It was early in the morning before the early service. A man came in and sat alone against the wall in the sanctuary. Anita was there and noticed him sitting all alone. She approached him, extended her hand, and said, “Good morning, I’m glad you’re here this morning.” The man glared at her and said, “Can’t you see I’m reading my Bible. Leave me alone.” Anita was devastated.

Later we talked about the incident and I think the Lord revealed to me that he was angry at women in general, not her. He probably had been through a bitter divorce or something and vented his anger toward her. It was his problem, not hers. But Anita’s personality is one that needs acceptance, and she felt rejection from him. So, it was very difficult for Anita to not make his problem her own.

In dealing with difficult people, we’ve got to protect ourselves from picking up others’ problems as our own. I must see myself as a messenger of God, an ambassador for Christ. Their problems are their problems, not my own. I get my acceptance from Jesus not bitter old men who are losing control. I transfer the love of God to others, but I don’t let their bitterness or fear transfer to me.

I know the movie Unbroken is in theaters right now. My son gave me the audiobook (book on CDs) for Christmas. I’ve been listening intently to the story in my car as I travel. I’m now about half way through the book. I thought this World War 2 book would be from a different perspective because it was written by a woman. And I’ve enjoyed the book so far.

I understood that the Germans were brutal killers during that war, using prisoners in medical experiments and orchestrating the holocaust. And I know that the Japanese were brutal on the battlefield. But I had no idea they were so racially prejudiced and were worse than the Germans in their treatment of captives. Thousands of American POWs died at the hands of these cruel people. I never thought I would say this, but I believe it was justice that the bomb was dropped on those two cities. There was no other solution.

I think injustice like this should stir up Christians. What can be done to stop such a wrong? We probably cannot do much to stop Boko Haram or ISIS on our own. But maybe there is something we can do in our own backyard. Maybe I can do something to influence young people from destroying their lives. Perhaps I can feed the hungry or warm the homeless. Shouldn’t the church be about improving the world around us? What is one thing the church ought to be doing today?

Anita and I went to see the movie Selma yesterday. I am a history buff and was expecting a bit of Hollywood cleansing of the real story, but was pleasantly surprised. The story line was historically actuate and drew the viewer into the emotions of the characters, both black and white. I’m glad that part of history is behind us.

Sunday night I watched the old 1962 movie To Kill a Mocking Bird. Although it was a famous movie, I had never seen it before. The actor who played the role of Tom Robinson (the black man accused a raping a white woman) also played a role in Selma.

Those films remind me that it is the role of Christians everywhere to stand in the gap for righteousness and defend the defenseless. Who in this world is unfairly treated and what will you do about it?

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the forbidden fruit, sin entered their lives. Overcome by guilt, they covered their nakedness with aprons of fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). We’re always trying to hide our sins from others.

God saw that feeble attempt to cover their sins and provided for them garments of animal skins (leather) (Genesis 3:21). Some innocent animal had to die to atone for their sin. And God was the One who offered the first sacrificial offering. Blood must be shed to atone for sins. That contrast (fig leaves versus animal skins) marks the difference between man’s attempt and God’s attempt. What are you relying on to cover your sins?

Centuries later, God sent a Messiah (a Savior) into the world. He was born into poverty to identify with mankind and our depravity. There was not even any room in the inn for that baby, so he was born in a stable. There was no crib so they laid Him in a manger. And there were no fig leaves. And no animal hides. So Mary wrapped Him in cloths (man-made garments) (Luke 2:7). And He will return again wearing a robe dipped in blood (Revelation 19:13). He was the perfect mediator because He was the Lamb of God who would pay for the sins of man, and covers us.

John was a small, sickly kid raised in Virginia. Because of these characteristics, John was always the target of bullies who wanted to pick on someone. He repeatedly started fights with these bullies, but always lost the fight. He later in life said he never won a fight as a child, but he inflicted some pain in return. At the beginning of the Civil War, John rallied a company of men to follow him into the Confederacy. He didn’t like the idea, however, of huge masses of soldiers going against one another.

So, his unit became rather independent (called partisans). They were a small Cavalry, so they could move quickly and strike by surprise. The purpose of John’s company of soldiers was to harass the enemy and keep them from accomplishing their goals. They rarely stood still for a fight, moving quickly in a surprise attack, causing as much damage as possible, and retreating before the union enemy could organize itself. They were unorthodox soldiers. They were guerrilla fighters. They were known as Mosby’s Raiders, Mosby’s Rangers, and Mosby’s Men. Col. John Mosby lived out his aggression against bullies by never turning down a fight.

If you feel there are spiritual bullies after your life’s blessings, get on your knees and make a few quick strikes of your own.

Anita and I were traveling in a Muslim nation. We were working our way through the terminal when we came to a narrow hallway. It was their prayer time and everywhere men were bowed on the floor facing Mecca and praying. We stood there a moment, because the entire hallway was blocked. I realized that due to the time, we had to get through there. I respect others’ rights to worship the way they want, and I knew it would be disrespectful to interrupt their prayer, so we were in a dilemma. Finally we moved right through the crowd, stepping between the multitudes. I wasn’t sure if we would get a response from them or not, but we plowed right through. Fortunately, they must be used to it, for none reacted.

There are times when we’ve got to plow through the obstacles whether real or imaginary. When you’re entering a snow drift is not the time to slow down. When we meet obstacles in the path of what we know God wants us to do, we barge right through. When God is calling you to step into a problem and fix it, don’t hesitate. Walk through that door.