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Godly Superstars on the Fringe

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God created people and does amazing things with and through them—not necessarily the pristine, wealthy, or popular, but often the poor, despised, and unexpected. Matthew or Zacheus, presumably greedy Jewish folk who collected taxes for the Romans, may come to mind. This article isn’t about them. Instead, I want to introduce you to God’s superstars on the fringe who weren’t Hebrew or Israelite but pagans, some harlots and warmongers. Yet, God used them to draw creation back to Himself. Let’s take a look at a few, starting with Job.

Job. This righteous man, perhaps an Edomite, lived at around 2,000 BCE. He honored God with all he had and did. And God found favor in him as a result: “The LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.’” (Job 1:8). God presents him as an incredible model of perseverance and reverence.

Melchizedek. This pagan king of Salem reigned in around 2,000 BCE in the days of Abraham. Despite not being in the lineage of Abraham to Jesus (and not from the Jewish priestly line!), he was considered a “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). You can read all about him and Jesus’ comparison to him in Hebrews chapters 5-7 (FYI: Melchizedek was a real king/priest, NOT Jesus pre-incarnate!).

Tamar. This stubborn Aramean Gentile lived in the House of Judah in about 1,600 BCE. When she was betrayed by the King, she pretended to be a prostitute so he’d sleep with her and produce an heir. Pushing for her rights in this way proved her loyalty to Judah and earned her a place in Jesus’ lineage.

Rahab. This Canaanite prostitute lived in Jericho at around 1,400 BCE. Regardless of her occupation, her faithfulness earned her a place in biblical history when she hid and protected Israelite spies. Her works by faith also earned her a place in Jesus’ lineage: she was King David’s great-great-grandmother.

Ruth. This Moabite woman lived around 1,300 BCE and was King David’s great-grandmother. She was an incredibly loyal and kind woman who stayed by her widowed mother-in-law, helping her return to Israel, where Ruth became part of Jesus’ lineage.

Cornelious. Our final godly ‘superstar on the fringe’ is Cornelius (Roman Centurion from the Italian Cohort), who lived around 30 CE. His claim to fame? This pagan soldier prayed to the one true God and then obediently summoned Peter, who preached the good news of God’s Kingdom to him and his family. Cornelious is likely the first converted Gentile.

Summary. God will have His way—sometimes through the least of us, those on the fringe of society or culture. Next time, we’ll examine what it looks like “When Love Runs Cold.” Meanwhile, remember that God can use you even if you might be ‘on the fringe.’

God’s blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

A Receding Sea of Gray

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“I’ve seen your future!” I thought as I looked across a congregation and its ‘sea of gray’ I taught about a year ago. Without revitalization, it would rapidly diminish to a point of no return, and the doors close for good. This was my experience at Northview Christian Church, once a thriving Christian community. It’s also the path of most Western mainline denominational churches. If you’re not Roman  Catholic or focused on attraction, you’re probably on your way out. What gives?

A diminishing sea of gray. Western Christianity declines at about 20% per year. Yet, most mainline denominational churches are full of the elderly, who are the backbone. They’re likely faithful and hard-working. But they’re dying. Although Western Christianity declines at about 20% a year now, the rate will likely decline sharply over the next decade as the population of the wise and faithful shrinks rapidly. Even if butts in the pews remain, the effect on Christendom will be crippling without these vital gray-headed souls.

Consequences. Our wise theological models and teachers are evaporating. Opportunities for church discipline for growth and correction (not punishment!) are disappearing. Who will lead the spiritually immature when they’re gone? Who will demonstrate how to effectively apply God’s words and ways? Here are several scriptures that soberly remind us their importance (NASB):

  • Leviticus 19:32. “You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged …”
  • Job 12:12-13. “Wisdom is with aged men … To Him belong counsel and understanding.”
  • 1 Peter 5:5. “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders …”

The cure. Listen to mature followers and put them to work as the Spirit has enabled! Learn from and imitate them (at least the Godly stuff)! That will create spiritually mature followers who can replenish the sea of gray and keep the churches healthy! But there’s more!

Understand that while the good news of God’s Kingdom brought near to humans doesn’t change, contexts do. Be incarnational and contextual, meeting communities and cultures where they are without comprising the message. Remember that the ‘little-t’ stuff like how we perform music, baptism, or Communion methods aren’t worth falling on a theological sword over! Remove religious barriers to reduce clergy-laity separation. Become relevant to today’s folks who can become tomorrow’s sea of gray even if dress or music needs to evolve. And remember to give your young and old alike opportunities to serve according to spiritual giftings.

Summary. Our fruitful and wise congregants are dying. So are our churches. Don’t let their legacy disappear and Western Christianity along with it: replenish the sea of gray by once again becoming relevant to local communities and training replacements. Next time, let’s explore something weird, useful, and last-days-ish: Apocalyptic Poster Children. Meanwhile, leave your bubble and step into someone else’s (with permission!) to make the Church more relevant and replenish a receding sea of godly gray.

God’s blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Revisiting Thanksgiving

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Family. Turkey. Stuffing. Gravy. Pies. Tums! There are so many things to be thankful for, and the Thanksgiving holiday is upon us! Expressing thanksgiving is good for our relationships and mental health. And it’s what God desires: “… in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Although people have tended to be thankful, the formal holiday stems from the gratitude early Spanish and European settlers showed to the indigenous American Indians for feeding them and acclimating them to a new land and new ways.

It’s hard to say precisely when the first Thanksgiving occurred. One account pinpoints the autumn of 1621 when “at least 90 Wampanoag joined 52 English people at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, to mark a successful harvest.” Another group in Berkeley Hundred (now Virginia) celebrated their arrival to the new world as early as 1619. Supposedly, the meal consisted of scant oysters and ham. But they were thankful even without abundant turkey, ham, pie, cranberry sauce, etc. We find another, even earlier, Thanksgiving celebration in 1565 with the Spanish settlers and the Seloy tribe. But who established the official Thanksgiving holiday, and when?

The first Federal Congress passed a Thanksgiving Holiday resolution on September 28, 1789. Consequently, President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26, 1789, a day for public thanksgiving. But President Abraham Lincoln made the holiday a regular, recurring event (the last Thursday in November) in 1863. Of course, commerce prevailed, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday of November in 1939 to lengthen the Christmas shopping season.

Regardless, we must always give thanks for everything that is benevolent and brings innocent joy, including each other, God’s provision and mercy, our jobs, and every breath we take. As a community, we must express thanksgiving for those who protect us. Decision-makers who govern deserve our thanks, too. And in our gratitude, we must show love and be thankful when we receive it. This is worship, and it brings healing and expresses our love for God while healing our relationship with Him.

Worship comprises ‘worth’ and ‘ship.’ It means to give worth to what we value. We express worthiness to God by acknowledging His protection, provision, salvation, comfort, grace, and mercy. How should we do this? By showing (not just telling!) gratitude. In other words, ‘being’ thankful through our actions. Purity. Prayer. Loving others as God loves. Sacrifice. Note how worship is full of action, not passivity.

Summary: Have a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday! Be thankful and enjoy the festivities. But don’t stop there: be grateful every day through your actions. In your gratitude for what you have received from God, give the same to others. Next time, I’ll share more about our diminishing Western Christianity and its evaporating sea of gray. Until then, give more than you receive.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.                                                                 

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Growth Under Pressure: Rise & Fall of the Western Church

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The Rise. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” For the early Church, the struggle was between an ungodly world and Christ’s Kingdom. The tension brought Rome’s wrath, whose leaders murdered Christians and severely limited their ability to engage in commerce. Yet, Christianity grew at about 40% per year!

How? Christians understood that adversity is a natural part of the journey and that perfection and hope emerge (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). They took the mandate to image God through imitation and replication seriously. For the compassionate, newly transformed, there was no other way. Being a costly faith and valuable religion also contributed to growth. Dietrich Bonhoeffer explains this well in The Cost of Discipleship: “Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it, a man will go and sell all that he has. … Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow… It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son.”

The Fall. Conversely, Western Christianity declines by about 20% each year. Only 5% of churces make disciples who make disciples, and a mere 15% of most memberships live obediently. Spiritual lethargy through passivity has removed tension and stunted growth. Casting Crowns’ song Start Right Here states things well: “We want our coffee in the lobby. We watch our worship on a screen. We got a Rockstar preacher who won’t wake us from our dreams. We want our blessings in our pocket. We keep our missions overseas. But for the hurting in our cities, would we even cross the street?”

Spiritual lethargy and focusing on ‘nickels and noses’ produce a cheap grace that embraces comfort but opposes growth (in numbers or maturity!). Deitrich Bonhoeffer’s take: “Cheap grace means grace sold on the market like cheapjacks’ wares. The sacraments, the forgiveness of sin, … can be had for nothing. … Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline . . . Cheap grace is grace without discipleship …”

The Cure. Growth would require a shift that naturally creates tension between our ungodly world and Christ’s Kingdom introduced through Christ-followers. No more immoralities. No more business-minded attractional buildings, programs, or religions—just discipleship-born imitation, replication, and growth out of adversity.

Summary. The early Church grew astoundingly because of discipleship’s imitation, replication, and growth from persecution. Today’s Western Church will die if it doesn’t do the same. The Thanksgiving holiday is coming, so let’s explore it next time. Until then, fight the good fight, struggle victoriously, and embrace change.

God’s blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Unify to Magnify – Part Three!

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In part one, I wrote that God wants His children unified as one diverse but single Body. In part two, I explained why this is primarily absent today: Human religion. Can we return to an authentic Christianity that shared Communion elements, prioritized devotion over format, and unified despite minor differences? Maybe. Let’s begin our reunification journey by separating essential from non-essential beliefs and practices.

Big-T versus little-t truths. Some things are absolute ‘Big-T’ truths. For instance, a Son of God was sacrificed as a son of man to reconcile us to God. He arose three days later, giving us hope. But, how we practice commemorating Jesus’ death and our new covenant with God is a subjective ‘little-t’ thing. The same holds for how we’re baptized or praise God. Don’t get your underwear in a twist over these things, but understand and appreciate the differences. This requires education.

Education. We shun what we don’t understand. Education can resolve this. What Big-T truths should we stick to? Why do some churches practice little-t things like baptism, Communion, or praise differently? We should know. Some Christians use icons or pictures to focus prayers and worship. You might assume they’re worshipping idols if you don’t know the truth. Additionally, people and churches can contribute to reunification.

People. Here are things individuals can do to reduce disunity and be better ambassadors to God’s Kingdom:

  • Become educated: Understand where religious traditions came from and prioritize Christ’s Law of Love above them. Engage others in dialogue about beliefs and practices.
  • Appreciate little-t differences, and don’t shun people for them.
  • Participate in community love efforts.
  • Help with community disaster recovery efforts.

Churches. Disunity is fixed here! Prioritize reunification and Christian community by doing these things:

  • Be transparent about your traditions and prioritize biblical, not human, practices and Christ’s Law of Love.
  • Hold community training in Big-T stuff such as biblical languages, bible study principles, history, and the Scriptures.
  • Facilitate community praise events.
  • Facilitate community evangelistic efforts (focusing on Big-T fundamentals!).
  • Encourage dialogue with Christians outside your church; perhaps have speakers share their practices to break down barriers.
  • Collaborate on community love and recovery efforts.

Unity examples. Here are examples of unification and love over religion:

  • A local Thursday night home-based fellowship comprises Catholic, Baptist, Church of Christ, and non-denominational members who enjoy prayer, Communion, testimonies, and interactive learning. We also charitably love each other and, collectively, the community.
  • Multi-denominational pregnancy centers that show Christ’s love while working to mitigate abortion.
  • Multiple churches serving the community through Shepherd’s Heart.
  • The earliest Church, diverse but loving and irreligious.

Summary. Churches must unite in Big-T truths while enjoying diverse little-t practices through education and love. What’s next? Learn how original Christianity as a costly faith flourished because of godly modeling and endurance under incredible pressure—not praise bands, light shows, motivational speakers, or other consumeristic attractions. Meanwhile, be an active and collaborative member of Christ’s Body.

God’s blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Unify to Magnify – Part Two!

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In part one, I wrote that God wants His children unified as one diverse but single Body, sharing spiritual gifts, talents, and treasures. Metaphoric eyes, ears, feet, and hands, all different but working together to accomplish God’s desires. However, the Church has been drawn, quartered, and segregated. The ‘arms’ congregate and despise the ‘legs;’ the ‘eyes’ deprive the ‘hands’ of vision.  And we relegate many to hell because of differing religious practices and beliefs. This is a far cry from the original love and simplicity that characterized the Church, however. What happened?

Hands down, the root cause is people. We differ in beliefs and experiential pursuits, and like-minded folks assemble to create and share common traditions and practices. This is the heart of culture—faith, in our case. Let’s focus on cultural differences in how we praise God and engage religious theories and experiences.

Cultural Differences: Praise. Many people honor God in song or dance. Some prefer a gospel genre, while others swear that musical instrumentation is of the devil. Others enjoy hymns, while another church uses contemporary popular songs during services. Regardless, differences in how we praise God are primarily matters of personal taste and don’t generally pose a divisive threat to Western Christianity. Religious differences are another matter.

Cultural Differences: Religion. This presents the Body as ugly to the yet-to-be-churched, who marvel at our disunity. There are many Western Christian splinters, some prompted by one person’s beliefs in the fourth to fifth centuries CE. A Stoic by nature, he spawned new and contentious religious theories like original sin spread through sex and predeterminism (you have no hand in your final spiritual destination). Other church fathers rejected the latter theory, which was revitalized and formalized in the Protestant Reformation. Also, contention in baptism and communion remains.

  • Baptism. Water immersion is a public sign of intentional, saving devotion to God. One early Christian guide suggests cold, running water. Otherwise, warm or standing water is fine. None of the above? Spit! Now? We divide over infant baptism, whether water saves, and baptism’s effectiveness should any body part miss the water.
  • Communion. Early Christians remembered Christ’s sacrifice and a new covenant with God by sharing wine and bread, often as part of a ‘love feast.’ Now? We divide over how and where to take it, who can serve it, and how it works. You’ll be excommunicated in some circles if you share Communion elements with believers outside your church. My, how we’ve abandoned authentic and intimate sharing among believers for religion!

Summary. Christians congregate and isolate with like-minded people, often praising God through diverse musical traditions. However, the most divisive force is the different beliefs implemented by humans, not God. Religious contention has greatly splintered Christ’s Body, but that’s not God’s desire! In part three, we’ll explore ways individuals and churches can unify despite differences in practices and non-essential beliefs.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Faith-based Computer Networking

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Decades ago, I managed computer systems and network teams at the University of North Dakota’s Aerospace College. Many intelligent people worked with and for me. Me? Not so much. I needed supernatural help on occasion (usually late at night when I was in way over my head!). I’d share those Spirit-enabled success stories with my wife but never labeled the practice until one particular evening.

I had invited a network administrator and his girlfriend to join us for a church-sponsored Valentine’s dinner. During the meal, my wife said, “You know how you pray because you don’t know what you’re doing?” My cohort blurted out, “Ah – faith-based network administration!” I’ll take it. After all, why break what works? But is praying for what I need wrong or selfish? It depends.

God encourages us to pray in our time of need—in dire straights or innocent desire for good things, not selfish gain or ambition. Praying to find car keys to rush a sick child to the hospital would be good and selfless. Asking God for a red sport car when you only need to repair the car you have probably crosses a line. Let me offer some quick guidance about asking for Godly help before continuing.

Someone recently said something like, “If God can love people how I think He should, then I can love Him!” Well, we don’t set moral standards; God does. He doesn’t owe us anything, let alone His ear, and He certainly doesn’t work for us! If our motives are impure or selfish, or we intend to rebel against His standards, God will not listen to us (Psalm 66:18; 1Peter 3:7; James 4:3). And we must be someone God knows in a complete (perfect) relationship if we expect anything from Him. Here are a few verses encouraging those in fellowship with God to ask for direction.

Remember that Jesus taught us to pray for deliverance from temptation and the evil one (Matthew 6:13). One Psalmist begs for God to order his steps and keep sin from overcoming him (Psalm 119:133). And Jesus’ brother James encourages us to ask God for wisdom and discernment (James 1:5). At the same time, Paul admonishes us to ‘pray about everything’ (Philippians 4:6). Do we have examples of this at work? Yep!

Paul got direction from God’s Spirit to go to Macedonia instead of Asia (Acts 16:6-10). Gideon, seeking guidance from God, asked for certain conditions (dry fleece, wet fleece) to confirm the future (Judges 6:36-40). The Jews similarly cast lots to receive guidance from God because they understood that He would direct the outcome according to His desires. Finally, King David continually sought wisdom from God. So should we.

In summary, God listens to His own and gives wisdom accordingly. What about the following article? Since we’ve touched on what God desires, let’s talk about how He seeks partners, not affirmation, zombies, or spiritual couch potatoes!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Faith, Hope, & Love, Part III: Love

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Last week, we considered hope – confidence in our future with God. This week’s look at the love of faith, hope, and love, comes from an article I wrote several months ago titled, “How do I love Thee?” In particular, we’ll look at the unconditional, charitable action that must come as a result of our Christian faith.

Unconditional Love. This love doesn’t come and go with an emotional wind. It’s doing the right thing for the right reason despite feelings. Greek noun agape is this love that God has for all creation. Verb agapao is love action. God is love (agape); God loved and loves as we should (agapao).

For instance, God hasn’t always been happy with humanity but still loves so much that He gave His Son for all people and takes His time before bringing judgment.

We love, because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

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 (John 3:16).

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

… Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him (Acts 10:34-35).

So, how should we love?

… ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ (Matthew 22:37-39).

According to Jesus and the apostles, we are to be kind and charitable to others besides honoring the Father with all we are and have. So, we will behave in specific ways if we remain with Christ and have the Spirit of God working within us. We will be patient, kind, charitable, gentle, and self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23). Being self-controlled is essential to bringing the Kingdom of God to those who don’t know Christ (yet). We must not react angrily or speak hatefully – especially in this day of social media when and where we’re on public display! One hateful word, especially attacking character over behaviors, can make God’s Kingdom unattainable for so many people!

Remember that God has loved us first. In response, we must love people and give Him complete devotion. Do the right thing and watch what we say and write, understanding that we must remain patient, kind, gentle, and self-controlled despite how we feel. Finally, our love from faith must move us to care for others.

Next week, we’ll have a ‘whale’ of a time with Jonah!

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Faith, Hope, & Love, Part I: Faith

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Faith is something to which we belong or have. I am of the Christian faith, and I have faith. Many of us will say that we have faith, but what is it? How do we get it, and how does it relate to our relationship to God and people?

First, faith is belief – confidence. The apostle Paul tells us that it is why we hold on tight to the unseen things of our Christianity, whether of spirit or fulfilled prophecies (Hebrews 10:39 & 11:1).

Second, it is not meant to be blind faith! The Bible repeatedly teaches that we must learn wisdom and knowledge that lead to a healthy fear of God and salvation (2Timothy 3:13-17). Why? So that we can stand firm in persecution and confusion and walk in God’s ways and not be deceived, something that Paul warns will happen in the last days (1Timothy 4:1). Be forewarned: deceit can come from within our churches too, but we can stand firm by knowing the truth of God (Colossians 2:6-8).

Where does our non-blind faith come from? It comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17), prayer, the Holy Spirit (for illumination), meditation (Psalm 1:1-2), discipleship (Ephesians 4:11-16), testimonies, and applying what we learn or experience.

Finally, faith MUST lead to action! All knowledge is useless to God and others if it doesn’t move us to act. That action is the agape, unconditional love, that feeds, houses, clothes, teaches, doesn’t react in anger, listens and encourages, and is kind. Here’s what Jesus’ brother James says about faith-born action:

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? —James 2:17-20.

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. —James 1:22-25.

Next week, we’ll continue our faith, hope, and love journey by exploring how our confidence (faith) in what God has done and is doing assures us that He will do all that He has promised.

Blessings and peace,

Ron Braley

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Why Bad Things Happen, Part II: Why??

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Last week, we began examining “Why do bad things happen to me or any good person?” and learned that humanity separated from God, which introduced death and pain. We walked away from perfection and must deal with the consequences. This week, we’ll dig deeper into why bad things happen.

First, everyone is subject to fortune and misfortune, blessings, and catastrophe. Some wicked people will prosper – often because of deceit and injustice. Others will suffer from natural disasters or others’ bad choices despite their love for God and people.

Second, we experience the actions of others. Anyone can choose to harm us or who live carelessly.  But we know this – otherwise, there would be no need for end-of-the-world judgment and consequences. People will drive drunk and take lives. Some will steal and cause poverty and hunger. Others will, out of their anger or addictions, cause harm.

Third, we suffer from our actions at times (e.g., Matthew 26:52). Our lifestyles introduce risk. People who drive or ride in vehicles run the risk of being maimed or killed in accidents. Those who jump out of airplanes may die. Sportspeople may be killed or seriously injured, and so might those of us who participate in the national or local defense.

Also, our technology creates many risks! Cancer increases may be related to chemicals and carcinogens with which we pollute the air, water, and food. Genetic engineering may increase crop and livestock bounty but introduces the risk of human mutation and illnesses. God didn’t force us to employ electricity, vehicles, or chemical or genetic engineering, and yet we blame Him when we reap the consequences associated with our lifestyles and environments!

Finally, faithful followers of Jesus may suffer trouble out of faith (Luke 14:27-30):

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, “This man began to build and was not able to finish.”

Next week, we’ll continue this train by considering how we can restrict, or enable, the presence of God in our lives. So, join me for Part III!

Blessings and peace,

Ron Braley