But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
One of the things I learned early on as a performer was how to walk on stage. As one walks onto the platform there needs to be sense of confidence and purpose. Anaudience needs to feel that something meaningful is preparing to happen. Exiting the stage is equally important. A performer shouldn't just saunter off aimlessly. Showing appreciation and being a gracious receiver of praise is important.
Recently, Kristine and I were invited to the home of some dear friends. They wanted to let us know of a serious and terminal diagnosis one of them had received. While they have shared this with their immediate family, there is also a circle of friends with whom they wanted to share this news. They wanted to include us in this circle.
These were tender moments as they shared the diagnosis and the prognosis. If the doctors are correct, our friend might have up to a year left in this earthly body. At the same time, all of us know of people who have far exceeded what medical professionals might have predicted.
These people are both mature in their faith and in years. I consider them spiritual giants. They have spent powerful times of prayer interceding for others and understand and believe in God's healing power. They have seen God's miracle power. They both have lived full and vital lives but they recognize that their age is not an advantage. They are not giving up but understand that God is in control. I see it as exiting gracefully.
As we shared, I asked, "How should we pray?" The response was that we pray for God's timing. As we closedour visit, I prayed that God would help us align our clocks with His. God knows the number of our days and whatever the time frame, our hearts should beat with God's heart and our clock should be synchronized with His.
As we consider the absence of our friend, I am reminded of the verse in First Thessalonians. We don't grieve as those who have no hope. We know that we will see our friend again.
This couple is a living demonstration of trusting God and leaving a legacy of their faith to those who remain. They are an amazing example of exiting gracefully.
Steve
Separation of Church and State
A few weeks ago I was at a casual, social gathering with some friends. I was seated at a table with three others and one of my friends asked about my involvement leading worship in the United States Capitol twice a month. These weekly worship services are for members of Congress, their staff and others who work on Capitol Hill. I began to explain that Thomas Jefferson used to ride his horse to the Capitol each week to attend church services and how after 144 years, I had been asked to lead worship and sing as these services were being revived. I now travel to Washington, DC twice a month to give musical leadership.
Another friend at the table said, "What about separation of church and state?" She was going on about how these services are inappropriate. Unfortunately, she and millions of other Americans are totally uninformed when it comes to understanding separation of church and state. They also fail to understand that it was Thomas Jefferson who penned the phrase "separation of church and state." I went on to explain that the separation was to keep the government out of the affairs of the church and not the other way around. Unfortunately, the truth didn't go over very well. The conversation came to an abrupt halt.
Today, the church is suffering from a misinterpretation of the Johnson Amendment of 1954 regarding the free speech of an organization and how it might effect their nonprofit status. This is one of the reasons churches failed to speak out when prayer and Bible reading was stopped in schools in the 1960s. Churches erroneously believe they can no longer speak out on political and cultural issues of the day for fear that the Internal Revenue Service will take away their tax exempt status.
Many pulpits no longer speak the Truth out of fear of the IRS or the desire to be relevant to the culture of the day. Many pulpits have gone silent. The result is a nation that is in decline. A democracy only works when its citizens live by a moral code, when people, companies and government leaders understand there is right and wrong. Morality cannot be legislated but must be a part of moral fabric of the culture.
I don't believe that religious leaders and pastors should endorse candidates, but issues of morality, justice and righteousness must be addressed from the pulpit.
So I am traveling to Washington, DC twice a month tolead worship in the United States Capitol and to meet and pray with members of Congress, staff and others who work on Capitol Hill. Amerson Music Ministries receives no remuneration for my travel, hotel, meals and time. My participation is underwritten by those who believe in and contribute to this endeavor.
If you are not on this select list and would like to receive my updates from my times in Washington, DC, send an email to info@steveamerson.com with "DC Updates" in the subject line and we will add you to this list.
Our nation will not be saved by the party of the elephant or the party of the donkey, but only by the power of the Lamb.
The church must rediscover its voice and the pulpits must speak the hard word. Pray for our nation, its leaders and pastors.
Steve
Making Your Requests Known
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
As you may know, I've been spending a lot of time in Washington, D. C. over the last 12 months. It was a year ago that I led worship and sang in the first weekly worship services to be held in the United States Capitol in 144 years. These services known Capitol Worship are for members of Congress, spouses, staff and others who work on Capitol Hill. I believe this has been a divine appointment for me to be there, to lead in worship and serve those in such strategic positions of leadership. In the past year, I have made 17 trips to the Capitol and I am hoping to make eight more trips in the Fall if I have the support.
During the day before the worship service, I walk the halls meeting and praying with Senators, members of Congress and those who work there. As I walk the halls of the House and Senate offices I am amazed by the number of people in the halls trying to get into even a bit of time pleading for their cause or initiative. It is not unusual to see a group of five or six, or even 30 people wearing pins or badges or carrying placards promoting their cause. Sometimes they are even chanting or singing their slogans in an attempt to make their voice heard. There are almost always protestors on the steps of the Supreme Court attempting to bring attention to their cause.
Several weeks ago I walked into a Congressional office and was face to face with my friend, the Congressman. I said, "I'm here to pray for you." He responded, "Do it fast before I kill someone." He was kidding but it was obvious that he was dealing with some significant issues. I said a brief prayer and was on my way. I wasn't there to ask anything of him but to be an encouragement to him. When I returned the following week, he said, "It worked. I didn't kill anyone." That might seem inconsequential to some, but our elected officials are under intense pressure and they need God's people to be praying.
As I see folks walking the halls trying to get something from their elected officials, I often think of the verse from Philippians chapter four. These people are approaching those who have power in our nation, but we can approach God Almighty, the ruler of the universe and make our requests known. There is no middle man and we can go directly to the top with our needs and our requests. We are not to be anxious and we are promised God's peace.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Steve
"How Big Is Your God?"
"Looking for Good News"
Technology has changed our lives. So much of our communication is now done online
or via a handheld device. There is so much good that has come from it and with
the good comes the bad. In this day of constant communication, never have more
words been shared and never has so little of consequence been communicated. The
bandwidth of our lives has become filled with meaningless dribble in emails, texts
and tweets. We see reports of people texting while walking or driving and getting
injured or injuring others. What is the insatiable hunger that is within each of
us?
"Make a Joyful Noise!"
"Leadership"
"Hit Reply"
"A Good Closer"
In baseball, they call them a “closer.” It refers to a pitcher that specializes in bringing a game to an end with devastating pitches. Most often, they “bring the heat,” or have a nasty pitch that a batter can’t begin to hit. All major league baseball teams have a good closer to bring games to a successful conclusion.
"With Clean Hands"
"Pray For A Stranger Every Day"
I’m considering starting a new movement. It’s called “Pray For A Stranger Every Day.”
Without really trying, I seem to find myself launching into prayer with total strangers. Sometimes it will happen at the end of a phone call with a airline reservations person or someone with my cellular provider when before saying goodbye, I’ll ask, “How can I pray for you?” Typically, people are shocked and don’t know what to say. If they don’t have a specific request, I just begin praying for God’s provision in their life, for their finances, health and relationships.
When I close, I find that there is silence and then a sincere, “Thank you.” Even folks that don’t believe in God seem to be moved. And or course, even if they don’t believe in God, God believes in them.
So try it. Whether is it on the phone or at the check out stand, or in some other totally obscure place, ask the person what you could pray for. Even if they say, “Nothing,” start praying.
We may never know the outcome but we don’t have to. We are called to love God and love others and what might seem to be random prayers are most likely divine appointments.
“Into the Fire”
One of my favorite songs to sing is Into the Fire from the Broadway musical, “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” This song comes at the beginning of the musical as the English nobleman, Sir Percival Blakeney asks others to join him in battle. It is a stirring and rousing battle cry that contains a strong spiritual message that can encourage believers to go into the fire.
Recently, Kristine and I were discussing some of the challenges we face and how it is like going into the fire. Each of us in different ways encounter opportunities to charge into battle and challenge forces of evil whether in the physical or spiritual realms. As believers, we are aware that the real battles of life take place in the heavenly realms as forces of light confront forces of darkness. It requires strength and courage.
It is especially hard to charge into battle when surrounded by an enemy. Circumstances can be overwhelming and even paralyzing. Our responsibility as friends and fellow believers is to provide support and cover for those going into battle and encourage them in the midst of the fight.
If you know someone who is in a battle, be there to provide not only prayer cover, but whatever type of assistance they need to the best of your ability. If they just need someone to sit with them quietly, sit with them. If they have financial challenges and you have the means to help, help them. If they need transportation, give them a ride. If they need repairs done to their home or car, grab a hammer or wrench.
We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus and march with them into the fire.
Steve