Changing Times

Smart phones. Drones that deliver packages. Cars that drive themselves. Family Radio’s new logo. Times, they are a-changing! And like all change, it gets met with mixed reviews. Some change is great, and let’s face it: who doesn’t like the idea of not having to parallel park for themselves? On the other hand, some change requires a little getting used to (why, oh, WHY do smart phones keep getting bigger? Mine struggles to fit in my jeans pocket without falling out nowadays, and I don’t even have the biggest model). And some change is just flat-out hard to deal with, like when Chick-fil-A takes peppermint milkshakes off their menu after the Christmas season.

All joking aside, one change that’s been particularly difficult for me to deal with is our culture’s ever-changing definition of what’s socially acceptable. The rules keep getting stricter and stricter, yet further and further from the Bible. It reminds me of the Pharisees adding law after law to God’s law, worried about the risk of offending God and yet completely missing the point that they couldn’t uphold any of it without Him.

SOCIAL NORMS

It’s no longer socially acceptable to disagree with other people. If I do, I’d better keep it hush-hush unless I want to distance a friendship or cause an ugly skirmish on social media where tactlessness reigns king. Even within the body of Christ, it’s no longer acceptable to speak openly about certain behavior or actions that contradict the Bible. Even merely quoting what God says in His Word causes controversy and offense.

“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division.” Luke 12:51

“But wait,” you may say, “that’s not new. The Bible’s been causing controversy for thousands of years.” Indeed, it has. What’s changed is not being allowed to even speak the Word of God with confidence. Boldly proclaiming the Bible with confidence is seen as arrogance.

Somehow being a “nice person” or “well-liked” in the eyes of the world – or even in the eyes of believers – has become more important than fulfilling the Great Commission.

Somehow being a “nice person” or “well-liked” in the eyes of the world – or even in the eyes of believers – has become more important than fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus was so well-liked that He got crucified, and He never even made a mistake.

OBEYING GOD’S WORD

Don’t get me wrong; I don’t want to offend anyone, and I hate conflict. And the Bible makes it clear that striving to live in peace is better than causing controversy, but not at the expense of disobeying God’s commands. Conflict is going to happen whether I go looking for it or not, because try as I might, even a people-pleaser like me can’t keep everyone happy. It’s impossible. What IS possible is seeking to please God by obeying His Word. And His Word tells me to not be ashamed of the Gospel. “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

If I say I believe the Bible, I need to own it. Not just possess it, but confess it in its entirety and “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15). The tone and attitude of gentleness and respect are equally as important as boldness and confidence. I’ve realized lately that even some of us as believers are becoming guilty of looking at the Bible through a worldly lens instead of looking at the world through a biblical lens. How can we be confident in our faith without that solid foundation of absolute truth?

Thankfully, while social standards change at a rapid pace, God and His Word never change. Let’s live out our faith, confidently proclaiming the Gospel with meekness and fear to please God, not man. “I am ready to preach the gospel to you...For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Romans 1:15-16

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Giving All

May 29, 2017

Freddie Stowers, an American corporal in the United States Army during World War I, gave his all to serve our country. On the morning of September 28, 1918, his company attacked Cote 188, a heavily-defended hill in Ardennes, France. The battle raged, but the Americans steadily gained ground. Soon, the Germans surrendered, but as a ploy. As the company approached the trenches, machine guns opened fire and reduced the company to half its number.

Commanding officers had been killed, leaving Corporal Stowers in charge. He rallied the demoralized company, taking a German machine gun nest and attacking the second line of trenches. This time, Stowers was hit by machine gun fire. Nevertheless, he continued his barrage and was struck again. Collapsing, he ordered his men to persevere. As Stowers succumbed to his wounds, the company successfully drove the Germans from the hill into the plains below.

THE MEDAL OF HONOR

Corporal Stowers was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous perseverance. Today, Memorial Day, we recognize Corporal Stowers and the 1.2 million soldiers who have given their lives in service of this country.

“We here at Family Radio are grateful for the sacrifice of American soldiers who fell in battle on our behalf."

The perseverance Corporal Stowers displayed on Cote 188 calls to mind Paul’s perseverance in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Corporal Stowers knew his instructions, the rewards of his obedience, and that, in the grand scheme of the war, winning that battle was more important than his own life.

SELFLESSNESS

Christ’s instructions to believers in Matthew 16:24-26 reflect this selflessness:

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Ours is mainly a spiritual battle, not against flesh and blood, but nevertheless requires that we cover ourselves with armor. Our battle is no less real and no less significant than the wars our country has fought for our freedom and protection. We are to persevere no matter what obstacles we encounter as we wage war against the devil and his minions “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25).

Let’s give our all as we dedicate our lives to serving Christ to the fullest of our ability!

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

May Flowers

Days of winter gloom blew away a long time ago. Dreary clouds have cried the last of their April showers. May flowers spread their petals to embrace the spring. These days, the sun beams warmly, pouring a healthy dose of Vitamin D over me. After months of winter lethargy, I finally have ENERGY again!

The storm clouds of life act similarly. If I’m caught off guard, trials can bring me down so that I don’t experience true joy. Then I feel guilty knowing I should be overflowing with joy because of the many blessings God has given me. And I am grateful to God for His blessings, but a disconnect occurs that is sometimes difficult to figure out how to reconnect. After all, I recognize that I’m Christ’s ambassador; people should be able to see my joy in the Lord no matter what circumstance I’m experiencing. Then I spiral downward from guilt to shame.

GUILT vs. SHAME

I’m convinced by the Scripture that guilt is the convicting work of the Holy Spirit (II Corinthians 7:9-10). Then I know I’ve done wrong and that I need to repent, learn my lesson, and move on. I’m also convinced that shame comes from Satan and his minions. Shame imprisons. Shame refuses to extend forgiveness. Shame discourages me from picking myself up to try again.

When I feel shame, I know that God hasn’t abandoned me (Hebrews 13:5). Rather, I haven’t properly attired myself in His armor so I’m ready to face a broken, cursed world (Ephesians 6:10-18). Have I brought my struggles before the Lord, spending time with Him in the Word and in prayer (Matthew 11:28)? Am I focusing on things above (Colossians 3:2)? Am I relying on God’s strength instead of my own (Psalm 37:39)? Am I actively thanking and praising God (Philippians 4:6)? Usually the answer to one or more of these is “no.”

But once I honestly answer these questions, how do I escape the downward spiral? I see where I am and where I’m supposed to be, but how do I get there?

BABY STEPS

It takes one little step at a time – a difficulty in a world filled with instant gratification. Maybe the first step means starting with praying for the desire to do those things that will fill me with the joy of the Lord. Then maybe I can pray for forgiveness, both forgiveness from God and the ability to forgive myself. Then I can focus on looking to God for the will and the energy to change my outlook. After that, I will be equipped to take action, one baby step at a time. But if I expect too much of myself right from the outset, burnout or becoming overwhelmed can result from taking too big of steps too quickly. It’s important to celebrate each victory, no matter how small, and to give myself grace when I make mistakes along the way.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10

Let’s step out from under the clouds into the sunshine so we can break free from shame and embrace the joy of the Lord. Our prayers of thankfulness and praise will chase away the clouds so we can fully enjoy God’s blessing of May flowers.

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Life with Mom

 Mothers. Where would we be without them?

As babies, we kept them awake all night and all day with our endless cycle of tears, feedings, and diaper changes. Then we smiled, and all was miraculously forgiven.

As toddlers, we found our boundaries and pushed. Hard. Usually in the middle of the grocery store or some other embarrassingly public place. Or we proudly displayed our newfound language ability, innocently asking the leather-clad, potbellied biker if he was pregnant...

As children, we stepped over those boundaries and hoped to get away with it. But noooo, my mom knew when I lied about brushing my teeth before school. She knew everything—and came prepared, wooden spoon in hand (while the method of discipline may have changed with the times, the moms who see all and know all have not).

By the time we were teenagers, the tables had turned. We figured we knew everything better than our moms. We were so eager to cut those apron strings and gain some independence. A few life lessons later, we begged for Mom’s advice again.

Then came college. As soon as Mom drove away from campus, we instantly regretted our teenage rebellion for independence. Why didn’t we make more of the time we had together? All we wanted were her arms around us, reassuring us that we could hack it. And we could, no matter how many sweaters we shrunk in the laundry or how many all-nighters we had to pull.

When we started our first jobs in the “real world,” who was the first person we wanted to call? And when we got engaged? Who helped us get ready on our wedding day? Who was there in the delivery room for the birth of our children? Who has been there for us through thick and thin, selflessly investing their time and energy so we turn out to be God-fearing, decent human beings?

Our mothers. We really put them through the wringer over the years, yet they continuously pour God's unconditional love on us. They were and remain our biggest cheerleaders.

Around this time each year, young children excitedly present handcrafted treasures to their moms, who ask carefully-worded questions in an attempt to decipher exactly what the gift in front of them is. “How creative! So many colors! So much glitter! Tell me about it...” Restaurants and churches alike see exponentially higher numbers of patrons and attendees, all seeking to bless their mothers. 

Why? BECAUSE MOTHERS ARE WONDERFUL! And even more wonderful when they serve God and teach us to do likewise. The moms in our lives deserve for us to try any and every way to show them how much they mean to us, not just on Mother’s Day, but the year round. [tweet_box “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Proverbs 31:28-29

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Hiding in Haarlem

Seven years ago, my mom and I embarked on a grand European adventure. We hopscotched across the continent visiting lands we’d only ever pictured in our imaginations. Our first stop was the home of our ancestors: The Netherlands. The quaint town of Haarlem greeted us with fairy tale charm. Cobblestone streets strayed up to the feet of venerable bricked buildings. The town square boasted several outdoor cafés, with tables and chairs brimming over across the square. Colorful flower baskets hung from light posts. Bicycles whizzed by, pedaled by people of all ages and walks of life.

Down one quiet street stood an unassuming dark green door. Next to it hung a simple blue plaque, which read:

The Ten Boom family provided a hiding place in this house for Jews and others who were persecuted and hunted by the Nazi-regime. After being betrayed, the Ten Boom family was arrested here on February 28, 1944. They died in faith believing that the best is yet to come.

Casper, father of the ten Boom family, said, “In this household, God’s people are always welcome.” His heroic stance led to the creation of a “hiding place” in his home as part of the Dutch Underground. Over the course of World War II, they saved the lives of approximately 800 Jews.

THE HIDING PLACE

The hiding place was no bigger than a closet. To enter, one had to get on one’s hands and knees, remove a false back from the bottom shelf of a linen cupboard, and crawl through to the narrow, dark space within. When the Nazis raided the ten Booms’ home, the hiding place sheltered six people from view. They remained there for several days afterwards until resistance workers helped them safely escape. The five ten Booms were arrested and sent to concentration camps. Only Corrie survived.

Corrie could have become bitter towards her captors. The Nazis mistreated her and killed her family, forever altering her life. Instead, she used her experiences to be a witness for the Lord. She wrote several books and traveled the world as a public speaker. Her message? Forgiveness.

“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” Corrie ten Boom

A MESSAGE OF FORGIVENESS

In 1947, Corrie spoke at a church in Munich, Germany. She felt the war-torn country needed most to hear the truth that God forgives.

“When we confess our sins, God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever,” she concluded.1

Corrie felt they didn’t quite dare to believe her message. The audience silently, solemnly stood up and filed out to leave. She never anticipated any questions after speaking in Germany. Then, she saw him.
Memories came flooding back to her, unbidden. The skull and crossbones on his cap. The pile of women’s clothing on the floor. The fragile frame of her sister, Betsie. The shame of walking naked past him. He approached her, and stuck out his hand.

A fine message, Fräulein! How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea! You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk. I was a guard there. But since that time, I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fräulein, will you forgive me?1

He clearly didn’t remember her. He wouldn’t – how could he remember one prisoner from the thousands? Corrie knew that she had been forgiven, and should so forgive others, but Betsie died there. The seconds seemed to stretch into hours as she wrestled, frozen in place. She prayed for God’s help to shake that man’s hand.

And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.1

“I forgive you, brother!” she cried, “with all my heart!”1 The ten Boom house remains exactly as it did during World War II in memoriam to the heroes in the faith who used to dwell there. May we all live out our faith with such conviction.

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

1. Ten Boom, Corrie. “I’m Still Learning to Forgive.” Guideposts Magazine (July 24, 2014). Accessed March 24, 2017. https://www.guideposts.org/better-living/positive-living/guideposts-classics-corrie-ten-boom-on-forgiveness

Persecution & Prayer

One morning on my way into work, I followed a car with an ichthus decal on it. You’ve seen them – that fish symbol that Christians drew in the sand during the Roman Empire to show that they were believers during a time of heightened persecution. Now it’s a popular adornment on cars. But this particular ichthus had something written in the fish’s belly. I wondered, Does it say, “Darwin,” like the evolutionists’ ichthus with legs? But I don’t see any legs. At a traffic light, I pulled up close enough to read it. When I did, my heart stopped.
“Exterminate.”

PERSECUTION

Persecution can feel distant to Americans. Compared with other countries, we don’t experience much violence in the name of exterminating Christianity, but it does happen occasionally. If you are one of the people who has been affected by these terrible atrocities, our prayers are with you.

In America, persecution usually happens in comparatively minor ways. Slowly but surely diminishing political rights. Poor treatment by those who don’t agree with our beliefs. Ichthus decals that read, “Exterminate.” But in light of the recent church bombings in Egypt, let’s adjust our perspectives by remembering what our brothers and sisters in Christ face overseas.

Persecution is real. It happens around the world every day. Jesus warned us it would happen. “But

before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake” (Luke 21:12). Eleven of the twelve disciples died violent deaths, and the twelfth while in exile on an island.

More persecution occurred during the 20th Century than all the years previously since Christ’s resurrection combined1. More persecution occurred during the 20th Century than all the years previously since Christ’s resurrection combined.

PRAYER

Persecution and prayer go hand-in-hand. While we know the power of prayer, few people truly rely on it. Our brothers and sisters in Christ need our prayers. It supernaturally strengthens them (Ephesians 3:14-21). It puts the devil’s minions at bay (Daniel 10:12-13). Ultimately, it changes our hearts as we communicate with our Creator (Ephesians 1:15-19).

Recently, I attended a writers’ conference at which one of the instructors, Kay Strom, shared a personal experience from a trip to India2. She and some Dalit (lowest class) women were sitting in a circle when one of them asked, “Did you ever go hungry because you’re a Christian?”

Kay responded, “No, I haven’t.”

Another woman asked, “Did you ever have your house taken away?”

“No, I didn’t,” Kay said. 

“Did you ever lose your job because you’re a Christian?” asked another.

Kay started to feel uneasy. “No, I haven’t.”

“When people find out you’re a Christian, do they throw rocks at you?” 

“No, no one throws rocks.”

“Has anyone ever thrown you in a fire because you are a Christian?” The first woman leaned forward, her scarred arms visible.

“No,” Kay explained, “these things are illegal in America.”

“But if it doesn’t cost you anything, how do you know what it means to be a Christian?”

Silence reigned. Kay was still thinking of a response when another woman asked, “If you in America did have to suffer, would you still be Christians?”

Kay answered honestly, “Some would and some wouldn’t. We need your prayers for the strength to endure it if we do face persecution.”

The women assured her, “We will pray. Tell them we are praying for them.”

Let’s envelope our brothers and sisters throughout the world in prayer for God’s strength to sustain them through persecution. And not only that, but let’s heed Jesus’s call to “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

     1. Wooding, Dan. “Modern Persecution.” Christianity.com. Accessed April 17, 2017.     http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/modern-persecution-11630665.html

     2. Kay Strom, Daughters of Hope (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 190-191.

Equipped & Equipping

On his second missionary journey, the Apostle Paul met a young man in Lystra named Timothy. Lystra’s residents held Timothy, a believer in Christ, in high regard. Paul, also impressed by Timothy, invited him to come along on his missionary travels. As Timothy spent time with Paul and learned from him, he became Paul’s “true child in the faith” (I Timothy 1:2).

The Great Commission commands us to invest our time and energy in teaching and raising up disciples. Christ’s goal? For each of His disciples to “observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).

FRIENDS, WE ARE FAILING AT THIS!

Of those raised in Christian homes...

•       67% do not study Scripture on their own¹

•     70% doubt the Bible’s veracity¹

•     33% believe that there are other ways to heaven¹

•     70-75% leave the faith in college²

These statistics are greatly disturbing. We are raising an entire generation of soon-to-be adults who don’t know Bible basics, are incredibly inarticulate about their faith, are ill-equipped to face their atheist college professors², and ergo won’t teach their faith to their own children or those who cross their paths. They simply do not recognize the importance of having a biblical worldview.

SO, WHAT DO WE DO?

The generation ahead always sets the pace for the generation behind. They are looking to us to see

how we live. Are we authentic? Are we genuinely living out our faith? Do we demonstrate with our actions that we truly believe what we say we believe? Fred Rogers, fellow believer and host of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, said, “Kids can spot a phony a mile away.” How we live today determines who they grow up to be. When they look at us, do they see people they want to imitate?

To “observe” Christ’s commands requires first knowing what they are. But how will the upcoming generation know what Christ’s commands even are if we don’t teach them? “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14). In the Great Commission, Christ tells us that it’s each of our responsibility to teach them.

BUT, I’M NOT EQUIPPED!

What if we don’t feel equipped? What if we think we aren’t smart enough to teach someone else about the Bible? Or what if young adults really don’t seem to like us, and we’re not so sure we like them? THERE IS GOOD NEWS! Christ has equipped us – with the Holy Spirit. We have access to God’s power and wisdom 100% of the time. Not only that, but the Holy Spirit has given us individual gifts so we can carry out God’s will, which includes discipleship.

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” II Timothy 2:2

Let’s put our faith into action by following Paul’s example of discipleship. Who can you invest in on a regular, long-term basis?

Jessie Chamberlain

Family Radio Staff

1.   Nappa, Mike. “What do Christian Teens Actually Believe about Jesus?” Biola Magazine(Summer 2012). Accessed March 17, 2017.http://magazine.biola.edu/article/12summer/what-do-christian-teens-actually-believe-about-jes/
2.   Turek, Dr. Frank. “Christian Youth in America Are Leaving the Church.” CrossExamined (2014). Accessed March 17, 2017. http://crossexamined.org/youth-exodus-problem/

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Victors with Christ

CHRIST IS RISEN! During Easter, we celebrated Christ’s victory over death. Rescued from the law of sin and death, no longer do God’s children need to fear eternal separation from Him. But now that “it is finished” and our sins have been separated from us as far as the east is from the west, what comes next for believers as we go through our daily lives?

BEARING FRUIT

Even though we’re free from the law of sin and death, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2). As Christ promised before His death, the Holy Spirit came to indwell believers to help us live according to the “things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5).

When we live by the Spirit, we bear the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering,

gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). Such characteristics reflect those of our wonderful Creator!

Sin’s cage can’t hold us hostage anymore. Through the Holy Spirit, we can be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). When we walk in the Spirit, the world can see Christ working in and through us. Through the Holy Spirit, we can be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

SHARING THE GOSPEL

Christ’s last words on earth before ascending into heaven commissioned believers to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Sounds simple, right?

But the thing is, no one can be convinced to believe the Good News of the Gospel of Christ. Tom Evans, Family Radio’s president and general manager, is fond of quoting Benjamin Franklin’s famous statement: “Convince a man against his will, and he is of the same opinion still.” To nonbelievers, the Christian life lacks logic. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18). So then how do we as believers fulfill Christ’s Great Commission when the world doesn’t want to hear the message?

We share the truth of the Gospel even so, gently and lovingly. God calls us to plant and water the seeds, but it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to bring those seeds to fruition by His good plan and in His timing. The burden of responsibility falls on God’s shoulders, not ours. But does that mean our job is complete once we’ve shared the Gospel? Not a bit!

We make disciples of all nations. This second half of the Great Commission must not be neglected. We intentionally take the time out of our busy lives to raise up disciples – those indwelt with the Holy Spirit – who can give an answer to anyone who asks about their faith (I Peter 3:15). We hold them accountable to living according to the Word of God (I Thessalonians 5:12-15). We wean them off spiritual milk, and introduce them to a steady diet of spiritual meat (Hebrews 5:12-14) so they in turn can disciple others.

FIGHTING THE BATTLE

If we look at the world around us, it would be easy to get discouraged and feel like we’re fighting a

losing battle. God’s Word states, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12). People are not our enemies – Satan is, and God has not left us defenseless against him! We can ready ourselves for spiritual battle by putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) so Christ’s Great Commission will be achieved through perseverance and the power of prayer!

No matter what it may feel like at times, we are not losing! We are victors with Christ and because of Christ! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:55-58

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Brokenness Redeemed

We enter into contracts all the time for business, sales, or tenancy. Contracts stipulate that if we hold up our end of the deal, the other party is legally obligated to hold up their end. If a contract is broken, both parties are released from their commitments. Sometimes this happens amicably, but not always.

BROKEN FROM BETRAYAL

From Brutus to Judas, the world has seen every type of betrayal imaginable. Friend betraying friend. Child betraying parent. Spouse betraying spouse. Employee betraying employer. Citizen betraying country. Betrayal ignites distrust and division, leaving broken, damaged relationships in its fiery trail.

Jesus experienced betrayal on the deepest levels imaginable. He felt the shame of unjustly losing the respect and admiration of a group of people who previously held Him in high esteem. He felt the horror of being traded for money by a close friend. He felt the pain of one of his best friends denying knowing Him not just once, but three times for the sake of protecting his own skin. He even felt what it’s like to feel forsaken by His Father in His greatest hour of need.

THE NEW COVENANT

The difference between a contract and a covenant is when one party breaks a covenant, the other is still bound to uphold it. In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with Israel to send the Messiah to redeem them. Even though Israel broke this covenant time and time again by betraying God, when Jesus came as the Messiah “in the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4), He didn’t view God’s covenant with Israel as a contract, void after He experienced betrayal after betrayal. Instead, in His graciousness, He fulfilled Scripture by redeeming our brokenness through His death and resurrection, establishing a new, eternal covenant of salvation.

The cross bridged the gap between God and man, allowing us direct access to our Heavenly Father. The torn curtain in the Holy of Holies demonstrated that the temple sacrifices to restore right relationship with God were no longer necessary (Matthew 27:51). Christ “bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (I Peter 2:24). His perfect sacrifice paid the debt for our sins, healed our brokenness, and secured eternal life with God.

Christ “bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” I Peter 2:24

REDEMPTION

What could motivate God to make such a covenant with us? What could He stand to gain through dying on the cross in our stead? God’s unconditional love for His children, given by His good will and for His pleasure, shines through Christ’s actions on the cross. He bought us at a price because His unconditional love is so wide and so deep that we cannot fully comprehend it. Instead of leaving us to our fiery trail of broken, damaged relationships caused by sin and betrayal, God chose to extend His mercy to us, redeeming us from our brokenness.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:3-7

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Christ is King

The Israelites prepared for Jesus to enter Jerusalem. They laid palm fronds on the ground in front of His donkey as He rode through town, shouting “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13). His teaching and miracles had made Him quite well-known throughout Israel. But, not even a full week later, even after conferring such honors to Him, the Israelites reneged their admiration and called out to the authorities for His crucifixion.

WHY?

What would cause people to do such a complete 180? How could someone fall from the limelight so quickly when He didn’t do anything wrong to deserve it?

Why would an entire group of people treat someone like a king on Sunday, but crucify the same Man on Friday?

We lack understanding. As humans, we are fickle and fallen. Many times throughout the Gospels, Jesus quoted Isaiah’s prophecy that “...they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand” (Matthew 13:13). The Israelites who chanted, “Crucify Him!” in Mark 15:13 represent the rest of us who weren’t present in that time and place. We also would have turned on Christ ourselves, and in fact do every time that we choose to sin. Even Christ’s disciples didn’t understand all that was happening at that time (John 12:16).

God had a plan. He’s had the same plan of salvation from the foundation of the earth. Everything that happened the week before Passover unfolded because of that plan. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Nothing took God by surprise; He orchestrated this for our benefit.

Satan used his influence. Let’s not forget to give credit where credit is due. Luke 22:3-4 tells us, “Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him unto them.” Satan used this time in history to wield his influence over mankind in his best attempt to date to turn them away from God Almighty. But Christ, the King of creation, won the battle, defeating death and bridging the gap between man and God for eternity! Christ, the King of creation, won the battle, defeating death and bridging the gap between man and God for eternity!

THE SUFFERING SERVANT

While the Israelites expected the Messiah to come as King to free them from the chains of the Roman Empire, He came in a much humbler form by far: a baby born in a stable to a carpenter and his wife. Way back in the Garden of Eden, the sin introduced to the world by Adam and Eve caused a spiritual death that could only be remedied through perfect sacrifice. Our sinful state left us deserving death, but Christ came to be that perfect, sinless sacrifice in our place.

In anguish the night before His crucifixion, He sweat blood, praying for a different way to enact God’s plan (Luke 22:41-44). “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). God’s most faithful Servant chose to give Himself over to suffering on our behalf, taking a crown of thorns over a crown fit for a king.

CHRIST THE KING

Thanks to Christ’s payment for our sins, believers can enjoy eternal life with God. “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God” (I Corinthians 7:23-24). Christ came to reign not as king of a nation, but to be the King of our hearts. “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.” Psalm 24:7-10

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Row of Ducks

It’s Saturday. I stretch out on a lounge chair and read a book. The sun warms the air around me. An ice-cold Dr. Pepper fizzes in my cup. My husband sits next to me, holding my hand. The laundry is folded. The dishes are washed. The house is clean. The bills are paid. The pets are fed. The fridge is full. Emails are answered. Family and friends are happy and healthy. All is right in my world. I am content.
In my dreams!

REALITY CHECK

My instinct is to put “all my ducks in a row,” and when the line is perfectly straight, I can sit back and

enjoy life. But have you ever tried to put real, live ducks in a row? Not having attempted it myself, my guess is that they wouldn’t stay there for long, if at all. I’m not sure why anyone would even bother trying. Ducks will only fall naturally into an imperfect row when following their mama.

If I was waiting for when I could get my “ducks” to align simultaneously, I’d be waiting until I meet Jesus face-to-face to be satisfied with my life. But – whoops! That means I’d spend my entire life feeling discontent! Contentment isn’t a result of perfect circumstances, it’s an inner peace in spite of circumstances. We live in an imperfect, fallen world. Life is never going to be perfect.
Contentment is an inner peace in spite of circumstances.

WHAT’S THE SECRET?

Contentment comes from God. “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:11

Contentment is learned. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

Contentment results from thankfulness. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18

Contentment can’t coexist with worry. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

Life isn’t about to-do lists. It’s about glorifying God through loving Him and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). John Piper, author and theologian, states that, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Instead of concerning ourselves with aligning our row of ducks, let’s focus on following our Father, in whom we can find perfect contentment under any circumstance.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” I Timothy 6:6-7

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Keeping Your Word

March 20, 2017

“I get so frustrated by your culture! Please don’t tell me ‘Let’s get together sometime,’ if you aren’t going to follow up on it! Just keep your word – act like a Christian!” This opening to my Intercultural Communication class in college was unanticipated and uncomfortable, at the least. While my Korean professor didn’t direct her morning diatribe toward me or anyone else in the class, I will never forget it. Her swift motions as she prepared her desk for teaching class that day conveyed the sense that a recent conversation, in addition to an accumulated mountain of similar irritations, served as the catalyst for her eruption. Were her feelings unfounded? Maybe not. Our society has gotten into the habit of saying we’ll do things without any real intention of following through. If it happens, great! If not, no sweat.

SO WHAT?

Just because something is culturally acceptable doesn’t mean that it’s biblical. It’s our responsibility to test and discern what glorifies God best through reading His Word – the lens of absolute truth through which we view and interpret the goings-on in the world. So, then, what does the Bible say about keeping our word? •  “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” James 5:12 •  “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight.” Proverbs 12:22 •  “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” Proverbs 11:3 The Bible uses some pretty strong language to emphasize the importance of keeping our commitments. It also doesn’t mention keeping our word only when it’s convenient or when we feel like it. But it does promise blessing to those who choose integrity. The Bible promises blessing to those who choose integrity.

LET’S BE HONEST

When we say we’re going to do something, we are giving our word. The words “I promise” or “I swear” shouldn’t have to be present for a statement to mean anything of significance. In fact, the Bible even encourages us not to use such vernacular (Matthew 5:33-37).

God doesn’t call us to meet the status quo. We are called to stand out, to be in the world but not of it. Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” If we live like the world does, we are unrecognizable as followers of Christ. Not only that, but the world is watching us to see if we live according to the standard we claim. Mahatma Gandhi said, “I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” OUCH! The world can see when we are hypocritical and judges us for it. Instead, God desires our conversations to be “...honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (I Peter 2:12).

LIVING IT OUT

I find that we are tempted to break commitments if a better or more convenient opportunity comes along. I Corinthians 10:23 says, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” Edification is all about setting ourselves – our needs and desires – aside for the purpose of building up others. My Intercultural Communication professor saw a direct link between following through on our words and acting like a Christian. Let’s test our actions to see if they represent Christ well to the glory of God, and make changes if necessary. Our God is full of mercy and grace! “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” I Peter 3:15-16
Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Life of Purpose

Haman rose to power as the king’s right hand man over the Persian Empire. Mordecai, a servant at the king’s gate and a follower of God, refused to bow down and pay Haman respect like the other servants so he wouldn’t dishonor God. Haman grew angry at this perceived disrespect – so angry that he obtained the king’s permission to destroy not only Mordecai, but his entire people – the Jews. Haman cast lots, or purim, to choose the date this atrocity would occur.

IMPENDING DESTRUCTION.

Mordecai sought the help of his cousin, Esther, who just happened to be queen over the empire. He suggested she use her position as queen to implore the king’s prevention of this atrocity – but approaching the king without first being summoned by him was punishable by death. Would she risk her own life to save others? Mordecai reasoned with Esther, “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and [tweet_box design="box_05" float="none"]who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?[/tweet_box]” (Esther 4:14). He saw that God had placed her in her position of importance for a purpose. Esther followed Mordecai’s advice, and through her brave actions, God saved both her and the Jews from annihilation.

TRADITION!

On March 9, the Jewish nation will celebrate God’s deliverance of His people from the Persians during the festival of Purim, named after the lots Haman used. Purim is celebrated by reading the book of Esther aloud. It’s traditional for those listening to make a commotion every time Haman’s name is mentioned – a total of 56 times!

Purim is also marked by donating to charity in honor of Esther 9:22, “...the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.” But what fun would a festival be without good food? The day ends with a delicious dinner and a special dessert called “Haman’s Ears” – a jam-filled, three-cornered pastry – because Haman received his “just dessert.”

A PURPOSE AND A PLAN.

Like Esther, God has a purpose for each of His children. Psalm 119:12, 16 says, “For Thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb...Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” We can take comfort that God didn’t just know we were going to be born, but intended each of our days to have purpose before the foundation of the earth was even laid.

While Haman left the date of the Jew’s destruction up to chance by casting lots, God doesn’t gamble with our lives. He has specific reasons for having each of us in a particular place at a particular time. II Timothy 1:9 says, “God; who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” There are lessons we can learn, people we can bless, and opportunities for our faith to grow, living a life of purpose to God’s glory and because of His deliverance, as the Jewish nation so aptly celebrates this time of year.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Fleeing From Temptation

Joseph found himself in dire straits. His own brothers had sold him into slavery, whereupon he was immediately carted off to Egypt to work for his new employer, Potiphar. He may have felt alone in a new culture and a new land where he didn’t know anyone, but he was not forgotten. Genesis 39:2 says, “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man…” Potiphar saw God’s hand on Joseph’s work, and made him overseer of his house. “…The Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake…And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured” (Genesis 39:5-6).

THE STORM

But, as so often happens after a season of comfort, the storm came. Potiphar’s wife became attracted
to Joseph and pursued him when her husband wasn’t present. He refused, not wanting to sin against God or his master. Relentlessly, she pursued him. The day of her final endeavor, she grabbed his cloak, but he slipped through her fingers and ran away, leaving the cloak in her hands. She was so angry that she accused him of soliciting her, and Potiphar threw him in prison.

By God’s grace, Joseph faced temptation and overcame it. He knew what was before him wasn’t God’s best for him, so he didn’t just politely decline – he ran in the opposite direction. II Timothy 2:22 says,

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

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GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
We all struggle with different temptations, whatever they may be –
harsh words, retaliation, deception, gossip, laziness. And just like Joseph, we don’t have to face them alone. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry” (I Corinthians 10:13-14). Through God’s strength, we can train ourselves to run the other way when we recognize temptation.

If we do succumb to temptation, there is no shame in approaching God with repentance. He will welcome us with open arms, just like the father in the parable of the prodigal son. “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father,I have sinned

against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:18-20).

BIGGER AND BETTER
The difficult part about Joseph’s story is that although he did the right thing, he still got punished for it. Ultimately, God had a plan for Joseph that was bigger and better than anything he could have imagined. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” God used Joseph to bring glory to His name among a people that knew nothing about Him.
Let’s flee from the temptations that hinder our relationships with God, and run the race set before us with joy!

 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Jessie Chamberlain

Family Radio Staff

Unalienable Rights

“Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” This week we celebrate the birthdays of two men who upheld these unalienable rights for the American people, one at our country’s inception, and the other at a time when our country faced permanent division. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were the backbone and glue uniting our great nation under God and preserving our unalienable rights to the benefit of us all.

George Washington, the only United States President to be unanimously voted in by the electoral college – twice – stated,

“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

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 His wisdom and leadership, along with that of the other Founding Fathers, led to the construction of the United States government according to biblical morals and principles.

 

PASSING ALONG THE BATON

When President Washington resigned as commander-in-chief on December 23, 1783, he concluded, “I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life, by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them, to His holy keeping.” Washington understood that ultimately God, rather than any man, could preserve the United States of America.

Influenced by reading and re-reading his beloved copy of Washington’s biography, Abraham Lincoln recognized the importance of the foundation that our Founding Fathers laid: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” Lincoln fought hard to apply that proposition to people in both northern and southern states during the Civil War, one of the most arduous times in our nation’s history. 
 

THE GREAT BOOK

Known as “Honest Abe” – the result of the reputation he held with his law practice clients – President Lincoln grew to be one of our most beloved presidents. He held the Bible in high esteem, articulating that, “In regards to this great Book, I have but to say it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this Book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are found portrayed in it.”

The United States lives under the blessing of unalienable rights thanks to our Heavenly Father’s divine leading of these two men. We commemorate them this week.

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

The Red Flag

Oops! I did it again. I made another mistake. I wasn’t even thinking when I did it. And now it’s out there for people to see. I hope no one takes offense to it. It was thoughtless – I realize that now – but I didn’t mean for it to be!

How often have we found ourselves in this exact same position? We go through life, doing what needs to be done and having some fun along the way, when a red warning flag waves itself at us. Then we realize that we’ve blown it. We slipped up, goofed, blundered, miscalculated, misjudged – no matter which word you choose, the definition remains the same.

We all make mistakes. It’s inevitable. Some of us beat ourselves up afterwards. Others are terrified of God’s wrath. The Bible tells us that the best medicine for us to heal from our mistakes is repentance.

– Isaiah 55:7 “…let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
– Joel 2:13 “…and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”
– Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
– James 4:6 “But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
– Lamentations 3:22-23 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”

We can fearlessly own up to our mistakes by confessing them to God. Then we can make it right with those involved, grow as we face the consequences, learn from the situation, and move on. None of us will attain perfection until our marathons end (Philippians 3).

We as individuals don’t have a monopoly on blunders. Let’s be gracious to others as they learn throughout their own life journeys. Instead of taking offense or judging their mistakes, we have the opportunity to come alongside to give encouragement. Ephesians 4:32 says, “…and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

God cares for us so much! He desires that nothing – including mistakes – separates us from Him (Romans 8:38-39), so He provides the Holy Spirit to wave that red warning flag in our hearts so we can turn to Him.

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

A Beautiful Masterpiece

We’ve all been there. That painful moment when you realize – publically – that you’re wrong. Your cheeks flush. Your pride gets wounded. You have to decide whether to admit or ignore your blunder (and pray no one calls you on it). Thankfully, God can transform humiliating experiences into humbling ones.

Humiliation and humility differ in that the former is a negative emotion and the latter a godly attribute. Humility accepts our imperfection, allowing and relying on Christ to make up the difference (II Corinthians 12:9). God can take our natural fallible reaction of humiliation, which stems from pride, and mold it into a beautiful masterpiece.

In some situations, we are prideful and don’t even recognize it. In Leviticus 4:2-3, God holds the Israelites accountable for such things: “…If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord…then let him bring for his sin…a young bullock without blemish unto the Lord for a sin offering.” Christ is our sin offering, graciously paid once and for all, the balance never outstanding.

Humility becomes a question of motives. Are we glorifying God, or ourselves? Are we treating people with the sacrificial love to which God calls us? Are we seeking to understand, or do we inwardly believe that we know best? Matthew 7:5 says, “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”

When we enter into humility, we affirm and encourage those around us. Philippians 2:3 says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Let’s not forget Christ’s commands to “…love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mark 12:31) and “…as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31).

Humility is an act of holiness – being set apart for God by choosing His ways over our instinctive responses. It doesn’t come naturally to most, but by prayer and practice. Ephesians 4:23-24 say, “be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Let’s take a moment to check our hearts throughout the day. How can we allow God to transform our selfish motivations into His beautiful masterpiece?

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff