“Prayer is Useless”

Today, as I searched for information about those killed in Oklahoma, I saw page after page on the internet with comments from people about how to react. There were some that said "Let's remember the victims in prayer." There were a great many  more that said "Prayer is useless."

"Prayer is useless" is the new trending sentiment in our country. It breaks my heart. The basic argument is that God never answers prayers, and the ones that seem to be answered are just coincidence. “Prayer is useless," is the declaration of the unbeliever, and he will not be convinced that he isn't right. We've seen this kind of person before:

And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!" So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. Mark 15:29-32

They did not want to believe. Remember, though, Jesus had already admonished his disciples: Don't you think that I could call on my Father to send more than twelve legions of angels to help me now? How, then, are the Scriptures to be fulfilled that say this must happen?" Matthew 26:53-54

There will always be mockers. There will always be adversaries to the Cross. Some will open their eyes, when they see God's love on display. One centurion did. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" Mark 15:39

Yes, God hears our prayers and answers. It is not a wasted exercise, even if there are those around us who have eyes and do not see.

Heteronormativity

I personally still cherish the hope that we can as a society eliminate cruel homophobia without jettisoning heteronormativity. - Maggie Gallagher

Multiracial Congregations 4

In John’s vision (Revelation 7:9) people of all nations, tribes, languages, and races will be standing before his throne and worshipping him… together.

Multiracial Congregations 3

Many of the congregations that are "multiracial" are actually in transition from one group to another and will not remain mixed.

Multiracial Congregations 2

Multiracial congregations in the U.S. are rare. Mixed race churches represent only 8 percent of American congregations.

Multiracial Congregations

A multiracial congregation is a church where no one racial group is more than 80% of the people. Our church is not multiracial yet.

Living Large on a Budget

We've been on a fixed income since moving back to the US. (that means having a predictable income) Having a budget make a huge difference. We are pleased at how our spending stretches. (we lack nothing) Here are some checkup questions for everyone when it comes to spending.

• Am I giving to the Lord first? Proverbs 3:9-10
• Am I following a spending plan?
• Am I becoming a disciplined spender?
• Am I spending less than I earn?
• Am I saving?
• Am I being generous?

Back to our Regularly Scheduled Program

Okay, We’ve been in the USA for about two weeks and three days. This week should be the first “normal” week for us. I have  a cell phone now too. Just have to learn how to use it.

Last Thursday in Brazil

We are on our countdown week in Brazil. This is our last Thursday. Yesterday we sold our car. Today the whole family is finished with all dentist visits. Still packing and giving things away.

October 11, 2012

We will arrive in Baton Rouge on October 11, 2012. Less than two weeks to go. Had another set of good-byes this week and a few more scheduled for next week. Still working on selling our 21-year-old car.

Three Weeks

We should be moving in three weeks time. We’ve been so busy that I have not been posting regularly. Saying goodbye to friends is hard work, too.

Announcement

I delayed announcing this until I could communicate with our churches here in Brazil. I have accepted the call to pastor Stevendale Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. We will be moving in October.

Still living out of a suitcase

Though I made it back to Brazil a week ago, we still aren’t back in our home or driving our car. Riding very over crowded buses in contorted standing positions. It makes good family time, believe it or not.

Back in Brazil

After a nice August in the US, I am back in Brazil. Still haven’t made it back into my house (except to set a bunch of mouse traps). Hopefully we will get our car back today. That will make things easier.

Going to Baton Rouge Tomorrow

Tomorrow, August 2nd, I am flying out of Rio de Janeiro to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Looking forward to seeing family and friends. Will stay 4 weeks.