Justice Done?

In recent headlines, we read a quote from our President saying 'Justice has been done'. But has it really? Oh it makes us feel better to say that. It even makes many feel better to know that 1 more leader of terror has been removed from this planet.

But how can we say justice is done by us when it was God that said "vengeance is mine"? Then Jesus comes along and commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves and love our enemies.

Justice is done when one brings an end to an oppressive or repulsive situation. Bin Laden's death does not bring an end to terrorist attacks. In fact it probably will now escalate it. How do we as a 'nation under God' justify putting a bullet to the head of another man? Why do we dance in the city streets over a death of anyone? Was Bin Laden not also made in the image of God? He was human, right? I certainly do not support or advocate what his life stood for and yes what he did was totally wrong, but we can not call it justice if we kill someone for killing others.

I also want to say that I support and appreciate our military when it comes to defending our nation and keeping us safe and I am grateful to be living in this country. So before you older baby boomers call me a Commi-fag or draft dodger or some other antique term, know that I love this country, but we are not the Judge or the world police. And as a follower of Jesus Christ I cannot celebrate a man's death and call it justice.

Psalm 11:5 says, "The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates." Some of the recent events by our own land reminds me of Ezekiel 22:27 when speaking of the sins of Israel, "Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain. They say, 'This is what the Lord says'-when the Lord has not spoken."

I do not have all the answers to this sensitive matter. I am far from being settled but I am seeking the whole council of God concerning this rather than selecting a couple of key verses that support my opinion. And right now this is where God has me in search of more understanding of His will in all of these world concerns.

Where do you stand on this? Can you defend your position or are you merely mimicking what you hear? Do you even care? Are you searching the Word for answers or just being mesmerized by your favorite news channel?

I just know this. In the end times, things are not to get better, but rather more challenging here on earth. So to expect total peace this side of heaven seems like a dream. But if we can learn to live and love one another locally and globally, we can get a glimpse of what it may be like "on earth as it is in heaven."

Breakthrough

New location for Willet / Hunger Strike Offices / Quest Community Church

If you follow us on twitter or facebook you may have seen a status posted about a month ago about some amazing breakthroughs taking place in our ministry that weren't able to be shared just yet. Well, the time has come when we can testify to what God has done in our ministry for His glory.

As many know, some tremendous friends opened up their basement apartment in New Windsor, MD in late 2010 to allow Willet / Hunger Strike offices to operate out of. From the start, this was to be a "temporary location" as we got our organization developed. During the development stages of our organization while WILLET had some time off the road, they have been able to spend quality time at our non-denominational church plant, Quest Community Church, that was currently meeting in a home in Maryland.

Since Jan. 1, I have been praying for “breakthrough” for our church and extended ministries. A few weeks ago, my son, Jeremy and I were having a discussion about where God has brought our ministries from, and the direction we are headed now. Here we sat with a new year, new vision, a music ministry (Willet), a relief/development organization (The Hunger Strike), and a church (Quest Community Church). As we talked, we realized that although these entities carried 3 different titles, our goals were the same and that we could combine our ministry efforts. Our goals: Make Jesus known more in the hearts of people globally, and walk alongside of the poor both locally and abroad!

So, long story short, over the past few months, WILLET has done a complete restructuring of their "business", dissolved their incorporation (Willet, Inc), and have been absorbed as a ministry of the church to work hand-in-hand in ministry, with an increased level of accountability. Quest recently appointed Jeremy Willet as Vice President of the Board of Directors to allow him to work more directly in the business decision-making processes of the church, and oversee the missional branch of our ministry (through Willet / Hunger Strike)

But, the news gets even better!! After months of praying for "breakthrough", a friend unexpectedly took me out to breakfast. Over coffee, a family, that wishes to remain anonymous, handed a contract proposal to our ministries giving us permission to move into their 3-story complex in Pleasant Valley, MD "RENT FREE" for 2 years! This facility has a ground level warehouse for merchandise, meal packing, and storage, a 2nd level room to hold church services, and a 3rd level for 5 office rooms! We are beginning to move in immediately to continue normal office operations, and prepare the 2nd level to hold church services later this year. We will keep you posted when we will re-launch the Sunday service for Quest Community Church.

The ministries of Willet, The Hunger Strike, and now Quest Community Church have been given fresh vision, and we move forward with God's direction, trusting Him all the way. We will make the announcement as soon as church services are launched, and we hope that you'll join us in worship. Below is a photo of our new facility. All the credit and glory to You O God!!

What Spiritual Growth is Not

In 2 Peter 3:18, Peter emphasizes that we "grow in grace". There are many things written about how to grow spiritually, but I want to point out a few obvious things that spiritual growth is not.
1. It has nothing to do with our position in Christ. We don't grow into being a Christian. We become a new creation at the very moment that we accept the gift of salvation by faith. 2 Peter 1:3 says we have been given everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him.
2. It is not a matter of God's favor or God's love. Romans 5 is clear that God loved us when we were lost sinners. And as a believer, God still loves us immeasurably and unconditionally.
3. It has nothing to do with time. Some believers go through their entire life with very little growth. Others have known Christ for a short period of time and have grown in huge proportions.
4. It is not a matter of knowledge alone. It is not about what we know, rather it is what we do with what we know that matters. Knowledge alone puffs us up. It is only when the facts contribute to transformation that knowledge has anything to do with growth.
5. It has nothing to do with busyness. Being active in the church does not equal spiritual growth, it just makes you tired and can burn you out emotionally and physically.
6. It definitely has nothing to do with prosperity. Sorry health and wealth preachers! You are wrong! A rich American is no more spiritually mature than the the little orphan believer in Haiti or Africa. So stop going to these countries and spreading your false teachings. One's economic status does not gain you favor with God or a promotion on the spiritual growth ladder. God may have blessed you financially, but that is not a yardstick for spiritual growth. And if He has, I pray you are blessing others with your abundance to His glory.