From back on Valentine's Day

It is Valentine's Day; a day in which much of our society celebrates romantic love and affection. There is nothing wrong with that, such love should be celebrated. A marriage needs romance (which should occur on more than one day a year, guys!) and it is important to make a point of cherishing your loved one. This should be a day that is means more than simply spending money, you should give of yourself to the one you love. Share your thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears; show them that you cherish them.

But it is also a day when those without a romantic interest in their lives can feel sad, lonely, and some even feel bitter and angry. It can be hard to watch your friends and family gush about love and wonder, "when will it be my turn?" This is also an especially hard holiday for those who have lost a beloved spouse, and feel the absence of where there once was a loving embrace.

It is important to realize that this day, the day of St. Valentine, is so much more than candy, cards and a dinner date. Today is a day where we commemorate the memory of St. Valentine, who was executed for his faith around 278 AD, under the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius II. Valentine, who had been known for his strong faith and pious acts, performed the marriage service for Christian couples at a time when such marriages were outlawed. He was imprisoned, clubbed and then beheaded for his faith. So on this day, in which we celebrate love, let us also celebrate the great love that Valentine had for God, for he would not disown his faith even to save his life, and the love he had for his fellow believers. This is a day in which we should first give praise to God, as on all days, and secondly, show our love to fellow believers; knowing that we are called to honor them, love them, show generosity/hospitality to them, and protect them as one protects members of your own family.

We should also remember, my friends, that on a day when we can feel lonely in a world reveling in pink and red hearts, that we have the gift of the greatest of loves; that of God. You are not alone, or forsaken, friends, for God is closer than your heart beat, nearer to you than anyone else could possibly be. He is the Lord Almighty who knew you before He formed the world, it is He who has your name upon His palms so that you are ever before Him, and it is He who loves you enough to have died in order to secure your salvation, so that you might be with Him for eternity. Who could love you more? He loves you with an everlasting love, and bids you gently to come and abide in the shelter of that love.

So whether you are celebrating this day with your romantic love, getting together with friends, or spending the day quietly going about life, stop to remember that above all else you have this; the love of God. God who adores you, is delighted with you, and who has made provision so that you might be with Him for eternity. Nothing can compare to that love, so lets revel in that today!

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

For those in power; who prefer political games to serving the people, we pray.

For those who claim to the title of Christian, yet do not walk in love, we pray.

For those who see the needy, and avert their eyes, we pray.

For those who ignore God's call to compassion, mercy and love, we pray.

For those who hate their political foes, whether as professionals or private citizen, we pray.

For those who close their ears and hearts to the cries of the persecuted Church, we pray.

For those who choose the world over you, Lord, we pray.

Lord, forgive us our hardheartedness and pride. Forgive us for being a people that enjoys contention and needless fighting, which hurts the weak and benefits only the powerful. Forgive us our purposeful blindness, and open our eyes and hearts to your message, most merciful God.

This we ask in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Amen.

--Fr Charles Butler

To be forgiven by God for your many sins against Him, you must forgive those who have sinned against you.

To be forgiven by God for your many sins against Him, you must forgive those who have sinned against you.

You may not want to do so, but if you want forgiveness yourself, you don't really have a choice.

Will you let go of the anger, resentment and bitterness against others, so that you can grasp the saving hand of Christ?

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Someday you will have to stand before God.

Someday you will have to stand before God. It will either be a moment of supreme joy and adoration, or of horror and weeping. God is merciful in that He extends the offer of salvation to all who will take it and believe in His Son Christ Jesus; but to those who reject the Son, who mock God and walk their own way in this life- there will be an accounting, a judgement.

Believe now- while there is still time. Grasp God's mercy- for should you die tonight in your sleep, or tomorrow in a car accident and had then to stand before a holy and righteous God- would it be a moment of joy or terror for you?

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

What are you giving into? The world, or the Holy Spirit?

In Galatians 5:16- 24, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we must either give into the desires of the flesh (and worldliness) or obey the Holy Spirit. If we choose the world, and the desires and lusts thereof, we choose death, but if we choose to follow the Spirit, we choose life. 

You know as you choose an activity whether you are doing something pleasing to God or not. Paul is not writing that we must never have fun, or that we must not delight in the good things God has provided. For God intends us to enjoy the beautiful creation of His world, to love our families and friends, to enjoy good meals, good music, good books. It is when we decline pure and innocent pursuits to go after what is more tainted and worldly, that we give into the lusts of the flesh. You know when that happens; instead of a wholesome family film, you choose a risque one. Instead of a novel you would recommend to your family and friends with a clear conscience, you read the morally decrepit one.

When we choose to dine on the world's fruits, our souls begin to rot; we lose the opportunity to appreciate the best and finest things for our senses have become dulled.

When we choose to listen to the Holy Spirit, and to choose the pure and wholesome fare God has set before us, the fruits of our spirit become evident. "By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control."

What are you giving into? The world, or the Holy Spirit?

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Make sure your trust and faith are secure in Christ.

Salvation. The saving grace of Jesus Christ bestowed upon those who trust Him, repent of their sins, and believe in His Word.

Who is responsible for your salvation? 

Am I, as a pastor? Is your local church pastor? The man on tv you follow?

No. 

If I, carrying the title of teacher, tell you a false gospel, then woe to me!

IF I were to engage in the telling and spreading of a watered down, added onto or an abbreviated gospel, then I would be held accountable before God and harsh would be my punishment. (This is why the Epistle of St. James warns those who are Bible teachers not to assume the role lightly.) Many will be the false teacher who faces God's anger on the day of Judgement; for they will have led people astray for love of money, fame and power.

But If I, or any other pastor, tells you what the Bible teaches, in the clearest and most sincere manner that we can, then we have done our duty to you, out of love for you and for God. We cannot make you accept Christ, we cannot make you believe the Gospel's truths; we can only present the Word and exhort you. We can pray for you, and answer questions as best we can, but that will not secure your salvation.

NO teacher, scholar, writer, pastor can save you. We are mere humans, flawed and in need of God's grace ourselves. We may be guideposts and assistant shepherds to the Great Shepherd, but it is He that can, and will, carry you to safety, if you trust and believe.

You, my friends, must study God's Word diligently. You must be in prayer for God's guidance and the presence of the Holy Spirit to work in your lives and in your hearts. You must come to Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord, confessing your sins and your need for forgiveness. You must confess Him to others, believe in your heart He is raised, be baptized, and make His path your path; you must become His disciple. He will make you into a new creation, give you a new heart, and save you from the judgement that your sins would deserve without His redeeming mercy.

When you stand before God, you will not be able to blame anyone else for your sins, or for your following a false teacher, or not knowing the Word of God. (If you have the internet, you can read the Bible, and many good commentaries, online.) You will not be able to say that your salvation was supposed to be the responsibility of any other person in your life.

Do not put the fate of your eternal soul in the hands of *any* mortal man; instead put yourself in the hands of the only one who can save and redeem you, Jesus Christ. Check all teachings against the Word of God and hold fast to the Bible, do not let yourself be led astray by smooth talking salesmen, who give you only what you want to hear, and not what will challenge, convict, strengthen and test your faith.

This is too serious a subject to shrug off, my friends. The Apostle Paul urged believers to examine their faith often, be sure you doing so. Make sure your trust and faith are secure in Christ.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

"Small Worlds Cause Small Souls"

"Small Worlds Cause Small Souls"

How big is your soul? Have you fed your soul today? Are you giving your soul the experiences it needs to be a healthy soul?

Beth Haynes Butler, my too smart wife and I were just discussing the content of the Mark Twain quote I shared a bit ago. That quote had to do with travelling and how fatal that experience is to racism, bias and prejudice. We were contemplating the fact that people who live in small world's must have small souls. How, you may ask, does that work?

If you live in your own small little world, refusing to experience people who are different from you, you have not allowed your soul the opportunity to experience many things that are beautiful in the world. How easy is it to hate someone, who you have grown to know, truly know?

Can't physically travel, due to any myriad of reasons? That's okay, God gave us the miracle of the internet, so we can reach out and make friends from any culture, sexual orientation, political party, etc all over the world, that you can think of. Why not use this magnificent device to reach out to someone you have never experienced? Fear is found in ignorance, but if you spend your time learning about others, ignorance disappears.

Pick your favorite sin, NOT! We are all sinners under God. So please do not let your hatred of those who may have one more obvious sin, keep you from loving them. If you are sinless, go ahead and throw stones but I don't think Jesus maintains an FB account so I think we all qualify as sinful.

How about we just concentrate on Jesus' Ministry. How about we go out and find those who may not be feeling His love and give them a great big cyber hug, raining love down on them! Why not stop bashing those things we dislike so much, and promote the love God gave us to in turn spread around to not only the least of these, but the disenfranchised, the disenchanted, the alienated, the unaccepted.

A little love goes a long way, so won't you go out and find someone new to show the love of Jesus tonight, tomorrow, next week and beyond. Could you make it a practice to show that love to another new person every day, week or month? WOW! What a concept; if every Christian just started a ministry of LOVE!

People will not listen to you, if they do not feel you genuinely love them. Otherwise, your words fall on empty ears and hollow hearts. Make your words count by embodying love.

God's Grace Be with You,
Fr Charles

Remember: God loves you.

Remember:

God loves you.

He loves you enough to have sent His Son to the Cross to make atonement for your sins, so that you might have eternal life, if only you believe.

Do not let your pride keep you from accepting God's love and gift; eternity is a long time to be wrong.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Positive Steps Christians Can Take To Make Their Churches More Community Friendly

Positive Steps Christians Can Take To Make Their Churches More Community Friendly

As Dr Towns posits in his book, Core Christianity: "People misunderstand Christianity because of the attitude of Christians toward their local church and the way local churches act." 

Many a pastor and deacon has wrestled with these problems since the beginnings of the church. We have seen many illustrations of these problems from Paul's Epistles, praising the various churches for what they have done right, but also chastising them for what they have done wrong. In 1 Cor 1:10, Paul pleas: "I beg you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and not be split into groups. I beg that you be completely joined together by having the same kind of thinking and the same purpose." Dr Towns said that "There are times when Christians fight in their churches about things of little or no importance." Elmer hit that nail flat on the head! The followers in Corinth were arguing about what apostle they followed, as if following Jesus wasn't enough. If Paul heard about their squabbles from where he was, it must have gotten pretty bad. How do our church members think they carry over in the secular world?

Many of our modern churches have the same problems with internal squabbles over small things, and the enemy loves it! We as Christians need to remember that we are the Body of Christ. If your left leg was in constant rebellion against your right leg, how far would they carry you? If the Body of Christ is in peril, how will it do the work of Christ effectively? Jesus told us that a house divided cannot stand. Both of the foregoing are problems with squabbles in the church, we let our human nature override our spirituality.

How can we minimize the effects of church squabbles? First, examine scripture, we must remember to go to those with whom we have a disagreement in a spirit of love, explain things, and work things out. Second, we must maintain a servant's attitude, because a servant's attitude minimizes ego and maximizes cooperation.

Another problem with some local churches is their outward appearance of Christianity, but minimum activities of Christian import. Gandhi said he liked Christ but he didn't like His Christians. Why would he and so many others feel that way? Why are there so many people who believe that the church is a den of hypocrites? Unfortunately, it is because there are so many Christian churches that don't really act very Christian. Dr Towns says that "...some churches need to repent for the evil they cause and the confusion they sow in the world." What are some of these things?: James told us that faith without works is dead, but there are many churches that do nothing but serve as a social club for wannabe Christians, or a forum for a political action pac masquerading as a church. These people get all worked up on Sunday, put a few bucks in the collection plate on Sunday and call it good. They drive home from church and look the other way when they see someone in need when a little Christian charity could not only help with the corporal needs but also the spiritual needs of someone in trouble. These are God's Frozen people.

How do we help with a church attitude of sharing. I believe it starts right at the pulpit. The pastor needs to preach on christian charity and outreach. The church congregation members need to start needy outreach programs. There are almost always people in a congregation with a generous heart for outreach. Identify and promote those people and their ideas. Starting other outreach groups like evangelism committees and hospital visitations also goes a long way. Think of a need in the community and there are groups that can help address these needs. I know of churches with as few as 25 active members who run several programs. I also know, unfortunately, of churches many times larger with none of these programs.

What might happen to churches that institute some of the foregoing policies? These churches might begin to get a reputation in the community as Christ-Centered, Spirit-Filled congregations who glorify the name of Jesus; churches with a propensity to brotherly love and great stewardship; churches where the unchurched might just want to come by and see just what is so special there. These are churches where the members of the congregation might someday hear: "Well done my good and faithful servant!

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Live quietly, with deliberation

In 1 Thessalonians Paul urges the Christian brethren to live quietly and to mind their own affairs. (chapter 4, verse 11) How often do Christians today neglect that advice; instead being busybodies in the lives of others, stirring up gossip and rushing frantically from one cause to another?

I would say this- this coming week attempt an experiment; live quietly, with deliberation. Refrain from any gossip, choose your words carefully when addressing another (whether in person or electronically) and make sure your words are spoken in love. Invest your time in worthy causes only; things that edify God. (That can be helping others, education, enjoyment of the arts, caring for the environment. Remember God told us to focus on that which is noble, pure, lovely and admirable in Philippians 4:8) See at the end of the week if your time, and your life, has been enriched and if you feel more rested and complete. The world will seek to wear you out, God wants to give you a more meaningful life.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

LOVE'M All, Let God Sort Them Out

Back when I was in the Army, there was a saying that you could find in many places, including on T-shirts that went: "Kill'em All...Let God Sort'em Out."

Now that I've traded in my weapons for a Bible, I have come up with what I think is a more biblical philosophy..."LOVE'M All, Let God Sort Them Out. For as a former Warrior for Uncle Sam, I could understand the former sentiment; now, as a Warrior in God's Army, I must embrace the latter sentiment.

When Jesus told us to love our neighbor, he didn't give us any wishy washy qualifiers. He didn't say love this one, but not that one...He simply told us to love our neighbor, and since He didn't set any limits, neither can I.

So, if you are poor and broken; I love you. If you are rich and powerful, I love you too. If you are homosexual, I love you; if you are enjoying the straight life, I love you too. No matter who you are and from what background you have, I love you, because my Master taught me to.

Go ahead and try it...LOVEM ALL AND LET GOD SORT THEM OUT!

May God's Grace AND Love Be with You,
Fr Charles

In the sharing of our Christian faith, we must always be true to the Word of God. But when sharing the Gospel, both the mercy and the judgement, remember to do so with gentleness, love and respect. It is nearly impossible to shout, scare or judge someone into the Kingdom of Heaven; when one behaves like that they do more harm than good. Remember you represent the Son of God most high, act and speak with His love and kindness.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Have you? Will you?

If God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to redeem it, can't His followers love their neighbors and communities enough to be a source of love and light for them? You have the power to chance lives around you, by your kindness, by your outreach, by your compassion, but most of all by showing God's love through you to them. Have you? Will you?

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Got Milk?

Got Milk?

I love milk! I greet each morning with a 16 ounce glass to which I add Nestle's Quik powder and I have an easy breakfast that is agreeable with my system and my palate. Most of us grew up on milk. There are lots of healthy nutrients and mother's milk even has more healthy aspects, to keep us healthy as young babies. 

But what happens if one drinks too much milk? There are a few problems that can manifest themselves from drinking too much milk, from constipation up to iron deficiency anemia, which can cause many problems with your system, especially in youth. So again, the axiom goes that you can have too much of a good thing.

Why all this talk about milk? The Bible tells us "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." (1 Corinthians 3:2)

Unfortunately though, some preachers never go on to solid food in giving the Good News to their flock. They stay with milk messages because they are easy to digest and pleasant to hear. They do not concern themselves with the spiritual constipation that only a milk message will result in. Dare I say that milk messages are also much more profitable for some prosperity preachers. After all, if you tell people what they want to hear, they will dig deeper into their wallets and purses even if they don't know that you have put them in danger of spiritual anemia.

I was talking with a friend several months ago who was defending the milk Word. I agreed with him that we should start out with milk as said in 1 Corinthians, but we MUST move on to solid food, we must educate the Christian to the level that they know why they believe what they believe and re-enforce the dangers of bad theology. Feel good, positive messages indeed have their place, but not at the near complete exception of the meat of Christianity.

Let's get off the lukewarm, milky, I'm okay, you're okay stuff for a while. Jesus didn't like it, and if it's good enough for Him, as Christians it better be good enough for us.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Are you choosing to be reconciled to God, or to be at war with Him?

When we recognize our sin, and come humbly to the cross, we are reconciled through Christ to God. Without that reconciliation, we are an enemy to God- for we are embracing sin and God cannot be at peace with sin.

Are you choosing to be reconciled to God, or to be at war with Him?

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Why does God always seem to push the envelope?

Why does God always seem to push the envelope?

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34

I grew up hearing the saying: "God never gives us more than we can handle." Sometimes it seems, He can sure push the envelope! But often, when the tough times happen we reflect on what God's purpose is for us going through these trials. Has He forgotten us? Is He angry with us? Does He not see my pain?

Being a career soldier for many years, I like to put some of these trials in the form of a boot camp (or Basic Training for us Army pukes) analogy. You see, boot camp is built to tear you down then build you back up in the Marine's or Army's image. They take you from a selfish, self absorbed youngster to a much more mature team player in just a few weeks. The lessons you learn during these weeks teach you to rely on your fellow soldiers, your commanders and your service, taken one by one until you are ready to undertake the responsibility of being a soldier.

Our Heavenly Father is the founder of such training. As we mature in faith, He sees to it that we are taught the lessons needed to evolve into a mature Christian. Many of these lessons involve growing your faith. He may put you in a position where the world as you know it (financially, physical health, or even faith) might end if something does not come to pass by a certain date. You roll nearer to that date anxiously looking for an answer but it just doesn't come. You feel helpless. You pray. Your faith is tested to the limit, then on that faithfull day something happens to make it all work out. You are relieved, you are redeemed. But if you learned your lesson, you are also stronger in faith, because He always gives you what you need. Aren't you more important than those lillies, He might ask you. As the Army works to remove traits that are undesireable for a soldier, God works to remove traits that are undesireable to a Christian. To get those lessons taught, He often puts us into or allows us to get into circumstances that are far less than desireable as a way to chisel off the rough edges of a growing Christian. He even pushes the envelope on our understanding of what we can handle, just to help us grow stronger and more confident in our faith. Yes He won't give us more than we can handle, but only He knows how much that capacity is.

Another analogy I like to use involves the following poem:

CHISEL in hand stood a sculptor boy,
With his marble block before him: - And his face lit up with a smile of joy As an angel dream passed o'er him. He carved that dream on the yielding stone
With many a sharp incision; In heaven's own light the sculptor shone. He had caught that angel vision.
Sculptors of life are we, as we stand,
With our lives uncarved before us; Waiting the hour when, at God's command,
Our life dream passes o'er us. Let us carve it then on the yielding stone,
With many a sharp incision: - Its heavenly beauty shall be our own -
Our lives, that angel vision.
"a traveler through a dusty road."

God has to chisel and sculpt us into what He wants us to be as His servants. Imagine if the rock was alive while the scultor chiseled, imagine how much it might hurt that rock with every tap or impact against it. It is no different for us with the Supreme Sculpter. He wants us as His servants, but rarely do we come perfectly equipped to carry out the mission He has for us. Rarely do we look like the Christian He plans for us to be....and so He chisels...first He works on the selfishness that leads to breaking His laws and being in rebellion. Then He chisels some more, refining each stroke with a lesson that will take us closer to what He wants as a finished product. Sometimes when He chisels us, it hurts! Sometimes we don't know how much we can take! But He does. He knows what He is doing. He is getting you ready to glorify Him, and no matter how good we are, we can never be good enough...so He just keeps chiseling, keeps teaching and eventually, we come out in His glory as a masterpiece of the true Master and Teacher.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

As Christians, we are taught that we are not of this world, but just visitors

I hear a lot of complaints about the digression of society these days. Believe me Brothers and Sisters, this has been going on for a very long time. I believe this digression starts right here at home...in the Christian household! 

We are surrounded by worldly things. Every day we are bombarded with advertising about the newest, neatest, greatest thing to hit the shelves since sliced bread. There are multiple forms of entertainment available for us to spend our time with. You can watch the newest show glorifying adultery and lust, advocating greed and vengeance and let's not even talk about all of the free porn available on the net. The Enemy has a stronghold on the entertainment industry. Not only do we have TV and Video showing us these nasty messages...our youth is being inundated with bad messages through video games. One of my favorite examples is a game that was quite popular not long ago called grand theft auto (GTA). GTA gives points for every devilish thing out there, from killing police to raping women, a truly great way to foster the sociopathic side of any youth.

The following two statements just about encapsulate God's view of worldliness:

"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!" Matthew 18:6-8

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:18-20

As Christians, we are taught that we are not of this world, but just visitors. We are not to engage in many of the things of this world, only those we must to exist here. No, that doesn't mean we have to completely ignore the world and not have any fun, just that we have a higher standard for that fun.

One of Beth's former pastors once gave her some very sage advice when she was a very young woman looking for guidance in what entertainment, etc to view. The pastor told her: "Remeber that God is always with you, in everything you do. Watch or do things in a manner that you would not be embarrassed to have Jesus there with you." Sounds simple doesn't it? Not so easy in a secular world, but a worthwhile goal for all of us.

But what does all of this have to do with voting your wallet...simply this: If you see something that is not appropriate in Jesus' eyes, don't buy it and encourage your friends and family not to buy it. You could even boycott stores and businesses that sell ungodly and unchristian goods and services as a rule. Beth and I maintain an active list of places we won't do business and why. There is power in Christian boycott, ask the many businesses that have had to close their doors or improve their good and services because Christians decided they weren't going to put up with them. The same rules have applied to businesses for millinia, supply and demand. If we Christians demand decent things, businesses will supply them. If we Christians stop buying indecent things, they'll stop supplying them.

Just a few things to ponder...until next time, may God's perfect love and peace find you all, in Jesus' name, Amen!

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Only a true faith will save you

Is there evidence in your life (spiritual fruit) that you follow Christ, or is your faith only words? Faith that is only words will not save you. Your faith must be true, your need for Christ ever present, and faith such as that will evidence itself in your life through how you live; how you treat people, how clear your need for God is, how your life is ordered. 

Examine your faith and your life carefully; if there is no evidence of your faith in your life and how you live, then it is not a true faith. Only a true faith will save you.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

The Parable of the Great Supper

In reading the Parable of the Great Supper (Luke 14:1-24) I was pondering how this is more than just a parable teaching us to feed and care for those who cannot pay us back. (Though that thought alone needs to be implemented in many lives of those who say they follow Christ.) 

One of the other lessons this parable teaches is that God's table is open to the "blind and the lame, and still there was room. Then the master sent the servant to the country places near by to bring in the poor people who had not been invited." God's table is abundant, His grace is rich and He offers it to all who will hear and believe.

As God's servant, are you inviting the spiritually blind, the emotionally lame, the outcast, the poor in morals, and the broken hearted to come and feast on God's grace? Those people you see in your everyday life- the very ones who are the most "un-churchlike"- those are who you are to extend God's love and grace to the most! We are to throw open the doors to God's banquet hall so that all who want may enter, learn of His goodness and feast on His mercy! Are you inviting people in, or keeping them out?

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Love your neighbor as yourself

Jesus tells us that the greatest of commandments is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37-40) The second greatest commandment is this: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Most Christians are comfortable with the idea we are to love God with all we can- even if we fail in being able to love that fully, we understand and appreciate that God is deserving of our love and worship.

Many Christians balk though at the second commandment: to love your neighbor as yourself. "God doesn't mean I have to love so-and-so, does He? That's not who He meant, is it?"

Your neighbor is anyone God has put into your life. You are to show God's love to everyone. Yes, some people are easier to love than others. Some are very difficult, they are cranky or selfish, arrogant or different. They may live a different lifestyle. They may be of a different faith. They may have different political views. Love them anyway. They are the people God has put into your life to be your neighbor.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

A god of your own making cannot save you

Remember the God of the Bible is not only a God of love and mercy; but also of holiness and justice. When people say,"My God would never punish someone for ______ because He's a God of love" they are creating a God of their own making -- an idol. Anyone who does not come to God through Christ, with repentance in the hearts for their sins and a desire to shed said sins, will not know God's mercy but His judgment.

God wants to forgive you and welcome you as His child, but you must come to Him through Christ and turn from sin. Yes, Christians stumble and sin even once saved, but if you are truly saved you will not cling to sin. You will seek to ever be more like Christ, you will study God's Word the Bible, and sin will become repugnant to you.

Are you worshiping the one true God, or have you fashioned yourself a god you are comfortable with? If you have done the latter just know that a god of your own making cannot save you.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Let Him calm the storms

Sometimes when you are in a storm of life (whether it is marital, financial, job related, or parental) it can seem that God has given you too much to handle. When there is a huge amount on your shoulders, and a rough path ahead, remember that there are times God sends you into the storm so that you will depend on Him to save you. There are things in life too large to handle on our own, at those times we need God. If you are facing giants that seem daunting right now, turn to God and let Him win the battles for you, let Him calm the storms.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Who haven't you forgiven?

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18: 21- 35, we read of Peter asking Christ how many times one should forgive another. Jesus tells him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy times seven times," and then goes on to relate a key teaching to every believer.

That teaching is this: If we are forgiven by God for our great sins against Him, who are we to then deny forgiveness to anyone else? If we have received great mercy from God (as all believers have) then we are to show great mercy to others. If we do not, then the wrath of God will be kindled against us, and He will withhold forgiveness and mercy from us.

Examine your heart closely, what are you holding onto that you need to let go of? Who haven't you forgiven? Who haven't you shown mercy towards? Be loving, kind and merciful so that our Father in Heaven will be so towards you.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Do you spend time in the Word to get a true picture of the nature and love of God?

Today many churches teach one of two things: a) a watered down Christianity that is more fluff than substance- that all is well, God will let everyone walk their own path and will receive them kindly after they die, and will bless them with abundant riches during this life or b) that God is a harsh God, who looks for reasons to damn people, as people are all horrid wretches, and we must work at ever pleasing Him for fear of slipping in His "grade book" and being sent to Hell.

Both teachings are false.

God is a holy God, with standards, who has provided a way, through His Son Jesus Christ, for all who believe in Christ, profess it, repent of their sins, are baptized and born again to have eternal life with Him. He does not promise we will be wealthy in this life, though some will be granted wealth so as to further the work of the Kingdom. But for those who spurn the gift of His Son, who want to live life by their rules, and do things their way, there is no admittance into the kingdom of Heaven.

God is not seeking to punish out of spite or a cruel sense of humor. He is Holy. Take a moment to think about what that means. He cannot let sinful creatures into His Presence without the mediation of Christ. So those who refuse Christ, refuse God.

But God loves each of us so much He gives us the chance to accept Christ, and thus have our sins (the thoughts, deeds, and sins of omissions- knowing we should do something and we don't) that would normally prevent us from fellowship with God in this life and the next be covered by the redeeming and atoning blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed for us on the Cross. God loves you so much He gave His Son unto death for you, only to raise Him so that you too might be raised to eternal life with God if you believe. He wants to be your Heavenly Father; to guide you, shelter you and not only have your love but to give His love to you in return. He wants an intimate relationship with you, He wants you to abide in Him, to be still and know Him.

Do you know God? Do you abide in Him? Do you spend time in the Word to get a true picture of the nature and love of God?

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles

Are you having a dark day?

Are you having a dark day....maybe even a dark period in your life where it seems everything is going wrong? Did you know that even in Lamentations, the saddest book in the Bible, there are bright spots:

Lamentations 3:22-25

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a]
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.

Here, even amongst the ruins of Jerusalem, Jeremiah (the weeping Prophet) finds solace in the nature of God. If Jeremiah can seek rest in God after all he has endured, I think that we can too.

God's Grace be with You,
Fr Charles.

Thoughts for a Monday

It is the first day of a new week.

How will you use today, and the following week, to the glory of God?

Will you pledge to pick three people to pray for each day?

Will you pledge to go through a week trying not to complain, but instead be grateful for all you have?

Will you seek to solve quarrels instead of feed them, to be a peace maker?

God is calling you to be His ambassador this week. Will you serve Him the best that you can?

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Who are you mad at today?

Who are you mad at today? Disappointed in? Frustrated with? Perhaps a family member, coworker, neighbor, spouse or child? Perhaps a political figure or member of an opposite political party? Someone of a different faith or lifestyle?

That person (or persons) is the very person God is calling you to love, to pray for, to reach out to. That is your Ninevite; that person you don't want God to reach but whom God loves dearly despite your disdain. That is the person God tells you to go and make peace with and to love.

That is your person in the road that God calls you to be the good Samaritan to; He wants you to make a difference for Him in their life. Whether through constant and loving prayer, acts of kindness and charity, outreaches of love and forgiveness, or open communication and warmth.

God is calling you. Examine your heart, seek out who you hold a grievance against, who you actively dislike and who you consider to be different than you. Those are the very people God has placed within your life so that you might learn to love them with His love and grace.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

The sins of omission

We all know many of the BIG sins of the Bible, and much time is spent talking about them, dealing with them, repenting of them, or for some, continuing to relish committing them. The sins listed in the Ten Commandments (Do not: bear false witness, murder, steal, covet, blaspheme, and so on), the sins of greed, avarice, sexual immorality, hatred, gossip. But there is, my friends, another classification of sins.

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." James 4:17

The sins of omission. Where we know we ought to do something, yet we choose not to do so. The beggar on the street, whom we choose not to help. The lonely elderly person on our block, who we do not visit. The friend who is heartbroken, yet we don't check upon them. We do these things claiming we're "too busy" or "I don't have the time right now"...."I don't have extra money on me, maybe another time, I have to go get my latte first." Other sins of omission include watching someone being bullied, yet not sticking up for them, or at the least, going to them afterward to let them know they are not allowed. To watch someone spew hatred in the name of Christ, and not seek to rectify it.

In our tradition's confession, we ask forgiveness for the following-"that we have sinned by our own fault
in thought, word, and deed;
by what we have done, and by what we have left undone."

What have you left undone this day? Where could you have been kinder to the needy? Where could you have been just in a world of injustice? Who did you stand for when they were at their weakest?

Maybe now is a good time to repent and seek the Lord's mercy. To ask Him anew to guide you through the day and night, to strengthen your conscience, and to help you avoid not only the sins of thought, word and deed, but the sins caused by what we have left undone.

"Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen."

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

Hope

In the King James Version of the Bible, the word "Hope" appears 130 times. The dictionary provides us with the definition of hope as: to cherish a desire with anticipation, to desire with expectation of obtainment. So to hope for something is to both desire it with anticipation, and an expectation of getting what it is you long for.

God tells us we are to hope in Him, that we are to expect He will be there for us, that He will not forsake us, that He will be our shield and our comfort. God, in sending Christ Jesus, provided us with a living Hope, that by placing our trust in Christ, very God of very God, part of the Triune God, we look forward to an eternity of blessedness with God. God also gives us hope for this life, in that we are told we can place our hopes in Him, and that He will give us His peace, and be with us always.

Whenever we place our trust in God's promises, which we know will not fail, we are hoping. We are desiring His Word, with the expectation it will be fulfilled. There are many things in this life which you will place your hope in and be disappointed, but you can always place your hopes in God and be assured that because He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28) that your hope in Him is secure, both in this life and the next.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

From this past Maundy Thursday Observance

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34

As we take the Cup and Bread tonight in Maundy Thursday services, remembering the life and sacrifice of Christ our Lord, we should prayerfully consider the verse above.

Christ told His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, and by that love the world would know that they belonged to Him. We should be holding that commandment close to our hearts, and in our churches, but too often we don't.

We in our churches pick fights with other denominations, over doctrine, over dogma, over service styles, robes and music! How much love is there to be seen in that?!

Yes, we need to hold to the truth of Christ's message, and yes, when we see faulty doctrine it must be addressed; but in a spirit of love and love alone. If we seek to pick fights with other Christians because we simply do not like their music choices, service style, use or lack of candles, bells and incense, then what love is there in us for our fellow believers?

Put down your denominational banners and pick up the standard of Christ! How you choose to worship has more to do with your comfort level usually than it does about righteousness. There are good devout believers in all Churches that hold to the Bible as the Word of God. There are brethren in the ranks of all the creedal Churches, just as there is chaff within your own church.

We should be known first as followers of Christ Jesus, and then as Anglicans, or Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Orthodox or whatever denomination you find yourself in. It is Christ we serve, not the denomination. It is Christ who died for us and saved us, not our worship style.

Put down your petty battles and bickering; the world mocks us because Christians cannot show hospitality and generosity with each other, let alone others, due to small minded arguments.

As you take the Body and Blood of Christ tonight, make sure you have love for all believers, not only those who sit in the same pew.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

From this past Easter

Points to Ponder for Easter.....

What would it be like, to live the life of infinite royalty, only to give it all away?

What would it be like, to have infinite power, and restrain yourself from using it?

What would it be like, to have eternal life, then trade it for an excruciating death?

Our Saviour, Jesus Christ did that for us and so much more, nearly 2000 tears ago this day. How trying for us, if we were like Him, to be born of humble circumstances, raised in a backwater town that was not thought well of, in a trade that didn't have much esteem at all at His time. But He did that for us.

When He began His Public Ministry, until He made His final sacrifice, He lived as a homeless man, without roots or a bed to call His own, relying on the generosity of others for His subsistence. How difficult that must have been.

The tempting of Satan, which we find impossible at times to resist, He endured a crash course, denying promises that most of us would be hard-pressed to refuse. So much to endure, so great a will to do so...and He did it for us.

There must have been a wee glimmer of hope on Palm Sunday, when He was greeted so warmly, even though He knew that it wouldn't last. Because mankind would betray Him.

And at The Last Supper, when He washed the feet of His disciples, there must have been the empty lump of known future betrayal in His stomach, because of Judas Iscariot, mixed with the warmth of love and admiration shown by the eleven Apostles who remained true Yes, He got to experience the whole range of human emotion, and He did it for us.

And finally, the mock trial, the accusations and the torturous treatment at the hands of the Roman soldiers...He could have stopped it at any time, but He did it for us. He went through the Crucifixion, the public humiliation though He didn't have to, just for us.

When you reflect on Jesus today, think about all He has done for us. Why, because He loves us and wants us to be reconciled. He wants us to be pure through Him. All He wants in return is your love, your devotion, your obedience to His commands. Is that too much to ask, after all He did for us?

God's Grace be with You,
Fr. Charles

There are a great many ideas of how a Christian should be in this world

There are a great many ideas of how a Christian should be in this world; some say argumentative and forthright, some say one should be loudly pronouncing judgement on the sins of others, some say a Christian should be focused on the material goods of this world (that is, after all, what the Prosperity gospel teaches) and some water down Christianity until you can no longer see any semblance of truth in it. There are flashy Christians, and quiet ones, worldly Christians striving to be "relevant" to modern culture, and those who use Christ's name to inflict great damage upon others. How is a Christian to act and appear to others?

I was reading the following verse today, which sums up in what virtues a Christian should be attired;

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

In the use of the word "clothe" the Bible tells us to wear these virtues over our own natures; to assume them as our own, and present them to the world. Just as we dress in suits and gowns for formal occasions in our society, or sports gear when out playing our athletic game of choice, there is also an appropriate way for Christians to spiritually clothe themselves. Not with anger and hate, not with scorn and dismissal, not with glitzy modern theological trends, and not with what the world deems fashionable.

As Christ's ambassadors, we should be able to be spotted from afar by our gentle natures, our compassion for others, our kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to those we encounter. These virtues are not the easiest to cultivate and maintain; thankfully when we become Christians we are made into new creatures, and Christ works through us so that His nature will transplant our own fallen one. We do slip up and let our own natures come out at times, and then we must repent and strive again to show Christ's nature through us, instead of our own.

What spiritual clothing will you put on? God, who loves us dearly (as the verse above notes) desires us to be a holy people, and to put on those virtues. When we speak the Word of God, let us do so with authority based in love of God and of neighbor. When we confront sin, let us always humbly remember our own sin, which is ever before us. Let us lift up others who may be struggling, fallen away or of opposing views with prayer; asking God to break our hearts for all those He loves. The famous preacher Tozer said, in paraphrase, that it was his conviction he had no right to preach to people he hadn't prayer for first. Christians should have that mindset; to pray first always, speak with love, humility and patience. To be gentle in a world that values strength, to be humble in a world that desires pride, to be compassionate in a world that is becoming heartless. Deny your own nature and take on the nature of Christ.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler

The Christian faith is an active faith, it is not passive.

The Christian faith is an active faith, it is not passive. If your idea of being a Christian is being a relatively nice person, wearing a cross, sitting in a church pew weekly (or monthly), and telling people you'll "pray for them" (and feeling righteous saying it) then you're missing the point and it is doubtful that your faith is alive at all.

A true belief in Jesus Christ-very God of very God- holding onto the powerful truth of His death and resurrection, is a transforming and radical faith. God changes your ideas about the world, about other people, about yourself; He takes what is unclean within you and changes you for the better. You are gifted with the knowledge that however rough this life might be, you have an anchor in God and the promise of an eternity with Him. You know that you will be tested for your faith, that you will have trials and temptations and you welcome them, for they are a mark of being a Christian. You see the people in your life differently; you cherish your loved ones all the more, you find yourself caring for the hurting and vulnerable around you, you honor the elders in your life and guard the young. You cannot say "I'll pray for you" flippantly or in passing to those in need, you pray fervently and do something to help if you can. (For if you have the ability to help but don't, and only pray, then what good does that do? (1 John 3:17, James 2:14-17) The more you belong to Christ the more you will love and have compassion on others. You understand that being part of a church is not being a member of a social club, but part of the body of Christ; and the role of the church is to spread the Gospel and transform the world through Christ's love. You know that this earth, filled with the beauty of God's creation and the horror of man's sins, is not your home but that you are merely passing through- yet it is your duty to do all you can to make it a better place on your way home to God.

This faith is not passive, it is active. It is powerful, life changing and awesome. There are no half hearted Christians, you are either all in or not at all. You are either God's adopted child and ambassador, or you have set yourself against Him. The lukewarm Christian will not be accepted. Make sure you are fervent for the Lord, for He is wildly, madly and overwhelmingly in love with you. You are His precious child, the apple of His eye; your name is carved on His hands and He desires you to be with Him for all eternity. Such a love deserves your love in return.

God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler