to eat.  Nonetheless, I am fascinated by the stockpile of merchandise. 

 Here’s the description of the store from their website.

“Here, we offer 170,000 square feet of outdoor excitement including the area's largest selection of quality gear for fishing, hunting, camping, boating and marine. 

Bass Pro Shops also offers equipment for hiking, backpacking, outdoor cooking, kayaking, golfing and more. Shoppers will find outdoor apparel for men, women and children, along with a fine selection of outdoor, casual and athletic footwear. A gift and nature center serves up a wide variety of outdoor-related items from lamps and dishes to bird feeders and furniture. Our shooting gallery and archery range are sure to please young and old alike.

 Although they offer tens of thousands of items, I wouldn’t invest a dime in any of them – well, maybe a humming bird feeder.  Yet, I am irresistibly drawn into this unfamiliar world.  On this trip I noticed something.  Much of the merchandise sold for hunting and fishing was based on the item’s ability to be deceptive. I saw materials used for building and stocking duck blinds.  Camouflage clothing and decoys were designed to provide the user with a clear advantage over their prey.  About the time I had this revelation, I turned the corner and saw rows and rows of fishing lures.  Each lure was customized, designed for an exact environment, and was tailor-made to attract a specific type of fish.

 The past few weeks at Redemption Church we have been studying Ephesians Chapter 6. As Paul closes the book of Ephesians he directs our attention to the ongoing battle we face against the “schemes of the devil.”  As believers, we battle against (Paul uses that word, against, 6 times in verses 11 and 12) the devil, Satan and his army.  The scripture teaches us Satan attacks us posing as an angel of light, a roaring lion and/or a subtle serpent. That last portrayal, a subtle serpent, is what I thought of when I saw all those lures at Bass Pro Shops.

 James uses that imagery of enticement when he explains temptation and sin.  James 1:14, from the NIV, “Each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion).”  Or “The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us one to the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust.” -The Message. 

 The bible frequently warns us to be alert; be on guard, because the adversary is seeking to destroy you. This is a real and deadly threat we face every day. 

 After warning us Paul gives us an action plan; a defense strategy. Ephesians 6:13-18, “ Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”  -The Message  

 Here’s your homework assignment: Grab a pen and paper and make a list of the “weapons” God has made available to you.  A hint, it will be helpful if you check other translations, such as the NASB. After that, take some time and map out a strategic plan for how you can maximize your arsenal to combat the enemy.

It is war.

“Talk” again soon.

A Transformed Heart

Greetings,

This week in anticipation of a future nomination to the Supreme Court, I felt compelled to pick up the high school yearbook from my senior year.  A side note--my 50-year High school reunion is tonight.  No, I am not attending.

Thumbing through the yearbook I was struck by how simple, innocent, “normal” the words and pictures are.  I found pictures of the school board which featured my dad.  There were photos of the support staff in action—the facilities crew, the ladies in the cafeteria, the “admins” (back then they were called secretaries), and the school nurse, Mrs. Early.  Every morning I was responsible for gathering the attendance report from each classroom and delivering that data to Mrs. Early. Inevitably that assignment ended with the 2 of us having a wonderful talk.  After a year of that routine we became good friends.

There are photographs of the principal, the vice principal, and the entire faculty. I discovered pictures of all the sports teams.  Fascinating to note, the only girls’ sports team was cheerleading.  Next was a long section featuring the 1967-1968 special events. There was our Homecoming Queen, who was a female; snapshots of the big Homecoming game and dance; photos of various kinds of fund raisers; and appreciation night events.  As I said, thumbing through the yearbook I was struck by how simple, innocent, “normal” the words and pictures are. 

To be honest, the yearbook offered only a partial record of that year.  While I do have many great memories of that time, as I reflected on my life through high school, college, and until age 30, I had two reactions: I was ashamed and embarrassed by much of my behavior and thought. Thankfully those emotions were quickly washed away with my gratitude to God for His grace and mercy. I felt a tidal wave of His love for me and His forgiveness to me.

Paul writes a letter to a church filled with people like me.  In that letter he reminds them of their past and of the present. 

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 New American Standard Bible (NASB):

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such weresome of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justifiedin the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”  Note the past tense. That who you used to be, but not any longer.

As is often the case, Eugene Peterson helps us to better understand the passage. He writes: 

 “Don’t you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don’t care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don’t qualify as citizens in God’s kingdom. A number of you know from experience what I’m talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you’ve been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.” 

         1 Corinthians 6:9-11 The Message (MSG).

That reality of God’s love is what motivates us.  More and more, as the Holy Spirit shows us the reality of our new relationship with Him, we are compelled to live lives that glorify Him.  We live this new life not in an effort to reimburse Him but our deep desire to know Him even more and to declare Him to the world around us.  We are truly new creatures who have not merely experienced “behavior modification,” but have been given a heart that is transformed. We receive a mind that can know God and a heart that can love Him.

 “Talk” again soon.

Life is an Optics Problem

Greetings,

Certain words and phrases suddenly appear in the culture, and their presence and usage becomes widespread.  Some of these expressions disappear as quickly as they arrived, like “groovy.” Others become part of the vocabulary for generations, such as “cool.”  During the last couple of weeks, the word “optics” has gained ubiquitous usage, especially among the media. With a visit to the dictionary we find 2 possible meanings for the word optics:

1: a science that deals with the genesis and propagation of light, the changes that it undergoes and produces, and other phenomena closely associated with it.

2 plural in form but singular in construction: the aspects of an action, policy, or decision (as in politics or business) that relate to public perceptions.

For our discussion I am referring to the second entry used to define the term.  I am writing this on the 28th, the day following the Senate hearing. Leading up to hearing testimony from Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh, commentators were saying, “The opticsof 11 old white men questioning Dr. Ford is a problem for Republicans.”   A side note: makes you wonder if indeed there was a real problem, or did the situation simply look bad?  I will let you figure that one out.   

I want to make a bigger point.  All of life is an optics problem.  Paul addresses the predicament in 2 Corinthians 4:18. He writes, “We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 

Paul tells us that taking the world around us at “face value” is a dangerous proposition. He cautions, things aren’t as they appear.  Much of what we encounter is a mirage. Therefore, we need to continually refocus and sharpen our vision. 

Next week I have my annual eye examination with my doctor, Dr. Gerald Ford. During my first visit with Dr. Gerald Ford I told him I thought his name was appropriate since my urologist was named Ronald Reagan.  He did not find that amusing.  Also, I sensed it was not the first time he had heard such a comment. I can predict at some point during my upcoming exam there will be a test he administers to calculate how to best assist me in seeing clearly. He will alternate between two lenses and then ask me which one provides me the better vision. This procedure is repeated and can take a long time.  Ford’s desire is not to inflict needless hardship on me.  He wishes me to see as clearly as possible.

To help us see clearly, Paul directs our attention away from the things we see (the physical world) to the things that are not seen (the spiritual world).  In the previous two verses the Apostle warns us, “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).  The “outer man is decaying.”  That is reality.  You need proof of that?  Take a long look in the mirror. When the temporal is my focus, I can “lose heart.” I can get discouraged. I can feel overwhelmed. The antidote to this is for me to be renewed “day by day.”  Eugene Peterson paraphrases these three verses for us. His translation, “So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 The Message).

Throughout the last 38 years I repeatedly visited this passage. During the last few years I am reading, studying, meditating and applying this passage to my life even more often. Believe me when I say, “I get it.”  I understand Paul’s message. But as the noisiness from life increases I tend to let the world distract me.  That’s when I refocus on the eternal things and rest in Him. 

Do you remember the wonderful singer Mahaila Jackson performing on The Ed Sullivan Show?   I do. And I attached a part of the lyrics to her signature song. She sang:   

He's got the whole world in His hand
He's got this whole world, right in His hand

He's got this whole world right in His hand
He's got the whole wide world in His hand

He's got the whole world right in His hand
He's got the whole world in His hand

He's got this great big world right in His hand
He's got the whole wide world in His hand

He's got the little bitter baby in His hand
He's got the little bitter baby right in His hand

He's got the little bitter baby in His hand
He's got the whole wide world in His hand

“Talk” again soon.