It has been a while now since my last blog. Someone asked me last week if I stopped blogging because the Rangers's lost the series. :-) Not hardly, but all those late nights up watching the Rangers and the time it took to recover from a broken heart made it difficult to write early in the morning. LOL :-)
The truth is that I love blogging, but that in the past couple of weeks it has been off my radar a little. Unannounced, I recently decided to spend more time studying in the morning rather than writing. This will continue for the next couple of weeks, but I intend to begin writing regularly again during Advent Season, which begins on November 27th. This coincides with the JESUS. emphasis which is a church wide campaign in First Baptist Church. In the mean time, I invite you to pray for the church as we begin to focus on the person and purpose of Jesus. It is my desire to lead the church through an intentional season of vision casting and preparation prior to our next 4-7 years of ministry. Notice the progression of emphasis that I have led the church through thus far. 1) FOUNDATION- Prayer as the Foundation of the church. 2) FOCUS- (JESUS.) focus on the person of Jesus and purpose of Jesus (JESUS.) in the church and later in 2012 following this campaign 3) FELLOWSHIP- What does the church do now?
The scriptures read in Proverbs 29:18a "Where there is no vision, the people perish." It is my hope to lead the church to a clear, concise and easily communicated vision. Remember, to fail to plan is to plan to fail. The process FBC is about to undergo is an intentional season of dreaming and planning. Please join with me in praying for this process and for the prayerful response of God's people. For all of you faithful readers, I wanted you to know what the plan is so that you will be aware of my intentions.
Peace In Christ!
CH
Monday, November 7, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Peanuts and Cracker Jacks?
Just yesterday I heard someone humming a favorite hymn of mine. You may have heard it before, but it goes a little something like this:
Take me out to the the Ball Game
Take me out to the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks.
I don't care if I ever get back.
For it's root, root, root for the Rangers.
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes. You're OUT!
At the old ball game!
It's an old favorite. Ok, it's not exactly in the Baptist Hymnal or any other hymnal for that matter, but according to real Baseball fans it's a song that must be sung. "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" is a 1908 Tin Pan Alley song by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tizer which became the unofficial anthem of baseball. It was first played in a Major League Ball Park in 1935 and was soon after adopted by most Major League Teams and ball parks. The song would catch on and later become a 7th Inning Stretch tradition.
In the last ten years (since 9-11-01), another song has taken over the 7th Inning Stretch tradition. God Bless America is now a favorite for most ball parks during the fabled stretch. Some love it, and some think that God has nothing to do with baseball and have suggested just singing about peanuts and Cracker Jacks alone. Maybe I am not a baseball purist as I have long thought, but I like God Bless America at the ball park and I especially like it during the 7th inning stretch. Maybe God doesn't care who wins the games, but I believe that God is present there in the ball park as well as everywhere. Why not allow this to be one of those incarnation moments where God dwells among us? Why not seek God's blessing as a part of America's past time and encourage folk to sing God's blessings all the time? Why not allow the 7th Inninng Stretch to remind us that we are not done playing the game of life, but that the game may be coming to a close shortly? Many love the game of baseball as an escape and singing "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" reminds them of the joys of escaping the mundane of life. I suppose I am a realist who knows that eventually the peanuts and Cracker Jacks run out, that they don't fulfill you anyhow, and that the outs remaining dwindle to none and everyone must go home.
Maybe the 7th Inning Stretch will serve as a reminder that God has blessed America and that we should return to blessing God. "Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a New Song." (Psalm 149:1a)
Take me out to the the Ball Game
Take me out to the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks.
I don't care if I ever get back.
For it's root, root, root for the Rangers.
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes. You're OUT!
At the old ball game!
It's an old favorite. Ok, it's not exactly in the Baptist Hymnal or any other hymnal for that matter, but according to real Baseball fans it's a song that must be sung. "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" is a 1908 Tin Pan Alley song by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tizer which became the unofficial anthem of baseball. It was first played in a Major League Ball Park in 1935 and was soon after adopted by most Major League Teams and ball parks. The song would catch on and later become a 7th Inning Stretch tradition.
In the last ten years (since 9-11-01), another song has taken over the 7th Inning Stretch tradition. God Bless America is now a favorite for most ball parks during the fabled stretch. Some love it, and some think that God has nothing to do with baseball and have suggested just singing about peanuts and Cracker Jacks alone. Maybe I am not a baseball purist as I have long thought, but I like God Bless America at the ball park and I especially like it during the 7th inning stretch. Maybe God doesn't care who wins the games, but I believe that God is present there in the ball park as well as everywhere. Why not allow this to be one of those incarnation moments where God dwells among us? Why not seek God's blessing as a part of America's past time and encourage folk to sing God's blessings all the time? Why not allow the 7th Inninng Stretch to remind us that we are not done playing the game of life, but that the game may be coming to a close shortly? Many love the game of baseball as an escape and singing "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" reminds them of the joys of escaping the mundane of life. I suppose I am a realist who knows that eventually the peanuts and Cracker Jacks run out, that they don't fulfill you anyhow, and that the outs remaining dwindle to none and everyone must go home.
Maybe the 7th Inning Stretch will serve as a reminder that God has blessed America and that we should return to blessing God. "Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a New Song." (Psalm 149:1a)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
You Gotta Believe Baby!
It is here! The World Series is coming to a Ball Park near you! The Rangers and the Cardinals will square off in this year's Fall Classic. It is tough to predict who will win, who will get hot and hit six home runs in a series (a la Cruz) and who will throw a shut out for nine innings. Baseball is unpredictable and that is why they actually play the games. For instance, with a month left in the season, the Cardinals were 9 games out of the wild card playoff birth and did not actually win a play off spot until the last day of the season when the Braves lost and they won. Yet two playoff series later, the Cardinals are playing for a world championship. That's why they play the games. The unpredictable can happen. The under dog can win. The big hitter can strike out. The slumping hitter can get hot. You never know what can happen when a team starts to believe in themselves and each other.
Let's hope that last year's World Series was simply an introduction for the Rangers and that this year's series is our first world championship! You gotta believe baby! That's a good motto! Most baseball players are typically superstitious. If something works for them, like wearing an old t-shirt under their jersey during a game, then they wear that shirt until it no longer works. If blowing a bubble before an at bat works, then they do it every time there after because it worked once. In the game of baseball you cling to that which works, but there is no substitution for believing in yourself and your team.
Philippians 4:13 reminds us that with God all things are possible. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." In order to meet our goals, fulfill God's mission and win in the game of life, what we may need most is a simple belief that we can actually do it! Of course, we do all things in God's strength. But note that ALL things are possible when we do them in HIS strength. God does fulfill His mission through us as we make ourselves available to be used by Him. But in order to meet our mission, we need to believe more in each other just as we need to believe more in our selves.
Let me offer you these words of encouragement in whatever opportunity or challenge you face today, "You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength." Suppose you lived each day fully believing in this verse. What sort of difference could you make?
See You at the ball game! You Gotta Believe Baby!
Let's hope that last year's World Series was simply an introduction for the Rangers and that this year's series is our first world championship! You gotta believe baby! That's a good motto! Most baseball players are typically superstitious. If something works for them, like wearing an old t-shirt under their jersey during a game, then they wear that shirt until it no longer works. If blowing a bubble before an at bat works, then they do it every time there after because it worked once. In the game of baseball you cling to that which works, but there is no substitution for believing in yourself and your team.
Philippians 4:13 reminds us that with God all things are possible. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." In order to meet our goals, fulfill God's mission and win in the game of life, what we may need most is a simple belief that we can actually do it! Of course, we do all things in God's strength. But note that ALL things are possible when we do them in HIS strength. God does fulfill His mission through us as we make ourselves available to be used by Him. But in order to meet our mission, we need to believe more in each other just as we need to believe more in our selves.
Let me offer you these words of encouragement in whatever opportunity or challenge you face today, "You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength." Suppose you lived each day fully believing in this verse. What sort of difference could you make?
See You at the ball game! You Gotta Believe Baby!
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Lord Is....
A good shepherd knows how to protect the sheep in the fold. A good shepherd carries the staff to drive, guide, redirect, and protect the flock. The crook in the shepherd's staff is a great hook for the sheep that has fallen into the cracks and crevices of the rocky terrain in a wilderness such as many found in Israel. A good staff is a must for a shepherd leading a flock.
As a pastor, I am always aware of the many blessings of a staff. I have been blessed to have a great ministry and support staff at First Baptist Church. As I lead the church, I understand that my role is at times to be out front leading the charge and showing the way (As if to say, "ya'll come on and follow me!"). However, there are times when the shepherd must lead from the back of the pack and guide the flock by gentle nudges in this direction or that. The ideal shepherding location is smack dab in the middle of the flock. It is here that the shepherd has the opportunity to be most intimate with his flock while some are out front showing the way and some are still behind finding the way. It is in the middle of the flock that the pastor can equip, empower and encourage the flock to go, rest or graze. It is in the middle of the flock that pastoral needs are met and wounds are comforted. It is in the middle of the flock where the shepherd pastor can raise up under shepherds to assist in leading and loving the flock.
Every pastor has to employ different leadership modes at different times, but the one constant is that the pastor must always be following the Good Shepherd in order to lead the flock. Every day I pray that I may walk more closely to the Good Shepherd so that I may lead the church effectively and but also because I earnestly desire to walk more intimately with the flock God has granted me to lead.
The best leaders are first good followers!
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside quiet waters.
He restoreth my soul;
He guides m in paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou hath anointed my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all
the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen
As a pastor, I am always aware of the many blessings of a staff. I have been blessed to have a great ministry and support staff at First Baptist Church. As I lead the church, I understand that my role is at times to be out front leading the charge and showing the way (As if to say, "ya'll come on and follow me!"). However, there are times when the shepherd must lead from the back of the pack and guide the flock by gentle nudges in this direction or that. The ideal shepherding location is smack dab in the middle of the flock. It is here that the shepherd has the opportunity to be most intimate with his flock while some are out front showing the way and some are still behind finding the way. It is in the middle of the flock that the pastor can equip, empower and encourage the flock to go, rest or graze. It is in the middle of the flock that pastoral needs are met and wounds are comforted. It is in the middle of the flock where the shepherd pastor can raise up under shepherds to assist in leading and loving the flock.
Every pastor has to employ different leadership modes at different times, but the one constant is that the pastor must always be following the Good Shepherd in order to lead the flock. Every day I pray that I may walk more closely to the Good Shepherd so that I may lead the church effectively and but also because I earnestly desire to walk more intimately with the flock God has granted me to lead.
The best leaders are first good followers!
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside quiet waters.
He restoreth my soul;
He guides m in paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou hath anointed my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all
the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The God of 2nd Chances
In the beginning, God created the whole world, the land and the sea, the sky and the trees; and He created humanity. We were created in God's own image, but our sin put a blemish on the beautiful perfection of His creation.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1-2
Therefore, the Word, that was with God in the beginning, became flesh and dwelt among us in order to show us the way to a renewed relationship with God. This renewal is of God and not ourselves so no one can boast. It is by God's grace that we may find a 2nd Chance. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
One day last week, I was playing a round of golf and enjoying the beauty of God's creation in the hill country of TX. There were beautiful sand traps, perfectly placed water holes, tall grassy roughs and rippling greens. :-) Seriously now, the hill sides, trees, deer and birds were an incredible sight to behold. Such a wonderful retreat! As I watched one of my aweful shots carom off a rock and into the woods, I thought about God's grace and the beauty of the mulligan. That's who our God is, He is the God of second chances! That second shot was the same as the first but the outcome was different as the ball rolled up on the green.
Whenever someone gives Jesus their heart and follows Him as Lord and Savior of their life, God re-creates them. Isn't that something! If you know Jesus, you have been re-created into His image. That which was blemished has been made whole again. I was thinking about this the other day and I wrote this prayer below.
A Prayer of Renewal
Create In me:
Grace unto salvation.
Love for the unlovely.
Faith to move mountains.
Hope in the rising Son.
Courage to walk on water, even if alone.
Joy in the midst of sorrow.
Peace in trials.
Wisdom beyond my years.
Victory that can't be mustered on it's own.
Create In me Grace.
Amen
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1-2
Therefore, the Word, that was with God in the beginning, became flesh and dwelt among us in order to show us the way to a renewed relationship with God. This renewal is of God and not ourselves so no one can boast. It is by God's grace that we may find a 2nd Chance. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
One day last week, I was playing a round of golf and enjoying the beauty of God's creation in the hill country of TX. There were beautiful sand traps, perfectly placed water holes, tall grassy roughs and rippling greens. :-) Seriously now, the hill sides, trees, deer and birds were an incredible sight to behold. Such a wonderful retreat! As I watched one of my aweful shots carom off a rock and into the woods, I thought about God's grace and the beauty of the mulligan. That's who our God is, He is the God of second chances! That second shot was the same as the first but the outcome was different as the ball rolled up on the green.
Whenever someone gives Jesus their heart and follows Him as Lord and Savior of their life, God re-creates them. Isn't that something! If you know Jesus, you have been re-created into His image. That which was blemished has been made whole again. I was thinking about this the other day and I wrote this prayer below.
A Prayer of Renewal
Create In me:
Grace unto salvation.
Love for the unlovely.
Faith to move mountains.
Hope in the rising Son.
Courage to walk on water, even if alone.
Joy in the midst of sorrow.
Peace in trials.
Wisdom beyond my years.
Victory that can't be mustered on it's own.
Create In me Grace.
Amen
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Dude With the Tude
I have been blessed to serve in a number of churches and in a variety of roles throughout my ministry and to witness an incredible number of Godly people with a love for God and a heart of service. There have been times where I witnessed the ugly side of the church; selfish attitudes, proud self promotion, flesh driven decisions, etc., but it is always the good in the church that keeps me coming back for more. I believe in the church, I love God's people and I thoroughly enjoy serving. Much of this I learned from my parents, but I have always found faithful servants in each church who have encouraged my heart to service. I found such encouragement from a dude with the right attitude.
In the first church I served as a Student minister, there was a man who served the church and did everything that it seemed no one else wanted to do. He took out the trash, worked with the 7th grade boys, helped with the audio ministry, visited the sick and the residents of nursing homes. Every time I turned around, this man was serving and picking up the slack. He always did so with a quiet, humble demeanor.
After witnessing this for a few months, I asked him about his humble service. The man stated, "I just want to be a dude with a Christ like attitude." He pointed out Philippians 2:5-11 as his favorite passage of Scripture and his daily MO. From then on I referred to Him as THE DUDE WITH THE TUDE!
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus..........
In the first church I served as a Student minister, there was a man who served the church and did everything that it seemed no one else wanted to do. He took out the trash, worked with the 7th grade boys, helped with the audio ministry, visited the sick and the residents of nursing homes. Every time I turned around, this man was serving and picking up the slack. He always did so with a quiet, humble demeanor.
After witnessing this for a few months, I asked him about his humble service. The man stated, "I just want to be a dude with a Christ like attitude." He pointed out Philippians 2:5-11 as his favorite passage of Scripture and his daily MO. From then on I referred to Him as THE DUDE WITH THE TUDE!
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus..........
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Breaking the Chains
Have you ever felt like you were living in chains? Over the course of time, that's what sin, negative attitudes, selfish ambition, poor daily habits, and even tradition (especially valuing tradition above relationships) can do to you. In fact, you may not even know that you are in chains, but these links can hold you down nonetheless. A few days ago, I listened to a man in a conversation at church and was surprised by the number of people that he slammed through negative overtones and explicit criticism. After this conversation concluded, I wondered about the chains on this man's heart. I wondered if he was unable to experience the daily blessings of God due in part to his negative spirit that seemed to have become a chain on his faith.
Jesus stated to the Jews who had believed in Him:
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
Apparently, there were many who refused to believe in Jesus as the truth, as the messiah sent from God, and they only wanted to rely on their tradition. Anything otherwise, they would criticize. They were God fearing, but they were not God hearing! (8:47) Whenever God speaks, He may do so through a new voice other than the one of tradition and heritage. As children of Abraham, many of the Jews believed that they were covered, their sin was redeemed and their attitudes mattered not. This they believed was true simply because they were born Jewish. However, Jesus makes claim to be the Messiah and God Himself when He states, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I AM!" (8:58) At this the people picked up stones in an effort to stone Jesus because He is making claim to deity. If only they had listened to the truth. If only their hearts had softened, their tradition had not been so deeply rooted that they were unwilling to change and their spirit had been willing to yield to what God was doing in their midst. Instead, their lack of faith and unwillingness to change (or even listen to the Lord Jesus) led them into the deep pit of pride and sin.
This would never happen today would it? Would anyone, including you and me, ever fail to listen to what Jesus wanted to do in our lives, family, church and community? Could you ever turn your heart against a movement of God simply because the change was too difficult to grasp? Could you ever pick up a stone in opposition to what God is doing and the messenger God has sent? Could you ever be filled with a critical spirit that tears others down instead of building others up? Is it possible that you are living in chains and don't even know it? Until we were separated from the chains, we do not know fully the power and presence of God in our lives.
A few years ago, I wrote this poem as a confessional during my personal daily devotional in a season where I needed to turn to God to overcome some things that were binding me. I pray the Lord blesses you with the same freedom that I experience through Him!
Breaking the Chains
One of these days,
I'm gonna break the chains.
One of these days,
I'm gonna walk away.
I'm gonna break these chains that bind me.
I'm gonna walk away and find me.
One of these days,
I'm gonna break the chains.
This is the day that I'm gonna break these chains!
This is the day that I'm gonna walk away!
Jesus I pray you break these chains that bind me!
Jesus I want to walk away and find thee!
This is the day I am gonna leave these chains!
Jesus stated to the Jews who had believed in Him:
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
Apparently, there were many who refused to believe in Jesus as the truth, as the messiah sent from God, and they only wanted to rely on their tradition. Anything otherwise, they would criticize. They were God fearing, but they were not God hearing! (8:47) Whenever God speaks, He may do so through a new voice other than the one of tradition and heritage. As children of Abraham, many of the Jews believed that they were covered, their sin was redeemed and their attitudes mattered not. This they believed was true simply because they were born Jewish. However, Jesus makes claim to be the Messiah and God Himself when He states, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I AM!" (8:58) At this the people picked up stones in an effort to stone Jesus because He is making claim to deity. If only they had listened to the truth. If only their hearts had softened, their tradition had not been so deeply rooted that they were unwilling to change and their spirit had been willing to yield to what God was doing in their midst. Instead, their lack of faith and unwillingness to change (or even listen to the Lord Jesus) led them into the deep pit of pride and sin.
This would never happen today would it? Would anyone, including you and me, ever fail to listen to what Jesus wanted to do in our lives, family, church and community? Could you ever turn your heart against a movement of God simply because the change was too difficult to grasp? Could you ever pick up a stone in opposition to what God is doing and the messenger God has sent? Could you ever be filled with a critical spirit that tears others down instead of building others up? Is it possible that you are living in chains and don't even know it? Until we were separated from the chains, we do not know fully the power and presence of God in our lives.
A few years ago, I wrote this poem as a confessional during my personal daily devotional in a season where I needed to turn to God to overcome some things that were binding me. I pray the Lord blesses you with the same freedom that I experience through Him!
Breaking the Chains
One of these days,
I'm gonna break the chains.
One of these days,
I'm gonna walk away.
I'm gonna break these chains that bind me.
I'm gonna walk away and find me.
One of these days,
I'm gonna break the chains.
This is the day that I'm gonna break these chains!
This is the day that I'm gonna walk away!
Jesus I pray you break these chains that bind me!
Jesus I want to walk away and find thee!
This is the day I am gonna leave these chains!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Chasing the Wind?
I felt a cool breeze blowing across my face this morning and I was reminded of encounters that I had a few years ago:
First, The man I greeted at the non profit early morning board meeting was a busy banker who was feeling overwhelmed with all that had to be done last week and still remained for today. He was successful in the eyes of world, but struggled to find a sense of worth and significance in his own eyes. After a few moments of sharing his heart and concernes with me, He stated, "Oh well, It's just another Monday and back to the old grind."
The book of Ecclesiastes, which many believe is an essay of the lectures of King Solomon to the court of pupils he taught in his latter days of reigning over Israel, speaks repetitively about the meaningless vanity of chasing after the dreams of the world. The Scriptures read, "Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly Meaningless! and on numerous occasions the teacher/writer speaks of how seeking wisdom, pleasure, toil, advancement, wealth, power, etc., is "Chasing After the Wind."
Many people are struggling through life because they allow other people's priorities, even the worlds priorities to become their priorities. Good Christian people like this man mentioned previously are often caught up in chasing the dreams that others have for them instead of receiving the vision that God has for them. That is not to say that Christian people are not busy even as they seek to serve God and fulfill His mission. However, whenever we are passionately serving the Lord and seeking to fulfill His mission, there is a motivational factor, a fuel and a significance in God's work that is second to none. Simply put, the busyness of the mission does not overwhelm us when the peace of God is present. Every person can find the peace of God in their lives if they allow the mission of Christ to be their vocation and their priority no matter where they may be.
Though we are focused on the mission of Christ, even in the church we can get caught up chasing the wind if we are not careful. If our desire is for the priorities of God to be at the forefront and the mission of God to be fulfilled, then we will learn how to discern the difference between those things that need to be done and those things that do not. We will know the difference between the wants and the needs of life. This is an important lesson for us to learn for our faith, family and church.
Secondly, on one occassion as I watched my own children at play, I witnessed a little child who was running around the playground reaching into the sky as far as he could. He looked to have something that he was holding in his hand. When I had the chance, I asked him what he was doing. He said, "I am catching the wind." "Really?" I said, and then I followed up by asking, "Did you do it?" He opened his bare hand and stated emphatically, "Yep, don't you see it!" Then he was off and back to the chase.
What are the fruits of your life? Do you have anything to show for your faith? Are you experiencing the feelings of being overwhelmed because you are denying God's presence as you chase after all the world tells you that you must have and do?
Are you chasing the wind?
First, The man I greeted at the non profit early morning board meeting was a busy banker who was feeling overwhelmed with all that had to be done last week and still remained for today. He was successful in the eyes of world, but struggled to find a sense of worth and significance in his own eyes. After a few moments of sharing his heart and concernes with me, He stated, "Oh well, It's just another Monday and back to the old grind."
The book of Ecclesiastes, which many believe is an essay of the lectures of King Solomon to the court of pupils he taught in his latter days of reigning over Israel, speaks repetitively about the meaningless vanity of chasing after the dreams of the world. The Scriptures read, "Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly Meaningless! and on numerous occasions the teacher/writer speaks of how seeking wisdom, pleasure, toil, advancement, wealth, power, etc., is "Chasing After the Wind."
Many people are struggling through life because they allow other people's priorities, even the worlds priorities to become their priorities. Good Christian people like this man mentioned previously are often caught up in chasing the dreams that others have for them instead of receiving the vision that God has for them. That is not to say that Christian people are not busy even as they seek to serve God and fulfill His mission. However, whenever we are passionately serving the Lord and seeking to fulfill His mission, there is a motivational factor, a fuel and a significance in God's work that is second to none. Simply put, the busyness of the mission does not overwhelm us when the peace of God is present. Every person can find the peace of God in their lives if they allow the mission of Christ to be their vocation and their priority no matter where they may be.
Though we are focused on the mission of Christ, even in the church we can get caught up chasing the wind if we are not careful. If our desire is for the priorities of God to be at the forefront and the mission of God to be fulfilled, then we will learn how to discern the difference between those things that need to be done and those things that do not. We will know the difference between the wants and the needs of life. This is an important lesson for us to learn for our faith, family and church.
Secondly, on one occassion as I watched my own children at play, I witnessed a little child who was running around the playground reaching into the sky as far as he could. He looked to have something that he was holding in his hand. When I had the chance, I asked him what he was doing. He said, "I am catching the wind." "Really?" I said, and then I followed up by asking, "Did you do it?" He opened his bare hand and stated emphatically, "Yep, don't you see it!" Then he was off and back to the chase.
What are the fruits of your life? Do you have anything to show for your faith? Are you experiencing the feelings of being overwhelmed because you are denying God's presence as you chase after all the world tells you that you must have and do?
Are you chasing the wind?
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Saturday In the Park
Chicago sang the hit song, "Saturday In the Park." I Love that song, the band and the story. It tells of laughter, fun, ice cream, smiles, singing and people interacting joyfully! I can dig it. (you gotta know the lyrics)
That is what the church is supposed to be like. We are supposed to enjoy fellowship and rejoice together in the presence and service of God. The New Testament uses the Greek word Koinonia to describe fellowship. This word highlights the fellowship of the church as one of deep commitment and love, but it also illustrates deeper truths concerning our mission. The word can also mean "partnership." When one thinks about our place in relationship to God it is hard to consider this a partnership with Him, but that is exactly what it is. Old Testament speaks of a covenant relationship with between God and His people. The New Testament points to a New Covenant relationship. This is much more than a contract and It is not just a ceremonial covenant, but it is a daily commitment to walk with God and God to walk with us.
I Corinthians 3:9 teaches that "we are God's fellow workers." In essence, we who confess Jesus as Lord are in a partnership with one another in carrying out the work of the church and we are also in a partnership with Almighty God to fullfil His mission. The promise of God is that when we place our lives in God's hands, He works in and through us. Thus, the challenge of Galatians 2:20 becomes empowering to those of us who walk with God. "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
This morning we went to Heritage Plaza in downtown Longview for the Cancer Survivors Celebration and Walk. It was a blast! There was with fun conversation, food, entertainment, fundraising for American Cancer Society and people walking in support of a cure. It was a joyful celebration of our survivors. I am thankful to have a mother who is a survivor. We are blessed! As I watched the celebration today, I was reminded that It would have been terribly difficult, if not impossible, for her to make that walk through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation without partners to encourage her and assist her. The whole event today is a partnership of numerous community organizations, local businesses, government agencies, churches, etc. Seeing all the people together joyfully celebrating and serving a cause reminded me of who we are to be as the church.
Every day in the church is supposed to be like Saturday in the park.
I can dig it!
That is what the church is supposed to be like. We are supposed to enjoy fellowship and rejoice together in the presence and service of God. The New Testament uses the Greek word Koinonia to describe fellowship. This word highlights the fellowship of the church as one of deep commitment and love, but it also illustrates deeper truths concerning our mission. The word can also mean "partnership." When one thinks about our place in relationship to God it is hard to consider this a partnership with Him, but that is exactly what it is. Old Testament speaks of a covenant relationship with between God and His people. The New Testament points to a New Covenant relationship. This is much more than a contract and It is not just a ceremonial covenant, but it is a daily commitment to walk with God and God to walk with us.
I Corinthians 3:9 teaches that "we are God's fellow workers." In essence, we who confess Jesus as Lord are in a partnership with one another in carrying out the work of the church and we are also in a partnership with Almighty God to fullfil His mission. The promise of God is that when we place our lives in God's hands, He works in and through us. Thus, the challenge of Galatians 2:20 becomes empowering to those of us who walk with God. "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
This morning we went to Heritage Plaza in downtown Longview for the Cancer Survivors Celebration and Walk. It was a blast! There was with fun conversation, food, entertainment, fundraising for American Cancer Society and people walking in support of a cure. It was a joyful celebration of our survivors. I am thankful to have a mother who is a survivor. We are blessed! As I watched the celebration today, I was reminded that It would have been terribly difficult, if not impossible, for her to make that walk through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation without partners to encourage her and assist her. The whole event today is a partnership of numerous community organizations, local businesses, government agencies, churches, etc. Seeing all the people together joyfully celebrating and serving a cause reminded me of who we are to be as the church.
Every day in the church is supposed to be like Saturday in the park.
I can dig it!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Ready for a Run?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
The "Faith Hall of Fame" or "Roll Call for Heroes of the Faith" is what some people call Hebrews 11. The chapter repetitively refers to those who walked with God by faith resulting in great accomplishment and true blessing. In chapter 12, the author (some believe to be the Apostle Paul) writes to encourage the faith and challenge the perseverance of some of the believers who were wavering. Before he exhorted them to focus on the person and passion of Jesus and run with endurance, he reminds them that they have a cloud of witnesses. This is a reference to the faithful who have gone before and are now watching over us as we live.
Whenever I think on this passage, I can't help but consider a stadium full of witnesses. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses (like an Olympic Stadium). I think about all the saints watching from the sky box above and I consider both the Biblical saints and the saints I have known who have gone on to be with the Lord. As I consider their legacy of faith, I am challenged to run my best and carry the baton faithfully. I also think about the many witnesses in the stands who should be on the field, but instead are in the stands watching others run the race of faith. I pray that more and more faithful servants will step forward to be a part of the team and join the effort in fulfilling the mission of Christ. However, when I reflect on this passage, I think mostly about the Lord Jesus who is seated at the right hand of God and how they witness our faith in action. This serves as a great motivation: to know that God the Father and Son are watching our every move, but also as encouragement to know that they are rooting for us every faithful step of the way.
This is not a sprint! The race of life in Christ is a Marathon which requires persistence in faithful training and endurance in execution. Pray with me for a team of servants who are ready to enter into training (discipleship) and willing to serve for the long haul, all the while running a challenging course. I believe that we are preparing for an incredible race ahead!
Just one last comment, the Heroes of the Faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 were not the ones passively watching the race, but actively participating in the race. Ready for a run?
Hebrews 12:1-2
The "Faith Hall of Fame" or "Roll Call for Heroes of the Faith" is what some people call Hebrews 11. The chapter repetitively refers to those who walked with God by faith resulting in great accomplishment and true blessing. In chapter 12, the author (some believe to be the Apostle Paul) writes to encourage the faith and challenge the perseverance of some of the believers who were wavering. Before he exhorted them to focus on the person and passion of Jesus and run with endurance, he reminds them that they have a cloud of witnesses. This is a reference to the faithful who have gone before and are now watching over us as we live.
Whenever I think on this passage, I can't help but consider a stadium full of witnesses. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses (like an Olympic Stadium). I think about all the saints watching from the sky box above and I consider both the Biblical saints and the saints I have known who have gone on to be with the Lord. As I consider their legacy of faith, I am challenged to run my best and carry the baton faithfully. I also think about the many witnesses in the stands who should be on the field, but instead are in the stands watching others run the race of faith. I pray that more and more faithful servants will step forward to be a part of the team and join the effort in fulfilling the mission of Christ. However, when I reflect on this passage, I think mostly about the Lord Jesus who is seated at the right hand of God and how they witness our faith in action. This serves as a great motivation: to know that God the Father and Son are watching our every move, but also as encouragement to know that they are rooting for us every faithful step of the way.
This is not a sprint! The race of life in Christ is a Marathon which requires persistence in faithful training and endurance in execution. Pray with me for a team of servants who are ready to enter into training (discipleship) and willing to serve for the long haul, all the while running a challenging course. I believe that we are preparing for an incredible race ahead!
Just one last comment, the Heroes of the Faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 were not the ones passively watching the race, but actively participating in the race. Ready for a run?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Stars At Night
A few weeks ago, my son Carson approached me and said, "Dad, ya know what? Everything is BIGGER in Texas!" I suppose that he is right in many ways, but the fact that he had heard that or realized it after only a few weeks in TX just cracked me up.
This morning I awakened early to go for a run out in the hill country. As I made my first few strides out into the early morning Texas air, I looked up to see the biggest and brightest stars I have seen in a long time, if not ever. You know how the song goes, "The Stars at night, are big and bright...Deep in the heart of TX." Well I believe it! What a beautiful morning!
As I marveled in the majesty of God's creation on my dark morning run, I was reminded of many things. First, the mountains are His, the Valleys are His, the Stars are His handiwork too. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1-4)
Second, in just the same moment that I noticed the bright starts, I was reminded that the night is darkest just before the dawn. It was very dark this morning and maybe that is why the stars were seemingly so bright. In life I have noticed many times that the darkest hours come just before the dawn, that our hardest struggles are just around the corner from our greatest victory.
As I ran this morning, I first marveled in the beauty of God's creation and then I thought to myself quickly, "Why are you running? You are going to trip out here because it is so dark. Be careful! No one else is running, why don't you just go back to bed or just go sit on the porch?" However, as I continued to run, I continued to look up at those stars and realized that the darkness of the night was illumined by the brightness of the celestial. The light of the stars was more than enough to help me find my way. After running a couple miles, I even found that there were others out on the trail running with me. This is a journey of faith, but do we ever run alone?
Psalm 88 depicts a dark night of the soul. Some scholars have pointed to it as prophecy to the death of Jesus and others find it to be foreshadowing to the condition in every man as we walk through life's dark pits of despair. In my estimation, one of the profound beauties of the Scriptures is that God's Word illustrates the depravity of the sinful state (the dark, deep, forsaken pit of the lost and lonely), but also the bright hope of God's grace.
As you read this blog today, you may feel lost in the darkness (depression, grief, anxiety, doubt, just to name a few forms of darkness). and I want to offer you this hope. God's grace is bright enough to lead you through this day. God's grace will lead you through the valley and back to a mountain peak. The darkness you feel may cover your path, but the grace of God will light your way. "Even though I walk through the Valley of Death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) You may feel consumed by the darkness, but remember the dawn is coming!
Grace unto you!
PC
This morning I awakened early to go for a run out in the hill country. As I made my first few strides out into the early morning Texas air, I looked up to see the biggest and brightest stars I have seen in a long time, if not ever. You know how the song goes, "The Stars at night, are big and bright...Deep in the heart of TX." Well I believe it! What a beautiful morning!
As I marveled in the majesty of God's creation on my dark morning run, I was reminded of many things. First, the mountains are His, the Valleys are His, the Stars are His handiwork too. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1-4)
Second, in just the same moment that I noticed the bright starts, I was reminded that the night is darkest just before the dawn. It was very dark this morning and maybe that is why the stars were seemingly so bright. In life I have noticed many times that the darkest hours come just before the dawn, that our hardest struggles are just around the corner from our greatest victory.
As I ran this morning, I first marveled in the beauty of God's creation and then I thought to myself quickly, "Why are you running? You are going to trip out here because it is so dark. Be careful! No one else is running, why don't you just go back to bed or just go sit on the porch?" However, as I continued to run, I continued to look up at those stars and realized that the darkness of the night was illumined by the brightness of the celestial. The light of the stars was more than enough to help me find my way. After running a couple miles, I even found that there were others out on the trail running with me. This is a journey of faith, but do we ever run alone?
Psalm 88 depicts a dark night of the soul. Some scholars have pointed to it as prophecy to the death of Jesus and others find it to be foreshadowing to the condition in every man as we walk through life's dark pits of despair. In my estimation, one of the profound beauties of the Scriptures is that God's Word illustrates the depravity of the sinful state (the dark, deep, forsaken pit of the lost and lonely), but also the bright hope of God's grace.
As you read this blog today, you may feel lost in the darkness (depression, grief, anxiety, doubt, just to name a few forms of darkness). and I want to offer you this hope. God's grace is bright enough to lead you through this day. God's grace will lead you through the valley and back to a mountain peak. The darkness you feel may cover your path, but the grace of God will light your way. "Even though I walk through the Valley of Death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) You may feel consumed by the darkness, but remember the dawn is coming!
Grace unto you!
PC
Monday, October 3, 2011
Tick Tock
What if today were your last? Would you be ready to meet your maker? Is your heart ready for judgement? Have you done all that you set out to do? Have you done what God expected you to do?
Famous Christian author C.S. Lewis stated, "Put first things first and we get second things thrown in; put second things first and we lose both first and second things." Was is the highest priority of you life? Are you lining up your activities, your things to do list and your day depending upon that priority list?
Our highest priority must be to love and serve God. Next, we are to care for family and then the Church/mission of God. Psalm 84 illustrates well our calling in a prayer offered by the Psalter,
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord Almighty, bless is the man who trusts in you."
How will you spend this day?
Famous Christian author C.S. Lewis stated, "Put first things first and we get second things thrown in; put second things first and we lose both first and second things." Was is the highest priority of you life? Are you lining up your activities, your things to do list and your day depending upon that priority list?
Our highest priority must be to love and serve God. Next, we are to care for family and then the Church/mission of God. Psalm 84 illustrates well our calling in a prayer offered by the Psalter,
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord Almighty, bless is the man who trusts in you."
How will you spend this day?
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Father's Love
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Just before a spanking do you ever remember your parents saying something like "This is gonna hurt me more that it's gonna hurt you?" I always wondered (and have many occasions to reflect upon) that if it hurt dad and mom so bad to give me the spanking, why didn't they cry when they gave it? I remember on one occasion in the afternoon following a 2nd grade day at school, I had pushed my mother too far and the discipline stick, also known as the Board of Education, came down from the top of the refrigerator. She uttered those words and then gave me two swats, to which I piped up and said, "Is that all you got?" After the initial shock wore off her face, my dear sweet mother responded with, "Just wait until your father get's home from work." I am not sure if dad cried or not that night, but I certainly had a reason to when he came home.
It wasn't until I became a parent that I realized how painful it can be for a parent to provide discipline. Yet, without that discipline the pain may be even greater later. Proverbs 13:24 offers wisdom, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Proverbs 23:13 echoes this message, "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die." It is a necessary responsibility of parents to discipline children. The selected method of discipline must teach discipline for it is a very important lesson to learn. In so doing, a father and mother prepare their children to respect authority and others, honor boundaries, make good choices and expect consequences for bad decisions. Patience, grace, discipline and love are the kinds of virtues that I want my children to learn so that their lives will be filled with joy, peace and goodness when they have to make life decisions on their own later.
Tonight my son had to be disciplined after he acted with disregard for others, disrespect for authority and disobedience. In my tested patience, I offered him loving discipline, which was followed up with a measure of grace and comforting love. But tonight my heart aches as I consider the discipline of my child. My heart is broken because I love my son so much and I want him to learn by his actions and attitudes to glorify God. I don't want him to experience unnecessary pain in life, so I discipline him now to guide him in the way of the Lord. I wrote the prayer below on the day that my son was born and I reiterate it now in my time of devotion as a recommitment to my responsibilities as a father:
"God, I pray over my son as I hold him in my arms. How could you do it? I don't think that I could.
Not for anyone. But you did give up your Son, your only Son, even for a sinner like me. I pray that
you protect my boy. It's a difficult prayer to pray to you Father because it feels selfish when I know
that you gave up your Son, and that if you had not done it, I would not have the opportunity to know
my son in heaven. What a sacrifice! Still, I pray for you to watch over and protect my boy. Give
me wisdom to lead him to walk with you. Lord, into your hands I trust my son."
I can't help but wonder about The Father's grieving heart as He watches over the world. God the Father has been patient with us from the beginning and even now after the sacrificial gift of his Son. At the death of Jesus, maybe, just maybe, God was up there or out there or right here saying to Jesus and even us, "This is gonna hurt me more than it's gonna hurt you."
Just before a spanking do you ever remember your parents saying something like "This is gonna hurt me more that it's gonna hurt you?" I always wondered (and have many occasions to reflect upon) that if it hurt dad and mom so bad to give me the spanking, why didn't they cry when they gave it? I remember on one occasion in the afternoon following a 2nd grade day at school, I had pushed my mother too far and the discipline stick, also known as the Board of Education, came down from the top of the refrigerator. She uttered those words and then gave me two swats, to which I piped up and said, "Is that all you got?" After the initial shock wore off her face, my dear sweet mother responded with, "Just wait until your father get's home from work." I am not sure if dad cried or not that night, but I certainly had a reason to when he came home.
It wasn't until I became a parent that I realized how painful it can be for a parent to provide discipline. Yet, without that discipline the pain may be even greater later. Proverbs 13:24 offers wisdom, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Proverbs 23:13 echoes this message, "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die." It is a necessary responsibility of parents to discipline children. The selected method of discipline must teach discipline for it is a very important lesson to learn. In so doing, a father and mother prepare their children to respect authority and others, honor boundaries, make good choices and expect consequences for bad decisions. Patience, grace, discipline and love are the kinds of virtues that I want my children to learn so that their lives will be filled with joy, peace and goodness when they have to make life decisions on their own later.
Tonight my son had to be disciplined after he acted with disregard for others, disrespect for authority and disobedience. In my tested patience, I offered him loving discipline, which was followed up with a measure of grace and comforting love. But tonight my heart aches as I consider the discipline of my child. My heart is broken because I love my son so much and I want him to learn by his actions and attitudes to glorify God. I don't want him to experience unnecessary pain in life, so I discipline him now to guide him in the way of the Lord. I wrote the prayer below on the day that my son was born and I reiterate it now in my time of devotion as a recommitment to my responsibilities as a father:
"God, I pray over my son as I hold him in my arms. How could you do it? I don't think that I could.
Not for anyone. But you did give up your Son, your only Son, even for a sinner like me. I pray that
you protect my boy. It's a difficult prayer to pray to you Father because it feels selfish when I know
that you gave up your Son, and that if you had not done it, I would not have the opportunity to know
my son in heaven. What a sacrifice! Still, I pray for you to watch over and protect my boy. Give
me wisdom to lead him to walk with you. Lord, into your hands I trust my son."
I can't help but wonder about The Father's grieving heart as He watches over the world. God the Father has been patient with us from the beginning and even now after the sacrificial gift of his Son. At the death of Jesus, maybe, just maybe, God was up there or out there or right here saying to Jesus and even us, "This is gonna hurt me more than it's gonna hurt you."
Investing with Wisdom
The Real Estate market had hit rock bottom, or so it seemed, and the stock market had fallen off, and I was searching for an investment that would pay back dividends. I was meeting with two GA lawyers who both were savvy in the stock market and real estate. One of them moaned about the market and the fear of investment and the other groaned concerning property losses. Finally, one of them told me, "Preacher, today you might be better off taking your money, putting it in a coffee can and burying it in the back yard." Though he was certainly being sarcastic (I think), the fear of loss does cause us at times to rethink our investing strategies doesn't it?
Matthew 25:14-30 records Jesus teaching on the Kingdom of God. His Parable of the Talents illustrates the fear that some have of investing. The story goes a little something like this:
The boss man went on a journey and left three employees entrusted with caring for his money; each according to his own ability. One was entrusted with 5 talents (rough estimates show modern value at between $500,000 and $600,000 per talent), another received 2 talents and finally a third was in care of 1 talent. The first one went out and invested the 5 and gained 5 more. In the same way, the one with the 2 talents gained 2 more, but the one with only 1, went away and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time, the boss man returned to settle accounts and found the investment of first two was productive, but the fear of the one was paralyzing. Two the first two he declared, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into my joy." BUT to the one who had hid the money and gained nothing, the boss man stated, "You wicked, lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I do not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore, take away the talent from him and give it to the one with the 10 talents and have security escort this man to the door after he has cleaned out his office cubical."
In the Kingdom of God, GRACE, like a commodity is supplied without qualitative differentiation across a market. Jesus is priceless (His life is the greatest investment ever) and His sacrificial gift for our sin cost us nothing, yet cost him everything! Once we have received His precious grace, we are to invest it with wisdom. We are supposed to take his grace and reproduce. We can't allow ourselves to be paralyzed by potential loss or fear failure. Our work is to invest the commodity and reproduce the grace.
If our Lord Jesus (the boss man) were to return today, would He find you investing or hiding grace? Would Jesus find you productive in service or paralyzed in fear? Would you hear Jesus say, "Well done my good and faithful servant, now enter into my joy." or "You wicked and lazy servant! You should have invested and produced something with what I gave you."
Matthew 25:14-30 records Jesus teaching on the Kingdom of God. His Parable of the Talents illustrates the fear that some have of investing. The story goes a little something like this:
The boss man went on a journey and left three employees entrusted with caring for his money; each according to his own ability. One was entrusted with 5 talents (rough estimates show modern value at between $500,000 and $600,000 per talent), another received 2 talents and finally a third was in care of 1 talent. The first one went out and invested the 5 and gained 5 more. In the same way, the one with the 2 talents gained 2 more, but the one with only 1, went away and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time, the boss man returned to settle accounts and found the investment of first two was productive, but the fear of the one was paralyzing. Two the first two he declared, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into my joy." BUT to the one who had hid the money and gained nothing, the boss man stated, "You wicked, lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I do not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore, take away the talent from him and give it to the one with the 10 talents and have security escort this man to the door after he has cleaned out his office cubical."
In the Kingdom of God, GRACE, like a commodity is supplied without qualitative differentiation across a market. Jesus is priceless (His life is the greatest investment ever) and His sacrificial gift for our sin cost us nothing, yet cost him everything! Once we have received His precious grace, we are to invest it with wisdom. We are supposed to take his grace and reproduce. We can't allow ourselves to be paralyzed by potential loss or fear failure. Our work is to invest the commodity and reproduce the grace.
If our Lord Jesus (the boss man) were to return today, would He find you investing or hiding grace? Would Jesus find you productive in service or paralyzed in fear? Would you hear Jesus say, "Well done my good and faithful servant, now enter into my joy." or "You wicked and lazy servant! You should have invested and produced something with what I gave you."
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
A Good Day to Die?
In the hit movie, Shawshank Redemption, the old convict Red makes the statement at the end, "Get busy living or get busy dying." He makes reference to how the old prison (Shawshank) had taken much of his life and that when he was finally receiving parole after 50 years, it just became difficult to imagine any other life but the "institutionalized" routine of the state joint. He had a choice to stay on parole or make a run to join his friend Andy who had broken free months before and was hiding away in some tropical Mexican paradise.
Contrary to what many perceive as living and dying, real life is found in death. Jesus died so that we might live. (John 3:16) But he also lives so that we might die. The Apostle Paul writes in his Epistle to the Galatian church in chapter 2 verse 20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
In the essence of Jesus Christ, to get busy living is to first get busy dying. What areas of your life need to die so that Christ may live in and through you? What attitudes, habits, thought patterns, anxieties, etc., need to be put to death so that Christ may be glorified in you? In addition, Jesus demonstrates and Paul reiterates that selfless, sacrificial service leads to life.
Is today is a good day to die?
Contrary to what many perceive as living and dying, real life is found in death. Jesus died so that we might live. (John 3:16) But he also lives so that we might die. The Apostle Paul writes in his Epistle to the Galatian church in chapter 2 verse 20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
In the essence of Jesus Christ, to get busy living is to first get busy dying. What areas of your life need to die so that Christ may live in and through you? What attitudes, habits, thought patterns, anxieties, etc., need to be put to death so that Christ may be glorified in you? In addition, Jesus demonstrates and Paul reiterates that selfless, sacrificial service leads to life.
Is today is a good day to die?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
WE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE!!!
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple."
(I Corinthians 3:16-17)
The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth about the implosion that is taking place in their fellowship. There is conflict because the church is focused on petty issues, personality conflicts and personal agendas rather than building the church. Paul even chastises the church by referring to them as babies in Christ for they are still worldly in their jealousy and quarreling. He utilizes three metaphors in the chapter to describe the church, "God's fellow workers, God's field, and God's building." (3:9) Paul describes how he laid a foundation in the building and how another is building on the foundation. After this he continues with a challenge to their motives and methods, "Each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." (3:10)
One of the motivational sayings that has grown popular in sporting venues, and especially football is, "We must protect this house." This statement is usually made by a home team coach or player in preparation for or in the thralls of competition at their home field. Billions of dollars are invested each year in security systems for businesses, homes and other properties. Companies and families are willing to go to great lengths to provide security for their people and protect their property. As a deterrent to would be criminals and as a promotional, the security companies place their company logo stickers on windows and logo signs on the properties they secure. One of my former church members, a tough little single lady, once told me, "I don't need a security system. I have a sign on the doors that state, 'This home is protected by Smith and Wesson' and believe me it works." I don't doubt for a minute that she was packing a six shooter, and that she was willing to use it if necessary.
How about the church? Do we send the message that we are going to protect this house? I am speaking spiritually now. Do we communicate that this building (the people mostly) are protected by the Spirit of God and that we are not going to stand by idle while petty issues and spiritual warfare seek to cause harm? I pray that none of us will allow our own pride, personal agendas or personality conflicts to steel the joy of good fellowship. I pray that we will stand up for purity and profess Christ in our lives. I pray that God places a hedge of protection around this House. Will you join with me in prayer for the church to be the temple of God? Will you join with me in praying that I and that you will be the living sanctuary of God? Is your temple one that honors God? We are the temple of the Lord and
WE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE!!!
(I Corinthians 3:16-17)
The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth about the implosion that is taking place in their fellowship. There is conflict because the church is focused on petty issues, personality conflicts and personal agendas rather than building the church. Paul even chastises the church by referring to them as babies in Christ for they are still worldly in their jealousy and quarreling. He utilizes three metaphors in the chapter to describe the church, "God's fellow workers, God's field, and God's building." (3:9) Paul describes how he laid a foundation in the building and how another is building on the foundation. After this he continues with a challenge to their motives and methods, "Each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." (3:10)
One of the motivational sayings that has grown popular in sporting venues, and especially football is, "We must protect this house." This statement is usually made by a home team coach or player in preparation for or in the thralls of competition at their home field. Billions of dollars are invested each year in security systems for businesses, homes and other properties. Companies and families are willing to go to great lengths to provide security for their people and protect their property. As a deterrent to would be criminals and as a promotional, the security companies place their company logo stickers on windows and logo signs on the properties they secure. One of my former church members, a tough little single lady, once told me, "I don't need a security system. I have a sign on the doors that state, 'This home is protected by Smith and Wesson' and believe me it works." I don't doubt for a minute that she was packing a six shooter, and that she was willing to use it if necessary.
How about the church? Do we send the message that we are going to protect this house? I am speaking spiritually now. Do we communicate that this building (the people mostly) are protected by the Spirit of God and that we are not going to stand by idle while petty issues and spiritual warfare seek to cause harm? I pray that none of us will allow our own pride, personal agendas or personality conflicts to steel the joy of good fellowship. I pray that we will stand up for purity and profess Christ in our lives. I pray that God places a hedge of protection around this House. Will you join with me in prayer for the church to be the temple of God? Will you join with me in praying that I and that you will be the living sanctuary of God? Is your temple one that honors God? We are the temple of the Lord and
WE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE!!!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Smart Boards
Recently, my wife and I visited "Open House" at the school that our two oldest children attend. Most of the schools these days are equipped with state of the art technology. In the class rooms the teachers had a smart board, which is an interactive white board that is equipped to the internet but can also be written on for teaching points. Sorry folks, they don't have blackboards or chalk boards anymore. Overhead projection is OLD SCHOOL!
As I witnessed all of the classroom setups and the teaching tools, I was reminded of our Jesus. He called his first disciples to go make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. He challenged his first disciples, as he does His disciples today, to teach others to observe everything that he taught. That very word "disciple" means learner. As followers of Christ we are expected to be learners. My High School Literature teacher challenged our class saying, "Never stop reading. The day you stop reading is the day you stop learning. The day you stop learning is the day you start dying." To live is to learn. This is the way of the follower of Jesus also. To learn each day from the Lord the most precious lessons of life.
So How did the Lord teach? He almost always taught by interactive means. For instance, just after raising Lazarus from the dead Jesus stated, "I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26) After seeing Jesus raise the dead, that lesson had much more staying power. Or what about when Jesus calmed the raging seas? If even the winds and storms obey His command, and if Jesus can calm the storm at sea, couldn't he calm the squall in my own heart? Or what about when Jesus washed His disciples feet? Is there any better lesson in servant leadership? Jesus didn't just tell the disciples, He frequently displayed through object lessons and hands on experience so that they might grasp the concepts and teachings that he had to share. In His teaching, Jesus frequently reminded the disciples that their learning was truly dependent upon the teacher.
My prayer is that we may utilize technology to instruct disciples, provide medium for outreach and grow the Church. It is my prayer that we follow the example of Jesus who utilized a variety of means to communicate the message of God's love and saving grace, but always kept relationships at a premium. However, it should be our prayer that we will never become so learned that we mistakenly think we are smart enough to dictate our own direction in life. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Green Blackboards by Michael Quoist
The School is up-to-date.
Proudly the Principal enumerates all the improvements.
The finest discovery, Lord, is the green blackboards.
The scientists have studied the matter at length, they have made experiments;
We now know that green is the ideal color, that doesn't tire the eyes, that it is quieting and relaxing.
It has occurred to me, Lord that you didn't waits so long to paint the trees and the meadows green.
Your research laboratories were efficient, and in order not to tire us, you perfected a number of shades of
green for your modern meadows.
And so the "finds" of men consist in discovering what you have thought from time immemorial.
Thank you, Lord, for being the good Father who gives His children the joy of discovering by themselves
the treasures of his intelligence and love.
But keep us from believing that by ourselves we have invented anything at all.
As I witnessed all of the classroom setups and the teaching tools, I was reminded of our Jesus. He called his first disciples to go make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. He challenged his first disciples, as he does His disciples today, to teach others to observe everything that he taught. That very word "disciple" means learner. As followers of Christ we are expected to be learners. My High School Literature teacher challenged our class saying, "Never stop reading. The day you stop reading is the day you stop learning. The day you stop learning is the day you start dying." To live is to learn. This is the way of the follower of Jesus also. To learn each day from the Lord the most precious lessons of life.
So How did the Lord teach? He almost always taught by interactive means. For instance, just after raising Lazarus from the dead Jesus stated, "I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26) After seeing Jesus raise the dead, that lesson had much more staying power. Or what about when Jesus calmed the raging seas? If even the winds and storms obey His command, and if Jesus can calm the storm at sea, couldn't he calm the squall in my own heart? Or what about when Jesus washed His disciples feet? Is there any better lesson in servant leadership? Jesus didn't just tell the disciples, He frequently displayed through object lessons and hands on experience so that they might grasp the concepts and teachings that he had to share. In His teaching, Jesus frequently reminded the disciples that their learning was truly dependent upon the teacher.
My prayer is that we may utilize technology to instruct disciples, provide medium for outreach and grow the Church. It is my prayer that we follow the example of Jesus who utilized a variety of means to communicate the message of God's love and saving grace, but always kept relationships at a premium. However, it should be our prayer that we will never become so learned that we mistakenly think we are smart enough to dictate our own direction in life. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Green Blackboards by Michael Quoist
The School is up-to-date.
Proudly the Principal enumerates all the improvements.
The finest discovery, Lord, is the green blackboards.
The scientists have studied the matter at length, they have made experiments;
We now know that green is the ideal color, that doesn't tire the eyes, that it is quieting and relaxing.
It has occurred to me, Lord that you didn't waits so long to paint the trees and the meadows green.
Your research laboratories were efficient, and in order not to tire us, you perfected a number of shades of
green for your modern meadows.
And so the "finds" of men consist in discovering what you have thought from time immemorial.
Thank you, Lord, for being the good Father who gives His children the joy of discovering by themselves
the treasures of his intelligence and love.
But keep us from believing that by ourselves we have invented anything at all.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Pardon the Interuption
The power of pause can be evident in many aspects of life. For instance, a race car pulls down pit road for a 13 second stop, but that pause can recharge the car that needed gas, a clean windshield and new tires. That pause may give the car all it needs to pull to the front of the pack. The opera singer pauses at the musical rest and utilizes that short time to take a deep breath and then blows out the most beautiful notes that even birds could not match. The dating couple decides to take a break from dating and may well find that absence makes the heart grow fonder. The speaker pauses in the middle of delivering a message in order to bring emphasis to a certain point. There is power in pause.
I have been absent from writing the last two days. The pause was necessary for me as I was nursing a stomach bug, but I have also found the Sabbatical to be refreshing. I suppose that is why God provided the Sabbath. The pause is meant to give us time to worship God, spend time together as a family and generally rest. According to Jewish customs, the Sabbath actually begins at dusk on Friday and continues until dusk on Saturday. "The seventh day is a Sabbath day to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work." (Exodus 20:10a)
Simply put, we need the Sabbath, but do we take it? Interestingly enough, medical science has proved that whenever we fail to rest our bodies appropriately we are more susceptible to illness. Please pardon my interruption as I am preaching to the mirror a little after being sick. Also, marriage therapist have concluded that segregated lives, even on our days off, have caused family units to grow weaker. It has been stated, "The families that play together, stay together." Maybe it can be better put by stating, "The families that play and pray together, stay together."
Maybe what we need most in our lives, marriages, families, etc., is a little pause.
Please, pardon the Interruption. :-)
I have been absent from writing the last two days. The pause was necessary for me as I was nursing a stomach bug, but I have also found the Sabbatical to be refreshing. I suppose that is why God provided the Sabbath. The pause is meant to give us time to worship God, spend time together as a family and generally rest. According to Jewish customs, the Sabbath actually begins at dusk on Friday and continues until dusk on Saturday. "The seventh day is a Sabbath day to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work." (Exodus 20:10a)
Simply put, we need the Sabbath, but do we take it? Interestingly enough, medical science has proved that whenever we fail to rest our bodies appropriately we are more susceptible to illness. Please pardon my interruption as I am preaching to the mirror a little after being sick. Also, marriage therapist have concluded that segregated lives, even on our days off, have caused family units to grow weaker. It has been stated, "The families that play together, stay together." Maybe it can be better put by stating, "The families that play and pray together, stay together."
Maybe what we need most in our lives, marriages, families, etc., is a little pause.
Please, pardon the Interruption. :-)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Door Keeper
The beautiful servant was dressed in all white at Sunday lunch; her shoes, skirt, even her head dress was all white. It was obvious that she was not a nurse, but was in some other kind of official attire. Her apparel captivated my attention so I asked her why she was dressed as such. "I am a door keeper" she stated. I open the door for all the people coming in and out of the church. As I listened to this Godly lady explain her role, it became apparent to me that she loved Her Lord and loved the church. She loved her role in welcoming people to God's house. What she did not know was that instantly I was impressed as I listened to her talk about how everyday, she strives be a "door opener" for folk who need Jesus.
Does everyone who darkens that literal door of the church walk through another time? Not all will receive the Lord and return for discipleship. However, each day we have the opportunity to open the door to Jesus and discipleship by a lifestyle of hospitality and grace. One of the things I noticed about this beautiful woman of God was that she did not speak as one who pushes the door open forcing her way in to another's life, but that she stands inviting and ready to open her life's door to others.
Our Lord offers us salvation, but his invitation is also one of fellowship and daily grace. Jesus challenges us to prayer, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Furthermore, Jesus encourages "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
Does everyone who darkens that literal door of the church walk through another time? Not all will receive the Lord and return for discipleship. However, each day we have the opportunity to open the door to Jesus and discipleship by a lifestyle of hospitality and grace. One of the things I noticed about this beautiful woman of God was that she did not speak as one who pushes the door open forcing her way in to another's life, but that she stands inviting and ready to open her life's door to others.
Our Lord offers us salvation, but his invitation is also one of fellowship and daily grace. Jesus challenges us to prayer, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Furthermore, Jesus encourages "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Can I Hear you Now? Good!
Verizon wireless has done a fantastic job in recent years by marketing well their product in mobile cellular phone service. Though the company has many competitors, the main competition has been with ATT (Cingular). Much of the Public Relations war has been over reception throughout the continental United States. Though it is debatable from one region of the U.S. to another, Verizon claims to have the better service. In order to promote this claim, they have produced a number of commercials with their spokesperson holding a phone in the most remote of places and asking, "Can you hear me now?" The presumed answer on the other end of the line is "Yes," to which the spokesperson responds, "Good!" The marketing message is clear, "Our service works everywhere without dropping your call."
It is good to be heard isn't it? It is good to be connected. Most of us are glad to know that someone is listening and that others care about how we feel and are concerned about our heart's desires and burdens.
As much as you like to be heard, how are you doing with listening to God and others?
A few years ago I read this prayer below and recorded it in my prayer journal:
The Telephone (Author Unknown)
I have just hung up; why did he telephone?
I don't know....Oh! I get it....
I talked a lot and listened very little.
Forgive me, Lord; it was a monologue and not a dialogue.
I explained my idea and did not get his;
Since I didn't listen, I learned nothing,
Since I didn't listen, I didn't help,
Since I didn't listen, we didn't commune.
Forgive me, Lord for we were connected,
And now we are cut off.
At times I wonder if God is asking the question, "Can you hear me now?"
It is good to be heard isn't it? It is good to be connected. Most of us are glad to know that someone is listening and that others care about how we feel and are concerned about our heart's desires and burdens.
As much as you like to be heard, how are you doing with listening to God and others?
A few years ago I read this prayer below and recorded it in my prayer journal:
The Telephone (Author Unknown)
I have just hung up; why did he telephone?
I don't know....Oh! I get it....
I talked a lot and listened very little.
Forgive me, Lord; it was a monologue and not a dialogue.
I explained my idea and did not get his;
Since I didn't listen, I learned nothing,
Since I didn't listen, I didn't help,
Since I didn't listen, we didn't commune.
Forgive me, Lord for we were connected,
And now we are cut off.
At times I wonder if God is asking the question, "Can you hear me now?"
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Encouraging Words
Have you ever had one of those days? A day where it seems like nothing goes your way? Or a day where it seems like the world is crashing down upon you? It is in those moments and on those days that we need encouragement the most. I love the encouraging words of Jesus recorded by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." It is the grace of God that saves us and also sustains us no matter what our circumstance nor what the discouragement we face.
The Church is the body of Christ! This is one of the great New Testament metaphors describing the nature and function of the Church. The Epistle of Romans 12:3-8 exhorts us to offer our lives as a spiritual sacrifice to God. Whenever we utilize our gifts (spiritual abilities), which are distributed throughout the body according to the grace given to us, we bring glory to God. Exercising our gifts is like exercising a muscle. The more we use it, the more we strengthen the body. If we fail to use our spiritual gifts, then the body suffers from atrophy. The Apostle Paul writes, "If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others; let him give generously, if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if is is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
Isn't it encouraging to know that there is a place for everyone and a role for every member of the body? These are encouraging words. Maybe we would feel better if we utilized our gifts to serve others on those days where we feel the stress of life or the discouragement that can accompany struggles. I have found that great encouragement comes when we take our focus off ourselves and look to serve others. Whenever we do so, we strengthen the Body of Christ and often forget our own pain.
Let me encourage you with these words; Pray to God today and ask Him to show you someone that you can encourage. Maybe you can write them a note, email or text. Maybe a phone call would lift them. As God displays that person to you, make sure you follow through. It is amazing what a few encouraging words can do!
The Church is the body of Christ! This is one of the great New Testament metaphors describing the nature and function of the Church. The Epistle of Romans 12:3-8 exhorts us to offer our lives as a spiritual sacrifice to God. Whenever we utilize our gifts (spiritual abilities), which are distributed throughout the body according to the grace given to us, we bring glory to God. Exercising our gifts is like exercising a muscle. The more we use it, the more we strengthen the body. If we fail to use our spiritual gifts, then the body suffers from atrophy. The Apostle Paul writes, "If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others; let him give generously, if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if is is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
Isn't it encouraging to know that there is a place for everyone and a role for every member of the body? These are encouraging words. Maybe we would feel better if we utilized our gifts to serve others on those days where we feel the stress of life or the discouragement that can accompany struggles. I have found that great encouragement comes when we take our focus off ourselves and look to serve others. Whenever we do so, we strengthen the Body of Christ and often forget our own pain.
Let me encourage you with these words; Pray to God today and ask Him to show you someone that you can encourage. Maybe you can write them a note, email or text. Maybe a phone call would lift them. As God displays that person to you, make sure you follow through. It is amazing what a few encouraging words can do!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Search For the Lost
How long has it been since you wept over the thought of someone dying without Jesus Christ in their lives? Luke 15 utilizes three parables told by Jesus in order to illustrate how we should search for lost souls. In each of the situations; with the lost sheep, coin and son, there is a celebration when that which is lost finally is found. Apparently, Jesus faced great criticism from the religiously pious (Pharisees) for his welcome of ALL and his association with "Sinners." As Jesus tells these stories he reminds them and us of the mission of God.
Interestingly, the stories progress from the country side search for lost livestock, the turning of the house upside down to find the lost coin to finally an illustration of the patient father waiting for the son to come home. There are 100 sheep, but one is lost. There are 10 coins, but one is lost. There are two sons, but one is lost. Jesus illustrates that the lost and valued sheep must be found for a sheep can't find his own way home. The coin must be found for it is an inanimate object, but one of worth. However, the lost son is deduced to finding himself before he can decide to come home. Ironically, the lost son is not the one who was considered the "Sinner." Even though he is far off in a distant land living a life filled with debauchery, Jesus demonstrates that he may be closer to the father in spirit than the eldest is in proximity. Instead, the lost son is the responsible and trustworthy son who stayed home, but was filled with bitterness, envy and judgement. For the eldest son there was no need for celebration even for such a valued person as his own brother. Jesus illustrates the state of the religious order in his day.
If you have not wept over someone who is lost without the Lord Jesus, maybe you should mourn the fact that you may have become more like the eldest brother. If you can't celebrate when the lost is found, maybe you should check your heart to see if it is in tune with the Fathers. Maybe you should mourn if you are more concerned over your losses in the stock market than you are over lost souls. Maybe you should be concerned if you are more overwhelmed by the needs of the 99 in the fold than you are by the lost state of the one.
Maybe your search for the lost should start in your church, your family or even your mirror?
Interestingly, the stories progress from the country side search for lost livestock, the turning of the house upside down to find the lost coin to finally an illustration of the patient father waiting for the son to come home. There are 100 sheep, but one is lost. There are 10 coins, but one is lost. There are two sons, but one is lost. Jesus illustrates that the lost and valued sheep must be found for a sheep can't find his own way home. The coin must be found for it is an inanimate object, but one of worth. However, the lost son is deduced to finding himself before he can decide to come home. Ironically, the lost son is not the one who was considered the "Sinner." Even though he is far off in a distant land living a life filled with debauchery, Jesus demonstrates that he may be closer to the father in spirit than the eldest is in proximity. Instead, the lost son is the responsible and trustworthy son who stayed home, but was filled with bitterness, envy and judgement. For the eldest son there was no need for celebration even for such a valued person as his own brother. Jesus illustrates the state of the religious order in his day.
If you have not wept over someone who is lost without the Lord Jesus, maybe you should mourn the fact that you may have become more like the eldest brother. If you can't celebrate when the lost is found, maybe you should check your heart to see if it is in tune with the Fathers. Maybe you should mourn if you are more concerned over your losses in the stock market than you are over lost souls. Maybe you should be concerned if you are more overwhelmed by the needs of the 99 in the fold than you are by the lost state of the one.
Maybe your search for the lost should start in your church, your family or even your mirror?
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Is Losing Ever Good?
Legendary Green Bay Packer Coach, Vince Lombardi, is credited for stating, "Winning isn't everything; It's the only thing!" Personally, I can't stand losing! All of my life I have been a competitive guy, but thankfully I have not lost my cool. Good sportsmanship was always modeled for me and I always do strive to demonstrate good sportsmanship and team spirit. I do my best to never let any situation control my actions, but instead allow my actions to compel the situation. Winning requires dedication, sacrifice and discipline. I have found that in athletics and life, winners are usually people of sacrifice.
In God's Kingdom, the ultimate victory has been won in Jesus Christ our Lord who died on the cross for our sin and rose from the grave to give us new life. However, the daily battles continue to be fought. Jesus surely knew this would be the case for all of His followers and that is why He proclaimed, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever, wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" (Luke 9:21-25)
I remember one time as a child driving an hour to play in a soccer match only to find out that we did not have enough players. We had to forfeit the game. That was a real disappointment and waste of a day. Can you imagine living a whole life thinking you have it all together, but finding out after the fact in God's judgement that you were on the wrong course (failing to believe in Jesus) and you must forfeit your soul? What a tragedy! Jesus teaches that if we want to save our lives we must first be willing to give up our lives to him. To live we must first deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him! Losing our lives in Christ leads to gain by Him in us.
According to the worlds standards, winning is everything, but according to God's standards losing is the only thing! What are you willing to lose in order to win?
In God's Kingdom, the ultimate victory has been won in Jesus Christ our Lord who died on the cross for our sin and rose from the grave to give us new life. However, the daily battles continue to be fought. Jesus surely knew this would be the case for all of His followers and that is why He proclaimed, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever, wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" (Luke 9:21-25)
I remember one time as a child driving an hour to play in a soccer match only to find out that we did not have enough players. We had to forfeit the game. That was a real disappointment and waste of a day. Can you imagine living a whole life thinking you have it all together, but finding out after the fact in God's judgement that you were on the wrong course (failing to believe in Jesus) and you must forfeit your soul? What a tragedy! Jesus teaches that if we want to save our lives we must first be willing to give up our lives to him. To live we must first deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him! Losing our lives in Christ leads to gain by Him in us.
According to the worlds standards, winning is everything, but according to God's standards losing is the only thing! What are you willing to lose in order to win?
Friday, September 16, 2011
2nd Verse, Same as the First
As a child, I remember singing in Sunday School class with my friends. We didn't have music sheets, so If we could not remember the second verse of the song we would say at the end of the first, "Second verse, same as the first" and then we would sing it again. Today's prayer devotional is the second verse to yesterday, but it is really more of the same.
Jesus stated, "I am the Bread of Life." He makes this statement as a teaching point in the context of the feeding of the thousands (John 5-6). So many lessons to learn from this story. With the five barley loaves and two fish Jesus fed five thousand men, but who knows how many women and children were there too. It was the gift of a boy that made the Soup Kitchen possible. His faith fed the thousands, yet the disciples were going to send the people away because there was no food and no way to pay for such a feast for so many anyway. Yet, there were 12 baskets of leftovers. There is always more than enough of God's grace to go around. There is always a way to serve and minister to the people if we have the desire to do so and care not about the costs. God will provide if we are willing to put forth the effort. Should we ever just send them away because we don't care or because we don't believe that we have the means? I love this part; Jesus multiplied the fishes and loaves, but the disciples who had lacked the faith to feed the people were responsible for serving the meal. That is good stuff! Their "hands on service" would challenge and grow their faith. He teaches them and us to care for the helpless and hungry and look for a way to feed them. Jesus states, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."
As we serve, we come to realize that the bread doesn't run out. Jesus states, "I Am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me will never go hungry." We also grow to understand Jesus is all we really need. Just as the Israelites learned to trust in the daily manna from above so we have manna in our Lord who proclaimed, "I Am the Bread of Life that comes down from Heaven."
The beauty of Jesus lesson is that it is multilayered. Just like a Vidalia onion from Georgia, this lesson will make you cry. Maybe the greatest lesson Jesus teaches is not about Himself, but about serving others no matter the cost and no matter the obstacles. There in that faithful and sacrificial service is the real bread for life. Do you have faith enough to feed the thousands? One of my favorite prayers I learned in Israel near the likely location of this miracle:
God bless to us our bread.
And give bread to those who are hungry.
And a hunger for Justice to those who are fed.
God bless to us our bread.
Amen
Jesus stated, "I am the Bread of Life." He makes this statement as a teaching point in the context of the feeding of the thousands (John 5-6). So many lessons to learn from this story. With the five barley loaves and two fish Jesus fed five thousand men, but who knows how many women and children were there too. It was the gift of a boy that made the Soup Kitchen possible. His faith fed the thousands, yet the disciples were going to send the people away because there was no food and no way to pay for such a feast for so many anyway. Yet, there were 12 baskets of leftovers. There is always more than enough of God's grace to go around. There is always a way to serve and minister to the people if we have the desire to do so and care not about the costs. God will provide if we are willing to put forth the effort. Should we ever just send them away because we don't care or because we don't believe that we have the means? I love this part; Jesus multiplied the fishes and loaves, but the disciples who had lacked the faith to feed the people were responsible for serving the meal. That is good stuff! Their "hands on service" would challenge and grow their faith. He teaches them and us to care for the helpless and hungry and look for a way to feed them. Jesus states, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."
As we serve, we come to realize that the bread doesn't run out. Jesus states, "I Am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me will never go hungry." We also grow to understand Jesus is all we really need. Just as the Israelites learned to trust in the daily manna from above so we have manna in our Lord who proclaimed, "I Am the Bread of Life that comes down from Heaven."
The beauty of Jesus lesson is that it is multilayered. Just like a Vidalia onion from Georgia, this lesson will make you cry. Maybe the greatest lesson Jesus teaches is not about Himself, but about serving others no matter the cost and no matter the obstacles. There in that faithful and sacrificial service is the real bread for life. Do you have faith enough to feed the thousands? One of my favorite prayers I learned in Israel near the likely location of this miracle:
God bless to us our bread.
And give bread to those who are hungry.
And a hunger for Justice to those who are fed.
God bless to us our bread.
Amen
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Hungry For More
Jesus stated in the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6) All other pleasures of life may be enjoyable for a time being, but will leave you with a void inevitably. You eat a delicious steak dinner, but will be hungry again. After reading a good book, you are left wanting for more. You exercise only to feel the longings in your body to go another mile. Ok, maybe that one is a stretch for some people, but you get the idea. Whenever we enjoy something, you just can't get enough of it. The temporal things of life (no matter how wonderful) will eventually leave you empty and desiring more without ever getting your fill. You are simply never going to be satisfied. God's word reminds us that "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Though the things of life don't legitimately fill our longings, the things of the Spirit do repetitively. A few months ago I stopped in to buy a loaf of bread at a bakery in Columbia, South Carolina. As I ate on the bread one slice at a time, it seemed like the loaf was growing longer rather than dwindling in length. (What I realized later was that with each bite I was swelling but the bread was not.) The things of God fill our heart like the bread that is never consumed. The Israelites learned to trust in God for the manna to fall from the sky each day. They always had enough and the blessing of God's manna never stopped. So it is with the spiritual food God provides. For those who hunger and thirst for God will be filled. But can you ever get enough of God?
Do you hunger for God more than food and water? What are your greatest desires in life? Is pleasing God at the top of your priority list? Think about it, what are the things in your life that bring pleasure, but are ultimately going to wast away in comparison the the things of God. To what should we invest our time, energies and resources?
Though the things of life don't legitimately fill our longings, the things of the Spirit do repetitively. A few months ago I stopped in to buy a loaf of bread at a bakery in Columbia, South Carolina. As I ate on the bread one slice at a time, it seemed like the loaf was growing longer rather than dwindling in length. (What I realized later was that with each bite I was swelling but the bread was not.) The things of God fill our heart like the bread that is never consumed. The Israelites learned to trust in God for the manna to fall from the sky each day. They always had enough and the blessing of God's manna never stopped. So it is with the spiritual food God provides. For those who hunger and thirst for God will be filled. But can you ever get enough of God?
Do you hunger for God more than food and water? What are your greatest desires in life? Is pleasing God at the top of your priority list? Think about it, what are the things in your life that bring pleasure, but are ultimately going to wast away in comparison the the things of God. To what should we invest our time, energies and resources?
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Praying For You!
Life is filled with crossroads. A few years ago, I was walking on a sidewalk in downtown Athens, Georgia and I came to an intersection. I pressed the button for the light to know that I was waiting on an opportunity to cross the street. Not long after I pressed that button, a gentleman from the other direction walked up and pressed a button to cross on the walk to the street that intersected. We stood there for an awkward moment, that seemed like an eternity, waiting for the lights to change. As we stood there gazing at the lights, the man waiting with me on the same corner asked, "How are you doing?" Usually I am that guy who asks that question and so I was a little irritated that he beat me to the punch. However, I had been through a rough day in church meetings, had visited a dying church member and family friend at the hospital and I really did not feel like sharing small talk that day. I certainly did not feel like offering the simple polite answer, "I'm good and how are you." Instead, I said to the man, "I am having a rough day and can't wait to get home." Now many people would be turned away by that answer because they might simply have no idea how to respond or because they were only trying to be friendly anyway. However, this man turned, looked at me, walked three steps toward me and stated, "Really sorry to hear that, tell me what has you upset." For five minutes we talked and then he offered to pray for me. We stood there on the busy street corner, two perfect strangers, yet brothers in Christ bowed in prayer.
Have you ever had someone tell you "I'm praying for you?" or "I will pray for you?" You may have shared a struggle with them and laid your heart out there on the line and they responded with, "Our thoughts and prayers are with you." At times it makes you wonder if they really are praying for you or if that is just the polite response they give to exit the conversation. No doubt, there are some circumstances that make prayer at that moment a bit awkward, but prayer is what is needed most rather than the promise of prayer. Maybe you have been afraid to stop and pray with someone on that street corner, in the grocery store or at the ball game, etc. Maybe you are truly praying for that person already, but there may be a unique opportunity at that intersection.
That day I was blessed immensely through this encounter with a man I had never met and have not seen since. He took time to stop in his path, drop whatever he was doing and pray with me. As that prayer was offered, I found great comfort and encouragement to finish the day and the week on a strong note. I felt like someone, God himself, cared enough for me to listen to my aching heart. Since that day, I decided to pray with people whenever the opportunity arrises and not just offer the promise of prayer at a later time.
When Jesus entered the Garden of Gethsemane for the last time, he did so to pray. He was at an intersection in His life and ministry and it was a rough one. He requested that his disciples "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." Jesus sought solitude with God, but also sought support from His disciples, from friends. Whenever, he returned from his time with God in prayer he found them sleeping. I wonder how often we have been asleep when we have been left with the mission of prayer?
Each day we are granted intersections to cross, and as we do, we may just intersect another's life too, if we are open to it. I am praying for you!
Have you ever had someone tell you "I'm praying for you?" or "I will pray for you?" You may have shared a struggle with them and laid your heart out there on the line and they responded with, "Our thoughts and prayers are with you." At times it makes you wonder if they really are praying for you or if that is just the polite response they give to exit the conversation. No doubt, there are some circumstances that make prayer at that moment a bit awkward, but prayer is what is needed most rather than the promise of prayer. Maybe you have been afraid to stop and pray with someone on that street corner, in the grocery store or at the ball game, etc. Maybe you are truly praying for that person already, but there may be a unique opportunity at that intersection.
That day I was blessed immensely through this encounter with a man I had never met and have not seen since. He took time to stop in his path, drop whatever he was doing and pray with me. As that prayer was offered, I found great comfort and encouragement to finish the day and the week on a strong note. I felt like someone, God himself, cared enough for me to listen to my aching heart. Since that day, I decided to pray with people whenever the opportunity arrises and not just offer the promise of prayer at a later time.
When Jesus entered the Garden of Gethsemane for the last time, he did so to pray. He was at an intersection in His life and ministry and it was a rough one. He requested that his disciples "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." Jesus sought solitude with God, but also sought support from His disciples, from friends. Whenever, he returned from his time with God in prayer he found them sleeping. I wonder how often we have been asleep when we have been left with the mission of prayer?
Each day we are granted intersections to cross, and as we do, we may just intersect another's life too, if we are open to it. I am praying for you!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Docs Prescription 4 Anxiety
The world is filled with anxiety. Following 9-11-2001 people experienced a wide range of emotions. Such emotions as anger, insecurity, fear, sorrow and much more were prevalent in our own thoughts and lives. People flocked to the church to seek God, find comfort and answers. As time went by, people expressed to me what I understood as anxiety. Some were anxious about travel, security for family and country, while others were struggling with feelings from grief and anger. I remember many of the ministry counseling sessions that followed the horrifying events of that day and how often I brought people to the Scriptures in order to find peace. The peace that surpasses all understanding and guards are hearts and minds in Christ Jesus is found in God's word and in prayer.
In times like these I Often I lead people to the Gospel of John chapter 16 verses 17-33. In this Scripture we read about how God turns our grief into Joy. Jesus expresses that the sorrow we experience is temporary, but the joy we experience is eternal. Though there are trials and struggles in this life, there is joy to experience as we walk with our Lord through them. The joy comes in knowing that though there are struggles and battles against evil in this life, Jesus has already won the war! At the conclusion of this message, Jesus stated, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
I pray for you to experience the joy and the victory of Christ this day! I pray for God's peace and presence to be a comfort to you! Amen
In times like these I Often I lead people to the Gospel of John chapter 16 verses 17-33. In this Scripture we read about how God turns our grief into Joy. Jesus expresses that the sorrow we experience is temporary, but the joy we experience is eternal. Though there are trials and struggles in this life, there is joy to experience as we walk with our Lord through them. The joy comes in knowing that though there are struggles and battles against evil in this life, Jesus has already won the war! At the conclusion of this message, Jesus stated, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
I pray for you to experience the joy and the victory of Christ this day! I pray for God's peace and presence to be a comfort to you! Amen
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Stop, Drop and Pray
"This is the day that the Lord hath made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
It seems almost impossible to praise God in the midst of our terrible days! How can we do that? We remember 10 years ago today how the world was in shock following the early morning attacks of terrorists on America. As that day unfolded, there seemed to be little for which to thank God. Instead of thanksgiving, many felt anxiety, anger and fear, among other emotions. How could we praise God in the midst of such tragic loss that day? Maybe it was too fresh, too hard to praise God at that time for really our hearts and minds were overwhelmed with other terrifying things. And yet, if we look back we must stop and praise God for the firefighters who rushed into harms way knowing full well they would likely not return. We should stop to praise God for the heroes who brought down United Flight 93 so another target could not be hit. Maybe, in our sobering reflection on that day, we can find peace in praising God for what happened in the aftermath?
St. Augustine reminds us of our human struggle for peace. He wrote in Confessions, "Our hearts are restless, Oh God, until we find peace with thee." What we need to do most is find that peace with God that may have eluded us 10 years ago. You remember don't you, how the masses flocked to the church seeking comfort and answers for weeks following that tragic day? Yet, a short time later many returned to whatever normal routine there was in their lives before. Maybe, we failed to find real peace and therefore have failed to genuinely praise God through even this tragedy? Maybe, the peace that they needed was found and people moved on?
For me, I need that daily reminder of God in the Psalms to "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) For me, I need that daily reminder of God that we should thank Him in all circumstances and acknowledge there is peace in the praise. We certainly don't have to thank God for the trials we face, but thank God for the Presence and Peace He offers through the trial.
The Apostle Paul illustrates through his many trials a peace that surpasses all understanding in Christ Jesus our Lord. But before that peace is realized he writes, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord!"
So as we begin this season of Prayer (30 Day Pray), let us be mindful of our call to praise God even for the trials and tragedies we face and for the once we have faced. Let us learn how to Stop, Drop and Praise! In the prayer and praise we find peace!
It seems almost impossible to praise God in the midst of our terrible days! How can we do that? We remember 10 years ago today how the world was in shock following the early morning attacks of terrorists on America. As that day unfolded, there seemed to be little for which to thank God. Instead of thanksgiving, many felt anxiety, anger and fear, among other emotions. How could we praise God in the midst of such tragic loss that day? Maybe it was too fresh, too hard to praise God at that time for really our hearts and minds were overwhelmed with other terrifying things. And yet, if we look back we must stop and praise God for the firefighters who rushed into harms way knowing full well they would likely not return. We should stop to praise God for the heroes who brought down United Flight 93 so another target could not be hit. Maybe, in our sobering reflection on that day, we can find peace in praising God for what happened in the aftermath?
St. Augustine reminds us of our human struggle for peace. He wrote in Confessions, "Our hearts are restless, Oh God, until we find peace with thee." What we need to do most is find that peace with God that may have eluded us 10 years ago. You remember don't you, how the masses flocked to the church seeking comfort and answers for weeks following that tragic day? Yet, a short time later many returned to whatever normal routine there was in their lives before. Maybe, we failed to find real peace and therefore have failed to genuinely praise God through even this tragedy? Maybe, the peace that they needed was found and people moved on?
For me, I need that daily reminder of God in the Psalms to "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) For me, I need that daily reminder of God that we should thank Him in all circumstances and acknowledge there is peace in the praise. We certainly don't have to thank God for the trials we face, but thank God for the Presence and Peace He offers through the trial.
The Apostle Paul illustrates through his many trials a peace that surpasses all understanding in Christ Jesus our Lord. But before that peace is realized he writes, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord!"
So as we begin this season of Prayer (30 Day Pray), let us be mindful of our call to praise God even for the trials and tragedies we face and for the once we have faced. Let us learn how to Stop, Drop and Praise! In the prayer and praise we find peace!
Friday, September 9, 2011
All Things New
Many people like new things. I am one of those people. New houses, new cars, new clothes, new schools, new jobs, new churches, new friends, new beginnings, etc. The word new has a connotation of fresh or clean to it. New can be exciting and fun! The Lord Jesus stated, "I make all things new." (Revelation 21:5) The Apostle Paul writes concerning Jesus, "If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation, the old has past, the new has come." Certainly, our Lord Jesus died for the sin of the world and he wipes the slate clean in our hearts has we confess He is Lord and Savior of our Lives. This is the new beginning that God has for us!
However, for many the idea of new is scary! New is scary because we are familiar with our patterns, traditions and ways of life already and don't like the idea of change. Interestingly, even young people struggle at times with the new in life. New things can usher in a certain degree of insecurity when we are not trusting in Jesus. Yet, every day is filled with new opportunities, challenges and blessings for us. Therefore, our faith, no matter how long we have proclaimed it, has a freshness to it as we choose each new day to walk with Jesus!
My life and ministry have recently been filled with many new beginnings, friends and blessings! (Even this blog is a first for me.) These come along with new challenges. God will give us the strength to walk through the new as we walk with Him, for we walk by faith and not by sight. As Jesus's disciples were beginning to follow Him, they recognized Him as deeply devoted to God in prayer. Then they asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." Jesus then offered them the model prayer, the Lord's Prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Prayer was the foundation of Jesus ministry and served as a new beginning for the disciples. Prayer must be our foundation! This is my prayer for you all! Let us join together in this new blog for the next 30 Days as we pray. Who knows, maybe God will do a "New Thing" in our lives?!!
However, for many the idea of new is scary! New is scary because we are familiar with our patterns, traditions and ways of life already and don't like the idea of change. Interestingly, even young people struggle at times with the new in life. New things can usher in a certain degree of insecurity when we are not trusting in Jesus. Yet, every day is filled with new opportunities, challenges and blessings for us. Therefore, our faith, no matter how long we have proclaimed it, has a freshness to it as we choose each new day to walk with Jesus!
My life and ministry have recently been filled with many new beginnings, friends and blessings! (Even this blog is a first for me.) These come along with new challenges. God will give us the strength to walk through the new as we walk with Him, for we walk by faith and not by sight. As Jesus's disciples were beginning to follow Him, they recognized Him as deeply devoted to God in prayer. Then they asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." Jesus then offered them the model prayer, the Lord's Prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Prayer was the foundation of Jesus ministry and served as a new beginning for the disciples. Prayer must be our foundation! This is my prayer for you all! Let us join together in this new blog for the next 30 Days as we pray. Who knows, maybe God will do a "New Thing" in our lives?!!
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