Written by Ken Livingstone
A Baptist Minister from England, visiting Living Faith for 3 months with wife Sharen

Last weekend, Sharen and I stumbled across the Wantagh St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We knew something was going on from the unusually busy traffic near our temporary Wantagh home. So, we followed the hundreds of people dressed in green and wearing silly hats to watch the parade along Wantagh Avenue. It was great to be able to share in such a fun and popular occasion.

But it made me wonder what all the fuss was about. After all, St Patrick’s Day is barely mentioned in the UK. And even in Ireland, despite the day itself being a national holiday, public celebrations are modest compared to what happens here. It felt like the parade we saw (and the corned beef and cabbage dinner a friend had cooked for us the previous evening) were not so much a religious festival as part of a celebration of all things Irish, for a people whose roots reach across the Atlantic.

The celebrations also got me thinking about St. Patrick himself. Because, while Ireland’s rivers aren’t dyed green to mark the day (as they are in Chicago, for example), when we consider the impact Patrick had for the kingdom of God, maybe they should be!

Patrick was actually English, born in the fifth century and not far from where Sharen and I live in northern England. When he was 16, his life took a major turn when he was captured by Irish pirates, taken to Ireland and enslaved there. This seeming disaster for the young Patrick was actually the pivot point in his life. For it was during this time that he turned to Christ. After six years in captivity, Patrick escaped his captors and returned to England, where he continued to follow Christ.

Some time later he had a vision in which some Irish people implored him to ‘come walk among us’. He went, believing he was being called to preach the gospel among the people of Ireland. For the next thirty years, he established monasteries there, expanded literacy among the people and effectively converted the country to Christianity.

As I consider the little that’s known of the life of Patrick, I’m struck by the fruit that was borne of Patrick’s adversity. Would he have turned to Christ had he not been enslaved? Maybe, but he certainly wouldn’t have had that seed planted in him that would later turn his heart towards the people of Ireland. And what of his obedience? His preparedness to go back to the country that had treated him so harshly as a slave? I can’t help but think how different his life, and the history of Ireland, might have been had he not responded to that call.

St. Patrick is associated more with the Catholic Church, and has therefore, along with other key Christian figures from history, been mostly ignored by the Protestant churches – to our loss, I would suggest. After all, Patrick lived more than a thousand years before the Protestant church emerged – during his time there was just Church.

So, whether you’re one of those people who wears a crazy green hat on St. Patrick’s Day or you choose to ignore the whole thing, let me encourage you to let this man’s life inspire you in your walk with Christ! What difficult situation do you find yourself in that perhaps is the seed of a future gospel opportunity? Is there a particular group of people or community that you feel drawn to where you could have influence? What dreams do you hold in your heart that could be the spur towards fruitful ministry?

I close with some beautiful words attributed to Patrick:

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me,
Christ in the eye of every man that sees me,
Christ in the ear of every man that hears me.

Over the last several weeks weeks, we have examined at Living Faith what being saved by grace means and how we’re called to live as a new creation in Christ. The autumn season (and approaching holidays) certainly provide us with a strong sense of change occurring all around us, so perhaps it’s serendipitous to put on our metaphorical certified public accounting hats and “audit our hearts” as we look ahead to a new season both as a nation and as a community of believers. Here are a couple of questions I find valuable to ask myself every now and then:
 

• Is my rebirth in Christ evident in the way I live and speak? This can manifest in many ways, such as how we interact with each other, the thoughts we think, and especially what we share on social media. James highlights to us in chapter 3 of his letter in the New Testament the importance of taming the tongue and how such a seemingly small part of the body can have a disproportionally large scale impact, both for building up or for reaping destruction. New technology and means of expression only have increased the avenues available to us to do one of these two things. Which path are you choosing? The truth is that the world is watching us and how we use these avenues (both individually and as a church family) can very well be what ultimately leads or steers someone away from the faith. Let us live and speak with the intention and understanding that we are ambassadors for the Christian faith in a world that so desperately needs it.

• Am I treasuring worldly wins or eternal victory? We have a lot pulling us in multiple directions these days and a lot of our struggles tend to come down to wanting to either protect our pride or prove that we’re right in very secular matters. The Book of Matthew is my personal favorite of the four Gospels because of its inclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, which, time and again, proves to be a convicting yet encouraging check on my heart and attitude. Jesus instructs us during this sermon, starting in Matthew 6:19, to store up treasures in heaven rather than treasures on Earth. While you initially might think that Jesus is referring to your savings account, annuity, or Roth IRA (and that might certainly apply if it’s what you’re worshipping,) I have come to understand that worldly treasure takes on many other forms as well and very often includes intangible items that we prioritize or even worship over God, such as reputation, tearing people down, and victories in arguments. As we learn a few verses down in Matthew 6:21, however, “where your treasure is, there you heart will be also” and this is certainly not where we want our hearts to be. Let us question, therefore, whether or not these worldly treasures are truly important if it means conducting ourselves in a way opposite of how Christ calls us to.

 
We are living in a world that certainly operates contrary to how God designed it, but just as Jesus describes his disciples in John 17: 14-15., I pray that we all will, despite this, live our lives and demonstrate the love Christ taught us. It might just be the difference maker in both our own spiritual growth and the influence you may have on others.

Some people have bad memories of their family’s summer activities.  These include beach days with boring aunts, uncles and no cousins, long trips in a hot car without A/C, (I am dating myself now), and rarely stopping for the all-important restroom.  Yikes, parents give us a break!

However, one summer event we always liked was going to Vacation Bible School.  No matter how late we got to bed, we were always up and ready for the day at VBS.

As with so many, my relationship history started in middle school before I even began to date. Including an engagement, I’ve only had a few serious relationships. Sure I’ve been on some dates here and there, but even that has been infrequent. Still, there is an amazing part of the story. Being single has allowed me time to become healthier emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Through the years, I have come to accept and enjoy the season God has me in. It’s an amazing feeling to not let my relationship status define me and my only regret is not getting to this place sooner! I would love to share a few things with you that I have learned. I want you to know that I don’t have all the answers. I’m just like you walking through this life and learning as I go. But, I pray that you will be encouraged by what I can share with you today.

1) You are loved, regardless of your relationship status. 
Have you ever battled thoughts of feeling like you’re not good enough, attractive enough, or interesting enough?  Friends, those thoughts do not come from your heavenly father. You can replace those lies with the truth we find in scripture. You are loved by God. He sent his son to die on a cross, to take your sins on himself, and redeem your soul because he loves you. He did that over 2,000 years ago, knowing full well that you would be single today. All you need to do is accept him as your savior and accept his gift of love for you. Remember, no one will ever love you like the Lord does!

John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

2) It’s better to be single than to be in the wrong relationship 
Maybe you’ve been in a relationship before, or even now, that you know deep down isn’t quite right. I’ve been there too. Maybe you make excuses for your significant other and constantly find yourself defending that person to your family and friends. Perhaps you have even lost some friendships over it. God gave us the responsibility to make our own life choices. But, remember what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.” I will say that my time of intentional singleness has been much more beneficial and constructive than being in a relationship I knew wasn’t good for my spiritual health.
 
3) Singleness is a gift
I know, it sounds crazy but it’s true! Both singleness and marriage are gifts from God. How do you know if you have the gift of singleness? Pastor JP says it like this, “did you wake up this morning single? Then you have the gift of singleness”. (Jonathan Pokluda - Heart of Dating Conference) The season can last a little while, many years, decades, or your whole life but for right now you are gifted with singleness. Use the time you have to dive deeper into your relationship with God. Read your bible, talk to wise godly people who can guide you, pray, and then pray some more. Work to become a person who is fully devoted to the Lord.
I pray you will fully accept the love of God, regardless of your relationship status, and that you will learn to love the gift of singleness. God knows literally everything. He loves you and has a plan for you. I pray you lean on him and learn to walk in the purpose he has for you.

Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

1) Expecting too much of yourself
How many resolutions did you make? Did you list absolutely everything you want to accomplish this year, all at once, and actually expect that you should be able to do them all perfectly? If you are someone who struggles keeping resolutions I would suggest starting with just one or two. Ever heard the phrase “jack of all trades, but master of none”? You want to master your resolutions, right? Try not to overload yourself with a really long list. You can always add more in a few months once you have a handle on the first round!  
 
2) Trying to get there too quickly
Waiting is not my favorite thing to do and it sure is tempting to try and skip ahead a few steps in order to get to the end goal faster. Be honest with yourself about where you are so that you can create a realistic step by step plan to get where you want to be. The results are likely to last far longer if you take many little steps rather than one giant leap which might cause you to burn out quickly.

3) Lack of accountability
We were created to be in community. I find that success is a lot easier when I invite someone else on the journey with me. People may give up on their resolutions just because they are the only one who knows about them. Letting someone else know what you plan to do can help you stay on track. You may also ask a friend if you can update them with how you’re doing along the way or even ask them to check in with you once in a while. Maybe all you need is a friendly reminder.

In all your resolutions and throughout your life, try and do your best, have grace for yourself along the way, and remember that your salvation can not be earned but is a free gift to all who accept it. We are all humans who miss the mark sometimes. The important thing is how you get back on track! Go to God for strength and/or forgiveness and start back up right now.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Proverbs 16:3

My prayer is this season will be one of growth for all of you, and that the Lord will deliver you and clear any boulder that has been put in your path.

Here are some new songs that you will likely hear in the upcoming weeks. Let's begin to worship Him in these songs today!

I distinctly recall one particular sunny Monday as our car entered the highway headed to the mall. Although the fuel tank read full, just a few hundred feet onto the roadway the car began to sputter and then stalled as we coasted to a stop under an overpass. Lynn and I had each presumed the other had filled the tank. I instantly pieced together that the fuse to the fuel gauge was blown, the tank was empty, and we were now going nowhere.

Like the faulty fuel gauge, it is easy to misread the state of our spiritual condition. Covid-19 has overwhelmed us with the frantic chaos of our workplace, job and financial insecurity, new childcare issues, the loss of gathering with friends and family, forfeiture of vacations, and healthcare issues to name a few. Without realizing it, our world is so upside down that we no longer have any consistency in reading our Bibles, spending time in prayer, or hearing from God through webcasts or even an old school radio broadcast. Our tank is on zero and we didn’t even notice it.

However, rather than bemoan our situation, the Scriptures remind us to put off the past and press on. So how can we press on when life is so cluttered? Here are 9 ways you can keep your spiritual tank full:

Let me go back to the story of our car running out of gas. The Lord was so good to us that day. Within a minute of being parked under the overpass, a man in a truck stopped and helped us get to a service station. After thanking him profusely, we filled the car right up to the gas cap! We never again trusted solely in the fuel gauge and our tank has never become empty again. 

However, during those conferences we would often hear a call to become a missionary right where we lived. But who could do that given we have such busy lives and the needs of our co-workers, friends, and neighbors seemed so small and relatively easy to fix. Besides, my neighbors can go hear the Gospel in so many area churches.

In light of this, I think of Jesus who according to Luke chapter 10 was asked by an expert in the law, “Who is my neighbor?” To which Jesus responded by telling the story of the “the Good Samaritan”. By the end of the story we’re all reminded that everyone is our neighbor and we must do all we can for them.

After seven years of living in our current neighborhood, my wife and I realize the needs of our neighbors are no different than the needs of those in other countries. What’s really tough is that we have done little to engage them. We are called by God to care for everyone and certainly we should be touching the lives of neighbors who we quite frankly don’t know very well.

This is a stressful time and it can be hard to prioritize all of the tasks, but don’t despair! Pray and make time for God. I know that seems impossible, but try to find a quiet moment for Him to lead you. Let go of the feeling that you have to control all of it and it has to be perfect. What would happen if your kids went to bed tonight still wearing their pajamas from the night before? What would happen if they were on their tablet for way longer than they are allowed? It will be OK….if you are doing the best you can to raise kids who know the Lord and are cared for then you are doing a good job!

We love you and we are here for you! Check out the LFCC website for our new recommendations page. Not only does it have some reading options for you parents, but I have updated it with some digital resources for the kids. Let them have more screen time but use it to further God’s message in their lives! There are YouTube channels with all kinds of great messages so make sure you check it out first and then introduce it to your kids. It’s a great way to give them what they want but you know that the foundation is God’s word. And maybe while they are engaged in a great story on their tablet you will have a minute to breathe and talk to God….and give yourself a break!

Remember… comparison is the thief of joy. Pastor Ed once taught that joy is a discipline. It requires keeping your focus on God. So stop comparing what you are doing to the Facebook or Instagram stories. Focus on bringing joy to your family and yourself! (The rest will follow)

As we move out of our teen years (2019>) and into the Roaring 20’s it is important that we properly evaluate and give up the past and own the future. By being honest with our past we can set ourselves on good ground to prepare for and build upon our future. If we are willing to be totally honest there are at least 3 groups of “things” that hinder our past experiences and they are:

THINGS THAT DIVIDE US It seems like the last 10 years have seen times of unusual division. There have always been things that get us upset with one another but it feels like people are more easily offended by the beliefs and actions of others. These include social issues such as immigration, pay inequality, abortion, globalization, sexual abuse and accusations, music, and race to name a few. While we desperately need to find common ground, we are finding it more difficult to have friendly discussions. We seem to constantly be drawn into very intense conversations whether they be in person or on social media. It’s as though we have forgotten that Christ calls us to gentleness and a life of exemplary living so that we can win the respect of non-Christians (1 Thess. 4:12). We must learn to be less concerned with winning the battle so that we can win the war with the soul.

THINGS THAT DISTRACT US I grew up in a very devoted Christian home were mom and dad put Christ first in everything. We prayed before every meal, watched my dad read his Bible in the evening, and always put church services and participation in the body of Christ “first in our lives”. During the last 10 years it is clear that things of God have been subservient to sports, leisure, family activities, work, business, possessions, people, and money. I did NOT say that Christians are denouncing or denying their faith but simply redefining the way they prioritize their lives. Is it any wonder that more millennials are declaring themselves as religiously “nones” rather than Christian? One cannot make Christ Lord if they are constantly allowing other things to distract them from positioning themselves to be in a place to learn about and grow in their faith. Distractions diminish our focus on Christ. As an atheist friend I have once told me, “You Christians have heaven waiting for you. Why don’t you live like it?” We cannot continue to be distracted from the goal of our salvation.

THINGS THAT DISCOURAGE US In seminary my Greek professor (who was all over us for rote memory of the Greek language) shocked us by saying, “It is all about relationships”. People today are distracted by so many broken relationships. These broken relationships destroy the foundation of society (the family) and suck the joy out of life. In addition, job insecurity and instability threaten our future and rob us of enjoying the art of generosity and comfort of normative living. Along with job insecurity we have seen unstable incomes and unexpected expenses create untenable lifestyles. Added to these discouraging life issues are the Spiritual disappointments that every Christian experiences at some point in their lives. While each of us deal with our own sin, the moral failures of so many spiritual leaders (people we looked up to such as priests, pastors, elders, others) has brought on doubt and confusion that has destroyed many churches and caused the turning away of many from the faith. Thus we can be greatly discouraged and feel let down by life. Perhaps this is why a study done in 2018 revealed that 31% of all Americans deal with anxiety and many others face depression and/or unhappiness. But as we look ahead into 2020 and beyond with God’s help we can take control of our future by deciding to own what will come our way by targeting just a few items that will set the course ahead. This is not an exclusive list but a list of a few matters that can make a difference. They include: 1.  Fixing Broken Relationships.  While you cannot determine how people will relate to you, you can determine how you will relate to others. So here are some steps that may help you connect or reconnect with others:   A.  Forgive those who have offended or done wrong to you. Holding a hurt will only crush YOUR spirit. Most people know when they have wronged you…and they know when you’ve forgiven them. B.  Ask for forgiveness. Bring it before the Lord first and then go ask the person you have offended. It means you have to humble yourself and be honest. It may make you look bad to others – but they already have a low view of you if you’ve done wrong. At least now you can rebuild your reputation and people appreciate humility. C.  Ask others to identify what you have done or how you can get things back on track with them. Once these things are stated you might find that the relationships were not as bad as you thought or are now repairable. Somethings others are just as anxious as you are to fix the relationship. Remember the ending of Home Alone? The neighbor called his son and discovered that his son was just as ready as he was to rebuild their relationship. 2.  Saving Some Money.  It is important to be prepared for whatever comes your way. It is always helpful to be prepared for the unexpected, be ready to assist others, and keep yourself with less debt in the future. A few ways to saving are to put away a fixed amount (maybe just $10 per week!). You can also pay down your creditors with just one or two extra payments during the year. This will eventually clear your debts and free you into the future. Another easy way to save is to set up a saving account for vacation or another project you desire to do. Too many people overspend while on vacation as they are not prepared for how much it will cost. Saving money will help you to live tension free and joyously. 3.  Helping Someone or Assisting Others in a Project.  Very little needs to be said here. We all want to help others but rarely plan for it. When you help a widow, mentor a child, or give to a project or special cause you fill your life with a satisfaction that you are doing something God designed you to do. It reflects upon the image of God in us and refocuses your senses on God’s purpose for our lives. It provides you with renewal and a generous spirit that transforms the way you live and brings him great glory. 4.  Learning a Biblical Teaching or Particular Theology.  Too many Christians have no idea how to connect their actions with God’s will. In this media saturated society, there is no reason to be a theological midget or Biblical illiterate. Study God’s Word on the subjects and issues that come into your life. Learn how to articulate your faith and decide you want to learn theology about the person of God and his expectations upon the way we live. The greater you are able to articulate your faith, the stronger you will be to handle issues that come your way. Plan to grow as a Christian rather than always lean on others to hold your faith up. 5.  Give up a Vice or Something that Hinders Your Faith.  Everyone has something that creates a spiritual speed bump. It may not only be a negative thing such as smoking, drinking, language, gossip or porn but it may also be something good that gets in your way of trust or belief in God. It could be exercising instead of taking time to read God’s word, or a hobby that keeps us from meeting with other Christians or attending Sunday services. Whatever hinders you get rid of it. Just one thing can make all the difference in the world. These are just a few random but probably very useful suggestions as we review our past and look forward to keeping our 2020 focus on what God has for us in the coming year and decade. As you consider these things, recall 1 Corinthians 10:31 which reminds us in whatever we do, that we are to do it all for the glory of God as well as to keep your focus on Christ. Hebrews 12:2

To start, I wanted to share my thoughts on how I’ll use this space. I’ll be sharing songs that we, as a Worship Ministry, have been listening to and giving some of our thoughts. Some of them will be added to our worship experience on Sunday mornings, and others are for your enjoyment to listen to, worship at home, and reflect on all the ways God is working in your life.

KING OF KINGS // HILLSONG WORSHIP
The verses in this song clearly lay out the gospel. It starts with darkness with no hope. Then the light of the world comes to save us! One of my favorite lines is the conclusion:

By His blood and in His name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me

As for me, being creative doesn't always come easy. One of the things I find helpful throughout the day is to sketch or doodle my thoughts (and I wish I did more of it). There is something about this process that allows you to either get an idea to come to the surface or let something you are hearing penetrate deeper into your mind.

I have collected several Bibles over the years, but one of my favorites is the one that has additional margins on the left and right pages to allow room for notes or drawing. No matter your skill level, I encourage you to try taking this on and experiment drawing and journaling in your Bible or alongside it.

When planning for a painting or sculpture I find that my initial sketches are sloppy and rough. It allows me to focus on what the purpose of the artwork is first rather than making it presentable right away. So if you start feeling you aren't content with your sketches right away, keep going and I believe things will begin to click.

This winter, pick up a journal, a sketchpad, or new Bible and let's connect with God for whole new vision this 2020.

We are excited to partner with you in applying these teachings to the whole family by covering a few topics each week that you can talk about with your kids! Just as our small groups are walking through the series together and unpacking the message each week, we hope that you will do the same in your family. We will highlight a few things each week that we hope will spark conversation with your kids as you drive them to one of the many destinations you go as a family each week, around the dinner table in the evening, or even as you tuck them in at night.

THE BANANA
Do you remember the awesome illustration Pastor Ed used in week one? This is a great way to talk to your kids about how important “what’s on the inside” is. Who are they looking to for advice as they are making choices? Family, friends, God, others? Discuss how important it is to be honest and to look to God for how we should live. Cover simple topics like being kind or helpful for younger kids and deeper topics like what to do when your friend is making bad choices with older kids (how does that look at home, at school, at church).

PRAYER
Nehemiah gives us some great “blueprints” for prayer. Pastor Ed spoke about some of the “steps” of prayer that we can all learn from.

Nehemiah did the following:

• Praise God for all He is and all He’s done
• Confession: name your sins (with kids this can be identified by talking about what God wants from us and how confession comes when we know we have not done what God wants)
• Meditating on God’s Word: what do we know the Bible says about ______
• Asking for strength, success, favor (this is where we ask for God’s help or blessing)

THE WAITING
This one is hard for kids (and honestly it’s hard for us too)! What do we do in the wait, how do we not waste it? Nehemiah did several things we can learn from: He learned God’s Word, He asked God what to do, he thought about what he needed, he showed wisdom in his approach to the King, and he was ready to move when God said it was time. This applies to all of us….kids and adults! Have a discussion about a time your kids had to wait for something (a vacation, summer, or even an answer to prayer). How do they not “waste” the wait. How can they apply this to waiting for God’s answers or direction?

FAMILY
Please let us know your successes and struggles-we know God can strengthen our families through the Word! We pray you are encouraged as you seek God’s face together as a family.

This past week our Ministry Staff joined in on the fun and came together to learn more about "Rebuilding" from a child's perspective. From our church family to yours.