Keeping the Faith
Many are needing faith now more than ever. Local leaders share sermons to encourage us in these trying times and help build faith.
Please share your spiritual thoughts. We would like to include your sermon or scriptures of encouragement. If you are a minister at a local church from any denomination please share your thoughts: sbbrown@tucson.com or call 807-8466.
Moses’ face mask and when to take yours off
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Rev. Dr. Andrew G. Ross
Lately we have been playing the “what do you really look like under your face mask” game. It’s become a fun challenge for me when I dare to go out in public.
“Is she smiling? Is he upset? Can others tell I’m smiling at them?” And here’s a good one: “How can I encourage someone else if they can’t see my face?”
In the Book of Exodus we read a wonderful story of how Moses had to fashion for himself a face mask, and here’s why:
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” – Exodus 34:29.
Radiant! Moses was in the presence of God; he was face to face with God in an encounter of theophany and glory. It was so powerful it made Moses glow!
But then there’s this problem; it became a distraction to the rest of God’s people.
“When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him …”
Moses’ solution?
When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord. – Exodus 34:33-35.
Beyond our fretting, frantic emotions and face masks, how do you need to encounter God’s presence today? Have you come to see that we find personal revival when we enter into God’s presence in worship? Worship of God revives us because it brings us into a peace and a hope that is far bigger than us. A chief way we cooperate with God’s Holy Spirit is by directing our attention to God in the act of worship. Worshiping God revives you. Worshiping God refreshes, restores you, and brings you hope! It can even make you glow, from the inside out, while wearing a mask. Going into the presence of God motivates you to share peace and hope with others even while wearing a mask.
William Temple, the great Anglican Archbishop once wrote: “To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.”
In our church we sometimes enjoy the benediction that God told Moses to tell Aaron, the priest:
‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” — Numbers 6
Do you need to get your glow on these days? Besides washing your hands and wearing a mask, have you tried reaching out to God in prayer? Have you tried humming the words of a gospel hymn?
This week, make worship a centering and reviving habit for yourself. And when God shines his face upon you, take off your mask.
Photos: Flags placed on graves at Tucson cemetery for Memorial Day
Memorial Day flags
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Jaime Aviles, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1974-79, places American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020. Aviles and wife Cathy joined other members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to honor nearly 9,000 veterans buried at Evergreen Cemetery. Aviles' father served aboard the famous aircraft carrier USS Lexington in World War II. His brother and uncles served in Vietnam, Korea and World War II. Aviles' son is a U.S. Navy commander and graduate of Canyon del Oro High School and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Memorial Day flags
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Jaime Aviles, right, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1974-79, along with wife Cathy Aviles, places American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020. They joined other members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to honor veterans who have died.
Memorial Day flags
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Bob Crawford, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-91, dusts off a grave marker as Bill Garris, U.S. Air Force, 1966-70, places American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
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American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
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Bill Garris of American Legion Post 132, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-70, carries American flags to place on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
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Bill Garris, left, and Bob Crawford, of American Legion Post 132, place American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
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Members of the American Legion place American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
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Members of the American Legion place American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
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American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020. The Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion placed nearly 9,000 flags at veterans' graves at the cemetery.
Showing kindness in the COVID-19 era
UpdatedKing David once asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” — 2 Samuel 9:1, 3. Decades earlier, David had sworn to his friend Jonathan (then Israel’s prince) that he would never cut off his kindness from Jonathan’s family. — 1 Samuel 20:15. Since that promise, Jonathan had died, and David had established himself as king. Decades later, David recalled his nearly forgotten promise and looked for a chance to show God’s kindness for Jonathan’s sake.
We, too, have an outstanding debt to show God’s kindness to others. The Apostle Paul writes, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” — Romans 13:8.
We have an ongoing debt to love others because God forgives us. Jesus declared: “Whoever has been forgiven little loves little” — Luke 7:47. The converse is also true; whoever has been forgiven much loves much.
As spiritual rebels, we deserve to spend eternity separated from God. But through Jesus, we’ve been forgiven — Romans 6:23. God counts nothing against us. As a result, we have an outstanding debt we cannot repay. So, God tells us to pay it forward by loving others.
To whom should we show God’s kindness? First, we offer God’s kindness to people who’ve been good to us. Churches currently experience infighting as members debate whether to reopen. Some charge their fellow members with insensitivity to those with preexisting conditions. Others claim their fellow parishioners are caving to fear and lack faith.
Neither group is demonstrating love.
**Explicit language can be heard in this video** Late Friday police officers in riot gear formed a line near the Tucson Convention Center, facing off with hundreds of protesters.
Second, we offer God’s kindness to people who’ve done nothing for us. The directors of our church recently considered whether to send a check to the woman who cleans the school where we meet.
This woman works for the local school district, which still pays her salary.
But she’s missing out on the extra income she received when she opened the school for us.
So we decided to pay her the full amount she would have received, before taxes, for the eight weeks she didn’t work for us. It’s not our fault the school closed its doors to us. It’s not her fault, either. We owe her nothing, but we have an outstanding debt to love others.
Finally, we offer God’s kindness to those who hate us. Social media provides a beautiful opportunity to demonstrate God’s kindness to those with whom we disagree. What if, instead of engaging in debate, we simply said to those who think we’re endangering people’s health or ruining the economy: “I appreciate your perspective, friend. You’ve given me much to think about. You may be right.” Who does that? The one who has an ongoing debt to love others.
If God’s forgiven us, we owe him our lives. The least we can do is love those around us, those who love us, those who don’t care, and those who hate us. That’s how we repay our outstanding debt to God.
Photos: Peaceful protests and violent clashes in downtown Tucson
Floyd protests
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A person throws an object towards the Tucson Police Department line near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A protestor in a wheelchair tries to get away from tear gas near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Protests in downtown Tucson
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A pedestrian walks past closed and covered locally owned business Flash in the Past Studio and Shop, 43 S. 6th. Ave., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Protests in downtown Tucson
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Pieces of wood, decorated with Ben's Bells be kind symbol, cover up windows at Cartel Coffee Lab, 210 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Day two Floyd protests
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A person reacts after getting hit with pepper bullets fired on a crowd confronting Tucson Police on 7th Street near 6th Avenue after a peaceful demonstration turned violent on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
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A person dares Tucson Police to hit him with pepper bullets as a few hundred confront law enforcement along 7th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues as things turn violent on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
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A protestor grabs a selfie with a line of Tucson Police officers in riot gear holding a line against a several dozen protestors at the underpass on 4th Avenue on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
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A woman stands in the spotlights from Tucson Police holding a line against a hundred or so protestors along 7th Street as the night's demonstration turned violent on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
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A man sprays an accelerant onto a fire in trash container dragged onto 6th Street by dozens of protestors moving through the streets on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
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A man gets water poured onto his face after Tucson Police fired tear gas onto a line of protestors shielding behind several vehicles on 7th Street and 5th Avenue on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
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Several protestors advance through the haze of expended pepper bullets on the line of Tucson Police holding them at bay on 7th Street near 6th Avenue on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
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A dumpster burns along 7th Street besides Miller's Surplus after protestors set in on fire and wheeled it toward a line of Tucson Police on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
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Two men advancing on a line of Tucson Police try to shelter behind a paper sign as they are pelted with dozens of pepper bullets on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Day two Floyd protests
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Protestors hurl construction signage and barriers onto 6th Street as they retreat from Tucson Police on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 31, 2020.
Floyd protests
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Tucson Police Department officers approach a dumpster lit on fire by people near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A man tries to set fire to a small branch near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A dumpster set on fire by people scene next to Miller's Surplus near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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People move a segment of fencing to a make shift barricade near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A police officer uncuffs a person following during a traffic stop following the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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An officer talks with a cuffed person following the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A person is put in cuffs by a police officer following the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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People ride on the back of a car as they leave 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A man steps away from tear gas fumes set off near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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Two men hold street signs to block projectiles shot by police officers near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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Tucson Police Department officers clear an alley of people near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A man reacts after trying to light a branch on fire multiple times while protesting near 6th Avenue and 7th Street during the second night of protests in Tucson, on May 30, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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About 500 gather outside along Stone Avenue at the Tucson Police headquarters on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
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A motorist stuck on 5th Avenue by the 500 or so protestors streaming east on Broadway gets cell phone video of the crowd flowing by on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
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Approximately 500 protestors head north on Stone Avenue after gathering briefly in front of the Tucson Police headquarters on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
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Protestors sit in the middle of 6th Avenue at 14th Street, briefly blocking traffic on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
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A handful of protestors sit on the curb outside the Tucson Police Department headquarters early on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
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Danitza Hernandez paints Be Kind in Spanish on the window of Scented Lear on East Congress Saturday, preparing on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020. A loose group of local neighbors and residents were painting the symbols on the windows of downtown buildings hoping it would help to keep roving bands of protestors from smashing the glass.
Floyd protests
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LeCaire Whitfield, left, Patrick Swartz and John Krikawa board the windows on their Krikawa Master Jewelers preparing for the worst on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
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A woman walks down the line of riot gear clad officers guarding the Tucson Police headquarters as about 500 protestors gather briefly in the street on the second night of protests in Tucson, Ariz., May 30, 2020.
Floyd protests
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A woman passively confronts a row of Tucson, Ariz., Police as they advance their line a few yards at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a protest in the wake of nationwide anger following the death earlier in the week of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A man attempts to talk to the line of Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a large protest of the death earlier in the week of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A dozen protestors take seats in front of a line Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a large scale protest in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A protestor uses a construction barrel he dragged in as an easy chair to face off with Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, in the wake of nationwide anger following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A man attempts to talk with Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a large scale protest in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A woman sits in front of one of two lines of Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, in the wake of nationwide anger following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A woman raises her hands as she approaches a line of Tucson, Ariz., Police, at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a protest in the wake of nationwide anger following the death earlier in the week of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A couple of people sit in the windows of homes sprayed with protest graffiti as a few hundred protestors face off with Tucson, Ariz., Police at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020.
Floyd protests
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A man pours water at the feet of Tucson, Ariz., Police as a few hundred protestors at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, show their anger following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Floyd protests
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A woman asks for a hug from the line of Tucson, Ariz., Police confronting protestors at the corner of Cushing and Church, May 28, 2020, during a demonstration in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Protest
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A protester vents at a line of Tucson Police Officers in riot gear at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
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A protester holds a sign up in remembrance of George Floyd during a demonstration at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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A protester raises hands in the air while turning away from a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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A line of Tucson Police Officers in riot gear at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Tucson Police Officers in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. while facing off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Protestors stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Two officers from the Tucson Police Department whisper to one another while a group of roughly 300 protestors stands in front of them at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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A protester tries to talk with an officer from the Tucson Police Department while demonstrating at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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A protester tears up while facing off against police officers at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Shattered windows on the TEP building in downtown Tucson from a protest that took place on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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People photograph dumpsters set ablaze on Broadway during a protest in downtown Tucson, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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A man looks out a broken window of Charro Steak after the several windows were broken during a demonstration in downtown Tucson, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Hotel staff sweep up broken glass after several windows of the AC Hotel were damaged during a protest in downtown Tucson, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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People board up Charro Steak's windows after they were broken during a demonstration, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Protesters stand off against a line of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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A protester vents at a line of Tucson Police Officers in riot gear at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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A protester tries to talk with an officer from the Tucson Police Department while demonstrating at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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A protester tries to talk with an officer from the Tucson Police Department while demonstrating at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protest
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department dressed in riot gear stand at Cushing Street and Church Ave. as the face off against a group of about 300 protesters, on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
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A protester yells at officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
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A protester keeps her hands raised in a peaceful manner in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
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A protester takes a photo of an officer from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
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Protesters stand in silence with their arms raised in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
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A protester lit and threw a firecracker in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
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A protester holds up her sign in front of officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
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A protester yells at officers from the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
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A protester lights a bundle of sage during a protest near the Tucson Police Department at Cushing Street and Church Ave. on May 29, 2020. Close to 300 people took part in a protest that was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
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Officers from the Tucson Police Department stand shoulder to shoulder to form a line and face off with about 300 protesters near the depatment's headquarters at 270 S Stone Ave. on May 29, 2020. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
George Floyd Protest
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The Tucson Police Department headquarters at 270 S Stone Ave. was tagged during a protest on May 29, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. The protest in Tucson was similar to those in numerous cities across the United States following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Protests in downtown Tucson
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A pedestrian walks their bike past the Fox Theater, 17 W. Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Protests in downtown Tucson
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Broken glass remains in front of a broken window at One West Broadway, 1 W. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson.
Protests in downtown Tucson
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The refection of a Tucson Police Department vehicle shows in the decorated doors of The Rialto Theater, 318 E. Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Protests in downtown Tucson
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Pedestrians walk past covered windows of Charro Steak, 188 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Protests in downtown Tucson
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A pedestrians walks past covered and decorated windows of Charro Steak, 188 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Protests in downtown Tucson
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A sign informing the public about Club Congress is taped on a door at Hotel Congress, 311 Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 31, 2020. Tucson businesses and buildings in downtown were vandalized after the second day of protests in Tucson. In response, businesses placed signs on doors informing the public that businesses were locally owned.
Shelter in place is taking its toll
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Pastor Adam Mueller serves as Senior Pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marana. He serves nationally as a consultant for at-risk congregations and leadership development. Mueller lives in Marana with his family of five.
This devotion is based on 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. Read the chapter for additional information.
Months of sheltering in place has taken its toll. People are discouraged.
Until last week, everything was closed. Many restaurants, shops and gyms are starting to reopen. Perhaps parks are close behind. Arenas and stadiums are still closed. Especially disheartening, churches were closed for Easter.
Is Christianity closed? On Easter morning, the ladies walked to the tomb feeling like that. They carried embalming spices in their hands. They thought Jesus Christ was dead. Their topic of conversation was, “How will we roll the stone away?”
Their experience at the tomb was nothing they expected. The stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty. Jesus was alive.
Many things in our world may be closed, but Christianity is definitely not closed.
Many have invested a lot of conversation about what would happen if their businesses closed permanently. The Bible asks the same questions. What would the world look like if Jesus’ tomb were closed? What if there were no Easter?
Christianity falls apart without Jesus’ bodily resurrection. Obviously, clergymen from every generation would be guilty of fraud in the name of faith. Less obvious is that Jesus himself would be proven a cheat. He repeatedly claimed he would rise on the third day, and even offered the sign of Jonah as a proof. Without Easter, Jesus is history’s most consequential con-man. The Bible he claimed was both inspired and authoritative would not be worth the paper it’s printed on.
Practically speaking, our own lives fall apart without Easter.
God is the bond holder of our sin debt. Christianity is the one world religion that has a legitimate answer for personal sin, Christ paid the world’s debt in full. Easter is objective proof that God accepted Christ’s payment for sin; our sin debt has been forgiven. Without Easter, then, we still owe the debt. What happens when God demands payment? Do you think he’ll accept bitcoin?
Finally, God argues there is no afterlife without Easter. The pious wishes of the funeral director who assures “she’s in a better place” no longer ring empty or hollow. They’re patently false. Without Easter there is no life after death, no eternal bliss, no “better place,” no heaven. If Christianity is closed, life is pointless. Cue Twenty One Pilots and buy your tickets to Burning Man.
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. Christ has indeed been raised from the dead — 1 Corinthians 15:19-20. Jesus showed himself alive to the women. Later he appeared alive to his disciples on multiple occasions. Eventually, he had a post-Easter audience before more than 500 souls. Easter is objective proof the world stands forgiven.
Christianity is the definition of essential. It’s been in continuous operation since the beginning of time. God wins. Christ is alive. Forgiveness is real. Heaven is open. Hope is yours.
Taking a deep breath in the days of fear
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Dr. Deb Waterbury is a biblical counselor and the founder of Love Everlasting Ministries, a ministry dedicated to educating and empowering women all over the world. She began two trade schools for impoverished women in Malawi, Africa — The Reap What You Sew School for Women (RWYS.org) and Project Malonda (ProjectMalonda.org) — and has authored 13 books, including her most recent titles, “We are Mother Abraham” and “The Lies that Bind: And the Truth that Sets You Free.” Waterbury travels extensively, both nationally and abroad, and hosts two weekly shows, “Real Life with Deb Waterbury” and “Get Real with Deb Waterbury.” Both are available on YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify. She holds a Master’s in the Art of Teaching from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, and acquired her Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Expository Studies from Pillsbury Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. She currently resides in Tucson with her husband, Jeff. For more information, visit DebWaterbury.com.
I was walking into a grocery store the other day, and while dutifully using the antiseptic wipes provided for me at the front door, I began wiping the handrail on the cart. An older gentleman walked up next to me and began doing the same thing to his cart. I looked over at him and smiled, to which he said, “It’s a new world, isn’t it?”
I kind of laughed a little and replied, “It will be back to normal before you know it.”
I started to walk away, but not before hearing him mutter under his breath, “I don’t know about that.”
I stopped and looked back at him. He looked at me, and what I saw there wasn’t belligerence or rebellion. What I saw was uncertainty and fear. I smiled again and said, “God is still God. Things will be fine.”
But my words didn’t comfort him. He simply smiled wanly back and walked into the store, the same look of fear plastered across his weathered face.
His face has plagued me these last couple of weeks. It’s the same face I see on every news broadcast, every special report, and all across social media. There’s no doubt that what I’m seeing is the face of fear, but I don’t think it’s necessarily fear of a virus or a pandemic or any kind of impending disaster. I think this fear has come because the rug has been pulled out from underneath humanity’s illusion of control.
We are traversing through unknown waters, and it is that uncertainty that has left us reeling, not necessarily some virus that we might catch. What will tomorrow look like? What will happen to us in the aftermath?
We’ve reacted to this sudden change in our circumstances like a child does when someone unexpectedly snatches away his security blanket. We’re looking around in bewilderment, wondering what will happen now that the blanket is gone.
The truth is, we never had a security blanket about our futures on this side of eternity. In truth, every single day we breathe on this earth is a walk through the unknown.
Every step you take, before, during, and after a disaster is a step that reeks of uncertainty. This is true of all of us, but we who know the savior have a greater anchor on which to hold during the unknown of every second of our lives on this earth.
And we do have certainty in this unsure life. We have Jesus. We have a father who never once falls off of his throne and who is always in control.
You see, that very lack of control that we think we are experiencing is actually a constant state of reality for all of humanity. But we belong to the only one in all of the universe who actually has that control. And this is the very one who loves us with a love that is enduring and everlasting and triumphant.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on the earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33, NLT
During these times of struggle with what tomorrow might hold, we who know the hope and deliverer of all futures should remain calm and at peace. God does not fail; he cannot. After all, God is either God over everything, or he’s not really God at all. And there is no doubt: He is God.
Photos: Flags placed on graves at Tucson cemetery for Memorial Day
Memorial Day flags
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Jaime Aviles, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1974-79, places American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020. Aviles and wife Cathy joined other members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to honor nearly 9,000 veterans buried at Evergreen Cemetery. Aviles' father served aboard the famous aircraft carrier USS Lexington in World War II. His brother and uncles served in Vietnam, Korea and World War II. Aviles' son is a U.S. Navy commander and graduate of Canyon del Oro High School and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Memorial Day flags
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Jaime Aviles, right, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1974-79, along with wife Cathy Aviles, places American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020. They joined other members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to honor veterans who have died.
Memorial Day flags
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Bob Crawford, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-91, dusts off a grave marker as Bill Garris, U.S. Air Force, 1966-70, places American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
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American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
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Bill Garris of American Legion Post 132, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-70, carries American flags to place on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
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Bill Garris, left, and Bob Crawford, of American Legion Post 132, place American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
Updated
Members of the American Legion place American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
Updated
Members of the American Legion place American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020.
Memorial Day flags
Updated
American flags on the graves of military veterans for Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, on May 23, 2020. The Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion placed nearly 9,000 flags at veterans' graves at the cemetery.
