My grandfather used to tell me that the problem with picking up a rattlesnake.... is that there is just no good way of turning him loose. Why he insisted on picking them up, I have no idea, but he just couldn't help himself.
I remember hearing my grandmother scream when she found a freshly caught rattlesnake, neatly coiled up in a glass milk jar, cooling off in the kitchen freezer.
Which was highly amusing but that is for another blog.
So, last night as I was shutting down the house, I grabbed a very perfect hunk of Tamarack for the stove. I had no doubt that it would hold a fire all night, so I slid it into the firebox and immediately it began to burn.
Except.... it was about 3" longer than my firebox.
So I have this fine piece of wood blazing away and I honestly have no idea how to resolve my issue without burning my house down.
It was so obvious that things were precarious, that the dogs went and hid in Michele's office. When pugs abandon ship, it is time to rethink your situation.
Now it is time for your Spiritual thought for the evening, "What do you do what you don't know what to do?"
So how do you get started working with God so you can begin making right decisions and showing good judgment?
Here are four keys to point you in the right direction:
#1. Make the decision to let God be God
You'll never make progress in this area as long as you refuse to give up control.
It certainly isn't easy, and it certainly doesn't happen overnight it helped when I realized there was somebody a bit more qualified than me in charge of my life.
"We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer" Proverbs 16:1-4
#2. Study the Word of God
The only way you're going to get to know God and his character is to study his Word. It won't take long before you're able to judge situations and circumstances with a new view. Decisions are easier because you already know in advance the direction you want your life to take.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15
#3. Surround yourself with people who are further along in the journey
God puts people in our lives to encourage us when we are down, to teach us when we need guidance, to confront us when we are out of line, to.... well, provide what we need, when we need it. Then you can take comfort in knowing that one day your mistakes may serve to help someone else.
"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" 1 Corinthians 11:1
"God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ" 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
#4. Never give up
Every day, make progress, get to know God a little better. Cut yourself some slack. Little by little as you gain wisdom from God's Word, you'll begin to see the results reflected in your decisions.
"And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up" Hebrews 12:1-3
CLOSING THOUGHT:
I used to have a poster that said,
"Everyone needs good judgement
How do you get good judgement?
Experience
How do you get experience?
Bad judgement"
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Missing Out
My dear wifey couldn't stand it. The sun was shining and the birds were singing.
So in a burst of energy, she strapped on her snowshoes and headed for the high country. She is fearless....
Last time we went snowshoeing, we went up in the mountains above the Pend Oreille Lakes and with great gusto, launched out into about 3 feet of fresh snow.
Notice I said, "into" not "on top of".
After about 100 yards of sinking up to my waist in fresh powder, we were both exhausted. It was like duck walking in waist deep snow. For 2 weeks, my thighs were so sore, I couldn't push myself up out of a chair. This was not my idea of a good time nor was I inclined to a repeat performance.
Today, she grabbed her snowshoes and "hi ho hi ho" and up the mountain she went.
She loved it. She found that the fresh rain packed the snow down enough that she could stay on top of the snow. In fact, she was wearing a tee shirt and a windbreaker.
So today, I chose to stay home and I ended up missing out on a beautiful day.
So where is the great spiritual lesson in all this?
You have 3 choices.
#1. Ignore God, live for yourself, and take your chances
#2. Learn about God through other people's experiences with Him
#3. Experience God for yourself
I am going to BRIEFLY touch on each one of these and then I will leave you alone.
#1 Ignore God, live for yourself, and take your chances
* of course the problem with this is IF you are wrong, the eternal consequences are indescribable. Living for yourself may sound fun but it holds no happiness, peace or fulfillment.
#2. Learn about God through other people's experiences with Him
* reading wonderful Christian books and their experiences with God is not a substitute for you have a personal relationship with God yourself. The temptation is, you get some of the knowledge, you get some of the warm and fuzzies, without having to go full disclosure before God in humility and honestly. I will stop there because I am on the verge of a sermon, and no one wants that.
#3. Experience God for yourself
God promises: “If you draw near to Me I WILL draw near to you” James 4:8
* So HOW do you "draw near" to God? Jesus said in Matthew 6:6, "when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." I believe the REWARD that God promises you, is an honest open, transparent, relationship with our Heavenly Father.
All the stuff and clutter we pray for, can actually be "settling". Settling for shiny beads and trinkets when in reality, God Himself desires for you to KNOW Him.
Now how cool is that????
So in a burst of energy, she strapped on her snowshoes and headed for the high country. She is fearless....
Last time we went snowshoeing, we went up in the mountains above the Pend Oreille Lakes and with great gusto, launched out into about 3 feet of fresh snow.
Notice I said, "into" not "on top of".
After about 100 yards of sinking up to my waist in fresh powder, we were both exhausted. It was like duck walking in waist deep snow. For 2 weeks, my thighs were so sore, I couldn't push myself up out of a chair. This was not my idea of a good time nor was I inclined to a repeat performance.
Today, she grabbed her snowshoes and "hi ho hi ho" and up the mountain she went.
She loved it. She found that the fresh rain packed the snow down enough that she could stay on top of the snow. In fact, she was wearing a tee shirt and a windbreaker.
So today, I chose to stay home and I ended up missing out on a beautiful day.
So where is the great spiritual lesson in all this?
You have 3 choices.
#1. Ignore God, live for yourself, and take your chances
#2. Learn about God through other people's experiences with Him
#3. Experience God for yourself
I am going to BRIEFLY touch on each one of these and then I will leave you alone.
#1 Ignore God, live for yourself, and take your chances
* of course the problem with this is IF you are wrong, the eternal consequences are indescribable. Living for yourself may sound fun but it holds no happiness, peace or fulfillment.
#2. Learn about God through other people's experiences with Him
* reading wonderful Christian books and their experiences with God is not a substitute for you have a personal relationship with God yourself. The temptation is, you get some of the knowledge, you get some of the warm and fuzzies, without having to go full disclosure before God in humility and honestly. I will stop there because I am on the verge of a sermon, and no one wants that.
#3. Experience God for yourself
God promises: “If you draw near to Me I WILL draw near to you” James 4:8
* So HOW do you "draw near" to God? Jesus said in Matthew 6:6, "when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." I believe the REWARD that God promises you, is an honest open, transparent, relationship with our Heavenly Father.
All the stuff and clutter we pray for, can actually be "settling". Settling for shiny beads and trinkets when in reality, God Himself desires for you to KNOW Him.
Now how cool is that????
Talking to Dogs
This morning as I attempted to make coffee and fix breakfast, my pugs remained underfoot. They were like VISA, they were everywhere I wanted to be.
I found my vocabulary limited to, "Stop", "Move", "No", and "Don't even think about it". As the morning wore on, our conversation remained the same, the words were just in a different order. At some point, after stepping on Bubba for the forth time, I used a unique combination of all the words in one long run on sentence. Which he failed to understand the language but fully grasped the concept.
Daisy on the other hand, believes that she is more devious. Of course her devious is what I call obvious. She is terrified that a tasty treat will fall from my hand and land close to Bubba. Which would put her at a disadvantage, causing her great consternation. I actually believe it keeps her up at night, fretting about this injustice.
So what gem of truth, does talking to dogs while preparing breakfast, hold for a dreary Monday morning?
Welcome to the world of Pastor Shane....
Ask yourself this: "Out of Almighty God's vast limitless vocabulary, how many words does He use to communicate with you?"
Do you take the time to have conversations with God?
Are your conversations, one sided, where you do all the talking?
Please tell me that this question disturbs you on some level.
A one sided prayer is like going to the greatest counselor on earth and spending the whole time talking about yourself and never giving him an opportunity to get a word in.
Or do you find your conversations with God more like my instructions to my pugs. One word and to the point.
Do you desire to know Him better? Do you desire to know what God's opinion is? Do you desire to know what God hates? Do you desire to know what makes God smile?
How do you expect to find this out if you are the only one talking or limit the conversation to 30 second sound bites?
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.
Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.
But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!
There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
I found my vocabulary limited to, "Stop", "Move", "No", and "Don't even think about it". As the morning wore on, our conversation remained the same, the words were just in a different order. At some point, after stepping on Bubba for the forth time, I used a unique combination of all the words in one long run on sentence. Which he failed to understand the language but fully grasped the concept.
Daisy on the other hand, believes that she is more devious. Of course her devious is what I call obvious. She is terrified that a tasty treat will fall from my hand and land close to Bubba. Which would put her at a disadvantage, causing her great consternation. I actually believe it keeps her up at night, fretting about this injustice.
So what gem of truth, does talking to dogs while preparing breakfast, hold for a dreary Monday morning?
Welcome to the world of Pastor Shane....
Ask yourself this: "Out of Almighty God's vast limitless vocabulary, how many words does He use to communicate with you?"
Do you take the time to have conversations with God?
Are your conversations, one sided, where you do all the talking?
Please tell me that this question disturbs you on some level.
A one sided prayer is like going to the greatest counselor on earth and spending the whole time talking about yourself and never giving him an opportunity to get a word in.
Or do you find your conversations with God more like my instructions to my pugs. One word and to the point.
Do you desire to know Him better? Do you desire to know what God's opinion is? Do you desire to know what God hates? Do you desire to know what makes God smile?
How do you expect to find this out if you are the only one talking or limit the conversation to 30 second sound bites?
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.
Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.
But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!
There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Old Fashioned Water Pump
Every Sunday morning, God draws a varying assortment of souls through the church doors. My personal burden is the knowledge that this is a one shot deal for the majority of them. A handful will attend a Bible study or our Wednesday night service. But the majority of them will face the trials of the week with only this 30 minute message from God.
My grandmother used to say, "7 days without God's Word makes for 1 weak Christian".
Life dumps a back breaking assortment of stressors and difficulties into their lives that threaten not only their peace of mind but often even the very fabric of their family unity.
This knowledge weighs heavy on me, knowing this may be their only exposure to the healing comfort and strength found only in God's Word.
The world always provides a well stocked buffet of distractions and unhealthy vices.
My vision is that of a old fashioned water pump out in a dusty yard. God has assigned me the task of standing behind the pump and when everyone is present with their buckets in hand, I lift the pump handle. As the handle is lifted, God's living water flows in abundance, generously filling the buckets.
"I, the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things" Psalm 81:10
"Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"
Psalm 34:8
Live churches have parking problems;
Dead churches have empty spaces!
Live churches may have some noisy children;
Dead churches are quiet as a cemetery.
Live churches keep changing their ways of doing things;
Dead churches see no need for change!
Live churches grow so fast you can't keep up with people's names;
In dead churches everybody always knows everybody's name.
Live churches strongly support world missions;
Dead churches keep the money at home!
Live churches are full of regular, cheerful givers;
Dead churches are full of grudging tippers!
Live churches move ahead on prayer and faith;
Dead churches work only on sight!
Live churches plant churches;
Dead churches fear spending the money, time, and talent!
Live churches outgrow their Sunday School facilities;
Dead churches have room to spare!
Live churches welcome all classes of people;
Dead churches stick to their own kind!
Live churches' members read their Bibles and bring them to church;
Dead churches' members seldom do!
Live churches' members enthusiastically support the ministries;
Dead churches have no ministries--only functions!
Live churches' members look for someone they can help;
Dead churches' members look for something to complain about!
Live churches' members reach out to share their faith in Christ;
Dead churches' members don't have enough to share!
My grandmother used to say, "7 days without God's Word makes for 1 weak Christian".
Life dumps a back breaking assortment of stressors and difficulties into their lives that threaten not only their peace of mind but often even the very fabric of their family unity.
This knowledge weighs heavy on me, knowing this may be their only exposure to the healing comfort and strength found only in God's Word.
The world always provides a well stocked buffet of distractions and unhealthy vices.
My vision is that of a old fashioned water pump out in a dusty yard. God has assigned me the task of standing behind the pump and when everyone is present with their buckets in hand, I lift the pump handle. As the handle is lifted, God's living water flows in abundance, generously filling the buckets.
"I, the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things" Psalm 81:10
"Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"
Psalm 34:8
Live churches have parking problems;
Dead churches have empty spaces!
Live churches may have some noisy children;
Dead churches are quiet as a cemetery.
Live churches keep changing their ways of doing things;
Dead churches see no need for change!
Live churches grow so fast you can't keep up with people's names;
In dead churches everybody always knows everybody's name.
Live churches strongly support world missions;
Dead churches keep the money at home!
Live churches are full of regular, cheerful givers;
Dead churches are full of grudging tippers!
Live churches move ahead on prayer and faith;
Dead churches work only on sight!
Live churches plant churches;
Dead churches fear spending the money, time, and talent!
Live churches outgrow their Sunday School facilities;
Dead churches have room to spare!
Live churches welcome all classes of people;
Dead churches stick to their own kind!
Live churches' members read their Bibles and bring them to church;
Dead churches' members seldom do!
Live churches' members enthusiastically support the ministries;
Dead churches have no ministries--only functions!
Live churches' members look for someone they can help;
Dead churches' members look for something to complain about!
Live churches' members reach out to share their faith in Christ;
Dead churches' members don't have enough to share!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Growing Faith
I spent a some time this morning discussing worship with a good friend. She finds it easy to worship God when she listens to Christian music. I observed that this is good, perhaps not best, because she is expressing someone else's worship to God. I think that listening to Christian music is a wonderful tool to move us closer to God. I encouraged her to open her Bible to a favorite verse in Psalms and sing it to her favorite Christian song. This will allow her to begin expressing her heart song to God.
Worshipping God is expressing your heart to God. That is intentionally vague. Because the more you know about God, the deeper your ability to love and appreciate Him. The more you are aware of what He is doing in your life, the more broad your ability to express appreciation for Him. The closer you get to the presence of God, the more clear it becomes what pleases God and what doesn't.
She asked me an incredibly practical question that I have never spent much time thinking about. "Why don't I hear God's voice every time I pray? Why don't I sense Him near every time I pray?"
I told her that according to 1 Kings 19:12, God speaks in a still small voice. That may be as subtle as a thought, an emotion, a nudge, a friends counsel, a Bible passage, a sermon point, a moment of clarity, or however God chooses to speak to His child.
Now for a word of encouragement. When you don't hear God or feel His presence, He is still there. God is growing your faith by letting go. It is much like teaching a child to ride a bicycle. At first, you hang on to the seat and run along behind. You do most of the steering and provide the forward motion. However, with time, as the child develops, it is natural for you to start letting go. You still run along behind in case the child gets in trouble, but you are close at hand in case of danger.
"be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
Those times when God lets go of your bike and trots along behind, are the times when your faith grows by leaps and bounds.
Seeing and hearing does not require faith.
Growing faith requires not seeing and not hearing.
So when you experience a season when God doesn't seem to be near, relax, He is taking your faith out for some exercise.
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:2-4
God promised He wouldn't let anything touch you without His preparing you to handle it.
"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13
My parting thought for you is to realize that King David felt exactly the same way you feel. Check this out:
"O LORD, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face from me?" Psalm 88:14
"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" Psalm 13:1
Now don't miss this:
"For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness, I will have compassion on you," says the LORD your Redeemer. Isaiah 54:7-8
Worshipping God is expressing your heart to God. That is intentionally vague. Because the more you know about God, the deeper your ability to love and appreciate Him. The more you are aware of what He is doing in your life, the more broad your ability to express appreciation for Him. The closer you get to the presence of God, the more clear it becomes what pleases God and what doesn't.
She asked me an incredibly practical question that I have never spent much time thinking about. "Why don't I hear God's voice every time I pray? Why don't I sense Him near every time I pray?"
I told her that according to 1 Kings 19:12, God speaks in a still small voice. That may be as subtle as a thought, an emotion, a nudge, a friends counsel, a Bible passage, a sermon point, a moment of clarity, or however God chooses to speak to His child.
Now for a word of encouragement. When you don't hear God or feel His presence, He is still there. God is growing your faith by letting go. It is much like teaching a child to ride a bicycle. At first, you hang on to the seat and run along behind. You do most of the steering and provide the forward motion. However, with time, as the child develops, it is natural for you to start letting go. You still run along behind in case the child gets in trouble, but you are close at hand in case of danger.
"be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
Those times when God lets go of your bike and trots along behind, are the times when your faith grows by leaps and bounds.
Seeing and hearing does not require faith.
Growing faith requires not seeing and not hearing.
So when you experience a season when God doesn't seem to be near, relax, He is taking your faith out for some exercise.
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:2-4
God promised He wouldn't let anything touch you without His preparing you to handle it.
"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13
My parting thought for you is to realize that King David felt exactly the same way you feel. Check this out:
"O LORD, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face from me?" Psalm 88:14
"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" Psalm 13:1
Now don't miss this:
"For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness, I will have compassion on you," says the LORD your Redeemer. Isaiah 54:7-8
Friday, January 27, 2012
An Unexpected Blessing
I usually listen to KMBI radio (107.9) except when their talk shows are accepting calls from the public. At that point, I flip over to "Positive Life Radio" at 104.9. PLR doesn't take annoying calls from people commenting on... well, nothing, because their cell phones frequently cut in and out. And I am convinced that many of the callers just like being contrary and take pleasure in trying to offend as many people as possible.
Sorry, I digress....
PLR has a huge listening audience that covers most of the Pacific Northwest. And they started promoting a "pay it backward" program for drive throughs. The idea is, when you go through a drive through, pay for the persons order behind you. Which, I thought was a nice gesture until it developed into something amazing and continued for weeks and weeks and hundreds of people are participating.
And yes, they accept calls from the public - about their experiences with the "pay it backward" program. And no, none of these callers seem annoying or offensive. In fact, it has turned out to have a remarkably positive impact on hundreds of people.
Who knew????
Tonight, a very interesting lady called in to report that when she went to the Jack in the Box drive through window and found the person in front of her had already paid for her dinner. This made her so excited that she insisted on paying for the people's order behind her - which turned out to be $43. She didn't have $43 on her so she called in to promise that next time she goes through a drive through and the car behind her has a reasonably priced bill, that she would cough up the cash. This made me laugh because she failed to comply with the program yet she felt the need to call in and confess to the American public. Why she felt the need to call in and make herself look like a miser, makes my head spin but it turned out to be an unexpected blessing.
So how is this an unexpected blessing?
Bear with me because I am going to take you on a rabbit trail for a minute.
One of my pet peeves is political TV campaign advertisements. I dislike them almost as much as I detest political debates. I will stop there before I offend both of my blog readers.
After spending two days of my life invaded by talking heads expressing opinions of the State of the Union address and the political debates, my faith in humanity was needing a serious injection of honesty and basic goodness.
Enter "Positive Life Radio".
Average American people showing random acts of kindness with pure motives was the simple breath of fresh air I needed today.
You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
Do Not Judge Others
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you.
Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.
Give, and you will receive.
Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down,
shaken together to make room for more, running over,
and poured into your lap.
The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:36-38
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
Sorry, I digress....
PLR has a huge listening audience that covers most of the Pacific Northwest. And they started promoting a "pay it backward" program for drive throughs. The idea is, when you go through a drive through, pay for the persons order behind you. Which, I thought was a nice gesture until it developed into something amazing and continued for weeks and weeks and hundreds of people are participating.
And yes, they accept calls from the public - about their experiences with the "pay it backward" program. And no, none of these callers seem annoying or offensive. In fact, it has turned out to have a remarkably positive impact on hundreds of people.
Who knew????
Tonight, a very interesting lady called in to report that when she went to the Jack in the Box drive through window and found the person in front of her had already paid for her dinner. This made her so excited that she insisted on paying for the people's order behind her - which turned out to be $43. She didn't have $43 on her so she called in to promise that next time she goes through a drive through and the car behind her has a reasonably priced bill, that she would cough up the cash. This made me laugh because she failed to comply with the program yet she felt the need to call in and confess to the American public. Why she felt the need to call in and make herself look like a miser, makes my head spin but it turned out to be an unexpected blessing.
So how is this an unexpected blessing?
Bear with me because I am going to take you on a rabbit trail for a minute.
One of my pet peeves is political TV campaign advertisements. I dislike them almost as much as I detest political debates. I will stop there before I offend both of my blog readers.
After spending two days of my life invaded by talking heads expressing opinions of the State of the Union address and the political debates, my faith in humanity was needing a serious injection of honesty and basic goodness.
Enter "Positive Life Radio".
Average American people showing random acts of kindness with pure motives was the simple breath of fresh air I needed today.
You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
Do Not Judge Others
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you.
Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.
Give, and you will receive.
Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down,
shaken together to make room for more, running over,
and poured into your lap.
The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:36-38
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Inevitable Process
Tomorrow I am spending the day with a lifelong friend that is preparing to pass away. He worked hard his whole life, paid his bills and tried to treat his family and friends the way he wanted to be treated. I will forever remember him sitting in his road grader with a big grin on his face and his cap askew. His hands were gnarled with carpal tunnel, the result of decades of operating old road graders. His was a life well lived.
His wife is one of the most gentle kind people I have ever met in my life. She has asked me to walk with her through this heart rendering process. It is an honor to serve as a shoulder to lean on and a voice for prayer and hope.
I call it a process because it is 1/2 business, 1/2 spiritual, and 1/2 emotional. If you doubt that it costs you more than 100%, then you haven't walked through the valley of the shadow of death, as David calls it in Psalm 23. When the whole process is over and you are sitting alone in the dark, you feel depleted, drained, empty.
So I am going to do two things in this blog. First, offer a few practical thoughts that you need to give some thought to. Second, give you a few verses from Scripture that sheds light on encouragement and eternal hope.
#1. Contact a funeral director that you trust and ask for a meeting to make "pre arrangements". There are a number of issues that need to be wrote down and filed away. For instance, do you prefer cremation or burial? If you prefer cremation, the funeral director has paperwork for you to sign. Also, if you would like to pay for your service in advance and not leave that burden to your family, the funeral director will direct you to reputable businesses (like Purple Cross) that handle these affairs. Your meeting with the funeral director will take about an hour.
#2. Take care of your will. I have observed the devastation resulting from someone passing away without a will. This is already an emotionally charged time and your will can add guidance and peace.
#3. Talk to a pastor about the funeral service. If you have favorite songs or a favorite poem or a favorite vacation story or a favorite childhood memory or a favorite memory from your military service, pass it along to the pastor for a personal touch at your service. Your shared memories is what moves a service from a routine funeral to a celebration of life.
Second, God's Word has verses that remove the sting of grieving and provides comfort, peace and perspective. I personally do not think there is any more comforting passage than Psalm 23. It never gets old, can never be worn out, and always offers comfort.
On a different note, I listed many verses from Scripture that are commonly used for funeral / memorial services. F.Y.I. a funeral is where the deceased is present in a casket and a memorial service is where the deceased is not present.
Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his faithful servants.
John 14:1-4
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Revelation 21:4
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
Romans 8:37-38
we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 14:8
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Psalm 48:14
For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.
Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust."
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear
Isaiah 41:10, 13
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. . . . For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
2 Corinthians 15:8
we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
His wife is one of the most gentle kind people I have ever met in my life. She has asked me to walk with her through this heart rendering process. It is an honor to serve as a shoulder to lean on and a voice for prayer and hope.
I call it a process because it is 1/2 business, 1/2 spiritual, and 1/2 emotional. If you doubt that it costs you more than 100%, then you haven't walked through the valley of the shadow of death, as David calls it in Psalm 23. When the whole process is over and you are sitting alone in the dark, you feel depleted, drained, empty.
So I am going to do two things in this blog. First, offer a few practical thoughts that you need to give some thought to. Second, give you a few verses from Scripture that sheds light on encouragement and eternal hope.
#1. Contact a funeral director that you trust and ask for a meeting to make "pre arrangements". There are a number of issues that need to be wrote down and filed away. For instance, do you prefer cremation or burial? If you prefer cremation, the funeral director has paperwork for you to sign. Also, if you would like to pay for your service in advance and not leave that burden to your family, the funeral director will direct you to reputable businesses (like Purple Cross) that handle these affairs. Your meeting with the funeral director will take about an hour.
#2. Take care of your will. I have observed the devastation resulting from someone passing away without a will. This is already an emotionally charged time and your will can add guidance and peace.
#3. Talk to a pastor about the funeral service. If you have favorite songs or a favorite poem or a favorite vacation story or a favorite childhood memory or a favorite memory from your military service, pass it along to the pastor for a personal touch at your service. Your shared memories is what moves a service from a routine funeral to a celebration of life.
Second, God's Word has verses that remove the sting of grieving and provides comfort, peace and perspective. I personally do not think there is any more comforting passage than Psalm 23. It never gets old, can never be worn out, and always offers comfort.
On a different note, I listed many verses from Scripture that are commonly used for funeral / memorial services. F.Y.I. a funeral is where the deceased is present in a casket and a memorial service is where the deceased is not present.
Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his faithful servants.
John 14:1-4
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Revelation 21:4
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
Romans 8:37-38
we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 14:8
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Psalm 48:14
For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.
Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust."
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear
Isaiah 41:10, 13
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. . . . For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
2 Corinthians 15:8
we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Helping Out the Neighbors
I grew up watching my dad plow snow out of all the neighbor's driveways.
He still loves it. He has an old 1948 Ford tractor with a blade on the back. When it snows, dad bundles up in all the clothes he owns and pushes snow around until everyone is taken care of.
To my knowledge, the only payment he has ever accepted is home made chocolate chip cookies. Dad views plowing snow as 1/2 ministry and 1/2 just being a good neighbor.
Now I have my own place out of town but don't have a tractor. We have a snowblower that requires a couple hours of hard work to adequately clear the driveway. However, one of my neighbors has a 4-wheeler with a blade and he zips around the driveway in about 8 minutes. Another of my neighbors has a mambo Dodge truck with a blade that is so wide it requires a CDL license to operate it. He makes one pass and there is no snow left on my property.
My point, words fail to express my appreciation for people that see a need and without a thought, step up and fill that need.
There is something unique about living in a community where people look out for each other. I believe this is a rare attribute being lived out in our world today.
So I was studying the Bible and researching what it says about doing "good deeds". God has a great deal to say about doing "good deeds".
First, it is not about impressing anyone.
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." Matthew 6:1-4
I love the comment, "...they have all the reward they will ever get".
Second, it is not about being selfish.
"You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20:35
Third, it is not about making myself look good.
"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17
Fourth, it is not about wrong motives.
"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." James 4:17
Fifth, it is not about being a solo act.
"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Hebrews 10:24
Last, its not about quitting when it gets difficult.
"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." Galatians 6:9
If you still doubt that this is an important concept with the good Lord, then let me share my favorite Bible verse:
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35
He still loves it. He has an old 1948 Ford tractor with a blade on the back. When it snows, dad bundles up in all the clothes he owns and pushes snow around until everyone is taken care of.
To my knowledge, the only payment he has ever accepted is home made chocolate chip cookies. Dad views plowing snow as 1/2 ministry and 1/2 just being a good neighbor.
Now I have my own place out of town but don't have a tractor. We have a snowblower that requires a couple hours of hard work to adequately clear the driveway. However, one of my neighbors has a 4-wheeler with a blade and he zips around the driveway in about 8 minutes. Another of my neighbors has a mambo Dodge truck with a blade that is so wide it requires a CDL license to operate it. He makes one pass and there is no snow left on my property.
My point, words fail to express my appreciation for people that see a need and without a thought, step up and fill that need.
There is something unique about living in a community where people look out for each other. I believe this is a rare attribute being lived out in our world today.
So I was studying the Bible and researching what it says about doing "good deeds". God has a great deal to say about doing "good deeds".
First, it is not about impressing anyone.
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." Matthew 6:1-4
I love the comment, "...they have all the reward they will ever get".
Second, it is not about being selfish.
"You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20:35
Third, it is not about making myself look good.
"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17
Fourth, it is not about wrong motives.
"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." James 4:17
Fifth, it is not about being a solo act.
"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Hebrews 10:24
Last, its not about quitting when it gets difficult.
"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." Galatians 6:9
If you still doubt that this is an important concept with the good Lord, then let me share my favorite Bible verse:
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35
Consequences of a Moral Tumble
Randy Alcorn wrote "Consequences of a Moral Tumble,” in a magazine titled Leadership.
I find it helpful to review what effects my actions could have:
Grieving the Lord who redeemed me.
Dragging His sacred name into the mud.
One day having to look Jesus, the Righteous Judge, in the face and give an account of my actions.
Following in the footsteps of these people whose immorality forfeited their ministries and caused me to shudder: (list names).
Inflicting untold hurt on my best friend, and loyal wife.
Losing my wife's respect and trust.
Hurting my beloved children.
Destroying my example and credibility with my children, and nullifying both present and future efforts to teach them to obey God (“Why listen to a man who betrayed Mom and us?”)
If my blindness should continue or my wife be unable to forgive, perhaps losing my wife and my children forever.
Causing shame to my family (“Why isn’t Daddy a pastor anymore?”).
Losing self-respect.
Creating a form of guilt awfully hard to shake. Even though God would forgive me, would I forgive myself?
Forming memories and flashbacks that could plague future intimacy with my wife.
Wasting years of ministry training and experience for a long time, maybe permanently.
Forfeiting the effect of years of witnessing to my family and friends and reinforcing their distrust for ministers.
Undermining the faithful example and hard work of other Christians in our community.
Bringing great pleasure to Satan, the enemy of God and all that is good.
Possibly bearing the physical consequences of diseases.
Possibly causing pregnancy, with the personal and financial implications, including a lifelong reminder of my sin.
Bringing shame and hurt to these fellow pastors and elders: (list names).
Causing shame and hurt to these friends, especially those I’ve led to Christ and discipled: (list names)
Invoking shame and life-long embarrassment upon myself.
(Taken from Randy Alcorn, “Consequences of a Moral Tumble,” from the Winter 1988 issue of Leadership Magazine. Related articles may be found at his website at www.epm.org, or visit his blog at www.randyalcorn.blogspot.com)
I find it helpful to review what effects my actions could have:
Grieving the Lord who redeemed me.
Dragging His sacred name into the mud.
One day having to look Jesus, the Righteous Judge, in the face and give an account of my actions.
Following in the footsteps of these people whose immorality forfeited their ministries and caused me to shudder: (list names).
Inflicting untold hurt on my best friend, and loyal wife.
Losing my wife's respect and trust.
Hurting my beloved children.
Destroying my example and credibility with my children, and nullifying both present and future efforts to teach them to obey God (“Why listen to a man who betrayed Mom and us?”)
If my blindness should continue or my wife be unable to forgive, perhaps losing my wife and my children forever.
Causing shame to my family (“Why isn’t Daddy a pastor anymore?”).
Losing self-respect.
Creating a form of guilt awfully hard to shake. Even though God would forgive me, would I forgive myself?
Forming memories and flashbacks that could plague future intimacy with my wife.
Wasting years of ministry training and experience for a long time, maybe permanently.
Forfeiting the effect of years of witnessing to my family and friends and reinforcing their distrust for ministers.
Undermining the faithful example and hard work of other Christians in our community.
Bringing great pleasure to Satan, the enemy of God and all that is good.
Possibly bearing the physical consequences of diseases.
Possibly causing pregnancy, with the personal and financial implications, including a lifelong reminder of my sin.
Bringing shame and hurt to these fellow pastors and elders: (list names).
Causing shame and hurt to these friends, especially those I’ve led to Christ and discipled: (list names)
Invoking shame and life-long embarrassment upon myself.
(Taken from Randy Alcorn, “Consequences of a Moral Tumble,” from the Winter 1988 issue of Leadership Magazine. Related articles may be found at his website at www.epm.org, or visit his blog at www.randyalcorn.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
God's Thoughts on Prayer
Let me use transparency as a teaching aid for a moment. If confession is good for the soul, then my soul must be training for Bloomsday.
A couple weeks ago, I preached a Sunday morning sermon and at the end, I closed in prayer. In the prayer, I caught myself reviewing the major points from the sermon and rehashing the concluding challenge.
On Sunday afternoons, I like to "debrief". You know, like a football coach watching game films, looking for strengths and weaknesses. Studying to find out what worked and what didn't work.
Well, this is an amazing time for God to nudge me and point out areas in my life that He is taking issue with.
When God is taking issue with something in your life, it behooves you to pay attention.
The good Lord said, "Pastor Shane, you work for me. I know all. Period. There is nothing that gets by Me. Nothing surprises me or catches me off guard. So after preaching My message - that I gave you, and you close My message in prayer, asking My blessing on the message I gave you, why do you feel it necessary to do a slow motion replay and explain to me what you already said? I heard you the first time. If you are praying to Me, why does your prayer sound like a sermon summary for your congregation?"
My immediate replay was, "I don't know."
"Pastor Shane, are you praying to Me or are you using the closing prayer time as an teaching moment opportunity?"
Since the good Lord knows my heart and motivation, then I am sufficiently humbled.
My point is this, why do you pray?
Is prayer an opportunity for you to tell God how you want Him to handle something?
The bottom line is, prayer reveals your true belief about who God is.
Some people believe God is a fireman. They only pray to him where there is a fire and they need help.
Some people believe God is a genie. They believe that if they are good enough, that God will give them 3 wishes.
Some people believe God is like Santa. They make up a wish list and explain to God where they want their lottery ticket delivered to.
So what did Jesus teach about prayer:
"Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
A couple weeks ago, I preached a Sunday morning sermon and at the end, I closed in prayer. In the prayer, I caught myself reviewing the major points from the sermon and rehashing the concluding challenge.
On Sunday afternoons, I like to "debrief". You know, like a football coach watching game films, looking for strengths and weaknesses. Studying to find out what worked and what didn't work.
Well, this is an amazing time for God to nudge me and point out areas in my life that He is taking issue with.
When God is taking issue with something in your life, it behooves you to pay attention.
The good Lord said, "Pastor Shane, you work for me. I know all. Period. There is nothing that gets by Me. Nothing surprises me or catches me off guard. So after preaching My message - that I gave you, and you close My message in prayer, asking My blessing on the message I gave you, why do you feel it necessary to do a slow motion replay and explain to me what you already said? I heard you the first time. If you are praying to Me, why does your prayer sound like a sermon summary for your congregation?"
My immediate replay was, "I don't know."
"Pastor Shane, are you praying to Me or are you using the closing prayer time as an teaching moment opportunity?"
Since the good Lord knows my heart and motivation, then I am sufficiently humbled.
My point is this, why do you pray?
Is prayer an opportunity for you to tell God how you want Him to handle something?
The bottom line is, prayer reveals your true belief about who God is.
Some people believe God is a fireman. They only pray to him where there is a fire and they need help.
Some people believe God is a genie. They believe that if they are good enough, that God will give them 3 wishes.
Some people believe God is like Santa. They make up a wish list and explain to God where they want their lottery ticket delivered to.
So what did Jesus teach about prayer:
"Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
Monday, January 23, 2012
Will You You Make A Difference
If you only pay attention to one blog this year, please let it be this one.
This is a topic that each one of us will brush up against and our response will have a life long impact. So settle back and open your mind as we broach a topic that none of us are comfortable with.
I have had a surprising number of people in distress, contact me because their teenage daughters are pregnant.
What are they supposed to think?
What is a God pleasing response?
I will give you a couple things to prayerfully consider.
LESSON: God wants each of us to be a "bridge builder".
"and some have compassion, makes a difference"
Jude 1:22 KJV
There are a few times in life when we only have a split second for us to react, and our response leaves a life long impact.
Perhaps the key to this is, ACT, thoughtfully with prayer, not REACT, out of anger and pain. There comes a time when God calls you to reach beyond yourself and step out of your comfort zone and do what is best for someone else.
This requires us to demonstrate a God pleasing type of love. A good definition of this caliber of love is: "Giving someone what they need the most, when they deserve it the least, at a great personal cost to you".
When a teenager comes to you and reveals that she is pregnant:
My advice is, don't say the first thing that comes to your mind.
My advice is, in your heart, ask God to give you wisdom (James 1:5).
My advice is, remember that God has brought you her to you for counsel.
My advice is, avoid (at all costs) playing the "Blame Game".
My advice is, LISTEN more than you SPEAK.
My advice is, whatever you say, make sure it pleases God (John 8:11)
My advice is, remember, this is NOT about you, it is about her.
My advice is, encourage her to talk to her pastor for guidance.
My advice is, build a bridge so she can come to you tomorrow.
My advice is, begin your conversation in prayer, ask for God's wisdom and blessing.
My advice is, IF you are talking to the young man, send him to his pastor ASAP.
I have noticed that it takes a wise person to know which bridges to burn and which bridges to build. Often you have a split second to decide which you are going to do.
"there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul"
Psalm 142:4
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35
The ball is in your court,
what will you do.....
This is a topic that each one of us will brush up against and our response will have a life long impact. So settle back and open your mind as we broach a topic that none of us are comfortable with.
I have had a surprising number of people in distress, contact me because their teenage daughters are pregnant.
What are they supposed to think?
What is a God pleasing response?
I will give you a couple things to prayerfully consider.
LESSON: God wants each of us to be a "bridge builder".
"and some have compassion, makes a difference"
Jude 1:22 KJV
There are a few times in life when we only have a split second for us to react, and our response leaves a life long impact.
Perhaps the key to this is, ACT, thoughtfully with prayer, not REACT, out of anger and pain. There comes a time when God calls you to reach beyond yourself and step out of your comfort zone and do what is best for someone else.
This requires us to demonstrate a God pleasing type of love. A good definition of this caliber of love is: "Giving someone what they need the most, when they deserve it the least, at a great personal cost to you".
When a teenager comes to you and reveals that she is pregnant:
My advice is, don't say the first thing that comes to your mind.
My advice is, in your heart, ask God to give you wisdom (James 1:5).
My advice is, remember that God has brought you her to you for counsel.
My advice is, avoid (at all costs) playing the "Blame Game".
My advice is, LISTEN more than you SPEAK.
My advice is, whatever you say, make sure it pleases God (John 8:11)
My advice is, remember, this is NOT about you, it is about her.
My advice is, encourage her to talk to her pastor for guidance.
My advice is, build a bridge so she can come to you tomorrow.
My advice is, begin your conversation in prayer, ask for God's wisdom and blessing.
My advice is, IF you are talking to the young man, send him to his pastor ASAP.
I have noticed that it takes a wise person to know which bridges to burn and which bridges to build. Often you have a split second to decide which you are going to do.
"there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul"
Psalm 142:4
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35
The ball is in your court,
what will you do.....
Sunday, January 22, 2012
To Those That Hold Up My Arms
"As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle" Exodus 17:11-13
What I find amazing is that the good Lord has provided me with layers of encouragers, protectors, advisors, and friends that "hold up my arms".
After church I have a few people that love me enough to be honest. OK, my wifey is on this list. She has learned to "gently nudge" in areas that need attention. She was kind enough to advise me to limit my rabbit trails because they were distracting and hard to follow. Good tip. Good to know. Another of these amazing believers, takes the time to frequently send me e-mails of what blessed her in that particular service. Perhaps she is wise enough to use "praise" as a method of influence with me. I am not sure that is her intent, but it works and I value her insight.
Church music is one of the most controversial topics in America today. Go to any pastor's conference and church music will be discussed in every corner. However, God has surrounded me with not only talented musicians, but Believers that have a heart for God and a heart to serve. Every year that goes by, God's people are blessed through our worship team.
And something I am terribly proud of, is our church "Prayer Chain". This is a group of believers that believe in the power of prayer. When I receive a prayer request, I shoot our Prayer Chain coordinator an e-mail and I know the Saints are faithfully praying. The weekly answers to prayer are astounding. And I love to be astounded. It is part of my faith building.
I love writing. The good Lord nudged me to start a blog. So December 1st, 2011, I began writing, fully expecting to have no readers. However, about 1,500 hits a month are following my blog. I find this both humbling and motivating. God has opened my eyes to His working in my daily life. Before I began blogging, God was very active in my life, but I took it for granted. Now, I pray that God makes me aware of what He is doing so I can write about it. I find that as I face the problems of life, follow God's lead, and learn Biblical principles that provide God's perspective, the blog writes itself. I bathe my blogs with prayer. Begging God to use them to encourage and lift up the readers. Each and every reader is a gift from God and I cherish each of you.
There are literally hundreds of aspects here that I could write about, but I am going to limit it to two more. The danger of this is, I don't want anyone to feel left out. The number of people that work behind the scenes to keep my ministry functioning, is remarkable. And I am deeply moved at their level of self sacrifice and dedication.
God has provided me many spiritual advisors from a wide variety of backgrounds. They range from retired pastors to funeral directors to school teachers to retired forestry workers to my dad. I value their insight and cherish their counsel. What is remarkable, is that God has provided me a team that has strengths different from mine. They have life experience much different than mine. Their education and skill sets are vastly different from mine. Thus, when I am faced with circumstances and problems outside of my current abilities, I drop to know knees before God and ask for wisdom. And the good Lord usually sends one of these amazing counselors to my side, providing balance, insight and wisdom.
I do not believe that a high number of church attendance on a given Sunday is any reflection of God's approval or blessing. I believe that God draws people to church and they have a choice to follow His leading or not. However, when they show up at church, my heart leaps for joy. I believe that people come to church to hear God's voice. Most people spend all week getting thrashed by the events of life and for 2 hours, they take refuge in a church building. People open their hearts and minds and invite God to speak to them. I have found that the church building is more of a hospital for hurting souls than a club house for God's posse. My point is this, each time a soul walks through the door of the church building, my heart is lifted up and I feel God expanding my ministry.
“‘“The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
Numbers 6:24-26
What I find amazing is that the good Lord has provided me with layers of encouragers, protectors, advisors, and friends that "hold up my arms".
After church I have a few people that love me enough to be honest. OK, my wifey is on this list. She has learned to "gently nudge" in areas that need attention. She was kind enough to advise me to limit my rabbit trails because they were distracting and hard to follow. Good tip. Good to know. Another of these amazing believers, takes the time to frequently send me e-mails of what blessed her in that particular service. Perhaps she is wise enough to use "praise" as a method of influence with me. I am not sure that is her intent, but it works and I value her insight.
Church music is one of the most controversial topics in America today. Go to any pastor's conference and church music will be discussed in every corner. However, God has surrounded me with not only talented musicians, but Believers that have a heart for God and a heart to serve. Every year that goes by, God's people are blessed through our worship team.
And something I am terribly proud of, is our church "Prayer Chain". This is a group of believers that believe in the power of prayer. When I receive a prayer request, I shoot our Prayer Chain coordinator an e-mail and I know the Saints are faithfully praying. The weekly answers to prayer are astounding. And I love to be astounded. It is part of my faith building.
I love writing. The good Lord nudged me to start a blog. So December 1st, 2011, I began writing, fully expecting to have no readers. However, about 1,500 hits a month are following my blog. I find this both humbling and motivating. God has opened my eyes to His working in my daily life. Before I began blogging, God was very active in my life, but I took it for granted. Now, I pray that God makes me aware of what He is doing so I can write about it. I find that as I face the problems of life, follow God's lead, and learn Biblical principles that provide God's perspective, the blog writes itself. I bathe my blogs with prayer. Begging God to use them to encourage and lift up the readers. Each and every reader is a gift from God and I cherish each of you.
There are literally hundreds of aspects here that I could write about, but I am going to limit it to two more. The danger of this is, I don't want anyone to feel left out. The number of people that work behind the scenes to keep my ministry functioning, is remarkable. And I am deeply moved at their level of self sacrifice and dedication.
God has provided me many spiritual advisors from a wide variety of backgrounds. They range from retired pastors to funeral directors to school teachers to retired forestry workers to my dad. I value their insight and cherish their counsel. What is remarkable, is that God has provided me a team that has strengths different from mine. They have life experience much different than mine. Their education and skill sets are vastly different from mine. Thus, when I am faced with circumstances and problems outside of my current abilities, I drop to know knees before God and ask for wisdom. And the good Lord usually sends one of these amazing counselors to my side, providing balance, insight and wisdom.
I do not believe that a high number of church attendance on a given Sunday is any reflection of God's approval or blessing. I believe that God draws people to church and they have a choice to follow His leading or not. However, when they show up at church, my heart leaps for joy. I believe that people come to church to hear God's voice. Most people spend all week getting thrashed by the events of life and for 2 hours, they take refuge in a church building. People open their hearts and minds and invite God to speak to them. I have found that the church building is more of a hospital for hurting souls than a club house for God's posse. My point is this, each time a soul walks through the door of the church building, my heart is lifted up and I feel God expanding my ministry.
“‘“The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
Numbers 6:24-26
Gritty
This afternoon I received word that a "customer" from my previous profession (Corrections Officer) passed away. He was incarcerated most of the time I worked in the jail (20 years). To his credit, he was not a violent criminal and for the most part, he was relatively easy work with.
My career as a Corrections Officer conditioned me to be calloused about such things but after walking close to God for a few years, I find myself "torn".
In all fairness, my old "customer" was my enemy by definition only. There was no animosity between us, but we played for different teams. And we both felt very strongly about our chosen professions, thus we were enemies by default.
My mind always flashes back over my many thousands of hours I had contact with my "customer". Not once did I ever introduce him to the Gospel. Not once did I ever speak
to him about where he was going to spend eternity. Not once did I ever suggest to him that God had a plan for his life. Not once did I let him know that God loved him.
These are things that weigh heavy on my heart. I suppose there are two options. (a) acknowledge that it is to late for me to do anything different and forget it, (b) confess my failure to share my faith and ask God to use this experience as a catalyst that launches me into faithful service.
Have you ever received word that an old enemy of yours was down on his luck -- and felt pleased?
"Don't rejoice when your enemies fall; don't be happy when they stumble" Proverbs 24:17
What exactly is a God pleasing attitude when your enemy has fallen on hard times?
Or a better question is, "Does God care what your attitude is toward your enemy?
I will toss out about 4 thoughts for you to consider:
#1. Jesus Is Our Example On How To Treat People
God brings people into your life that need to experience Christian love
There is very little more Christlike that you can do than -- FORGIVE
The person you view as your enemy -- Jesus loved that person enough to die for
The person you view as your enemy -- was created in the image of God
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
Luke 13:34
#2. There Is Always Enough Blame To Go Around
Your enemy may be going through a personal crisis
Your enemy may be simply be having a bad day
"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
John 8:7
#3. Determine What Part You Played In The Problem
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye!
Matthew 7:5
#4. Immediately Pray For Your Enemy
"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,"
Matthew 5:44
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you"
Luke 6:27-28; Romans 12:14
This does not mean to pray that lightening strikes and gives them a new part in their hair.
"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good"
Romans 12:17-21
Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?
Abraham Lincoln
My career as a Corrections Officer conditioned me to be calloused about such things but after walking close to God for a few years, I find myself "torn".
In all fairness, my old "customer" was my enemy by definition only. There was no animosity between us, but we played for different teams. And we both felt very strongly about our chosen professions, thus we were enemies by default.
My mind always flashes back over my many thousands of hours I had contact with my "customer". Not once did I ever introduce him to the Gospel. Not once did I ever speak
to him about where he was going to spend eternity. Not once did I ever suggest to him that God had a plan for his life. Not once did I let him know that God loved him.
These are things that weigh heavy on my heart. I suppose there are two options. (a) acknowledge that it is to late for me to do anything different and forget it, (b) confess my failure to share my faith and ask God to use this experience as a catalyst that launches me into faithful service.
Have you ever received word that an old enemy of yours was down on his luck -- and felt pleased?
"Don't rejoice when your enemies fall; don't be happy when they stumble" Proverbs 24:17
What exactly is a God pleasing attitude when your enemy has fallen on hard times?
Or a better question is, "Does God care what your attitude is toward your enemy?
I will toss out about 4 thoughts for you to consider:
#1. Jesus Is Our Example On How To Treat People
God brings people into your life that need to experience Christian love
There is very little more Christlike that you can do than -- FORGIVE
The person you view as your enemy -- Jesus loved that person enough to die for
The person you view as your enemy -- was created in the image of God
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
Luke 13:34
#2. There Is Always Enough Blame To Go Around
Your enemy may be going through a personal crisis
Your enemy may be simply be having a bad day
"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
John 8:7
#3. Determine What Part You Played In The Problem
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye!
Matthew 7:5
#4. Immediately Pray For Your Enemy
"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,"
Matthew 5:44
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you"
Luke 6:27-28; Romans 12:14
This does not mean to pray that lightening strikes and gives them a new part in their hair.
"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good"
Romans 12:17-21
Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?
Abraham Lincoln
This Book....
This Book contains the mind of God
the state of man
the way of salvation
the doom of sinners
and the happiness of believers
its doctrines are holy
its precepts are binding
its histories are true
and its decisions are immutable
read it to be wise
believe it to be safe
practice it to be holy
it contains light to direct you
food to support you
and comfort to cheer you
it is the traveler's map
the pilgrims staff
the pilot's compass
the soldier's sword
and the Christian's character
Here paradise is restored
heaven is opened
and the gates of hell disclosed
Christ is its grand subject
our good it's design
and the glory of God its end
It should fill the memory
rule the heart
and guide the feet
Read it slowly
frequently
prayerfully
it is a mine of wealth
a paradise of glory
and a river of pleasure
Follow its precepts
and it will lead you to Calvary
to the empty tomb
to a resurrected life in Christ
yes,
to glory itself
for eternity
author unknown
the state of man
the way of salvation
the doom of sinners
and the happiness of believers
its doctrines are holy
its precepts are binding
its histories are true
and its decisions are immutable
read it to be wise
believe it to be safe
practice it to be holy
it contains light to direct you
food to support you
and comfort to cheer you
it is the traveler's map
the pilgrims staff
the pilot's compass
the soldier's sword
and the Christian's character
Here paradise is restored
heaven is opened
and the gates of hell disclosed
Christ is its grand subject
our good it's design
and the glory of God its end
It should fill the memory
rule the heart
and guide the feet
Read it slowly
frequently
prayerfully
it is a mine of wealth
a paradise of glory
and a river of pleasure
Follow its precepts
and it will lead you to Calvary
to the empty tomb
to a resurrected life in Christ
yes,
to glory itself
for eternity
author unknown
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Sheer Pin
I think winter gave us another "head fake" last night.
You know, when someone moves their head one direction in an effort to lure you that direction, only to have them spin around and run the other way.
Well, that is exactly what I think winter is doing. You spent all morning shoveling and plowing. Only to find that by late afternoon, it was warming up and the snow was melting. The exciting thing about living here is, there is no telling what the weather will do next. Watching the weather forecast holds a great deal potential for a good laugh. The best they can do is hang their heads out the window and tell you what they see. And no two winters are alike so, hang on and enjoy the ride. Variety is the spice of life.
A few years ago, we experienced a very impressive winter. The snow piled high and there wasn't a snowblower to be purchased anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. So, the next year, my wife and I purchased a snowblower. My first snowblower. To say I know very little about snowblowers, would be gracious.
Of course, we haven't had enough snow since then to justify our purchase. However, this morning, we fired up the beast and my wifey took it for a test lap around the driveway. I noticed that very little snow was blowing out the chute. So I got around in front of it and sure enough, only half the auger was turning.
I did a quick diagnostic and found a large rock jammed in the chute. This caused the sheer pin to do its job and my beastie snowblower was out of commission until I get into town and purchase a replacement pin.
What, pray tell, can a simple sheer pin have to do with God's Word or your life?
Lets begin this with a thought to ponder: "God built each of us with a sheer pin. A device that is designed to stop us when we have over extended ourself. When we have reached beyond what is healthy and reasonable, our system breaks down and we are forced to step back and assess our situation."
Three years ago, I managed to push myself to the point of my health failing. I refused to take a day off and continued to pack my schedule from early morning to late at night. For my own good, God allowed me to become sick. I had to take a Sunday off and stay in bed. For the better part of a week I slept. When I got to feeling better, God opened the door for my wife and I to have a long talk about my health, my schedule, and our relationship. Some very positive things came out of that "long talk".
I worked in the Stevens County Jail for about 15 years. I liked the job security. I liked the Sheriff. I liked the benefits. I received a promotion, that I liked. And I really liked the money. God had other plans for me and allowed my sheer pin to do its job. I was on the receiving end of an inmate attack and sustained a serious injury. My injury required spinal fusion surgery. I tried to go back to working in the jail but God had an opinion.
My neurosurgeon explained to me in no uncertain terms that if I went back into the jail and was hurt again, the results would be crippling and terribly painful. I believed him. So, rather than trust God to take control, I transferred to 911. I honestly loved working in the 911 Comm Center. I liked my coworkers and the work was never dull. However, once again, God was trying to get my attention. This time the sheer pin was more personal. God removed my joy. True Joy is a God given, supernatural gift that supersedes circumstances. It didn't matter that I was married to the most amazing woman or that I really enjoyed my job. My life held no joy. This was the sheer pin God used to get my attention.
So, I shared my "sheer pin" stories with you. When you look at your life, what did God do to shut you down and get your attention? Maybe that sheer pin event in your life is still going on. Is God trying to get your attention?
Today, I had a decision to make. I could have rebelled, bowed my neck and refused to accept the sheer pin setback. I could have continued to drive around the driveway with the motor running, the wheels turning but no snow being moved.
Is it possible that God is to the point in your life that He feels the only way to get your attention is to break your sheer pin?
"When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy."
Psalm 94:18-19
You know, when someone moves their head one direction in an effort to lure you that direction, only to have them spin around and run the other way.
Well, that is exactly what I think winter is doing. You spent all morning shoveling and plowing. Only to find that by late afternoon, it was warming up and the snow was melting. The exciting thing about living here is, there is no telling what the weather will do next. Watching the weather forecast holds a great deal potential for a good laugh. The best they can do is hang their heads out the window and tell you what they see. And no two winters are alike so, hang on and enjoy the ride. Variety is the spice of life.
A few years ago, we experienced a very impressive winter. The snow piled high and there wasn't a snowblower to be purchased anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. So, the next year, my wife and I purchased a snowblower. My first snowblower. To say I know very little about snowblowers, would be gracious.
Of course, we haven't had enough snow since then to justify our purchase. However, this morning, we fired up the beast and my wifey took it for a test lap around the driveway. I noticed that very little snow was blowing out the chute. So I got around in front of it and sure enough, only half the auger was turning.
I did a quick diagnostic and found a large rock jammed in the chute. This caused the sheer pin to do its job and my beastie snowblower was out of commission until I get into town and purchase a replacement pin.
What, pray tell, can a simple sheer pin have to do with God's Word or your life?
Lets begin this with a thought to ponder: "God built each of us with a sheer pin. A device that is designed to stop us when we have over extended ourself. When we have reached beyond what is healthy and reasonable, our system breaks down and we are forced to step back and assess our situation."
Three years ago, I managed to push myself to the point of my health failing. I refused to take a day off and continued to pack my schedule from early morning to late at night. For my own good, God allowed me to become sick. I had to take a Sunday off and stay in bed. For the better part of a week I slept. When I got to feeling better, God opened the door for my wife and I to have a long talk about my health, my schedule, and our relationship. Some very positive things came out of that "long talk".
I worked in the Stevens County Jail for about 15 years. I liked the job security. I liked the Sheriff. I liked the benefits. I received a promotion, that I liked. And I really liked the money. God had other plans for me and allowed my sheer pin to do its job. I was on the receiving end of an inmate attack and sustained a serious injury. My injury required spinal fusion surgery. I tried to go back to working in the jail but God had an opinion.
My neurosurgeon explained to me in no uncertain terms that if I went back into the jail and was hurt again, the results would be crippling and terribly painful. I believed him. So, rather than trust God to take control, I transferred to 911. I honestly loved working in the 911 Comm Center. I liked my coworkers and the work was never dull. However, once again, God was trying to get my attention. This time the sheer pin was more personal. God removed my joy. True Joy is a God given, supernatural gift that supersedes circumstances. It didn't matter that I was married to the most amazing woman or that I really enjoyed my job. My life held no joy. This was the sheer pin God used to get my attention.
So, I shared my "sheer pin" stories with you. When you look at your life, what did God do to shut you down and get your attention? Maybe that sheer pin event in your life is still going on. Is God trying to get your attention?
Today, I had a decision to make. I could have rebelled, bowed my neck and refused to accept the sheer pin setback. I could have continued to drive around the driveway with the motor running, the wheels turning but no snow being moved.
Is it possible that God is to the point in your life that He feels the only way to get your attention is to break your sheer pin?
"When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy."
Psalm 94:18-19
Friday, January 20, 2012
Cheerios Commercial
I just watched a Cheerios commercial that impressed me. 6 people are sitting around a restaurant table ordering breakfast. Each of them order a breakfast with a different healthy aspect. When the waitress returned from the kitchen, she had 6 identical bowls of Cheerios. She put the 6 identical bowls in front of the customers. They all complained that they didn't get the food they ordered so, the waitress shuffled the identical bowls around until everyone was happy. Bottom line, everyone received the same cereal in identical bowls.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus"." Galatians 3:28
Personally, I find it odd how many "organizations" honestly believe they are God's favorites or at least have a corner on what God thinks.
Now let your mind take a tour of Heaven. With what you know of God's Word, does it seem consistent that God would have divided Heaven up by denominational preferences?
There is a cemetery in San Francisco that is divided up by religious denominations. My only response is, "Oh good grief".
I want to broach three concepts based on "all are one if Christ Jesus" from Galatians 3:28
#1. 1,000 year rule -- "you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a
thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day."
2 Peter 3:8 -- SO what is the "1,000 year rule"? Slow down, I am making this up as I
go. The "1,000 year rule" is, "After you have been in Heaven 1 day, when you look at
the religious things that divide us, will any of them still mater?"
#2. arrogance -- "I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you
really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by
the faith God has given us." Romans 12:3 -- God has literally hundreds of
verses expressing His opinion on this topic. For Example: "There are six things
the LORD hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands
that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false
witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family."
Proverbs 6:16-19
#3. testimony -- of Unity IN Christ -- Jesus prayed in John 17:23, "... May they be
brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved
them even as you have loved me." & "I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you." Philippians 1:27-28.
The Bible never says to create unity with those who do not have God's Spirit inside of them.
Ephesians 4:3 says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the
bond of peace."
So Christians are to have a unity of the Spirit with other believers.
My Closing thought is:
"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" Matthew 5:16
So anything I do in my actions or relationships that does not bring God praise & worship, is a sin.
"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" James 4:17
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus"." Galatians 3:28
Personally, I find it odd how many "organizations" honestly believe they are God's favorites or at least have a corner on what God thinks.
Now let your mind take a tour of Heaven. With what you know of God's Word, does it seem consistent that God would have divided Heaven up by denominational preferences?
There is a cemetery in San Francisco that is divided up by religious denominations. My only response is, "Oh good grief".
I want to broach three concepts based on "all are one if Christ Jesus" from Galatians 3:28
#1. 1,000 year rule -- "you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a
thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day."
2 Peter 3:8 -- SO what is the "1,000 year rule"? Slow down, I am making this up as I
go. The "1,000 year rule" is, "After you have been in Heaven 1 day, when you look at
the religious things that divide us, will any of them still mater?"
#2. arrogance -- "I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you
really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by
the faith God has given us." Romans 12:3 -- God has literally hundreds of
verses expressing His opinion on this topic. For Example: "There are six things
the LORD hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands
that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false
witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family."
Proverbs 6:16-19
#3. testimony -- of Unity IN Christ -- Jesus prayed in John 17:23, "... May they be
brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved
them even as you have loved me." & "I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you." Philippians 1:27-28.
The Bible never says to create unity with those who do not have God's Spirit inside of them.
Ephesians 4:3 says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the
bond of peace."
So Christians are to have a unity of the Spirit with other believers.
My Closing thought is:
"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" Matthew 5:16
So anything I do in my actions or relationships that does not bring God praise & worship, is a sin.
"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" James 4:17
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Come Close To God
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." James 4:8
I personally experienced something this past Sunday that has taken a few days for me to process.
When you hear of someone experiencing God's presence or God's power in a mighty way, it is always in the rear view mirror. You know, a past tense story. And you hate to discard it because in the off chance that it really did happen. So often when the topic of God's presence comes up, I nod my head in a religious fashion and try to remain openminded.
God draws near...
A couple times a year, a very talented local Christian family provides special music for our church. Usually it is their 3 teenage daughters. Our church has the highest respect for their love for God and their God given ability to minister through music. Our church has fallen in love with them and relishes each and every time they visit. This last Sunday, they had 3 songs practiced and ready to worship God.
At 11:15 they stepped to the platform and began to sing. From the first verse of the first song, the Spirit of God swept over the church.
By the end of the second song, the church body sat in stunned silence - then as one, the church body leapt to their feet in a standing ovation. In my 40+ years in church, I have never experienced this vivid outpouring of God's presence in a service.
What makes this even more remarkable, the 3 teenage girls were just as shocked as I.
In fact, as I watched them, I could see that they were struggling to process what God was doing in that life impacting service.
As they completed the third song, I looked around the sanctuary and tears were flowing from most everyone. Distractions were long gone. Obstacles were removed. Hearts were open and God's Spirit was freely touching lives.
A basic principle of God's Word is that when you brush against the presence of God, you come away transformed.
One of the endearing strengths of the 3 teenage girls is that they have no clue how much talent God has given them. Humility is a rare trait.
As a pastor, I watch people for 3 necessary traits. (a) a deep desire to know God and His Word; (b) humility; (c) honesty.
When I find all 3 of these traits in someone, my heart is blessed beyond words because I know there is no limit to what God will accomplish in that heart. In the case of my 3 teenage friends, they all demonstrate these 3 attributes.
At the risk of sounding proud (guilty), I get to share my pastor's heart with you.
You cannot walk away from a service like we experienced last Sunday, without forever knowing that you were standing on holy ground.
For the rest of those 3 teenage girl's lives, they will know they will know without a doubt that they worshipped in the presence of God Almighty and He poured out His Spirit without restraint.
They will forever remember me as the pastor that sat on the platform weeping tears of joy while they led us in worship.
When they are married with children of their own, they will look for a church that resembles when they experienced last Sunday.
Why?
Definitely not because we spend our limited funds on extravagant buildings. We are a 110 year old 1 room building with 2 out houses and a cemetery.
Definitely not because we have a full band to back up our worship team. Our band is one faithful brother on an acoustic guitar.
Definitely not because the pastor has a doctorates degree in Theology and dazzles them with complex homiletics. When God moved last Sunday, I very effectively hadn't said a word. My ministry Sunday was to stay out of God's way as He ministered to hearts.
So "why"?
Simply because God blesses His church when they humbly and honestly give heartfelt honor His Word.
"Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the Word of Truth" 2 Timothy 2:15
I will wrap this up with this thought:
If you draw near to God on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, then on Sunday, God will honor His promise to draw near to you.
This should come as no surprise.
If you spend every day of the week living a self centered life, giving no thought to God or His desire to walk with you through every thought and decision, then it should come as no surprise when your "blesser" is busted when you come to church on Sunday.
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." James 4:8
I personally experienced something this past Sunday that has taken a few days for me to process.
When you hear of someone experiencing God's presence or God's power in a mighty way, it is always in the rear view mirror. You know, a past tense story. And you hate to discard it because in the off chance that it really did happen. So often when the topic of God's presence comes up, I nod my head in a religious fashion and try to remain openminded.
God draws near...
A couple times a year, a very talented local Christian family provides special music for our church. Usually it is their 3 teenage daughters. Our church has the highest respect for their love for God and their God given ability to minister through music. Our church has fallen in love with them and relishes each and every time they visit. This last Sunday, they had 3 songs practiced and ready to worship God.
At 11:15 they stepped to the platform and began to sing. From the first verse of the first song, the Spirit of God swept over the church.
By the end of the second song, the church body sat in stunned silence - then as one, the church body leapt to their feet in a standing ovation. In my 40+ years in church, I have never experienced this vivid outpouring of God's presence in a service.
What makes this even more remarkable, the 3 teenage girls were just as shocked as I.
In fact, as I watched them, I could see that they were struggling to process what God was doing in that life impacting service.
As they completed the third song, I looked around the sanctuary and tears were flowing from most everyone. Distractions were long gone. Obstacles were removed. Hearts were open and God's Spirit was freely touching lives.
A basic principle of God's Word is that when you brush against the presence of God, you come away transformed.
One of the endearing strengths of the 3 teenage girls is that they have no clue how much talent God has given them. Humility is a rare trait.
As a pastor, I watch people for 3 necessary traits. (a) a deep desire to know God and His Word; (b) humility; (c) honesty.
When I find all 3 of these traits in someone, my heart is blessed beyond words because I know there is no limit to what God will accomplish in that heart. In the case of my 3 teenage friends, they all demonstrate these 3 attributes.
At the risk of sounding proud (guilty), I get to share my pastor's heart with you.
You cannot walk away from a service like we experienced last Sunday, without forever knowing that you were standing on holy ground.
For the rest of those 3 teenage girl's lives, they will know they will know without a doubt that they worshipped in the presence of God Almighty and He poured out His Spirit without restraint.
They will forever remember me as the pastor that sat on the platform weeping tears of joy while they led us in worship.
When they are married with children of their own, they will look for a church that resembles when they experienced last Sunday.
Why?
Definitely not because we spend our limited funds on extravagant buildings. We are a 110 year old 1 room building with 2 out houses and a cemetery.
Definitely not because we have a full band to back up our worship team. Our band is one faithful brother on an acoustic guitar.
Definitely not because the pastor has a doctorates degree in Theology and dazzles them with complex homiletics. When God moved last Sunday, I very effectively hadn't said a word. My ministry Sunday was to stay out of God's way as He ministered to hearts.
So "why"?
Simply because God blesses His church when they humbly and honestly give heartfelt honor His Word.
"Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the Word of Truth" 2 Timothy 2:15
I will wrap this up with this thought:
If you draw near to God on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, then on Sunday, God will honor His promise to draw near to you.
This should come as no surprise.
If you spend every day of the week living a self centered life, giving no thought to God or His desire to walk with you through every thought and decision, then it should come as no surprise when your "blesser" is busted when you come to church on Sunday.
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." James 4:8
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Excuses Drive Me Nuts
I am milking another blog out of the whole Italian cruise ship debacle.
The Captain proved that he has fewer filters on his mouth than he has evacuation plans for his ship wrecked passengers. He honestly believes that he is a victim of circumstances and the world owes him a do-over.
If I hadn't witnessed the Captain actually showing the poor judgement to give an interview to the international press, I would never have believed it.
When the reporter confronted the Captain with evidence that showed him abandoning ship before his passengers and refusing to back back and assist them, he began to speak. That was not his first mistake of the day but it sealed his fate as the brunt of a Saturday Night Live skit.
"The ship lurched and threw me overboard. Lucky for me, I landed in a life raft. And there was no way I could climb back on the ship, not without a helicopter."
As he was speaking those infamous words, his career was going up in flames and the Police were searching for an orange jumpsuit in his size.
The excuse ridden Captain is not the first (nor the last) guy to panic and make feeble excuses. The first, and perhaps most infamous, was when God confronted Adam about his sin in the Garden of Eden. Adam replied in Genesis 3:12, ".... The woman you put here with me -- she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it".
So God confronts Adam and says, "Why?"
Adam's hands start to sweat and his head feels like it is full of Tapioca. Next comes the fidgeting as he looks for an escape route and blathers more loudly than necessary, "God, its all Your fault. I'm a victim. If You had made me a better quality woman, then I wouldn't be in this mess. The woman You made was defective and You should have warned me. All I did was come home from a long day at work, expecting her to have dinner on the table. Instead, she tossed me an apple and I ate it. See God, I am a victim. How am I supposed to succeed when I am sounded by the likes of You and Eve?"
As I type this, I can smell the brimstone as God considers the ramifications of Adam's actions.
Stay with me because this is the heart and soul of this blog.
God confronted Adam and said in verse 9, "The LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" Do you honestly believe for one heartbeat that Adam was so good at "Hide and Go Seek" that God couldn't find him? Adam was hiding in God's own garden. God watched Adam select his hiding place and could hear his heart race as he anticipated the unavoidable confrontation with God.
So, why did God ask Adam where he was hiding?
Because God wanted to give Adam a chance to confess. God wanted Adam to admit his sin and ask God to forgive him. God loves to give His kids second chances and opportunities to humbly ask for mercy.
Adam chooses to respond with an excuse. Verse 10 says, "I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid". Oh good grief. Now Adam is trying to convince the God of the Universe that he was modest and embarrassed to be seen naked. Adam's claim to be afraid of God is fodder for a while different blog.
Anyway, I will spare you the rest of this tragic story of inadequate excuses. My point is this, God wants you to come clean with Him.
Psalm 51
David's prayer of confession after committing adultery with Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.
2 Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.
3 For I recognize my rebellion;
it haunts me day and night.
4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just.
5 For I was born a sinner—
yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
And after you come clean with God, come clean with each other.
"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16
I am closing with this one is for you to ponder. The Pastor Shane version is: "God will forgive you to the same extent that you forgive other people that have offended you"
"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you." Matthew 6:14
The Captain proved that he has fewer filters on his mouth than he has evacuation plans for his ship wrecked passengers. He honestly believes that he is a victim of circumstances and the world owes him a do-over.
If I hadn't witnessed the Captain actually showing the poor judgement to give an interview to the international press, I would never have believed it.
When the reporter confronted the Captain with evidence that showed him abandoning ship before his passengers and refusing to back back and assist them, he began to speak. That was not his first mistake of the day but it sealed his fate as the brunt of a Saturday Night Live skit.
"The ship lurched and threw me overboard. Lucky for me, I landed in a life raft. And there was no way I could climb back on the ship, not without a helicopter."
As he was speaking those infamous words, his career was going up in flames and the Police were searching for an orange jumpsuit in his size.
The excuse ridden Captain is not the first (nor the last) guy to panic and make feeble excuses. The first, and perhaps most infamous, was when God confronted Adam about his sin in the Garden of Eden. Adam replied in Genesis 3:12, ".... The woman you put here with me -- she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it".
So God confronts Adam and says, "Why?"
Adam's hands start to sweat and his head feels like it is full of Tapioca. Next comes the fidgeting as he looks for an escape route and blathers more loudly than necessary, "God, its all Your fault. I'm a victim. If You had made me a better quality woman, then I wouldn't be in this mess. The woman You made was defective and You should have warned me. All I did was come home from a long day at work, expecting her to have dinner on the table. Instead, she tossed me an apple and I ate it. See God, I am a victim. How am I supposed to succeed when I am sounded by the likes of You and Eve?"
As I type this, I can smell the brimstone as God considers the ramifications of Adam's actions.
Stay with me because this is the heart and soul of this blog.
God confronted Adam and said in verse 9, "The LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" Do you honestly believe for one heartbeat that Adam was so good at "Hide and Go Seek" that God couldn't find him? Adam was hiding in God's own garden. God watched Adam select his hiding place and could hear his heart race as he anticipated the unavoidable confrontation with God.
So, why did God ask Adam where he was hiding?
Because God wanted to give Adam a chance to confess. God wanted Adam to admit his sin and ask God to forgive him. God loves to give His kids second chances and opportunities to humbly ask for mercy.
Adam chooses to respond with an excuse. Verse 10 says, "I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid". Oh good grief. Now Adam is trying to convince the God of the Universe that he was modest and embarrassed to be seen naked. Adam's claim to be afraid of God is fodder for a while different blog.
Anyway, I will spare you the rest of this tragic story of inadequate excuses. My point is this, God wants you to come clean with Him.
Psalm 51
David's prayer of confession after committing adultery with Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.
2 Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.
3 For I recognize my rebellion;
it haunts me day and night.
4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just.
5 For I was born a sinner—
yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
And after you come clean with God, come clean with each other.
"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16
I am closing with this one is for you to ponder. The Pastor Shane version is: "God will forgive you to the same extent that you forgive other people that have offended you"
"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you." Matthew 6:14
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
My friend, Becky is in Heaven tonight
This morning my friend passed out of this life and into her glorified eternal state.
The Bible says that one day with God is like a thousand of our years.
Imagine stepping out of this life with its disease, aging, sorrow, pain, frustration, into a new life of wholesome perfection. Shaking free of the chains that hold us captive to this old world and experiencing new life in the presence of God Himself.
The Bible describles this life as a vapor that appears for a short time, then vanishes away.
Imagine being free from the stress of affording health insurance.
Imagine being free from the pressure of affording a retirement plan.
Imagine never having to listen to another TV political advertisement.
Someone wrote that no one wants to go to hell, but no one seems excited about going to Heaven either because most people think Heaven will be one long eternal church service. With an eternity of church songs and an eternity of.... (zzzzzzzz)
God doesn't tolerate people that waste the gifts and resources He gives them, so it is consistent with God's Word for Him to expect us to utilize them in Heaven. Don't ask me to explain that any further because my frail brain has God given limitations that prevent me from
Grasping the glories that await us in the presence of God Almighty.
So I conclude this tribute to Becky with,
2 Timothy 4:7-8
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
The Bible says that one day with God is like a thousand of our years.
Imagine stepping out of this life with its disease, aging, sorrow, pain, frustration, into a new life of wholesome perfection. Shaking free of the chains that hold us captive to this old world and experiencing new life in the presence of God Himself.
The Bible describles this life as a vapor that appears for a short time, then vanishes away.
Imagine being free from the stress of affording health insurance.
Imagine being free from the pressure of affording a retirement plan.
Imagine never having to listen to another TV political advertisement.
Someone wrote that no one wants to go to hell, but no one seems excited about going to Heaven either because most people think Heaven will be one long eternal church service. With an eternity of church songs and an eternity of.... (zzzzzzzz)
God doesn't tolerate people that waste the gifts and resources He gives them, so it is consistent with God's Word for Him to expect us to utilize them in Heaven. Don't ask me to explain that any further because my frail brain has God given limitations that prevent me from
Grasping the glories that await us in the presence of God Almighty.
So I conclude this tribute to Becky with,
2 Timothy 4:7-8
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
Dangerous Waters
My wife and I can't seem to get enough of the cruise ship disaster in Italy. The first hand footage from people with cell phones brings the whole nightmare right into our living room. Why we would want to experience that. I have no idea, but we do, so Dr Phil can just butt out.
Tonight they were showing how recklessly the captain sailed his ship into shallow waters. Then they seemed to prove that the captain jumped ship early in the emergency and didn't stick around to supervise evacuations. If this is true, then he is responsible for the death of more people than most serial killers. A fact that the Italian Police seem to be considering.
How often do we recklessly chose to flirt with danger, knowing its outcome would be devastating. For each person, the danger may be a little different, based on our individual weakness and vulnerability.
It was suggested that the cruise ship captain knew people on the island and was attempting to show off for people in the village. I would love to recoil in horror but, which of us hasn't been tempted to step on the wild side and flirt with adrenaline, expecting to either not get caught or at the very least, expect no one to get hurt.
The writer of Hebrews pointed out that Moses, "He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time." Hebrews 11:25
Think about that phrase, "enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time". There are two thoughts to roll around in your head. (a) "He chose", the book of James 1:14 says, "but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed."
No one wakes up some morning and says, "Yup, I am going to go out today and destroy my marriage". Remember this: "Every evil deed that men do, is the result of a long process of wicked thinking". I suspect this deserves to be its own blog but for now I will introduce you to the truth and we will develop it at a later date.
Now consider, (b) "enjoy the pleasures of sin", this is where the adrenaline rush comes in. Yes, sin can be exciting but as my friend Dan likes to say, "Never trade the family wagon in for one ride in a sports car". Again, this deserves its own blog.
Last but not least, (c) "for a short time", this is what Romans 6:23 calls, "the wages of sin". Let me share with you a little weirdness that always catches me off guard, no matter how many times I have it slap me in the face. Some genius choses to follow his (or her) fleshly desires and makes some terrible devastating decisions. And when the fat lady has sang and the fun is over and it is time for accountability, my phone rings. And I hear a voice on the other end say, (no I'm not making this up) "Why is God doing this to me? What does He want? I need counseling."
STEP #1: Recognize your desire for sin
James 1:14 explains that we are tempted when we become enticed by our own natural desires. The first step toward avoiding temptation, is recognizing our human tendency to be tempted by our own fleshly desires. Temptation is a given, so don't be surprised by it. Rather, expect to be tempted. Be prepared for it.
STEP #2: Run away from the temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13, "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."
When you are face to face with temptation, look for the way out that God has promised and then run as fast as you can.
STEP #3: Resist temptation with God's Word
Hebrews 4:12 says God's Word is living and active. Did you know you can carry a weapon that will make your thoughts obey Jesus Christ? read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Reading God's Word daily, so that eventually you have so much of it inside, you are ready whenever temptation comes. You will automatically know what God thinks. Read Philippians 4:8. If you are reading through the Bible regularly, you will have your mind and heart in tune with God's heart and thoughts.
Our Goal is to love what God loves and hate what God hates.
STEP #4: Repent quickly when you fail
In several places the Bible tells us the best way to resist temptation is to flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22).. It is not the end of the world when you fail, but it is very dangerous to persist in your sin.
It will help you to memorize 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 66:18.
Tonight they were showing how recklessly the captain sailed his ship into shallow waters. Then they seemed to prove that the captain jumped ship early in the emergency and didn't stick around to supervise evacuations. If this is true, then he is responsible for the death of more people than most serial killers. A fact that the Italian Police seem to be considering.
How often do we recklessly chose to flirt with danger, knowing its outcome would be devastating. For each person, the danger may be a little different, based on our individual weakness and vulnerability.
It was suggested that the cruise ship captain knew people on the island and was attempting to show off for people in the village. I would love to recoil in horror but, which of us hasn't been tempted to step on the wild side and flirt with adrenaline, expecting to either not get caught or at the very least, expect no one to get hurt.
The writer of Hebrews pointed out that Moses, "He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time." Hebrews 11:25
Think about that phrase, "enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time". There are two thoughts to roll around in your head. (a) "He chose", the book of James 1:14 says, "but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed."
No one wakes up some morning and says, "Yup, I am going to go out today and destroy my marriage". Remember this: "Every evil deed that men do, is the result of a long process of wicked thinking". I suspect this deserves to be its own blog but for now I will introduce you to the truth and we will develop it at a later date.
Now consider, (b) "enjoy the pleasures of sin", this is where the adrenaline rush comes in. Yes, sin can be exciting but as my friend Dan likes to say, "Never trade the family wagon in for one ride in a sports car". Again, this deserves its own blog.
Last but not least, (c) "for a short time", this is what Romans 6:23 calls, "the wages of sin". Let me share with you a little weirdness that always catches me off guard, no matter how many times I have it slap me in the face. Some genius choses to follow his (or her) fleshly desires and makes some terrible devastating decisions. And when the fat lady has sang and the fun is over and it is time for accountability, my phone rings. And I hear a voice on the other end say, (no I'm not making this up) "Why is God doing this to me? What does He want? I need counseling."
STEP #1: Recognize your desire for sin
James 1:14 explains that we are tempted when we become enticed by our own natural desires. The first step toward avoiding temptation, is recognizing our human tendency to be tempted by our own fleshly desires. Temptation is a given, so don't be surprised by it. Rather, expect to be tempted. Be prepared for it.
STEP #2: Run away from the temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13, "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."
When you are face to face with temptation, look for the way out that God has promised and then run as fast as you can.
STEP #3: Resist temptation with God's Word
Hebrews 4:12 says God's Word is living and active. Did you know you can carry a weapon that will make your thoughts obey Jesus Christ? read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Reading God's Word daily, so that eventually you have so much of it inside, you are ready whenever temptation comes. You will automatically know what God thinks. Read Philippians 4:8. If you are reading through the Bible regularly, you will have your mind and heart in tune with God's heart and thoughts.
Our Goal is to love what God loves and hate what God hates.
STEP #4: Repent quickly when you fail
In several places the Bible tells us the best way to resist temptation is to flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22).. It is not the end of the world when you fail, but it is very dangerous to persist in your sin.
It will help you to memorize 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 66:18.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Attitude Check
I was one of those kids that spent a couple weeks every summer at church camp.
No, it was not a dismal experience. In fact, I loved it. I do not have one negative memory of church camp. From the amazing unlimited Friday night taco salad to the Christian college singing group. I was at the height of my glory.
Anyway, when you get 300 kids running around the woods, conflict is inevitable. So when a camp counselor would see a couple of us acting stupid, he would yell, "ATTITUDE CHECK", and the only acceptable response was, "PRAISE THE LORD".
So if you have a vivid imagination, you can imaging how much work it was to get a 13 year old kid to yell, "PRAISE THE LORD" at the top of his lungs. However, the threat of the camp counselor calling my dad in Colville and having him drive to Tonasket to pick me up, was a "scared straight" experience that gained my compliance.
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." Philippians 2:14-18
So my challenge to you today is, "When you feel your buttons being pushed and your temper starting to take control, yell, 'PRAISE THE LORD".
When you feel depression starting to swallow your soul, yell, 'PRAISE THE LORD".
When you see financial demands absorbing your income with no room to breathe, yell, 'PRAISE THE LORD".
How can you do this without being a hypocrite or certifiably insane?
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28
"in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-38
My point is this, God's Word is full of eternal promises that you can cling to and claim as your own. For a practical exercise, insert your name in these verses.
Pastor Shane's Paraphrase of Ephesians 1:11-12
"In Jesus, I was chosen for God's plan, who works out everything to conform with His will, in order that I might live for the praise of God's glory."
So your homework is to go and find your own promise to claim from the Bible. Rewrite it with your name in it and claim it as your own personal promise from God Almighty.
Then, when life gets tough and the Holy Spirit brings this blog to your mind and yells, "ATTITUDE CHECK". You will, in the power of the promises from God's Word yell back, "PRAISE THE LORD".
No, it was not a dismal experience. In fact, I loved it. I do not have one negative memory of church camp. From the amazing unlimited Friday night taco salad to the Christian college singing group. I was at the height of my glory.
Anyway, when you get 300 kids running around the woods, conflict is inevitable. So when a camp counselor would see a couple of us acting stupid, he would yell, "ATTITUDE CHECK", and the only acceptable response was, "PRAISE THE LORD".
So if you have a vivid imagination, you can imaging how much work it was to get a 13 year old kid to yell, "PRAISE THE LORD" at the top of his lungs. However, the threat of the camp counselor calling my dad in Colville and having him drive to Tonasket to pick me up, was a "scared straight" experience that gained my compliance.
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." Philippians 2:14-18
So my challenge to you today is, "When you feel your buttons being pushed and your temper starting to take control, yell, 'PRAISE THE LORD".
When you feel depression starting to swallow your soul, yell, 'PRAISE THE LORD".
When you see financial demands absorbing your income with no room to breathe, yell, 'PRAISE THE LORD".
How can you do this without being a hypocrite or certifiably insane?
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28
"in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-38
My point is this, God's Word is full of eternal promises that you can cling to and claim as your own. For a practical exercise, insert your name in these verses.
Pastor Shane's Paraphrase of Ephesians 1:11-12
"In Jesus, I was chosen for God's plan, who works out everything to conform with His will, in order that I might live for the praise of God's glory."
So your homework is to go and find your own promise to claim from the Bible. Rewrite it with your name in it and claim it as your own personal promise from God Almighty.
Then, when life gets tough and the Holy Spirit brings this blog to your mind and yells, "ATTITUDE CHECK". You will, in the power of the promises from God's Word yell back, "PRAISE THE LORD".
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Good Lord Wakes Me Up
I've been taking acoustic guitar lessons (as finances permit) for 3 years. I love it. My obsession is "fingerpicking". I love the clean tones and melody resonating from my $90 guitar. I believe if I can develop my skill set enough to make that ol 6 string sing, then when I get my hands on a fine instrument, it will be illuminating.
My passion is the Psalms. You know the Psalms were written to be sang (or played on instruments) in worship. And that my friends, is my dream. To express my heart song on the guitar, using the Psalms.
I love it when the good Lord nudges me awake in the middle of the night. I like to think He wants some company. I trudge out and wood the fire, let the dogs out, and reach for my ol 6 string. That is the moment, I would love to open my Bible and pluck a melody set to a chapter in Psalms. And I have found that I can transition from the Psalms (of which many are prayers) to my own prayerful worship.
Never know. Some night when the good Lord nudges me awake, it may be to pray for you. As I pluck at the strings in prayer, the good Lord may be impressing your name on my heart. How cool is that?
"By day the LORD directs His love, at night His song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life.". Psalm 42:8
My passion is the Psalms. You know the Psalms were written to be sang (or played on instruments) in worship. And that my friends, is my dream. To express my heart song on the guitar, using the Psalms.
I love it when the good Lord nudges me awake in the middle of the night. I like to think He wants some company. I trudge out and wood the fire, let the dogs out, and reach for my ol 6 string. That is the moment, I would love to open my Bible and pluck a melody set to a chapter in Psalms. And I have found that I can transition from the Psalms (of which many are prayers) to my own prayerful worship.
Never know. Some night when the good Lord nudges me awake, it may be to pray for you. As I pluck at the strings in prayer, the good Lord may be impressing your name on my heart. How cool is that?
"By day the LORD directs His love, at night His song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life.". Psalm 42:8
The Power of Music
God uses music to prepare our hearts to meet Him.
"For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.". Psalm 27:5-6
Today we had three remarkable young ladies provide praise and worship music for our church. I have seldom experienced the Holy Spirit's presence as powerfully as I did this morning. As they sang, my heart was drawn into an expression of worship that was honest and humble. As they sang, all distractions were removed as the Spirit spoke to hearts. As they sang, the Holy Spirit was nudging the sermon in a different direction than I anticipated. God seized control of the service in a wonderful way.
OK, so my point to this blog is, "Does your choice of music draw you closer to God or move you further from God?"
James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you".
And before you start throwing tomatoes at me, I am not talking about "rock" verses "Christian". I tried for years to define "Christian" music and in my simple mind, music breaks down into 2 categories: music that pleases God and music that does not please God.
I will give you two verses to ponder on this and I will leave you to your musings.
Psalm 19:14
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."
Philippians 4:8
"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
Proverbs 4:23
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
(FYI: this word "guard" in the Hebrew is the same word for "gatekeeper")
One of my favorite old hymns is:
"The Savior is patiently waiting to enter your heart,
why won't you let Him come in.
There's nothing in this world to keep you apart,
what is your answer to Him?
Time after time,
He has waited before,
and now He is waiting again.
To see if your willing to open the door.
Oh how He wants to come in."
"For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.". Psalm 27:5-6
Today we had three remarkable young ladies provide praise and worship music for our church. I have seldom experienced the Holy Spirit's presence as powerfully as I did this morning. As they sang, my heart was drawn into an expression of worship that was honest and humble. As they sang, all distractions were removed as the Spirit spoke to hearts. As they sang, the Holy Spirit was nudging the sermon in a different direction than I anticipated. God seized control of the service in a wonderful way.
OK, so my point to this blog is, "Does your choice of music draw you closer to God or move you further from God?"
James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you".
And before you start throwing tomatoes at me, I am not talking about "rock" verses "Christian". I tried for years to define "Christian" music and in my simple mind, music breaks down into 2 categories: music that pleases God and music that does not please God.
I will give you two verses to ponder on this and I will leave you to your musings.
Psalm 19:14
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."
Philippians 4:8
"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
Proverbs 4:23
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
(FYI: this word "guard" in the Hebrew is the same word for "gatekeeper")
One of my favorite old hymns is:
"The Savior is patiently waiting to enter your heart,
why won't you let Him come in.
There's nothing in this world to keep you apart,
what is your answer to Him?
Time after time,
He has waited before,
and now He is waiting again.
To see if your willing to open the door.
Oh how He wants to come in."
Saturday, January 14, 2012
A Christian Friend Is Close To Heaven Tonight
I just received word that a wonderful Christian lady (about my age), who has been ill for a long time, is getting ready to pass away very soon. She is surrounded by her loving family. They are gathering together to express their love and appreciation for her strength, faith and love. I just want to briefly encourage you to remember them in your prayers. Many of you won't know her but as a member of Gods family, she is "our" sister in Christ. So I leave you with a brief Scripture full of Gods hope and promise.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" Psalm 116:15
A Christian facing death forces us to reflect on a aspect of death which is rarely considered. It is the perspective of our Heavenly Father on the death of one of His dearly loved children. Often we contemplate death, like most other things, from our side. Psalm 116 tells us that from the viewpoint of Heaven the death of a saint is neither horrible or tragic but instead is, "precious." This raises the question, Why is the death of His people precious in the sight of the Lord?
(a) Gods children are precious to Him
(b) death ends suffering and sorrow
"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him" (Psalm 103:13). So also are we told that our great High Priest is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Hebrews 4:15)
(c) death opens the door for God to demonstrate His love for His children
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10)
(d) at death, God gathers His child to Himself
"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3). Precious then is the death of the saints in His sight, because absent from the body we are "present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).
THOUGHT: It is interesting to trace the meaning of the Hebrew word translated "precious." It is literally, "excellent." "How excellent is Thy loving kindness, O God!" (Psalm 36:7). However a Christian lives, the death of a saint is always excellent in the sight of the Lord. It is a homecoming of a dearly loved child.
.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" Psalm 116:15
A Christian facing death forces us to reflect on a aspect of death which is rarely considered. It is the perspective of our Heavenly Father on the death of one of His dearly loved children. Often we contemplate death, like most other things, from our side. Psalm 116 tells us that from the viewpoint of Heaven the death of a saint is neither horrible or tragic but instead is, "precious." This raises the question, Why is the death of His people precious in the sight of the Lord?
(a) Gods children are precious to Him
(b) death ends suffering and sorrow
"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him" (Psalm 103:13). So also are we told that our great High Priest is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Hebrews 4:15)
(c) death opens the door for God to demonstrate His love for His children
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10)
(d) at death, God gathers His child to Himself
"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3). Precious then is the death of the saints in His sight, because absent from the body we are "present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).
THOUGHT: It is interesting to trace the meaning of the Hebrew word translated "precious." It is literally, "excellent." "How excellent is Thy loving kindness, O God!" (Psalm 36:7). However a Christian lives, the death of a saint is always excellent in the sight of the Lord. It is a homecoming of a dearly loved child.
.
Breakdown Maintenance
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" Proverbs 4:23
I have a little red Toyota with high milage. Normally this would not be a problem because Toyota's aren't broke in until they have a zillion miles on the odometer. However, our car has a little different problem. Last month we were in Spokane and we could both smell something burning. I was right in front of Oil Can Henry's so I pulled in. They could all smell something burning but couldn't find the source. Since then, the burning smell is less but the poltergeist in the wiring is busy. Sometimes the dash lights go off, sometimes the tail lights go out, sometimes.... you get the idea. Anything to do with wiring is a goat rodeo. Daily we discuss our options. Trading cars is not an option. Spending hundreds or thousands to get the car rewired is not an option. So what is left? Drive the car until it breaks down then get it fixed. Since it is a Toyota, there is always a chance that it will go another 100,000 miles and not get any worse. Yea, and the next lottery number will be an exact match to my anniversary date.
My thought is this, how many of us go through life knowing that something is spiritually wrong "under the hood" but refuse to slow down long enough to address it?
To give this even more perspective, I have no business looking under the hood and tinkering around. I have no automotive expertise and when my wife sees a wrench in my hand, she immediately calls for an intervention.
Let me give you a couple thoughts on spiritual breakdown maintenance and then I will let you get back to your day.
#1. Sometimes you need a mechanic.
if you need an accountant, you call my wife
if you need a doctor, call the hospital
if you need a lawyer,.... (I'm sorry)
if your family relationships are on the rocks, call the Genesis Institute
if your personal walk with God is lacking, call your pastor
#2. Sometimes you need a "lube, oil, and filter"
1 Corinthians 11:28 commands Believers to "examine yourself"
examine your heart for:
(a) unconfessed sin
(b) unhealthy motives
(c) what is my world view
(d) direction for my passion
(e) attitude toward God's Word
(f) love for other Christians
(g) __________________
#3. Eventually, everyone has a breakdown
It is not "if" -- it is "when"
"when" you face a crisis -- where will you turn for help?
"when" you face a crisis -- who will you talk to?
"when" you face a crisis -- what will you read?
"when" you face a crisis -- what is your plan for restoration to health?
I had an old pastor that used to preach a sermon called, "When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout". It was entertaining and revealed most peoples plan for breakdown maintenance.
Stay with me for one final thought. For me to share this with you, it is important that you open your heart and refuse to pass judgment on anyone. I am using this as an illustration, not trying to make anyone feel guilty.
That said... 99% of the couples that comes to me for relationship counsel, are "unchurched". They don't attend church anywhere and have no interest in starting. I spent years trying to figure out why they call a pastor when they clearly don't believe church is a priority. My honest observation is this, pastors are cheap and convenient. Everyone knows that a licensed family counselor is (a) expensive, (b) demands a lot of time and (c) requires change.
My final point is this, begin now building relationships that will stand with you when the storms of life are beating on your soul. Of course I believe it would be healthy for each of you to find a pastor that can minister to you in good times as well as bad.
Think about this. If you allow God to build, strengthen, and mature you spiritually in times of peace, then when the season of suffering and doubt sets in, you will spiritually be "in shape" and have a support network of well chosen people that will stand with you.
Here is an old poem of unknown origin
He Does not lead me year by year
Nor even day by day,
But step by step my path unfolds;
My Lord directs my way.
Tomorrows plans I do not know,
I only know this minute;
But He will say, “This is the way,
By faith, walk ye in it!”
I have a little red Toyota with high milage. Normally this would not be a problem because Toyota's aren't broke in until they have a zillion miles on the odometer. However, our car has a little different problem. Last month we were in Spokane and we could both smell something burning. I was right in front of Oil Can Henry's so I pulled in. They could all smell something burning but couldn't find the source. Since then, the burning smell is less but the poltergeist in the wiring is busy. Sometimes the dash lights go off, sometimes the tail lights go out, sometimes.... you get the idea. Anything to do with wiring is a goat rodeo. Daily we discuss our options. Trading cars is not an option. Spending hundreds or thousands to get the car rewired is not an option. So what is left? Drive the car until it breaks down then get it fixed. Since it is a Toyota, there is always a chance that it will go another 100,000 miles and not get any worse. Yea, and the next lottery number will be an exact match to my anniversary date.
My thought is this, how many of us go through life knowing that something is spiritually wrong "under the hood" but refuse to slow down long enough to address it?
To give this even more perspective, I have no business looking under the hood and tinkering around. I have no automotive expertise and when my wife sees a wrench in my hand, she immediately calls for an intervention.
Let me give you a couple thoughts on spiritual breakdown maintenance and then I will let you get back to your day.
#1. Sometimes you need a mechanic.
if you need an accountant, you call my wife
if you need a doctor, call the hospital
if you need a lawyer,.... (I'm sorry)
if your family relationships are on the rocks, call the Genesis Institute
if your personal walk with God is lacking, call your pastor
#2. Sometimes you need a "lube, oil, and filter"
1 Corinthians 11:28 commands Believers to "examine yourself"
examine your heart for:
(a) unconfessed sin
(b) unhealthy motives
(c) what is my world view
(d) direction for my passion
(e) attitude toward God's Word
(f) love for other Christians
(g) __________________
#3. Eventually, everyone has a breakdown
It is not "if" -- it is "when"
"when" you face a crisis -- where will you turn for help?
"when" you face a crisis -- who will you talk to?
"when" you face a crisis -- what will you read?
"when" you face a crisis -- what is your plan for restoration to health?
I had an old pastor that used to preach a sermon called, "When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout". It was entertaining and revealed most peoples plan for breakdown maintenance.
Stay with me for one final thought. For me to share this with you, it is important that you open your heart and refuse to pass judgment on anyone. I am using this as an illustration, not trying to make anyone feel guilty.
That said... 99% of the couples that comes to me for relationship counsel, are "unchurched". They don't attend church anywhere and have no interest in starting. I spent years trying to figure out why they call a pastor when they clearly don't believe church is a priority. My honest observation is this, pastors are cheap and convenient. Everyone knows that a licensed family counselor is (a) expensive, (b) demands a lot of time and (c) requires change.
My final point is this, begin now building relationships that will stand with you when the storms of life are beating on your soul. Of course I believe it would be healthy for each of you to find a pastor that can minister to you in good times as well as bad.
Think about this. If you allow God to build, strengthen, and mature you spiritually in times of peace, then when the season of suffering and doubt sets in, you will spiritually be "in shape" and have a support network of well chosen people that will stand with you.
Here is an old poem of unknown origin
He Does not lead me year by year
Nor even day by day,
But step by step my path unfolds;
My Lord directs my way.
Tomorrows plans I do not know,
I only know this minute;
But He will say, “This is the way,
By faith, walk ye in it!”
Friday, January 13, 2012
Rooting for the Rapture
My sweet wife is always finding new and creative ways to remain positive and moving forward. One of the things I admire most about her is that she seldom resorts to negative whining. She took her personal mission statement from her favorite movie, "Apollo 13". In the movie, Apollo 13 was in danger of becoming the greatest disaster in space travel history. The mission control commander stood up and announced, "Lets work the problem people". When my wife is faced with overwhelming obstacles, I can count on her thinking, "Lets work the problem". This motto has served her well for many years.
I tell you this because on a daily basis, someone asks me about the direction our nation is heading and what can be done about it.
I decided to ask my spouse what her accountant perspective is on our nations economy and debt crisis. As usual, she caught me off guard and in a very matter of fact voice responded, "I am rooting for the rapture".
My friends, you know that your stock in the Titanic is in trouble when be best of the best minds have taken a default position of "Our best chance is to have God snatch us out of here before the bell rings".
That is a good thing and a.... not so good thing.
The good thing is, God loves us and is going to protect His children.
The not so good thing is, this old world lacks hope, peace, and the belief that our politicians are going to do what is in the best interest of the nation. (FYI, I am throwing rocks equally in both directions with that statement)
So what is your attitude toward the Rapture supposed to be?
I suppose the place to start this discussion is, "What is the Rapture?"
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
Although the term "rapture" is not found in the Bible, the teaching is firmly based on 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. The English word "rapture" is derived from the Latin word, "rapere" which means "to carry off" or "to catch up". The negative side of the rapture is that all non-believers left behind on earth will remain earth bound for a 7 year time of God's wrath. Most Bible scholars agree the 7 years will end with Jesus Christ's return and His reigning on earth for 1000 years.
My point of taking a walk on the wild side here is to lead you up to God's perspective on the rapture.
"Comfort one another with these words" 1 Thessalonians 4:18
What words? The Bible verses (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) hold great promise and hope for believers of Jesus Christ.
"All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:13-16
I know I am including a lot of Bible verses in today's blog because it is vital that you make up your mind on these issues based on God's eternal word and not on my witty banter.
In the Greek, when you repeat a phrase in writing, it has the same effect as putting punctuation points for emphasis. So, I am going to close this blog with a repeat of 1 Thessalonians 4:18:
"Comfort one another with these words"
I tell you this because on a daily basis, someone asks me about the direction our nation is heading and what can be done about it.
I decided to ask my spouse what her accountant perspective is on our nations economy and debt crisis. As usual, she caught me off guard and in a very matter of fact voice responded, "I am rooting for the rapture".
My friends, you know that your stock in the Titanic is in trouble when be best of the best minds have taken a default position of "Our best chance is to have God snatch us out of here before the bell rings".
That is a good thing and a.... not so good thing.
The good thing is, God loves us and is going to protect His children.
The not so good thing is, this old world lacks hope, peace, and the belief that our politicians are going to do what is in the best interest of the nation. (FYI, I am throwing rocks equally in both directions with that statement)
So what is your attitude toward the Rapture supposed to be?
I suppose the place to start this discussion is, "What is the Rapture?"
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
Although the term "rapture" is not found in the Bible, the teaching is firmly based on 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. The English word "rapture" is derived from the Latin word, "rapere" which means "to carry off" or "to catch up". The negative side of the rapture is that all non-believers left behind on earth will remain earth bound for a 7 year time of God's wrath. Most Bible scholars agree the 7 years will end with Jesus Christ's return and His reigning on earth for 1000 years.
My point of taking a walk on the wild side here is to lead you up to God's perspective on the rapture.
"Comfort one another with these words" 1 Thessalonians 4:18
What words? The Bible verses (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) hold great promise and hope for believers of Jesus Christ.
"All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:13-16
I know I am including a lot of Bible verses in today's blog because it is vital that you make up your mind on these issues based on God's eternal word and not on my witty banter.
In the Greek, when you repeat a phrase in writing, it has the same effect as putting punctuation points for emphasis. So, I am going to close this blog with a repeat of 1 Thessalonians 4:18:
"Comfort one another with these words"
Thursday, January 12, 2012
George Strait's Guitar
I like George Strait's music.
And if confession is good for the soul, I confess that I even liked his movie, "Pure Country". I wouldn't give it 5 stars but I would give it more stars than Kevin Costner's "Waterworld" movie disaster. Sorry, I digress.....
Anyway, I have watched Mr. George Strait perform many times (on TV - unfortunately never in person) and I have noticed that George packs his guitar around but seldom strums it.
I have personal knowledge that he can play the guitar because he played it a great deal in "Pure Country". But when he performs on stage, the guitar has the same role as his hat, his belt buckle, and his Wranglers. These items are props that he uses to identify himself as a cowboy.
I realize that if I have a point, I better get to it quickly before my readers jump ship.
Christians tend to use their Bible's like George uses his guitar. When you see George with his guitar, you know he is a country singer and about to perform. When you see a Christian with his Bible in hand, the odds are, he is about to perform.
This is not to say that the Christian can't open his Bible and use it effectively, but using it isn't a necessity for convincing everyone that he is a spiritual heavy weight with God.
Here is the problem. The Bible is God's Word. God conveying His thoughts to you. God loved you enough to send His only Son to die a painful, publicly humiliating death.
Just as George can play the guitar and move my soul with his music, so God's Word can strike a cord in your soul and move you closer to the Creator of the universe.
My challenge for you is, "Don't carry your Bible around as a prop. Recognize it for what it is and respect it's power and authority."
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" Hebrews 4:12
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1
And if confession is good for the soul, I confess that I even liked his movie, "Pure Country". I wouldn't give it 5 stars but I would give it more stars than Kevin Costner's "Waterworld" movie disaster. Sorry, I digress.....
Anyway, I have watched Mr. George Strait perform many times (on TV - unfortunately never in person) and I have noticed that George packs his guitar around but seldom strums it.
I have personal knowledge that he can play the guitar because he played it a great deal in "Pure Country". But when he performs on stage, the guitar has the same role as his hat, his belt buckle, and his Wranglers. These items are props that he uses to identify himself as a cowboy.
I realize that if I have a point, I better get to it quickly before my readers jump ship.
Christians tend to use their Bible's like George uses his guitar. When you see George with his guitar, you know he is a country singer and about to perform. When you see a Christian with his Bible in hand, the odds are, he is about to perform.
This is not to say that the Christian can't open his Bible and use it effectively, but using it isn't a necessity for convincing everyone that he is a spiritual heavy weight with God.
Here is the problem. The Bible is God's Word. God conveying His thoughts to you. God loved you enough to send His only Son to die a painful, publicly humiliating death.
Just as George can play the guitar and move my soul with his music, so God's Word can strike a cord in your soul and move you closer to the Creator of the universe.
My challenge for you is, "Don't carry your Bible around as a prop. Recognize it for what it is and respect it's power and authority."
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" Hebrews 4:12
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Plain Talk About Prayer
"So God declared he would destroy them. But Moses, His chosen one, stepped between the LORD and the people. He begged Him to turn from his anger and not destroy them" Psalm 106:23
Time for honesty. Don't roll your eyes. Tell me this....
"When someone sends you an e-mail asking for prayer, do you ever take a moment and pray for them?"
"When a friend stops you and reveals a medical crisis and asks for prayer, do you ever pray for them?"
"When you see an ambulance screaming down the highway with its lights and siren in full code, do you offer a prayer of protection for their travel to the hospital?"
"When you see a young mother in WalMart with an couple of small children dancing on her last nerve, do you ask God to strengthen and calm her?"
"When you see a funeral procession driving past, do you offer a prayer of comfort to God, asking Him to guide the grieving family through their pain and loss?"
"When your pastor or Bible Study instructor stands up to teach, do you offer a word of prayer, asking God to quiet his nerves and make him sensitive to the Holy Spirit's lead?"
"When your church service is winding to a close, and the pastor is calling people to a time of decision or commitment, do you pray for people's hearts to be responsive?"
"When you are visiting in a hospital, and your friend or family member is struggling, do you pray with them before you leave? Asking God to calm and heal them?"
So you are not really into praying - especially out loud - in front of people.
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans"
Romans 8:26
Remember this: God is not impressed with your words, but He is impressed with your heart. When you pray, God is not listening to your words, He is listening to your heart song. God loves it when His children come to Him and in total honesty, pour out their concerns, doubts, and fears. Those are the prayers that bring God to the edge of His seat as He leans forward and bends His ear close to our fumbling lips.
I will give you a free tip that I take advantage of every day. That cell phone you pack around has a daytimer calendar application of some kind. If you put an appointment in the phone, it will pop up and remind you. Use that app for prayer requests. If someone is going in the hospital on Thursday, put an appointment in your daytimer and have it pop up and remind you on Thursday to pray for them.
If you promise to pray for someone, take it seriously and keep your promise. There is no higher honor that stepping into the throne room of God Almighty, approaching His throne and speaking on behalf of someone He loves. That my friend, is a high honor that holds unlimited power.
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" Hebrews 4:16
Time for honesty. Don't roll your eyes. Tell me this....
"When someone sends you an e-mail asking for prayer, do you ever take a moment and pray for them?"
"When a friend stops you and reveals a medical crisis and asks for prayer, do you ever pray for them?"
"When you see an ambulance screaming down the highway with its lights and siren in full code, do you offer a prayer of protection for their travel to the hospital?"
"When you see a young mother in WalMart with an couple of small children dancing on her last nerve, do you ask God to strengthen and calm her?"
"When you see a funeral procession driving past, do you offer a prayer of comfort to God, asking Him to guide the grieving family through their pain and loss?"
"When your pastor or Bible Study instructor stands up to teach, do you offer a word of prayer, asking God to quiet his nerves and make him sensitive to the Holy Spirit's lead?"
"When your church service is winding to a close, and the pastor is calling people to a time of decision or commitment, do you pray for people's hearts to be responsive?"
"When you are visiting in a hospital, and your friend or family member is struggling, do you pray with them before you leave? Asking God to calm and heal them?"
So you are not really into praying - especially out loud - in front of people.
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans"
Romans 8:26
Remember this: God is not impressed with your words, but He is impressed with your heart. When you pray, God is not listening to your words, He is listening to your heart song. God loves it when His children come to Him and in total honesty, pour out their concerns, doubts, and fears. Those are the prayers that bring God to the edge of His seat as He leans forward and bends His ear close to our fumbling lips.
I will give you a free tip that I take advantage of every day. That cell phone you pack around has a daytimer calendar application of some kind. If you put an appointment in the phone, it will pop up and remind you. Use that app for prayer requests. If someone is going in the hospital on Thursday, put an appointment in your daytimer and have it pop up and remind you on Thursday to pray for them.
If you promise to pray for someone, take it seriously and keep your promise. There is no higher honor that stepping into the throne room of God Almighty, approaching His throne and speaking on behalf of someone He loves. That my friend, is a high honor that holds unlimited power.
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" Hebrews 4:16
Do you Serve God Cheerfully?
"Serve the Lord with gladness" Psalm 100:2
When my basic training drill sergeant handed me my orders for Panama, he looked me in the eye, shook his head and said, "I'm sorry son. I wouldn't wish this on anyone." I had no idea where Panama was. In fact, all I knew about Panama was that Van Halen sang a song about it. After service 3 years, I noticed that very few reenlisted after serving in Panama. It was like the kiss of death for career servicemen. I am not sure I can put my finger on all the reasons it had that effect, but it definitely took its toll.
There was one bright spot during that time in my life. Our company had a platoon sergeant named Fernandez. He was old school and everyone wanted to work for him. He was less interested in politics than in taking care of his troops.
In 1986, he took 10 of us to Honduras on a "detail" for a few months. I remember it was hard duty with no days off. However, serving under SGT Fernandez was an honor and it never crossed our minds to complain about any order he gave. SGT Fernandez was a honest to goodness leader that cared more about his men than his own career. We would have charged Hell with squirt guns if he gave us the order.
"How many Christians do you know that feel that way about serving God?"
"How many Christians do you know that serve God with a good attitude?"
"How many Christians do you know that cheerfully give God their time and money?"
"How many Christians do you know that refuse to quit serving God when the going gets rough or confusing?"
What is interesting, is that service to God is voluntary. God wants you to choose to love Him. God wants you to choose to obey Him. God wants you to choose to serve Him.
So the question is, "Are you?"
When my basic training drill sergeant handed me my orders for Panama, he looked me in the eye, shook his head and said, "I'm sorry son. I wouldn't wish this on anyone." I had no idea where Panama was. In fact, all I knew about Panama was that Van Halen sang a song about it. After service 3 years, I noticed that very few reenlisted after serving in Panama. It was like the kiss of death for career servicemen. I am not sure I can put my finger on all the reasons it had that effect, but it definitely took its toll.
There was one bright spot during that time in my life. Our company had a platoon sergeant named Fernandez. He was old school and everyone wanted to work for him. He was less interested in politics than in taking care of his troops.
In 1986, he took 10 of us to Honduras on a "detail" for a few months. I remember it was hard duty with no days off. However, serving under SGT Fernandez was an honor and it never crossed our minds to complain about any order he gave. SGT Fernandez was a honest to goodness leader that cared more about his men than his own career. We would have charged Hell with squirt guns if he gave us the order.
"How many Christians do you know that feel that way about serving God?"
"How many Christians do you know that serve God with a good attitude?"
"How many Christians do you know that cheerfully give God their time and money?"
"How many Christians do you know that refuse to quit serving God when the going gets rough or confusing?"
What is interesting, is that service to God is voluntary. God wants you to choose to love Him. God wants you to choose to obey Him. God wants you to choose to serve Him.
So the question is, "Are you?"
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