The Life of Bonhoeffer-Preparation for Series

One year after reading the biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas (Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy http://www.amazon.com/Bonhoeffer-Pastor-Martyr-Prophet-Spy/dp/1595552464/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338379314&sr=8-1) I read, “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer himself. 

Even knowing Bonhoeffer was a martyr for Christ, I was blown away by his words! As I read both books, I kept wondering “did he know he was going to give his life for Christ? Did he realize he would end up giving all?”

I don’t have an answer to those questions. What I can tell you, is daily Bonhoeffer committed his life to Christ. He knew what it meant to take up his cross and follow his savior.

Next week I look forward to beginning a series based on his book that I believe will challenge you and make you re-evaluate your commitment to God. 

But before beginning this series on Monday, I wanted you to have some background information on who Bonhoeffer was as I think it will help make his words more powerful.  

Before giving his life, Bonhoeffer lost many other things, things that would have most of us crumbling or admitting defeat.

He was devoted to learning and teaching…under Hitler, he was not allowed to continue teaching in Universities.

He loved his church, loved serving his flock…due to pressures from outside the church by the Nazi Regime, Bonhoeffer left the church.  The church had grown complacent and tolerant and they didn’t like Bonhoeffer challenging their traditions.

He loved his family…due to threats from the Nazi’s, Bonhoeffer spent much of his life away from those he loved to help keep them safe.

He loved to travel…again, thanks to Hitler, Bonhoeffer was limited on the things he had dreamed of experiencing.

He loved writing…due to his work in resisting Hitler, Bonhoeffer was not able to devote as much time as possible to writing, then his last book was cut short by his untimely death (just a few short weeks before Hitler himself died).

He met a woman, they were engaged…before they could be married, he spent years in prison and then died.

These are just a few of the things Bonhoeffer sacrificed for serving his Lord.

As we read “The Cost of Discipleship” please keep in mind this man knew what he was talking about.

To me, this book has power because the man who wrote it was a hero, a man we should all look up to, and a man who truly followed Christ- no matter the cost. Thankfully God does require us all to bare such crosses, but we do each have a cross and we must take it up daily.

Before you start thinking I’m a fanatic about Bonhoeffer, let me tell you, he was not perfect.

At one point he thought to flee to America to avoid Hitler.  Once there, he felt convicted and returned to Germany to fight the monster known as Adolf Hitler. This isn’t the only instance he wondered if he was on the right path.  Within himself, he battled in knowing what God’s will was for his life. He struggled between honoring God and loving his country.  (We won’t get into his part in the plot to assassinate Hitler, it was not a decision Bonhoeffer took lightly- you will need to read Metaxas’ book to get the full details).

Today Bonhoeffer would be horrified to learn his life and works have been co-opted by the left. I’m still puzzled how the left has managed to twist his life. All I can assume is that they are marginally successful because so many have not studied this man nor read his works first hand. Instead they read distortions. If one would simply read his own words, they would come to realize Bonhoeffer was a man sincere in his devotion to God and to his country.   

Another thing Bonhoeffer would be saddened by is that some have taken a cult like obsession about him and are worshiping him rather than the Glorious Christ he served with his very being. 

It is not my objective to glorify Bonhoeffer, only to point out his devotion to Christ as we read his words and are challenged to go deeper in our commitment and discipleship in serving the One True Savior- Jesus Christ. To Him alone be glory and honor.

I’ve written one other post on Bonhoeffer, you can check it out here:  http://tcavey.blogspot.com/2011/08/even-adults-need-role-models.html

Notifications

This Monday I will not be posting (or reading blogs) as it is a holiday and I plan on enjoying my family and remembering my amazing dad, I know he is having a blast in heaven!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend as well. 

Also, I will be taking a family stay-cation (this is the trendy new word for those on vacation who can’t afford to go anywhere) the first week of June. I am hoping to use this time to work on my writing and to make some changes to my blog- fingers crossed, I am HORRIBLE at technology and very intimidated by it.  

During my stay-cation I will not be blogging. I am sorry I will be missing all of your wonderful posts. I look forward to them every day. You all challenge me, inspire me and humble me. I am honored to part of such an amazing group of bloggers. When I get back the following week (Second week of June) I will do my best to go back and read your posts, but I can’t make any promises.

The only exception to me being away will be on Monday June 4^th as I have already promised you I would be starting the Bonhoeffer series on the book, “The Cost of Discipleship”. I’m really excited about this series and look forward to learning from you all.   

Thank you again and God bless.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT

I pray this scripture penetrate your hearts and fill you with boldness and hope! 

My Dad...You Really Should Meet Him!

I’ve been thinking a great deal about my dad lately.

I have to say, don’t know anyone like him.

So selfless, so compassionate, so patient.

And more, so much more. He’s:

Reliable

Trustworthy

Hardworking

Honorable

Loyal

Giving

Steadfast

Holy

But he’s more than even that. 

How do I begin to tell you?

Growing up he was never too busy for me.  He would listen as I’d prattle on and on about nonsense.

He was my biggest fan too, never missed a game or even a practice.

He was right beside me when I got my first heartbreak, held me tight, and then helped me see the lessons to be gleaned. 

When I was sick, he held my hand and did everything in his power to make it better.

He was right there anytime I needed him, rain or shine, nothing stood in his way when I called.

When I was older, things didn’t change.

He was still my dad.  Always a heartbeat away, ready to listen, love, forgive, admonish, and guide. 

Not once has he ever put me on the backburner.  I’m that important to him.

Funny thing is, so are you.

I’ve never known him to walk away from a chance to smile, to give, to chat, or to exchange life experiences.

He’s always been there for his friends…and even those who are not his friends.

I’ve witnessed him countless times feed the hungry, give to the poor and offer support to those down on their luck.

He takes pity on the homeless, offers second chances to criminals and gives rides to hitchhikers (pretty brave, uh?).

But it doesn’t stop there!

He’s also a man of his word.

He honors his commitments and (in my opinion he sometimes foolishly) believes others will honor theirs.

He lends to those in need, takes food to the hungry, visits the sick and loves the unlovable.  

So when I say he cares about you- I mean it.

I guess by all this, you might call my dad a saint.

But even that word doesn’t fully describe him.

He’s MORE than a saint.

He’s a Savior.

You might have guessed by now who my dad is.

He might be your dad too.

Is your dad named Jesus Christ? 

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” John 1:12 NIV

I'll Be Seeing You

Today I have the honor of Guest Posting at Voice of a Patriot. Please come find me and read my post on where you can find Truth- http://voiceofapatriot.com/?p=209 .  Truth seems evasive in today’s world, but really it’s not. God still has messengers spreading His warnings, judgments, love and guidance both inside and outside the church. In the meantime here is a short post I hope will touch your heart.  God bless and enjoy!

"I'll Be Seeing You"

The months leading to his departure where hard… for everyone.  

But I made sure everyone, including mom, said goodbye.

It was so hard for her to let him go, to say goodbye, but I made sure she did it. I knew she would regret it later if she didn’t. I knew too he was waiting…waiting on her to be okay before he left.

That I pushed so hard for everyone to tell him goodbye is ironic as I couldn’t manage to utter those words myself.

Instead I found clever ways to avoid using that absolute word, Goodbye. 

Goodbye, it seemed so final.

As if I would never see him again.

And while it would be a while, a LONG while, I knew I would see him.

Someday.

In the meantime “I’ll be seeing you” seemed WAY more appropriate.

So before he closed his eyes I would whisper, “I’ll be seeing you”, just in case I would never see those warm hazel eyes re-open in this life.

Each time I was blessed with another moment, I would smile and tell him, “See, I told you I would be seeing you.”

He would smile sweetly and nod his head.

The cancer had taken any coherent speech, along with his ability to walk or to see.

But it had not taken his kind heart or his love for his family.

Now I knew he was simply waiting.

Waiting for God to finally call him home.

Everyone had said their goodbyes.

Everyone, but me.

I just couldn’t.

As a nurse I could see the impending signs of life leaving him, I knew it wouldn’t be long… and yet I still couldn’t utter that word.

It seemed so final.

So as he took his last few breaths, I bent down and whispered, “I’ll be seeing you.”

And he was gone.

And it was true.

I will be seeing him.

Someday.

Notifications

This post is just a reminder of upcoming events.

1)       May 17^th (tomorrow) is the 236 year anniversary of when our fledgling nation came together in prayer and fasting to petition God.  This was done upon receiving a proclamation given by the continental congress.  You can read the proclamation here: http://biblescripture.net/Day.html. To help promote this effort we are using #1776prayer on twitter and asking everyone to use their social media resources to get this word out.  America must pray, all nations must pray. We must humble ourselves before God and cling to His promise in 2 Chron 7:14, “IF my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (emphasis added)

2)      Coming the first Monday in June I am beginning a series on “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  I hope you will join.  There are many ways to participate.  First you can simply read my Monday posts and make comments if you like. Second, you can purchase the book (it is fairly inexpensive) and read along each Monday and offer additional information in the comments section if you feel led. Third, you can not only read my blog and comment but also do your own blog posts each week to give readers even more info and insight into what God reveals to you.  We can then link up and promote each other’s posts. You can choose to do all the chapters with me or only a few, it’s up to you.  Regardless of what you decide, I hope and pray this series will bless your heart and increase your knowledge of God as you grow closer to Him.  

3)      I want to thank you all for following and participating. This blog exists for you and I pray you are blessed by it. Please let me know if there is anything you would like me to post on, anything I can help you with or any prayer requests. I have a section on the side labeled Prayer Requests if you would like me, and fellow bloggers, to pray for something. As of yet no one has used this option, but it is there for you.  Or you can email me personally if you do not want your requests public.  Thank you again.  I appreciate you all; you challenge me, encouraged me and humble me.  I look forward to serving you!

Finally, let this word penetrate your heart as we look forward to working for the kingdom of God.

“Put me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted.” Isaiah 43:26 NKJV

The New N-word

There are certain words that are taboo. Words we don’t like to say, let alone think.  Words that evoke raw emotions better left dormant. Words that shatter our carefully constructed illusions of safety. Words that haunt us, words that taunt us and words that beg to be spoken- even if they don’t want to be heard. 

And maybe that is why the media isn’t giving much coverage to the rise of the N-word:  Nazi.

 That’s right; the Nazi party is alive and growing in popularity around the globe!

But to play devil’s advocate for the media, perhaps they think this is silly, that this is something to write off and not take seriously. 

I mean come on, “there are Nazi parties growing in popularity?” 

Yeah, Right.

It sounds preposterous. Absolutely ludicrous.  

Who would take this seriously?

Well, you should for one…because it’s true.

Here are the facts :

Last year the Nazi Party was established in Egypt. 

They are also active in:

Belgium

Brazil

Bosnia

Chile

Croatia

Estonia

France

Germany

Greece

Israel

Mongolia

Russia

Serbia

Sweden

United States of America

Let’s focus on Greece.

The Golden Dawn Party, who call themselves the “Peoples Nationalist Movement” have gained access to the Greek Government for the first time in history!

In 2009 this party held only 0.3-0.5% (depending on which news article you read) of the popular vote in Greece, now they have a whopping 7%!  That is a HUGE increase in a short amount of time.   

This 7 % of popularity earned them 21 seats in parliament! This means their voice will be heard, they will be able to influence policies and they will impact Greece.

This is hard to comprehend, especially when you realize it was roughly 70 years ago that 10% of the Greek population was killed by Nazi’s. That means in Greece today, 10% of the population lost loved ones to those who called themselves Nazi’s and now 7 % supports this group!

Now you might be thinking, “this party wouldn’t be gaining in influence if they really were Nazi’s and besides, their party is called “The Golden Dawn”, so there is nothing to worry about.”

WRONG!

Okay, they are not calling themselves Nazi per say, but they sure do look and act an awful lot like the Nazi’s from Hitler’s regime (take a look at some photos).

If you need further convincing, here is a quick glance at their platform:

1)      ALL Immigrants are ILLEGAL

2)      Instead of deporting Immigrants, they want to make “work camps”  to place them in

3)      Close ALL Borders

4)      Withdrawal from the European Union (EU)

5)      Create a “Doctors with Borders” to provide healthcare only for citizens

6)      Close ALL foreign non- governmental organizations

If that doesn’t make you stop and think perhaps they are not the nicest group to support, perhaps this quote will:

“So we can rid the land of filth”

Filth.

Their words, not mine.

So how is all this possible? Why would people support this party?

Simple, Greece is farther down the road of moral and political corruption than America.

When people lose trust in elected officials, when they feel overwhelmed and hopeless, when all they see are lies and corruption, they become desperate for change.  And they look to anyone, or group, that promises change (does that sound familiar?).

Greece’s unemployment is greater and their debt higher than ours.  They face severe cutbacks from a government too large and this does not appeal to anyone. So they are crying out for someone to save them.

And the Golden Dawn Party is answering that call.

Are we seeing the rise of the Fourth Reich?

I don’t know, only time will tell.

But one thing is certain, sticking our heads in the sand and ignoring this is not wise. People ignored/underestimated Hitler and his words in “Mein Kampf” and look how many lives were lost?

Remember, at first, Hitler was praised…even by Americans.  

Please America, Please World- WAKE UP!  

We don’t need a political party to make this world right. We can start by living the GOLDEN RULE! 

(FYI, did you hear the news today- the Euro dropped in fear of Greece leaving the EU).

Resources (plenty more you can Google):

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/The-Reformed-Broker/2012/0507/Greece-s-Golden-Dawn-Party-a-scary-development-for-Europe

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/05/06/3599926/neo-nazi-party-plots-rise-as-first.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/07/neo-nazi-golden-dawn-party-greece

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/its-time-for-them-to-be-afraid-greek-party-leader-lashes-out-at-traitors-as-he-calls-for-revolution/

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-14/european-stock-index-futures-drop-on-greek-deadlock.html 

Special thanks to GBTV for drawing my attention to this important topic.

Whoever Thinks the Founding Fathers Weren't Christians, Probably Doesn't Know This: May 17th, 1776

The beginning of this year God laid 2 Chronicles 7:14 on my heart. 

“[I]f my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” NIV

Daily my heart ached (and my head almost exploded) watching the news and witnessing the atrocities we commit against each other, and this verse would repeat in my head. 

I wasn’t sure what to do; after all, I was only one person.  Would it really matter if I humbled myself, prayed, sought God and turned from my sins…would God forgive the sins of this land and heal it?  Could one person make a change?

I felt overwhelmed. 

While I knew each person is only responsible for doing his or her part, I felt I needed to do more.  I wanted to impress it upon everyone the importance of this scripture and the dire state of our nation and the entire WORLD.  

But what could I do?  I was already writing this blog and telling anyone who would listen.

Then slowly, I started to hear others verbalize the things I had been feeling! It was such a relief to know God was speaking this urgency to us all! God was telling His people to trust in His promises and to allow Him to go to battle for them!  

I was relieved. I wasn’t alone.  

But I still felt there was more to be done, but what?

Then I heard of May 17, 1776 and felt my prayers had been answered!

May 17, 1776 the Continental Congress urged the colonies to unite in a day of prayer and fasting.  Here is an excerpt from that proclamation:

“The Congress, therefore, considering the warlike preparations of the British Ministry to subvert our invaluable rights and privileges, and to reduce us by fire and sword, by the savages of the wilderness, and our own domestics, to the most abject and ignominious bondage: Desirous, at the same time, to have people of all ranks and degrees duly impressed with a solemn sense of God's superintending providence, and of their duty, devoutly to rely, in all their lawful enterprises, on his aid and direction, Do earnestly recommend, that Friday, the Seventeenth day of May next, be observed by the said colonies as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and, by a sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease his righteous displeasure, and, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain his pardon and forgiveness; humbly imploring his assistance to frustrate the cruel purposes of our unnatural enemies; and by inclining their hearts to justice and benevolence, prevent the further effusion of kindred blood." (Emphasis added mine.  You can read the full proclamation here:  http://biblescripture.net/Day.html or Google it and you will find it multiple times).

After this, I heard that at the NRA convention, Glenn Beck called on American’s to repeat this proclamation this coming up May 17^th!  

So now I am urging all Christians around the world join together this May 17^th to petition God in prayer and fasting.  Humbling ourselves and realizing we need His divine protection, mercy and deliverance from the evil that is trying to take over the globe.  

Let us join together as the Body of Christ and ask God to remember His promise in 2 Chron 7:14.  Let us ask God to go to battle for us as we acknowledge our need of Him and repent of the sins that have been plaguing us for far too long- sins of selfishness and greed, idols of materialism and power, transgressions of indulgence and tolerance.  Let us ask God to forgive us and to heal our land!

Please help spread the word.  Each individual makes a differences- together we are the BODY OF CHRIST! 

May 3^rd was a national day of prayer and fasting and many around our nation joined together and petitioned God. But let’s not stop with America, I pray the world will unite under the banner of God’s love and allow Him to heal our land!  

Disclaimer: Before fasting please consult your doctor. If you cannot do a traditional fast please know you can still humble yourself and pray.  Also know, there are fasts that do not require giving up food- I have heard of people giving up Facebook/Twitter/Video Games/TV/etc instead of food (for health reasons I have done some of this myself).  The point isn’t what you sacrifice, but that you fill your mind/heart with God instead of whatever it is you are giving up.  If you are a social media junkie, going a full day without it and focusing on God during those times may be more beneficial  than giving up food.  

Here are some links to explain more about a National Day of Prayer and Fasting:

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel04.html

http://cornerstonenation.patriotactionnetwork.com/2012/02/06/america-needs-to-humble-itself/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_of_Prayer

http://www.glennbeck.com/2012/04/15/glenn-speaks-to-the-nra-yes-i-will/-

Guest Post: LOOKING AHEAD

                                                

I'm excited to bring you a guest post today by a man passionate in serving Christ, Floyd.  

Floyd captured my attention by his outspoken honesty and desire to share Jesus. If you have never visited his site, I encourage you to do so. You can go to his site, theregoi, here. You can also find him on Facebook here.

    

When Floyd  gave me this post, he was concerned it might be too controversial, but I find it vitally important as so many today are desperately searching for the fountain of youth . So without further delay:

LOOKING AHEAD

They say timing is everything, that sure seemed to be the case that day… I had just left the doctor’s office, having finished the first part of my physical. The chest x-rays, EKG, blood draw, and the other basic required tests.

With an hour to kill before returning to the second part of the uncomfortable (understatement)! physical process, I went to the closest restaurant about a half mile west of the doctor’s office.

As I sat desperately in need of food after fasting for the first part of the physical, they began to shuffle in…and I do mean shuffle. The ones who could shuffle were the fortunate ones. The less fortunate ones were hunched over walkers and a few of them were in wheelchairs.

The large group was from a nearby senior care facility, out for their weekly group breakfast. There were two nurses or caregivers helping the seniors get seated and order their breakfasts. I noticed the group was predominately women, I guess the statistics don’t lie…

I thought it ironic to be in between tests for a physical recommended by my doctor due to age and time since the last one and run into a group of senior citizens. The point of my unpleasant doctor visit was to make sure I didn’t have any glaring health issues that might keep me from reaching senior citizen status.

The aging process is inevitable. The only constant is air and dirt… We’re all passing through and the time we get to spend here seems to be much less than we first thought.

I enjoyed my breakfast, being that hungry might have had something to do with it. I know for sure I enjoyed mine more than the group of seniors sitting a few feet away from me did.

The group overall seemed to be somber. The nurse or caregiver worked diligently trying to carry and push conversations; the group didn’t seem much interested in her or her stories and questions.

I’m no expert on senior care, but it didn’t seem like the patrons of the senior home were satisfied customers. I don’t think I’d be either… There was a time that the group of seniors could come and go as they pleased. They could pick their own friends, pick their own restaurant.

Those days are long gone and it showed in the older folks faces… That’s what we have to look forward to? That’s the reason I go to the doctor? To make sure I live long enough  to end up feeble and get treated like a little kid?

Hmmm. Maybe our society should be more concerned with the afterlife while we’re here? It’s no secret that we, like the flowers have a season, the bloom is beautiful, but the season passes so fast… Then we get to bide time waiting to die? No thanks… I think I’d rather live with the joy of the Lord in my heart that can’t be contained on the inside. It slips out through the cracks in my smile or laughter.

Maybe it was just bad timing… or maybe good timing. What are your thoughts on this controversial subject?

If I would have known the procedures for the rest of the physical…

I’d have never gone back…