Stimulus Checks, Refunds and the Glory of God

COVID-19 is here and we are feeling its impact.  Much has been written and will be about the health and healthcare ramifications of this novel virus, but I want to think about its economic impact.

People are going to be suffering economically because of the effects of this virus.  The social distancing necessary to slow the spread and save lives is also disrupting lives all around us.  People are being laid off, small business owners are watching revenue shrink and employees are wondering how small the next few paychecks can get.  This is causing and will cause great stress on individuals and families all around us.

The president and legislature are working on sending some kind of stimulus checks to the American people.  As I write this I do not know the size of these checks or exactly who will get them.  I'm hearing $1,000 per adult and $500 per child is a real possibility for at least the lower and middle classes.  Whatever the value of money that will soon be in your hands from stimulus checks or tax refunds, I think it is wise to ask how a Christian should use this money.

Before this national crisis erupted my wife and I were brainstorming how to use our tax refund.  Would we pay extra principal down on our house?  Would we put money into an IRA?  Would we get the floors refinished?  Well, now that times have changed we are asking what are responsibility as Christians is with this cash.

I want to use a few Biblical examples to illustrate how I am thinking about this money.

"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.  Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Jeremiah 29:7

Our God asks us to seek the peace and economic well being of our community.  We are to pray for it, because its prospering is our prospering.  So, whatever we do with this money during this time of need should impact our city.  How we use this money must be have a greater impact than only what makes me happy.  I should understand my interconnectivity to the people around me.

The feeding of the 5,000 men- John 6:1-13

You remember the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 men and an untold number of women and children?  A crowd had gathered around Jesus and listened to Him preach.  It got late and Jesus asked where they could buy food for that many people.  Philip said eight months wages couldn't feed them all just one bite, but the disciples went canvassing for food.

"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many." John 6:9

You know the rest.  Jesus took that little bit of food and multiplied it to the point that everyone had enough food and there were twelve baskets left over.

You can't tell me that there was only one person who packed a lunch.  Do you really think that only that boy brought along some food?  I could believe 5,000 men forgetting to pack a lunch, but, being a married man with children, I can't imagine there being very many women that didn't pack a lunch for themselves, their husbands and/or their children.

My point is that only one boy had the guts to be generous in a time of need.  And Jesus used that generosity to show off His power and provision.

When times get tough am I the boy that offers what I have for Jesus to use to benefit others and myself, or am I like the others that would sneak a bite of my own food while my neighbor went without?

I'm not even mentioning the story of the poor widow that gave all she had or the parable of the talents.  As I read my Bible it is clear that I must use my refund and whatever check we might get for the benefit of others.

That all being said, I think there are three Biblical ways we can help our communities thrive with our money.

1) Save It.

If you do not have an emergency fund (as Dave Ramsey would call it) then build one.  We don't know how long this will last.  Have the ability to take care of yourself and your family first.  Prepare yourself so that you do not become a burden to others (1 Thessalonians 2:9, 1 Timothy 5).  Read Proverbs and you'll find there is much wisdom in being prepared.

2) Give It.

My wife and I do not need this money to survive.  We may not be swimming in luxuries, but we are more than fine.  God has blessed us with the ability to have built up an emergency fund.  Any money we would be getting would only go toward pleasure and retirement planning (there's nothing inherently wrong with either of those in normal times).  So, if you are in a position like ours this is a time to consider giving.  Give to your relative that is having a hard time making ends meet.  Give to your neighbor that can't make rent and feed kids.  Give it to your church's benevolence fund so it can meet the needs presented to it.  And let's not forget to tithe.

3) Spend It.

Spending money is a way to help our community prosper.  Spending our cash keeps businesses open and people working.  Spending is the difference between people being employed, under-employed and unemployed.  But we can't just spend anywhere.  Try to spend this stimulus to stimulate those businesses and those workers most in peril.  Companies like Amazon can and should be able to keep employees paid during this time of social distancing; your local coffee shop, diner, mechanic or other small business may not.  Spend for the glory of God.  Make your spending choices the means that enable someone to thank God they still have hours at their job.  Make your spending part of the reason the local business owner still has confidence she can send her son back to school in the Fall.

Let us be wise and God honoring with our spending, saving and giving.  Let's seek the peace and prosperity of our city because we go as it goes.  We're given an opportunity to bless others; let's seize it today.

How to Think Biblically About COVID-19

COVID-19, popularly known as coronavirus, is here and is impacting our health and economy. I do not think this is a hoax. Whether we are over or under reacting can't truly ever be known unless you're Marty McFly. I'm not a medical professional and I have no idea what this all will look like in a month, let alone by Monday. But I have been thinking about how to approach this in a Biblical manner. We must take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and put it under the authority of God and what we know of Him through His Word. Below are some bullet points on how to think Biblically about COVID-19.

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself- Mark 12:31

This is actually my two-and-a-half year old son Joshua's memory verse of the month. This is how we must act. We're told this virus is mostly harmful to older people and those with preexisting conditions. While we might not be at risk, they are. Do what you would want to have done if it was your wife, grandma, child or yourself that was at risk. If there is a moment in the future where people who are sick aren't being cared for then go help them as you are able and would want them to for you. Treat infected people as you would want to be treated if you were infected. Treat people who have come back from a trip as you would be treated.  Treat people how you would want to be treated if you were unable to work.  Love people who aren't you.

Don't Fear- 2 Timothy 1:7

Don't let yourself be controlled by fear as if God was not in control. Don't fear as one who has no hope. Be brave, but don't be a cavalier fool. If all your thoughts are consumed by fear then there is nothing left to give your Savior and His people. Let the world see your courage that is rooted in the Spirit that God has given you.

Remember Your Mortality- Psalm 90:12

Don't fear, but don't fool yourself; you are mortal on this side of Heaven. The deaths on the news are happening to people just like you. But don't let this lead to despair; rather let this remembering teach you to take advantage of Today while it is still called Today (Hebrews 3:13). There is much wisdom to be gained from this remembering of our limited days.

Trust Authority- Romans 13:1-4

God has established the authorities governing our world. From the WHO and CDC to President Trump we are living under authority that God in His sovereignty has placed over us. This does not mean that they are perfect, but that the default setting of every Christian is appropriate submission to them. That means when guidelines are given they are meant for our good. When gatherings are canceled it is for our good. Don't be a blind, idiot follower but don't assume they are having these guidelines as some worldwide conspiracy to sell soap, or whatever the latest conspiracy theory is.

Trust in God's Sovereignty and Goodness- Romans 8:28

In all things God works for our good. All things = all things, even COVID-19. I don't know what the good is as of today, but I do know that God is sovereign and He is good to us. Let the world watch you believe this verse.

Detox From Other 'gods'- Exodus 20:3

Like many of you I have made gods out of some of the pleasures in my life. Sports are not naturally at odds with God, I think I will be playing and watching them in Heaven. Yet, my sports fandom can become a god. Lent is a time when we fast from these good things that can try to become god-things in our lives. Perhaps God is using this to detox us from these gods. I wouldn't have given up March Madness for Lent, but I am now. There are many pleasures (parties, plays, trips, games, etc) that we are being told and will be told not to do for the good of public health. This COVID-19 season will test how much I love the LORD my God and my neighbor. It will test how much comforts and pleasures have tried to replace the One True God in my life.

Pray for the Good of the Community- Jeremiah 29:7

God tells us to pray for the good, the peace and the prosperity of our towns, counties, states, countries and world. We are to seek our community's welfare to pray for it. So, you aren't a doctor, nurse or even someone who understands this pandemic, you can be one who prays to the Great Physician. That is an amazing privileged, honor and responsibility.

Approach COVID-19 as one who has taken his thoughts captive today.

29 Reasons Why

"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." 

Proverbs 18:22

Today is my wife's 29th birthday.  Christine, I hope you have a wonderful day.  Thank you for being the good that I found.  Thank you for being a source of God's favor.  When you are good to me it's as if God Himself was being good to me.  I'm glad I found you and somehow won your heart.

Christine, I love you in at least 29 ways but here's 29 for year 29:

1) I love that you love me.

2) I love that you love our kids.

3) I love that you submit to a broken man like me in such a strong way.

4) I love that you are a wonderful cook.

5) I love the way you still make me go crazy with a look.

6) I love how devoted you are to our faith.

7) I love that I can trust you fully.

8) I love how you help others.

9) I love that you do hard things with me.

10) I love how you laugh so hard you cry.

11) I love popcorn and movie nights with you.

12) I love how mad you get at me during board games.

13) I love that you hate the unknown yet live with my unknown work schedule.

14) I love that you can create life in your womb.

15) I love how soft your skin feels.

16) I love how you seemed to have skipped a decade of pop culture and news.

17) I love how sweet your soul is.

18) I love how intentional you are with the kids.

19) I love the way you pour your heart into foster kids.

20) I love the way your lap feels when you let me cry on it.

21) I love the lines on your face when you smile.

22) I love that you pretend to care about the Cubs and the Chiefs.

23) I love the way you have helped make me a better man.

24) I love that you love to read.

25) I love how smart you are.

26) I love sleeping next to you.

27) I love how well you let me know you.

28) I love how well you know me.

29) I love every inch of you inside and out.

#Girldad

It's a few days into Lent and I'm not doing my usual Lent Challenge.  Normally during this season I write every day on this blog.  I do that because it forces me to read, think clearly, look for God in my world and then communicate what He's showing me that day.

This year I am not doing it because I want to be a better dad.  Not that writing makes one a bad father, but there are only so many hours in a day.  Writing daily is not difficult but it does take time.  My wife knows and is helping me to know that she and the kids need more of my time.

I have been the dad of a boy for nearly three years now.  As a recovering boy, I have a pretty good idea of what a boy needs.  I know what and how he thinks better than my wife does.  I have a past that equips me to know the world of a young boy and, to be honest, playing Batman still is fun for me.

But since November 2018 I have been the dad of a girl.  First with "L" who left our home after six months and then to sweet Miss Anna as of Groundhog Day 2019.  Being the father of a girl is very much the same in many ways but in some ways is foreign territory.

After the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter the hashtag #girldad went viral.  Kobe expressed to a member of the media the joy he had in being a girl-dad and she told the world and millions have echoed that joy.  This is such a good thing to be celebrated.  Across much of the world girls are not valued as they should be.  In places like China men at one point outnumbered women by 33 million due to sex-selective abortion (which many nations have and are outlawing) and other evil factors.  So #girldad is a wonderful and needed thing.

From the moment the ultrasound tech told us the baby developing in my wife's womb was a girl I wondered what she would need from me.  #girldad and the discussion that followed was another opportunity to ponder how raising my daughter was different from raising my son.  It was another opportunity to ask what she needs from her daddy.

What does my daughter need from me?:

She needs me to love her mom well.  Miss Anna needs to see how a real man loves a woman.  She needs to see the value I see in her mother.  She needs to see what she should look for in a mate.

She needs me to love her in a way that makes me difficult to replace.  I want her to know and experience a deep love from her daddy.  I want her to know what it feels like to be loved well.  She also needs to know that while marriage is the norm that her marriage status will not decide whether or not she is loved well by a man.

She needs me to teach her grace.  She needs me to show her grace when she is in the wrong.  She needs me to teach her how to give grace when her brother is in the wrong.  She needs me to teach her the strength that comes from graciousness.

She needs me to tell her about the confidence she can have in who she is as a creation and daughter of Christ.  She needs to know that she was knitted together in her mother's womb and in every stage of her life from skinned knee toddler to pimple faced teen and beyond she is a work of art by the Great Artist.  She needs to know that her inner skills, talents and strengths are wonderful gifts to be cultivated and grown and used frequently.  She needs to know that as much as her daddy loves her that her Heavenly Daddy loves her more.

She needs to be told the Gospel.  Over and over and over and over and over and over...



Being a girl-dad is a good thing.  Right now I'm a distant second to her mom in Anna's eyes, but I cherish those times when she lets me just hold her tight.  Last Sunday I held her close and just dreamed of all the things she might do and the way she might be someday and I prayed that she would know Jesus and that I would be a bigger influence in her successes than her failures.

Parents, we have an ability to leave the biggest scars and the biggest positive marks on our children.  May we be an influence for their flourishing and may their flourishing make their communities flourish.  Girl-dads, here's to tea parties and big hugs; we have an awesome job, may we be what our daughters need today.

Adoption Profile: Patrick & Shelby Ray

Over the next few weeks I want to share some awesome people with you. The people you will read about are amazing and normal at the same time.  They are people in different life circumstances and of different ages that have made the decision to foster and/or adopt.

Meet Patrick and Shelby Ray. The Rays are a young couple living in North Minneapolis. They adopted through the foster care system a sweet young girl named Adelyn who just so happens to be my perky niece.

If their story gets you interested in fostering and/or adopting here is a good link to check out: https://iowafosterandadoption.org

Tell me about your journey into adoption.

I was in 11th grade sitting in an environmental science class where the teacher was talking about the issue of overpopulation. At that point I decided if I got married I'd want to adopt. The math was simple: Too many humans+kids already born and in need of help=I should adopt. 

I now reject the formula as worldly. I no longer fear overpopulation. With that said, my adoption mindset is still kind of cold when it comes to kids I haven't met yet. I'm not sure I have ever cried over the problem of orphans, but I am passionate about adoption.

 What moment took this from a "good thing you should do sometime" to something you were actually going to do?

We talked about having kids after 2-3 years of marriage. We knew we wanted to adopt and hadn't had any biological children yet so shortly after the 2 year mark we got started with the foster care licensing process. We didn't have any feeling that we were ready to have kids. We believed it was time to have kids because we believed that as a married couple we were called to raise children.

What have you learned about yourself through this so far?

God loves me a lot more than I realized. (Ephesians 1:3-10)

 What have you learned about God in this?

The Lord's discipline is not removed from His love. He trains up those He loves.

How has this impacted your family?

Without adoption, we wouldn't be Adelyn's parents. I can't imagine my life without my daughter (at this point I am getting emotional).

What has been the most rewarding part of adopting?

Becoming Adelyn's father has been the most rewarding part of adoption. Being her parents is the best thing Shelby and I have ever been. 

What has been the hardest part?

The uncertainty of the foster care process. Since we adopted out of foster care our primary goal was to see reunification but it still made us very nervous. 

The pull between "she feels like my child" and "reunification is a wonderful thing" was extremely difficult emotionally. 

Was there a moment you wanted to quit?

I never ever ever wanted to quit on Adelyn. But after we adopted her, I got very comfortable with our life. I never understood the pull to have an only child until we adopted her. I feel like I cannot love another child as much as I love her. I've heard from all parents of 2+ that this is a myth so I'm going to take their word for it. 

 Would you recommend others do foster care and adoption? Why?

I'm sure there are reasons to not adopt. I couldn't think of any for us though. When I look out and see children in need of a family, it just makes sense to open my home and heart to them. 

I really hesitate to say anyone "should" adopt. I also hate the idea that there needs to be a special call to adopt. Rather than waiting for a special feeling to adopt, consider praying and asking the Lord to give you wisdom and make it clear if you should not adopt. 

 

Foster Profile: Emily Walrod

Over the next few weeks I want to share some awesome people with you. The people you will read about are amazing and normal at the same time.  They are people in different life circumstances and of different ages that have made the decision to foster and/or adopt.

Our first person is Emily Walrod.  She is single and is at the very beginning of her foster care journey.

If Emily's story makes you curious about becoming a foster parent here is a good link to check out today: https://iowafosterandadoption.org

1) Tell me about your journey into foster care.

I have always loved kids. At the age of 37 I came to the realization that having biological kids of my own was probably not in the cards for me. I knew I wanted to love on kids and to help them grow as human beings. I had the opportunity to meet several families who are foster parents and have metchildren in the foster system. 

2) What moment took this from a "good thing you should do sometime" to something you were actually going to do? 

The moment that I decided to become a foster parent was when I moved into my house a few years ago. I had so much space for one person. Also it was when I was watching a family I am close friends with who had a little one and I got to watch the love they had for their little one.

3) What have you learned about yourself through this so far?

I have learned that I am not fit for working with older children. I also found out just how attached I am to my family though this process.

4) What have you learned about God in this?

I have learned that God provides through everything. I have learned that when I am the most scared I need to rely more and more on God daily. 

5) How has this impacted your family?

I am single so it hasn’t affected my close family. My parents and brother have been very supportive of my decision after lots and lots of questions and fears.

6) Was there a moment you wanted to back out?

Not yet.

7) Is there a verse or passage you go back to in order to endure in this?

Esther 4:14- "Perhaps you were born for such a time as this."

8) How do you make decisions about what children to take into your home?

I trust my heart, look at the age of the child, behaviors, if they are in school, etc. So far I havent had a placement.

9) Would you recommend others do foster care? Why?

Yes I would recommend others to take a chance on a child. Take the chance because you will never know the different you can make in a child’s life. How you could change the course of their life by being with them during a difficult time in their lives.

Saving the Worst

Who should be in your church?  What types of people should be in the congregation each Sunday?  For whom is the Gospel?

In the book of 1 Timothy the Apostle Paul wrote some shocking things in chapter one.  I normally use NIV, but I want to show you what the more word-for-word NASB says in 1 Timothy 1:8-11

"8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted." 1 Timothy 1:8-11

Paul was writing to Timothy to address some problems in the church in Ephesus and to give the young pastor some advice on how to deal with those problems.  Apparently the self-righteous folks had made their way into the church.  These people had been promoting controversies and teaching false doctrines and trying to make the new believers follow the Law as a means of salvation.

Paul, as usual was upset by this type of behavior.  So Paul told Timothy that the main purpose of the law is to help us realize that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  The Law primarily is to help sinners realize they need saving.

Paul basically said that the Gospel and therefore the local church is for broken down sinners.  His list is shocking.  He lists those who are rebellious and liars alongside homosexuals, kidnappers and even people that killed their parents!

To borrow a good cliche, the local church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners, ever those who have killed and kidnapped.

Paul continued his point in the next few verses.

"12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul reminds Timothy that he was once a murderer and a persecutor.  Paul spent his days rounding up Christians to be imprisoned and killed.  Paul was a violent man, but God chose to use him.  God chose to give mercy and grace to a man that was merciless.  

Paul firmly believed that if he could be saved then anyone could be saved and sanctified.

Don't hear me wrongly, this passage is by no means condoning any of the behaviors listed.  God never approves of murdering your parents, or homosexuality, or lying, or adultery, or slave trading (as the NIV translates kidnapping), or whatever is contrary to sound doctrine.  No, God does not permit those things, but God accepts those people.  

If you have done anything that fits that list God wants you.  If you have done ANYTHING on that list God desires you.  

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners... of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15

Church, who do you have in your pews?  What type of visitors feel welcome in your services?  Who do you reach out to?  What type of Gospel do you believe in: a big sinner saving Gospel or a gospel that is good rules before good news?

God has come to save sinners and all sinners can be saved today.