We Want Answers; God Wants Relationship

Jesus did not promise that all our prayers would be answered. In John 16:26 Jesus says, “In that day you will ask in My name and I do not say to you that I will request the Father on your behalf” (NASV). Jesus said this after he said we could “… ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in My name.” (John 16:23, NASV). Often, I want to say, “Jesus, make up your mind; which is it?” Could it be that Jesus wants us to meditate and ponder such a conflict as we prayerful argue our confusion with God much like Job did. Maybe it is not the answer God wants to give us but a maturing relationship in which we are free to question and, even doubt. I believe God wants a personal and free relationship with us rather than being the “answer God for our needs, desires, wants, requests, etc.” Be careful what you ask God for because you may receive something much more valuable, i.e., a relationship.

I anticipate a lot of surprises in Heaven

In Jesus ‘Priestly prayer’ (John 17:23) he prays “that they may be perfected in unity….” Jesus is praying for the disciples as well as us, the present-day followers. His prayer indicates that our “perfection” is accomplished in “unity.” I wish that all Christians would cease fighting about whose church and doctrine is right. Jesus’ desire in this prayer is we could agree that we are all pilgrims seeking a relationship with God. Relationship with God is more important than whose doctrines are correct. I know I do not have everything figured out correctly—whatever “correctly” means. I would like to be a Baptist/Methodist/Episcopal/Catholic/Pentecostal/Quaker/Orthodox/Presbyterian/Disciples/Church of God/Church of Christ/ etc. and on ad-nauseum. Why have we established so many different churches and denominations? Why do we have to choose? Why can’t we belong to several churches and denominations? Why do we need to be so certain that my way is the only way as well as the right way? I anticipate a lot of surprises in Heaven.

Easter means following Jesus and that will involve “self-emptying.”

Easter means following Jesus and that will involve “self-emptying.” Philippians 4:5-11 tells us Jesus emptied himself of heaven’s grandeur to become a human and then further emptied himself to die on the cross. Following Jesus means emptying myself my ego’s needs and expectations, things like money, influence, power, prestige, etc. I cannot do this emptying by myself; I may have the desire, but I will need the continuing assistance of the Holy Spirit. These things are not evil or bad in and of themselves but if we are not careful, they become our primary desire. Our primary desire, as Jesus’ followers, is to become hidden with Jesus, as in Jesus’ Gethsemani prayer “not my will but Thine be done”. Self-emptying, among other things, involves not becoming so attached to this world’s things and ideas that if we do not have them, we become envious, jealous, upset, frustrated, angry, etc. Not being attached does mean we do not care; it means those things are not our soul’s identity, i.e., we can take them without their meaning too much and/or we can do without them. It is Easter and the message is dying to self, or self-emptying, and let God raise you up. Do not try to raise yourself because it does not work. Easter means following Jesus and that will involve “self-emptying.”

The Blame Game Rarely Works

Blaming is nearly always a failure to take personal responsibility. The student blames the teacher for such a difficult examination. However, the reality is the student has not been studying, especially the evening prior to the examination. The employee blames the boss for having too difficult of expectations. The boss blames the Board of Directors for being so unyielding to take the risk. The Board of Directors blames the financial situation of the country. There is no end to blaming. This is not to say that others may not have some culpability but, often, blaming others is my failure to take responsibility. It is healthier to admit, “I messed up and I’ll learn so as to do better next time.” The blame game rarely works but, nevertheless, it can be endless. Blaming can be like the AA phrase, “It does not work but I do it very well.”

Those in power use their power and influence to stay in power

White, wealthy patriarchy has moved prominently again into the American culture. Look at all the white, wealthy men who are making basic decisions for our country in 2025. White, wealthy patriarchs are seeking to put Afro-Americans in their place as well as the gay populations. On television we see them attempting to put south and central American immigrants in their place. The white patriarchs even define what is someone’s ‘place’, which is basically not among the white, wealthy patriarchs and their kin. One of their tactics is to demonize others with whom they are unwilling to share power and influence, so they bind immigrants like animals, parading them on television and trying to convince us they are criminals, even though they have never been accused or tried in a court of law. The philosophy and culture of slavery has not left the shores of the USA. Those in power use their power and influence to stay in power. Lord, in Your mercy, open our eyes and hearts.

White Patriarchy Continues to Thrive Among Southern Baptists

In 1961 and ’62 I took Bible classes from Dr. Rowena Strickland at Oklahoma Baptist University. “Yes,” she taught the “preacher boys” as we were called at that time. Since then, the times have been changing. Some white men of the Southern Baptist Convention gained power and influence and decided they did not want women in positions of teaching men or preaching. The Bible has not changed but the Southern Baptist Convention culture has changed. Phoebe is still a deacon (Romans 6:1-2). The first evangelists are still those women at the tomb who told the men who had run off in fear (Mark 16:19). Pricilla and Aquilla are still Paul’s teachers and Pricilla’s name is listed first (Romans 16:3). White patriarchy put women in their place among Southern Baptists, falsely teaching that women are not meant to teach men, preach or be Church leaders. Thank God, other denominations saw better and did not give in to white male patriarchy. As a recovering Southern Baptist, I grieve (“Yes” anger is a part of grief) that so many Baptists have “gone along in order to get along” and white patriarchy continues to thrive among Southern Baptists.

I am not pleased with this “new way” of governing

I am concerned, or better yet, alarmed, by the direction of our country. I am concerned about governing by Presidential Decrees rather than by the Legislative debates and majority vote. I am also concerned about the role of Justice which is to be above partisan politics. Judges appointed by whomever are to reflect justice by the constitution and law rather than by a political person or party’s desires. I believe in the balance of powers or influence within the government. The way of legislation is slow but it is to be a reflection of the people through a specifically outlined process. That is not happening at present, and I am concerned and not pleased with both the results and this “new way” of governing.