Little is much when God is in it.
God will take your little and make much out of it.
A few years ago, I was working full time in the 911 center and working part time as the pastor of Garden Valley Community Church. The church was running between 12-15 people on Sunday mornings. I was happy and about 1/2 the congregation was happy with me being pastor. Which in the world of pastors, those odds are pretty good.
I lost track how many times people asked me how long I was staying. I was frequently asked when I was going to Spokane and take a larger church. In hindsight, I suppose 1/2 of them was excited I was staying and the other 1/2.... perhaps, less than thrilled.
Every year the attendance increased a few people until an interesting happened. The church offered me a full time position as pastor. This fell into the "leap of faith" category for both the amazing little church and my amazing wife.
My amazing (accountant) wife encouraged me to follow my heart and "see what happens". I felt it necessary to point out her natural accounting gifts because her instincts would question the wisdom of a small church, hiring a full-time pastor.
This has been, without a doubt, one of the most mind blowing experiences of my whole life. I have been privileged enough to watch, first hand, the strength and faith of a small group of God's people. I have been honored to watch them stand together in support of their church and their pastor, me. If that isn't humbling, nothing is.
And the mind blowing experience isn't over. My wife has encouraged me through out this whole "leap of faith". Her faith shone bright when mine began to doubt. Her strength was revealed as she stood by me in stressful battles. I never realized the depth of her love and devotion until I watched her protect me when I was under attack.
Our spiritual take-away is, be slow to judge success based on appearances.
There are layers of truth in this story that would easily fill volumes. The good Lord took overlooked people in a remote location and daily performs unexplainable miracles
So often the good Lord is working behind the scenes. Working in people's hearts and lives in ways that defy explanation. There are no scales or rulers to measure the quality or effectiveness of God's hand moving behind the surface
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-11
"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.
But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with
greater responsibilities.". Luke 16:10
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Mark-Time
When I was in the U.S. Army boot camp, one of the "skills" they taught us was, "Mark-Time". That is where you march in place. Your boots never stop moving but you have no forward momentum. Honestly, everytime I had to "Mark-Time", it annoyed me because I could not see any advantage of stomping in one place and not going anywhere.
Today's spiritual take-away is pretty simple:
"There are days when it doesn't seem like we are gaining on our goals, but it is important to have faith that God is at work behind the scenes."
Some days God expects you to stop pushing because everything happens on His time schedule - not ours.
Remember this:
"God's will is never late, never early, always right on time".
For me, one of the most terribly difficult things that God commands us to do is:
"Wait". Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God".
I am NOT good at waiting. I am more the Tylenol push through the pain kinda guy.
Have you ever shown up for work and slaved all day, only to find that you were unable to finish anything? The whole day was pretty much a bust.
On the other hand, have you ever moseyed through your day at half speed and at the end of day, found every single project finished and complete? How did that happen?
Everything in God's time.
If you read the Gospels (the 1st four books in the New Testament), you will find that Jesus repeatedly said, "Not now, now is not my time". Jesus was working on His Father's timetable, not His own.
This principle should offer you perspective. If Jesus was working on His Father's timetable, how much more should we be aware of living within our Heavenly Father's schedule.
I am going to speculate here on a couple of reasons that God's timetable may demand that you occasionally "Mark-Time" and wait for His command to proceed.
#1. God is working in someone's life and needs more time to work.
God uses circumstances, events and people to bring about life change in people. Of course, it goes without saying that God also utilizes the Holy Spirit and His Word but if someone has a hard heart or a closed mind to God's voice, sometimes He works behind the scenes to soften their heart or open their minds.
#2. God wants to grow your faith.
OUCH. This is never an easy experience.
"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 1:2-3
"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
Today's spiritual take-away is pretty simple:
"There are days when it doesn't seem like we are gaining on our goals, but it is important to have faith that God is at work behind the scenes."
Some days God expects you to stop pushing because everything happens on His time schedule - not ours.
Remember this:
"God's will is never late, never early, always right on time".
For me, one of the most terribly difficult things that God commands us to do is:
"Wait". Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God".
I am NOT good at waiting. I am more the Tylenol push through the pain kinda guy.
Have you ever shown up for work and slaved all day, only to find that you were unable to finish anything? The whole day was pretty much a bust.
On the other hand, have you ever moseyed through your day at half speed and at the end of day, found every single project finished and complete? How did that happen?
Everything in God's time.
If you read the Gospels (the 1st four books in the New Testament), you will find that Jesus repeatedly said, "Not now, now is not my time". Jesus was working on His Father's timetable, not His own.
This principle should offer you perspective. If Jesus was working on His Father's timetable, how much more should we be aware of living within our Heavenly Father's schedule.
I am going to speculate here on a couple of reasons that God's timetable may demand that you occasionally "Mark-Time" and wait for His command to proceed.
#1. God is working in someone's life and needs more time to work.
God uses circumstances, events and people to bring about life change in people. Of course, it goes without saying that God also utilizes the Holy Spirit and His Word but if someone has a hard heart or a closed mind to God's voice, sometimes He works behind the scenes to soften their heart or open their minds.
#2. God wants to grow your faith.
OUCH. This is never an easy experience.
"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 1:2-3
"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
Monday, February 27, 2012
Conflicted
I spent 20 years of my youth working in jail as a Corrections Officer. That was back when I had a full head of hair and wore pants whose waist was smaller than my inseam. But that was many, many, many Big Mac's ago.
I was conflicted.
Part of me was a Corrections Officer whose job was to take unwilling customers that refused to play by the rules and impose my will on them and force them into compliance.
The other part of me was a Christian C.O. who was nudged by the Holy Spirit to live a life that reflected the glory of God.
More often than not, I was better at the first part than the second part.
I was conflicted.
One winter I had a few Inmates in North Wing that were asking good thought provoking questions about God. I was enjoying the challenge and bringing them Bible's. It was a very uplifting experience for me.
Then late on a Saturday night, a Colville Officer arrested a DUI that was less than cooperative. We tussled around and finally after a great deal of convincing, got him out of the patrol car.
He had slipped his handcuffs around in front of him and was doing a pretty good job smacking us around. Finally the Officer and I grabbed our customer and persuaded him to head down the stairs and into the jail.
About halfway down the stairs, my customer was flailing around in his drunken stupor and managed to hit me in the side of the head hard enough to ring my bell.
Well, by this time, I had tired of the festivities and Homer the clown had stomped on my last nerve so I pulled him the rest of the way down the stairs and planted him on the concrete. He continued to kick and punch until I landed in the middle of his back. This seemed to have a calming affect, at least until he caught his breath again and went back to fighting. Things got pretty frisky for a few minutes until I got him hog-tied (sorry, properly restrained).
Then I looked up and not 10 feet in front of me was, the group of guys in North Wing that I had been holding Bible study with.
Yea. I was conflicted. My worlds collided.
My head tells me that I had effectively and appropriately done my job in a professional manner.
My heart tells me that I have too many Bible verses memorized that suggest my actions were less than Christian. Perhaps my actions were appropriate but my attitude and motives were out of whack. Ephesians 4:26, "In your anger, do not sin."
What to do.... What to do....
"Never pay back evil with more evil.
Do things in such a way that everyone
can see you are honorable."
Romans 12:17
"See that no one pays back evil for evil,
but always try to do good to each other and to all people."
1 Thessalonians 5:15
Here in America, we have RIGHTS.
And when our RIGHTS are violated, we lash out, we vent, we attack, we riot, we throw temper tantrums, we run people off the road, we shoot at them, we do whatever is necessary to insure that no one ever tramples on our RIGHTS again.
"But I say, do not resist an evil person!
If someone slaps you on the right cheek,
offer the other cheek also."
Matthew 5:39
"If someone slaps you on one cheek,
offer the other cheek also.
If someone demands your coat,
offer your shirt also" Luke 6:29
So why would Jesus make such impossible statements?
Simply because He has graciously given each of His children everything they need to succeed in their Christian life. The Holy Spirit lives in our hearts to empower and guide us. God's Word in our hands to serve as the Sword of the Spirit. The church to surround us with encouragement, accountability, and build us up in the faith.
Jesus does not expect us to life like the world, because we are not citizens of this corrupt old world. Our home is in Heaven. Our Father is in Heaven. And Jesus expects us to act like it.
I was conflicted.
Part of me was a Corrections Officer whose job was to take unwilling customers that refused to play by the rules and impose my will on them and force them into compliance.
The other part of me was a Christian C.O. who was nudged by the Holy Spirit to live a life that reflected the glory of God.
More often than not, I was better at the first part than the second part.
I was conflicted.
One winter I had a few Inmates in North Wing that were asking good thought provoking questions about God. I was enjoying the challenge and bringing them Bible's. It was a very uplifting experience for me.
Then late on a Saturday night, a Colville Officer arrested a DUI that was less than cooperative. We tussled around and finally after a great deal of convincing, got him out of the patrol car.
He had slipped his handcuffs around in front of him and was doing a pretty good job smacking us around. Finally the Officer and I grabbed our customer and persuaded him to head down the stairs and into the jail.
About halfway down the stairs, my customer was flailing around in his drunken stupor and managed to hit me in the side of the head hard enough to ring my bell.
Well, by this time, I had tired of the festivities and Homer the clown had stomped on my last nerve so I pulled him the rest of the way down the stairs and planted him on the concrete. He continued to kick and punch until I landed in the middle of his back. This seemed to have a calming affect, at least until he caught his breath again and went back to fighting. Things got pretty frisky for a few minutes until I got him hog-tied (sorry, properly restrained).
Then I looked up and not 10 feet in front of me was, the group of guys in North Wing that I had been holding Bible study with.
Yea. I was conflicted. My worlds collided.
My head tells me that I had effectively and appropriately done my job in a professional manner.
My heart tells me that I have too many Bible verses memorized that suggest my actions were less than Christian. Perhaps my actions were appropriate but my attitude and motives were out of whack. Ephesians 4:26, "In your anger, do not sin."
What to do.... What to do....
"Never pay back evil with more evil.
Do things in such a way that everyone
can see you are honorable."
Romans 12:17
"See that no one pays back evil for evil,
but always try to do good to each other and to all people."
1 Thessalonians 5:15
Here in America, we have RIGHTS.
And when our RIGHTS are violated, we lash out, we vent, we attack, we riot, we throw temper tantrums, we run people off the road, we shoot at them, we do whatever is necessary to insure that no one ever tramples on our RIGHTS again.
"But I say, do not resist an evil person!
If someone slaps you on the right cheek,
offer the other cheek also."
Matthew 5:39
"If someone slaps you on one cheek,
offer the other cheek also.
If someone demands your coat,
offer your shirt also" Luke 6:29
So why would Jesus make such impossible statements?
Simply because He has graciously given each of His children everything they need to succeed in their Christian life. The Holy Spirit lives in our hearts to empower and guide us. God's Word in our hands to serve as the Sword of the Spirit. The church to surround us with encouragement, accountability, and build us up in the faith.
Jesus does not expect us to life like the world, because we are not citizens of this corrupt old world. Our home is in Heaven. Our Father is in Heaven. And Jesus expects us to act like it.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Winter Baptism
In the Book of Acts, when someone trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, they immediately followed with Believers Baptism. Baptism identified them as members of God's Family.
Baptism made them social outcasts. Often they would lose their jobs, their families, their properties, and struggle to purchase food. Baptism was a decision that was costly and life changing.
GVCC does not have a baptistery so winter baptisms are complicated.
Baptism is important because in Matthew 28, Jesus commanded us to share the Gospel with everyone in the world, baptism them, and then mentor them in the Christian faith.
Sorry, that story setup took way to long, so now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
A good friend asked me to officiate his baptism after church today. It has snowed for days and the temperature has fallen so, my options were limited.
For the last 110+ years, Garden Valley Community Church has conducted all baptisms in either Lake Ellen (which is currently froze over) or in the Columbia River (which won't warm up till August).
However, a church Elder that lives close by, offered me the use of his Jacuzzi for the baptism. Which has prompted me to approach my Elder Board to suggest the church invest in a large Jacuzzi for baptismal purposes (of course - for baptismal use - do they come with coffee cup holders?).
Trevor and I were standing there looking at the Jacuzzi without a clue how to do this in a classy manner that is appropriate for the occasion. But classy and appropriate just isn't our style so we kicked our shoes off and climbed in, wearing the same thing we wore to church.
Once we got in the Jacuzzi, I realized there was no where for me to stand. There was only enough floorspace for one person. So I took a seat and it was perfect. I couldn't have designed anything that worked better. It was totally a "God thing".
The downside was exiting the Jacuzzi. We were wet and cold. And I had dad bring his trusty camera, which meant standing in the cool breeze for photos. Finally Trevor and I agreed that it was time to go find a fireplace and food.
Our spiritual take-away for today is no great mystery:
have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
have you obeyed the Biblical command by being baptized?
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
What then is believer's baptism?
What is the purpose of it, since salvation is "by grace through faith" (Ephesians 2:8,9)?
Water baptism is symbol of something which already took place in the heart of the believer the moment he/she was saved (1 Peter 3:21). Water baptism represents the identification of the Christian with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
You are "crucified" (standing upright in water), you are "buried" (immersed into the water), and you are "resurrected into life" (raised out of the water). Water baptism then, is a picture of spiritual baptism as defined in Romans 6:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 12:13. It is the outward testimony of the believer's inward faith. A sinner is saved the moment he places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is a visible testimony to that faith.
This is the SCRIPTURAL basis for water baptism.
It PICTURES 4 important things:
(1) Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS the believer's death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. "Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him, through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." Colossians 2:12
(2) Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS the death of our old life to sin, and
our resurrection to walk in newness of life. "As Christ was raised up from the dead,
by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Romans 6:4
(3) Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS our faith in the Trinity of the
Godhead. "Baptizing them in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost." Matthew 28:19
(4) Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS our "putting on" of Christ. "For ye
are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been
baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:26,27
So then, water baptism is a picture of what transpired when you placed your faith and trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save you from your sins (Romans 6:3-5).
It does not atone for sin. Only the blood of Christ cleanses us from sin (I John 1:7; Colossians 1:14).
Baptism made them social outcasts. Often they would lose their jobs, their families, their properties, and struggle to purchase food. Baptism was a decision that was costly and life changing.
GVCC does not have a baptistery so winter baptisms are complicated.
Baptism is important because in Matthew 28, Jesus commanded us to share the Gospel with everyone in the world, baptism them, and then mentor them in the Christian faith.
Sorry, that story setup took way to long, so now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
A good friend asked me to officiate his baptism after church today. It has snowed for days and the temperature has fallen so, my options were limited.
For the last 110+ years, Garden Valley Community Church has conducted all baptisms in either Lake Ellen (which is currently froze over) or in the Columbia River (which won't warm up till August).
However, a church Elder that lives close by, offered me the use of his Jacuzzi for the baptism. Which has prompted me to approach my Elder Board to suggest the church invest in a large Jacuzzi for baptismal purposes (of course - for baptismal use - do they come with coffee cup holders?).
Trevor and I were standing there looking at the Jacuzzi without a clue how to do this in a classy manner that is appropriate for the occasion. But classy and appropriate just isn't our style so we kicked our shoes off and climbed in, wearing the same thing we wore to church.
Once we got in the Jacuzzi, I realized there was no where for me to stand. There was only enough floorspace for one person. So I took a seat and it was perfect. I couldn't have designed anything that worked better. It was totally a "God thing".
The downside was exiting the Jacuzzi. We were wet and cold. And I had dad bring his trusty camera, which meant standing in the cool breeze for photos. Finally Trevor and I agreed that it was time to go find a fireplace and food.
Our spiritual take-away for today is no great mystery:
have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
have you obeyed the Biblical command by being baptized?
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
What then is believer's baptism?
What is the purpose of it, since salvation is "by grace through faith" (Ephesians 2:8,9)?
Water baptism is symbol of something which already took place in the heart of the believer the moment he/she was saved (1 Peter 3:21). Water baptism represents the identification of the Christian with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
You are "crucified" (standing upright in water), you are "buried" (immersed into the water), and you are "resurrected into life" (raised out of the water). Water baptism then, is a picture of spiritual baptism as defined in Romans 6:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 12:13. It is the outward testimony of the believer's inward faith. A sinner is saved the moment he places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is a visible testimony to that faith.
This is the SCRIPTURAL basis for water baptism.
It PICTURES 4 important things:
(1) Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS the believer's death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. "Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him, through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." Colossians 2:12
(2) Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS the death of our old life to sin, and
our resurrection to walk in newness of life. "As Christ was raised up from the dead,
by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Romans 6:4
(3) Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS our faith in the Trinity of the
Godhead. "Baptizing them in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost." Matthew 28:19
(4) Scriptural baptism PICTURES and PROCLAIMS our "putting on" of Christ. "For ye
are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been
baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:26,27
So then, water baptism is a picture of what transpired when you placed your faith and trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save you from your sins (Romans 6:3-5).
It does not atone for sin. Only the blood of Christ cleanses us from sin (I John 1:7; Colossians 1:14).
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Slush
This afternoon I was driving home from a funeral on very slushy roads.
To make it more interesting, Inchelium Highway had not been plowed since the last snow. So there were only 3 clear "tracks" to drive in. Which is fine until you meet an oncoming car and you have to share one of the clear tracks. Someone ends up short driving in the slush.
Yup, I was driving along with no problem, thinking about all the work I have to do, when I came around a corner and had 3 oncoming cars to share the clear track with.
I began to slow down and nudged my right tire into the deep slush and.... I was broadside at 45 mph headed toward the oncomingit traffic.
I couldn't get the truck straightened out in the slush, nor would it slow down so, and the ditch provided a better option than hitting the oncoming cars.
So for the first time in my life, I put my car in the ditch.
I kept the pickup moving down the ditch and when I was slow enough, I punched in the 4 wheel drive. I drove the pickup back up on the road without hitting anything.
I suspect I wore out a few guardian angels and my hair is far more gray than before but I made it home in one piece -- "Thank you Lord!"
So what, pray tell, does my off-roading adventure have to do with the Christian life?
I'm glad you asked, otherwise I would have been forced to drag the story out longer and take a shot at humor -- and no one wants or needs that today.
Your spiritual takeaway from my adventure is, each one of you have a natural "slush" that threatens to derail you -- when you least expect it.
What is your natural "slush"?
Clint Eastwood played a character that said, "Every man must know his limitations".
I believe that the heart of our "limitations" is found in James 1:14,
"Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away."
My point? Our "slush" is our personal desire to sin.
"God's light came into the world,
but people loved the darkness
more than the light,
for their actions were evil."
John 3:19
"Stay alert!
Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.
He prowls around like a roaring lion,
looking for someone to devour."
1Peter 5:8
"Be on guard.
Stand firm in the faith.
Be courageous.
Be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13
"So be on your guard,
not asleep like the others.
Stay alert and be clearheaded.
Night is the time when people sleep
and drinkers get drunk.
But let us who live in the light
be clearheaded,
protected by the armor of faith and love,
and wearing as our helmet
the confidence of our salvation."
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
To make it more interesting, Inchelium Highway had not been plowed since the last snow. So there were only 3 clear "tracks" to drive in. Which is fine until you meet an oncoming car and you have to share one of the clear tracks. Someone ends up short driving in the slush.
Yup, I was driving along with no problem, thinking about all the work I have to do, when I came around a corner and had 3 oncoming cars to share the clear track with.
I began to slow down and nudged my right tire into the deep slush and.... I was broadside at 45 mph headed toward the oncomingit traffic.
I couldn't get the truck straightened out in the slush, nor would it slow down so, and the ditch provided a better option than hitting the oncoming cars.
So for the first time in my life, I put my car in the ditch.
I kept the pickup moving down the ditch and when I was slow enough, I punched in the 4 wheel drive. I drove the pickup back up on the road without hitting anything.
I suspect I wore out a few guardian angels and my hair is far more gray than before but I made it home in one piece -- "Thank you Lord!"
So what, pray tell, does my off-roading adventure have to do with the Christian life?
I'm glad you asked, otherwise I would have been forced to drag the story out longer and take a shot at humor -- and no one wants or needs that today.
Your spiritual takeaway from my adventure is, each one of you have a natural "slush" that threatens to derail you -- when you least expect it.
What is your natural "slush"?
Clint Eastwood played a character that said, "Every man must know his limitations".
I believe that the heart of our "limitations" is found in James 1:14,
"Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away."
My point? Our "slush" is our personal desire to sin.
"God's light came into the world,
but people loved the darkness
more than the light,
for their actions were evil."
John 3:19
"Stay alert!
Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.
He prowls around like a roaring lion,
looking for someone to devour."
1Peter 5:8
"Be on guard.
Stand firm in the faith.
Be courageous.
Be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13
"So be on your guard,
not asleep like the others.
Stay alert and be clearheaded.
Night is the time when people sleep
and drinkers get drunk.
But let us who live in the light
be clearheaded,
protected by the armor of faith and love,
and wearing as our helmet
the confidence of our salvation."
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
Friday, February 24, 2012
The Odds
I talk for a living.
"Too much talk leads to sin.
Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."
Proverbs 10:19
I realize that for every word that comes out of my mouth, it increases the odds that I will either offend someone or that someone will take what I say the wrong way.
Last year in a Bible study I was teaching, I was asked where I stood on a very controversial issue that is in the news on a daily basis.
I considered my options, asked the good Lord for wisdom and guidance and decided to use this question as a "teaching moment".
I talked for 15 minutes explaining some foundational background material that needed to be considered before drawing a conclusion. Then I moved into a few Bible verses that serve as "proof texts" in establishing a God pleasing conclusion to the question.
Except.... apparently everyone went to sleep somewhere along the line.
When I was finished and quite proud of myself for connecting all the dots. The same gentleman that asked the original question, raised his hand and repeated the question, word for word.
Hindsight revealed that I should have kept my answer direct and clear.
My first reaction was to express frustration. However, the good Lord saved my job by flashing Proverbs 10:19 to my angry -- about to vent -- line of thought. Yup, "Be sensible and keep my mouth shut". Very timely advice.
My dear wifey frequently points out that I have a tendency to use so much tact -- that people are not sure what my point is.
I understand the danger of tact is that it has a "deluding" affect. Think of a light beam. When it is used in a broad sense and spread out without focus, we call it a spotlight. However, when you bring it into a fine focus, we call it a laser.
Removing all unnecessary words is a very important talent that writers use. If I can make my point in 500 words, then it is distracting and deluding to use 1000. The fewer words I use to make my point, the sharper the focus must be and the more intense the point.
Now I travel back and revisit my original thought, "I talk for a living".
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- honors God in a positive light.
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- confirms my character as a child of God.
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- not be shallow and wasted breath.
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- reveal God's wisdom.
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- encourage a God pleasing life changing transformation in whoever is listening.
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- be seasoned with appropriateness and decency.
And our spiritual take-away today is:
".... I am determined not to sin in what I say". Psalm 17:3
"Too much talk leads to sin.
Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."
Proverbs 10:19
I realize that for every word that comes out of my mouth, it increases the odds that I will either offend someone or that someone will take what I say the wrong way.
Last year in a Bible study I was teaching, I was asked where I stood on a very controversial issue that is in the news on a daily basis.
I considered my options, asked the good Lord for wisdom and guidance and decided to use this question as a "teaching moment".
I talked for 15 minutes explaining some foundational background material that needed to be considered before drawing a conclusion. Then I moved into a few Bible verses that serve as "proof texts" in establishing a God pleasing conclusion to the question.
Except.... apparently everyone went to sleep somewhere along the line.
When I was finished and quite proud of myself for connecting all the dots. The same gentleman that asked the original question, raised his hand and repeated the question, word for word.
Hindsight revealed that I should have kept my answer direct and clear.
My first reaction was to express frustration. However, the good Lord saved my job by flashing Proverbs 10:19 to my angry -- about to vent -- line of thought. Yup, "Be sensible and keep my mouth shut". Very timely advice.
My dear wifey frequently points out that I have a tendency to use so much tact -- that people are not sure what my point is.
I understand the danger of tact is that it has a "deluding" affect. Think of a light beam. When it is used in a broad sense and spread out without focus, we call it a spotlight. However, when you bring it into a fine focus, we call it a laser.
Removing all unnecessary words is a very important talent that writers use. If I can make my point in 500 words, then it is distracting and deluding to use 1000. The fewer words I use to make my point, the sharper the focus must be and the more intense the point.
Now I travel back and revisit my original thought, "I talk for a living".
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- honors God in a positive light.
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- confirms my character as a child of God.
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- not be shallow and wasted breath.
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- reveal God's wisdom.
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- encourage a God pleasing life changing transformation in whoever is listening.
It is my hearts desire that every word I speak -- be seasoned with appropriateness and decency.
And our spiritual take-away today is:
".... I am determined not to sin in what I say". Psalm 17:3
Thursday, February 23, 2012
DMV Action
This morning I parked in the lot across the street from the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Since the funeral I was officiating didn't start for a while, I was going to sit in my pickup and study. However, one of the advantages to having a simple mind is -- I am easily entertained (and obviously distracted).
Apparently the DMV schedules 16 year old "wunna-be" drivers to show up for their drivers test at same time I was supposed to be studying.
The first vehicle to pull up was a small gray SUV with an overly excited 16 year old cowboy (complete with cowboy hat and boots). The young lad jumped out of the SUV and ran to the DMV door, realized he forgot his wallet so he ran back to the SUV to retrieve it. He spun around, wallet in hand and ran to the DMV door, only to realize he forgot something else in the car. As he was making his 2nd trip back to the car, the passenger side door opened and his mother emerged. I am sure she is a very young and beautiful woman but at that moment, she simply looked exhausted.
The mother stood and stared down the street like she was trying to forget why she was there and her 16 year old cowboy bounced up and down trying to get her into the DMV office so he could take his test.
Eventually the poor mother meandered into the DMV with great trepidation. I suspect the heavy weight on her shoulders was in anticipation of her increased gas bill, the frequent trips to Les Schwab for tires, the District Court letters advising of speeding tickets past due, the distinct order of stale beer, or the layers of mud that would quickly cover her SUV after the young cowboy takes his buddies "mudding".
Shortly, the DMV door opened and out poured the young cowboy with a fistful of paperwork and a set of car keys. The DMV license tester eventually came out and sauntered around the SUV. I couldn't tell if he was inspecting it for damage, messing with the young cowboy's patience by taking an incredible amount of time examining the rubber tread on each tire, or simply looking for an excuse not to ride with the over caffeinated young cowboy.
Either way, the vehicle was determined to be in adequate working order and both of them crawled in and prepared for takeoff.
My perspective on this unfolding observation was a very interesting reflection on the different stages of the Christian life. The 3 of them fairly accurately portrays a rookie believer, a mid-life Christian and an older mature Saint that is faithfully serving Jesus Christ.
When people first trust Jesus Christ as Savior they are so excited they can't wait to tell their family, their coworkers, their friends, and anyone else they encounter at the WalMart. Their enthusiasm knows no bounds. In fact, they find themselves curiously annoying to the old salty dog Christians that have weathered decades of storms.
Then there is the mid-season of the Christian life where you have tasted just enough of life's battles and disappointments that your perspective is jaded. You search your heart for that enthusiasm and find that it missing in action. You are still in the game but your passion is less than contagious and you have that 1000 yard stare that is common in battle weary soldiers.
Finally, there is the mature stage. You are mentoring others in the Christian faith and find yourself spoon feeding God's Word to the rookies. You are coming along side the mid-season Christians, encouraging them to not loose faith because God will bless their faithfulness if they stay in the battle (Galatians 6:9). God has put you in both their lives as both an example and a resource to equip them, protect them, guide them, and nurture them.
"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others" 2 Timothy 2:2
Apparently the DMV schedules 16 year old "wunna-be" drivers to show up for their drivers test at same time I was supposed to be studying.
The first vehicle to pull up was a small gray SUV with an overly excited 16 year old cowboy (complete with cowboy hat and boots). The young lad jumped out of the SUV and ran to the DMV door, realized he forgot his wallet so he ran back to the SUV to retrieve it. He spun around, wallet in hand and ran to the DMV door, only to realize he forgot something else in the car. As he was making his 2nd trip back to the car, the passenger side door opened and his mother emerged. I am sure she is a very young and beautiful woman but at that moment, she simply looked exhausted.
The mother stood and stared down the street like she was trying to forget why she was there and her 16 year old cowboy bounced up and down trying to get her into the DMV office so he could take his test.
Eventually the poor mother meandered into the DMV with great trepidation. I suspect the heavy weight on her shoulders was in anticipation of her increased gas bill, the frequent trips to Les Schwab for tires, the District Court letters advising of speeding tickets past due, the distinct order of stale beer, or the layers of mud that would quickly cover her SUV after the young cowboy takes his buddies "mudding".
Shortly, the DMV door opened and out poured the young cowboy with a fistful of paperwork and a set of car keys. The DMV license tester eventually came out and sauntered around the SUV. I couldn't tell if he was inspecting it for damage, messing with the young cowboy's patience by taking an incredible amount of time examining the rubber tread on each tire, or simply looking for an excuse not to ride with the over caffeinated young cowboy.
Either way, the vehicle was determined to be in adequate working order and both of them crawled in and prepared for takeoff.
My perspective on this unfolding observation was a very interesting reflection on the different stages of the Christian life. The 3 of them fairly accurately portrays a rookie believer, a mid-life Christian and an older mature Saint that is faithfully serving Jesus Christ.
When people first trust Jesus Christ as Savior they are so excited they can't wait to tell their family, their coworkers, their friends, and anyone else they encounter at the WalMart. Their enthusiasm knows no bounds. In fact, they find themselves curiously annoying to the old salty dog Christians that have weathered decades of storms.
Then there is the mid-season of the Christian life where you have tasted just enough of life's battles and disappointments that your perspective is jaded. You search your heart for that enthusiasm and find that it missing in action. You are still in the game but your passion is less than contagious and you have that 1000 yard stare that is common in battle weary soldiers.
Finally, there is the mature stage. You are mentoring others in the Christian faith and find yourself spoon feeding God's Word to the rookies. You are coming along side the mid-season Christians, encouraging them to not loose faith because God will bless their faithfulness if they stay in the battle (Galatians 6:9). God has put you in both their lives as both an example and a resource to equip them, protect them, guide them, and nurture them.
"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others" 2 Timothy 2:2
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Is It In The Bible????
Time for a brain-teaser.
How familiar are you with what IS in the Bible
and what is NOT in the Bible?
Some of theses quotes seem like they should be in the Bible, but are they?
"Moderation in all things"
"Let your moderation be known to all men" Philippians 4:5
"Once saved, always saved"
"All that the Father gives me shall come to me and him that comes to me, I will in no wise cast him out" John 6:37
"Better to cast your seed"
"Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return" Ecclesiastes 11:1
"Spare the rod, spoil the child"
"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away" Proverbs 22:15
"To thine ownself be true"
sorry, its just not in there.... talk to Shakespeare.... Hamlet I think...
or I saw it on Gilligan's Island
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
"Do to others as you would have them do to you" Luke 6:31 or Matthew 7:12
"God helps those who help themselves"
This is not in the Bible and has roots back to Sophocles and other Greek philosophers. However, Benjamin Franklin used it in his almanac in 1736. This is of interest because Benjamin was a "deist" he believed in God but did NOT believe that God intervened in affairs here on earth, so all responsibility was put back on mankind.
"Money is the root of all evil"
The Bible says that the LOVE of money is the problem. 1 Timothy 6:10
"Cleanliness is next to godliness"
Acts 10:15 (totally out of context -- don't even try to figure this one out)
"This too shall pass"
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away"
Matthew 24:35 or Mark 13:31 or Luke 21:33
"God works in mysterious ways"
Nope, not in the Bible
William Cowper (1731-1800) wrote a hymn for church with the first line being, "God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform". If you wanted to shoehorn a Bible verse into this quote, try Isaiah 55:8-9
"The eye is the window to the soul"
Nope, not in the Bible. Mark 7:20-23 sorta heads that way but, nope.
"The lion shall lay down with the lamb"
Isaiah 11:6 says the wolf will lie down with the lamb, so I suspect it is a misquote.
"Pride comes before the fall"
"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall"
1 Corinthians 10:12
"Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall"
Proverbs 16:18
"The Three Wise men"
Nope, no one knows how many wise men there were. Matthew 2:1-12
"The Sinner's Prayer"
Nope, not in the Bible.
It is a term for any prayer a sinner prays to request a relationship with God.
"Wedding Vows"
Nope, again, not in the Bible.
Can't even begin to guess how someone might think this.
"The Seven Deadly Sins"
Well, No, there is no one verse that lists all 7. And I have no idea how the term "deadly" came to be attached to them. Pride, Envy, Anger, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth
And for you that like to read your Bible, check out Ephesians 4:26, "In your anger, do not sin". Notice that does not say that being angry is the sin. In fact, Psalm 7:11 KJV says, "God is angry with the wicked every day".
Finally, "You reap what you sow"
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" Galatians 6:9
How familiar are you with what IS in the Bible
and what is NOT in the Bible?
Some of theses quotes seem like they should be in the Bible, but are they?
"Moderation in all things"
"Let your moderation be known to all men" Philippians 4:5
"Once saved, always saved"
"All that the Father gives me shall come to me and him that comes to me, I will in no wise cast him out" John 6:37
"Better to cast your seed"
"Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return" Ecclesiastes 11:1
"Spare the rod, spoil the child"
"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away" Proverbs 22:15
"To thine ownself be true"
sorry, its just not in there.... talk to Shakespeare.... Hamlet I think...
or I saw it on Gilligan's Island
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
"Do to others as you would have them do to you" Luke 6:31 or Matthew 7:12
"God helps those who help themselves"
This is not in the Bible and has roots back to Sophocles and other Greek philosophers. However, Benjamin Franklin used it in his almanac in 1736. This is of interest because Benjamin was a "deist" he believed in God but did NOT believe that God intervened in affairs here on earth, so all responsibility was put back on mankind.
"Money is the root of all evil"
The Bible says that the LOVE of money is the problem. 1 Timothy 6:10
"Cleanliness is next to godliness"
Acts 10:15 (totally out of context -- don't even try to figure this one out)
"This too shall pass"
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away"
Matthew 24:35 or Mark 13:31 or Luke 21:33
"God works in mysterious ways"
Nope, not in the Bible
William Cowper (1731-1800) wrote a hymn for church with the first line being, "God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform". If you wanted to shoehorn a Bible verse into this quote, try Isaiah 55:8-9
"The eye is the window to the soul"
Nope, not in the Bible. Mark 7:20-23 sorta heads that way but, nope.
"The lion shall lay down with the lamb"
Isaiah 11:6 says the wolf will lie down with the lamb, so I suspect it is a misquote.
"Pride comes before the fall"
"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall"
1 Corinthians 10:12
"Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall"
Proverbs 16:18
"The Three Wise men"
Nope, no one knows how many wise men there were. Matthew 2:1-12
"The Sinner's Prayer"
Nope, not in the Bible.
It is a term for any prayer a sinner prays to request a relationship with God.
"Wedding Vows"
Nope, again, not in the Bible.
Can't even begin to guess how someone might think this.
"The Seven Deadly Sins"
Well, No, there is no one verse that lists all 7. And I have no idea how the term "deadly" came to be attached to them. Pride, Envy, Anger, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth
And for you that like to read your Bible, check out Ephesians 4:26, "In your anger, do not sin". Notice that does not say that being angry is the sin. In fact, Psalm 7:11 KJV says, "God is angry with the wicked every day".
Finally, "You reap what you sow"
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" Galatians 6:9
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I Choose
I'm not sure if it is the lingering affects of winter or the incessant pitter patter of half hearted rain showers but I find myself sliding into seasonal despair.
So today, I choose to take my attitude back.
The weather will not dictate my mood. How stupid is that?
To base my happiness on something that changes from hour to hour.
As the basketball great Charles Barkley says, "Knuckle-Head".
Mr. Charles Barkley as made a fortune muttering in his sarcastic dry southern slur, "Knuckle-Head" during basketball commentaries. Sorry, I digress.
So starting today, our daily blog is going to remain real and honest but with a healthy positive perspective.
This became glaringly apparent as I read Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."
The glaring unavoidable question is, "What kind of light do you choose to shine?"
In your relationships, do the people closest to you, experience the love of God in your attitudes, actions, and words?
I take this topic to heart when I view my life from Gods perspective.
Does Garden Valley Community Church radiate the forgiving love of God?
Years ago I met with a Christian family that invited me over for dinner. After we ate, they began reminiscing about all the many pastors they had known in their life. They told me story after story about how each of these pastors had failed them. They became angry and the bitterness boiled to the surface. Finally in an attempt to offer them resolution from their bitterness, I pointed out that all of those pastors had passed away but one. They were held captive by bitterness linked to people that had been dead for decades. That is a choice.
Jesus commanded us to pray for our enemies and people that don't deserve your forgiveness or love.
“You have heard the law that says,
‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.
But I say, love your enemies!
Pray for those who persecute you!
In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.
For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good,
and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?
Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
If you are kind only to your friends,
how are you different from anyone else?
Even pagans do that.
But you are to be perfect,
even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
Matthew 5:43-48
Refusing to forgive and harboring bitterness is like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to die.
So the spiritual takeaway from this is, "Where will you choose to stand?"
In the morning, will you choose to live your life as a child of God that is not ashamed of the life you are called to as a Believer in Jesus Christ?
Or will you choose to remain silent and choose to blend in with the world around you.
Do those around you at work know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ?
Think about this. You will respond to this blog by making a choice.
Choosing not to respond is in itself, a response.
Then he said to the crowd,
“If any of you wants to be my follower,
you must turn from your selfish ways,
take up your cross daily, and follow me."
Luke 9:24
So today, I choose to take my attitude back.
The weather will not dictate my mood. How stupid is that?
To base my happiness on something that changes from hour to hour.
As the basketball great Charles Barkley says, "Knuckle-Head".
Mr. Charles Barkley as made a fortune muttering in his sarcastic dry southern slur, "Knuckle-Head" during basketball commentaries. Sorry, I digress.
So starting today, our daily blog is going to remain real and honest but with a healthy positive perspective.
This became glaringly apparent as I read Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."
The glaring unavoidable question is, "What kind of light do you choose to shine?"
In your relationships, do the people closest to you, experience the love of God in your attitudes, actions, and words?
I take this topic to heart when I view my life from Gods perspective.
Does Garden Valley Community Church radiate the forgiving love of God?
Years ago I met with a Christian family that invited me over for dinner. After we ate, they began reminiscing about all the many pastors they had known in their life. They told me story after story about how each of these pastors had failed them. They became angry and the bitterness boiled to the surface. Finally in an attempt to offer them resolution from their bitterness, I pointed out that all of those pastors had passed away but one. They were held captive by bitterness linked to people that had been dead for decades. That is a choice.
Jesus commanded us to pray for our enemies and people that don't deserve your forgiveness or love.
“You have heard the law that says,
‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.
But I say, love your enemies!
Pray for those who persecute you!
In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.
For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good,
and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?
Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
If you are kind only to your friends,
how are you different from anyone else?
Even pagans do that.
But you are to be perfect,
even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
Matthew 5:43-48
Refusing to forgive and harboring bitterness is like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to die.
So the spiritual takeaway from this is, "Where will you choose to stand?"
In the morning, will you choose to live your life as a child of God that is not ashamed of the life you are called to as a Believer in Jesus Christ?
Or will you choose to remain silent and choose to blend in with the world around you.
Do those around you at work know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ?
Think about this. You will respond to this blog by making a choice.
Choosing not to respond is in itself, a response.
Then he said to the crowd,
“If any of you wants to be my follower,
you must turn from your selfish ways,
take up your cross daily, and follow me."
Luke 9:24
Monday, February 20, 2012
God Smiled
Faith isn't faith if you can see where you are going.
Sure-Things don't require faith.
You ONLY know if you have faith when.... the lights go out and you still have to move.
As many of you know, I love preaching on Sunday.
I feel like a NFL quarterback that stands on the sidelines chomping at the bit to be put back in the game. I can't wait for the music to grow silent, the children to file out to Sunday School, and everyone reach for the Bibles.
THAT my friends, is when I experience the power and presence of God.
Usually there are about 2-3 Sunday's a year when I am not in my pulpit.
It is rare but it does happen.
Usually it is because there is a missionary or some sort of guest speaker that God has sent our way.
Have you ever heard the old saying,
"If you want to hear God laugh -- tell Him your plans?"
So sit back and get comfortable because I have an amusing story to spin for you.
One of the highlights we enjoy at Garden Valley Community Church is a local family bringing their teenage daughters to our church for special music.
These young ladies are amazing and when word gets out that they are coming, the house is packed. To say we are blessed would be an understatement.
Well, the instrumental part of our church Worship Team is going on vacation and will be gone this upcoming Sunday SO the family of teenage singers agreed to take the service and spend about 30 minutes singing for us. BONUS
And a wonderful lady in our church had an amazing childhood that is heart wrenching and victorious all at the same time, and she asked if she could share of her testimony. BONUS
This upcoming Sunday is a SURE THING.... the music and sermon is both covered by 1st class blessings. I can't begin to express how excited I am for this upcoming Sunday.
My ONLY worry is where are I going to seat that many people?
GVCC has NEVER (in the 100+ year history) had 100 people for a Sunday morning service. And there is parking to consider and nursery and....
Then.... The good Lord smiled.... He decided it was time to take my faith out for a stroll.
The family that was going to sing had a death in the family and will be unable to attend.
The lady giving her childhood testimony had to reschedule.
And I have 2 funeral services this week for friends that have passed away.
So.... breathe....
God wired me a little differently.
I write sermons in my head.
When I physically sit down to type out my sermon notes,
it usually doesn't take very long because I have been working on it all week in my head.
So, as I type this, I am writing (in my head), a Bible Study for Tuesday morning, a Bible Study for Wednesday night, a Funeral & Graveside for Thursday, a Funeral & Graveside for Saturday, and a Sermon for Sunday morning.
Normally I "try" to spend 1 hour studying for every minute I spend speaking.
So if I preach a 30 minute sermon, I attempt to spend 30 hours praying and studying in preparation for the service.
However, by my calculations, I have approximately 6 hours of speaking time this week, which converts to "about" 360 minutes studying and praying. Obviously I have to adjust my study time to speaking time ratio.
I have 2 spiritual take-away points to this story:
(a) God is taking my FAITH out for a test drive this week.
And no, I don't freak out when faced with an unusual workload but next week my system will automatically shut down for a couple days. My brain goes into a vegetative state where nothing coherent is produced.
(b) PRAY FOR ME
"Pray that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ... Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." Colossians 4:3-4
Sure-Things don't require faith.
You ONLY know if you have faith when.... the lights go out and you still have to move.
As many of you know, I love preaching on Sunday.
I feel like a NFL quarterback that stands on the sidelines chomping at the bit to be put back in the game. I can't wait for the music to grow silent, the children to file out to Sunday School, and everyone reach for the Bibles.
THAT my friends, is when I experience the power and presence of God.
Usually there are about 2-3 Sunday's a year when I am not in my pulpit.
It is rare but it does happen.
Usually it is because there is a missionary or some sort of guest speaker that God has sent our way.
Have you ever heard the old saying,
"If you want to hear God laugh -- tell Him your plans?"
So sit back and get comfortable because I have an amusing story to spin for you.
One of the highlights we enjoy at Garden Valley Community Church is a local family bringing their teenage daughters to our church for special music.
These young ladies are amazing and when word gets out that they are coming, the house is packed. To say we are blessed would be an understatement.
Well, the instrumental part of our church Worship Team is going on vacation and will be gone this upcoming Sunday SO the family of teenage singers agreed to take the service and spend about 30 minutes singing for us. BONUS
And a wonderful lady in our church had an amazing childhood that is heart wrenching and victorious all at the same time, and she asked if she could share of her testimony. BONUS
This upcoming Sunday is a SURE THING.... the music and sermon is both covered by 1st class blessings. I can't begin to express how excited I am for this upcoming Sunday.
My ONLY worry is where are I going to seat that many people?
GVCC has NEVER (in the 100+ year history) had 100 people for a Sunday morning service. And there is parking to consider and nursery and....
Then.... The good Lord smiled.... He decided it was time to take my faith out for a stroll.
The family that was going to sing had a death in the family and will be unable to attend.
The lady giving her childhood testimony had to reschedule.
And I have 2 funeral services this week for friends that have passed away.
So.... breathe....
God wired me a little differently.
I write sermons in my head.
When I physically sit down to type out my sermon notes,
it usually doesn't take very long because I have been working on it all week in my head.
So, as I type this, I am writing (in my head), a Bible Study for Tuesday morning, a Bible Study for Wednesday night, a Funeral & Graveside for Thursday, a Funeral & Graveside for Saturday, and a Sermon for Sunday morning.
Normally I "try" to spend 1 hour studying for every minute I spend speaking.
So if I preach a 30 minute sermon, I attempt to spend 30 hours praying and studying in preparation for the service.
However, by my calculations, I have approximately 6 hours of speaking time this week, which converts to "about" 360 minutes studying and praying. Obviously I have to adjust my study time to speaking time ratio.
I have 2 spiritual take-away points to this story:
(a) God is taking my FAITH out for a test drive this week.
And no, I don't freak out when faced with an unusual workload but next week my system will automatically shut down for a couple days. My brain goes into a vegetative state where nothing coherent is produced.
(b) PRAY FOR ME
"Pray that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ... Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." Colossians 4:3-4
Sunday, February 19, 2012
You Are What You Think
After spending many years working in the county jail, I was confused why some very responsible dedicated family men -- committed some of the most heinous crimes.
I felt it was important to understand how these guys got from "point A" to "point B".
Mostly because I wanted to make sure I didn't follow in their steps.
Obviously this is a 500 word blog written by a small church pastor and not a Doctor of Psychiatry. My point, keep in mind this is written from a spiritual perspective.
I will start my train of thought there.
Most everyone understands that there is a physical world and a spiritual world.
I believe they are closely interlinked and the only way to effectively understand this, is to start with the spiritual -- which you can only understand in light of God's Word.
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life" Proverbs 4:23
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2
Simply, you choose who you will be -- and your decision determines what you choose to put in your mind.
Ask yourself this, if you live at McDonalds -- all you eat for 3 meals a day -- 365 days a year, what kind of physical shape will you be in?
Ask yourself this, if you in front of the TV set 4+ hours a day -- what condition will your mind be in? Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, in light of God's Word, what is the quality of entertainment I am feeding my mind?
"Fools laugh at sin..." Proverbs 14:9
"dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 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." Philippians 4:8
Every major sin that a person commits, is the result of a long process of evil thinking.
Even "impulsive" sin has a history of conditioning that prepared the person to act in a way that offends God.
My personal observation is that good upstanding Christian people that choose to sin, began by failing to understand that their temptation thrives in ISOLATION.
ISOLATION means that their sin doesn't want anyone to know about it.
"People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy" Proverbs 28:13
"God would surely have known it, for He knows the secrets of the heart" Psalm 44:21
"When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long." Psalm 32:3
My point is this, would you be comfortable allowing me, your blog pastor, to read your internet history? Your stack of bedside books?
This is important because sin thrives and grows in the dark -- in isolation.
"Gods light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions are evil" John 3:19
Our spiritual take-away from this blog is this:
"In a 24 hour period, what information do you feed your mind?"
Does what you feed your mind, please God?
Or do you choose to feed your mind things that are shallow, temporary, full of empty calories and low of healthy nutrients?
Now to address the question I started with:
"How can responsible dedicated family men -- commit some of the most heinous crimes?"
I believe the answer is found in the decisions they make on what to feed their mind.
When they allow their mind to visit the playground of porn or the tantalizing menu of recreational sex outside of marriage. They have surrendered to a terrible master, a
master whose appetite will only increase and demand to be fed.
There is no satisfaction to be found being a slave to this master called sin.
I will take this half a step futher, half a step further than I anticipated.
Count on this, if sin is your master, it will drag you deeper than you ever wanted to go.
If sin is your master, what gave you a thrill today will loose its ability to excite you and your master will demand that you "chase the dragon" by taking a step deeper into its control, in search of the original thrill you experienced from sin.
James 1:14-15 teaches, "Tempation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death (eternal seperation from God)"
What are you going to feed your mind today????
I felt it was important to understand how these guys got from "point A" to "point B".
Mostly because I wanted to make sure I didn't follow in their steps.
Obviously this is a 500 word blog written by a small church pastor and not a Doctor of Psychiatry. My point, keep in mind this is written from a spiritual perspective.
I will start my train of thought there.
Most everyone understands that there is a physical world and a spiritual world.
I believe they are closely interlinked and the only way to effectively understand this, is to start with the spiritual -- which you can only understand in light of God's Word.
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life" Proverbs 4:23
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2
Simply, you choose who you will be -- and your decision determines what you choose to put in your mind.
Ask yourself this, if you live at McDonalds -- all you eat for 3 meals a day -- 365 days a year, what kind of physical shape will you be in?
Ask yourself this, if you in front of the TV set 4+ hours a day -- what condition will your mind be in? Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, in light of God's Word, what is the quality of entertainment I am feeding my mind?
"Fools laugh at sin..." Proverbs 14:9
"dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 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." Philippians 4:8
Every major sin that a person commits, is the result of a long process of evil thinking.
Even "impulsive" sin has a history of conditioning that prepared the person to act in a way that offends God.
My personal observation is that good upstanding Christian people that choose to sin, began by failing to understand that their temptation thrives in ISOLATION.
ISOLATION means that their sin doesn't want anyone to know about it.
"People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy" Proverbs 28:13
"God would surely have known it, for He knows the secrets of the heart" Psalm 44:21
"When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long." Psalm 32:3
My point is this, would you be comfortable allowing me, your blog pastor, to read your internet history? Your stack of bedside books?
This is important because sin thrives and grows in the dark -- in isolation.
"Gods light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions are evil" John 3:19
Our spiritual take-away from this blog is this:
"In a 24 hour period, what information do you feed your mind?"
Does what you feed your mind, please God?
Or do you choose to feed your mind things that are shallow, temporary, full of empty calories and low of healthy nutrients?
Now to address the question I started with:
"How can responsible dedicated family men -- commit some of the most heinous crimes?"
I believe the answer is found in the decisions they make on what to feed their mind.
When they allow their mind to visit the playground of porn or the tantalizing menu of recreational sex outside of marriage. They have surrendered to a terrible master, a
master whose appetite will only increase and demand to be fed.
There is no satisfaction to be found being a slave to this master called sin.
I will take this half a step futher, half a step further than I anticipated.
Count on this, if sin is your master, it will drag you deeper than you ever wanted to go.
If sin is your master, what gave you a thrill today will loose its ability to excite you and your master will demand that you "chase the dragon" by taking a step deeper into its control, in search of the original thrill you experienced from sin.
James 1:14-15 teaches, "Tempation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death (eternal seperation from God)"
What are you going to feed your mind today????
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Examining Priorities
Have you ever read a Bible verse that shook you to your core?
My wife read a Bible verse a couple months ago and immediately shared it with me. Her first thought was, "I can't believe this is in the Bible". Her second thought was, "Has anyone else seen it?"
Carefully read this verse and mull it over. Tell me it doesn't make you a little uncomfortable.
"Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before" 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Make it your priority to live a quiet life
Make it your priority to mind your own business
Make it your priority to work with your hands
YOU obey God's Word
Tell me, does any of these 4 Bible commands (yes they are commands -- not suggestions) sound like the American Dream?
I am NOT going to preach a sermon here, but I do want God to personally challenge you to reexamine your priorities.
"quiet life" -- literally means not to speak inappropriately and to live free of hostility. Does this describe the life in your home? Sorry, that was preaching. The ability to live a quiet life is an example of the life transforming power of the Gospel.
"mind your own business" -- 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12, "we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living."
"work with your hands" -- the Greeks believed that they should never stoop to do manual labor. They believed that working with their hands was degrading. So Paul was challenging Christians to do their best at their jobs. Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters". Luke 3:14, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
"just as we instructed you before" -- Ask yourself this, "Will you give God's Word the authority to transform your life into a life that pleases God?"
This afternoon I met with a young man that is making some difficult life choices. As he was explaining his options (or lack of options), I was praying and asking God to guide our conversation and thoughts.
Finally I asked the young man, "Do you trust God?"
He was pretty much noncommittal in his answer and beat around the bush.
I congratulated him on being honest. I told him that he needed to move slowly in his decisions and wait for God to transform his life.
He kept asking me "where" I thought God wanted him to work and "where" God wanted him to live.
The truth is, God will work in that young man's life no matter where he goes.
Pastor Rick Warren likes to say, "God is more interested in transforming your life than making you happy".
So your spiritual takeaway for today is, "Will you open your mind to God's Word and allow it to challenge your priorities, your values, your desires, your attitudes, your goals, and your actions?"
My wife read a Bible verse a couple months ago and immediately shared it with me. Her first thought was, "I can't believe this is in the Bible". Her second thought was, "Has anyone else seen it?"
Carefully read this verse and mull it over. Tell me it doesn't make you a little uncomfortable.
"Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before" 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Make it your priority to live a quiet life
Make it your priority to mind your own business
Make it your priority to work with your hands
YOU obey God's Word
Tell me, does any of these 4 Bible commands (yes they are commands -- not suggestions) sound like the American Dream?
I am NOT going to preach a sermon here, but I do want God to personally challenge you to reexamine your priorities.
"quiet life" -- literally means not to speak inappropriately and to live free of hostility. Does this describe the life in your home? Sorry, that was preaching. The ability to live a quiet life is an example of the life transforming power of the Gospel.
"mind your own business" -- 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12, "we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living."
"work with your hands" -- the Greeks believed that they should never stoop to do manual labor. They believed that working with their hands was degrading. So Paul was challenging Christians to do their best at their jobs. Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters". Luke 3:14, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
"just as we instructed you before" -- Ask yourself this, "Will you give God's Word the authority to transform your life into a life that pleases God?"
This afternoon I met with a young man that is making some difficult life choices. As he was explaining his options (or lack of options), I was praying and asking God to guide our conversation and thoughts.
Finally I asked the young man, "Do you trust God?"
He was pretty much noncommittal in his answer and beat around the bush.
I congratulated him on being honest. I told him that he needed to move slowly in his decisions and wait for God to transform his life.
He kept asking me "where" I thought God wanted him to work and "where" God wanted him to live.
The truth is, God will work in that young man's life no matter where he goes.
Pastor Rick Warren likes to say, "God is more interested in transforming your life than making you happy".
So your spiritual takeaway for today is, "Will you open your mind to God's Word and allow it to challenge your priorities, your values, your desires, your attitudes, your goals, and your actions?"
Friday, February 17, 2012
Do Right
Friday afternoon my wife and I were desperate for Subway sandwiches. And since she had piles of business mail for the post office, I was elected for the road-trip.
After making the post office drop, I stopped by the Yellow Pine Subway for tasty morsels.
Of course there was an older woman in line in front of me that already had her food but was disputing her bill. I ordered, and my sandwiches were ready to ring up, but the woman was still arguing her bill. There were two men behind me that also ordered their sandwiches and were waiting to pay for them. None of us could leave until this older woman's anger was vindicated for whatever injustice she felt was imposed on her.
The cashier carefully went over each item on the bill and explained that everything was accounted for. The older woman insisted that there was a 3 cent discrepancy. Finally the cashier asked her if she wanted 3 cents. The woman proclaimed with great indignation that the 3 cents was hers and she was entitled to it.
As the cashier was fishing around for 3 cents, the older woman loudly stated that she wanted to make a complaint on the cashier because she "didn't like her attitude".
At this point the cashier stood quietly and took the older woman's abuse.
Somewhere along here I looked behind me and realized the two men behind me were angry and all three of the women working behind the Subway counter was angry, all because this woman didn't want to pay the tax on her food.
The cashier told the older woman that if she went online to www.subway.com, she could lodge her written complaint. The woman stated she would.
I couldn't stand by and watch the older woman bully the cashier any longer.
I spoke up and said, "I will volunteer to go onto the website and lodge an atta girl for you because you have been respectful and tried everything possible to resolve this problem. I will report that there was nothing humanly possible you could do to make her happy".
At this the woman stomped off in a huff.
No, its not over. The older woman couldn't stand it. She actually thought she could bully me too.
So she came back and advised me that the discrepancy was not over 3 cents but "it should be more like 10 cents".
I explained to her that I was a customer trying to pay for my sandwiches and she was holding up the line. I told to her that all I wanted to do was pay my full bill and go feed my wife lunch.
This seemed to infuriate her and she left. As she left Yellow Pine, the whole gas station cracked up laughing. There were at least 20 people in there laughing at the spectacle she made of herself over 3 cents.
The point of my story today is this: "It is never ok to bully the weak."
The older woman knew the cashier couldn't say or do anything to her because she would get fired. And when the cashier gave her the three cents back, the bully inflicted more pain by threatening to file a complaint with the company on her attitude.
The second point to my story is this: "It is never ok to stand by and watch a bully abuse the weak".
And for the record, YES, I went to the Subway website and filed an atta girl for the patient cashier that handled today's adventure.
"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed"
Psalm 82:3
"The Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what He requires of you:
to do what is right,
to love mercy,
and to walk humbly
with your God"
Micah 6:8
After making the post office drop, I stopped by the Yellow Pine Subway for tasty morsels.
Of course there was an older woman in line in front of me that already had her food but was disputing her bill. I ordered, and my sandwiches were ready to ring up, but the woman was still arguing her bill. There were two men behind me that also ordered their sandwiches and were waiting to pay for them. None of us could leave until this older woman's anger was vindicated for whatever injustice she felt was imposed on her.
The cashier carefully went over each item on the bill and explained that everything was accounted for. The older woman insisted that there was a 3 cent discrepancy. Finally the cashier asked her if she wanted 3 cents. The woman proclaimed with great indignation that the 3 cents was hers and she was entitled to it.
As the cashier was fishing around for 3 cents, the older woman loudly stated that she wanted to make a complaint on the cashier because she "didn't like her attitude".
At this point the cashier stood quietly and took the older woman's abuse.
Somewhere along here I looked behind me and realized the two men behind me were angry and all three of the women working behind the Subway counter was angry, all because this woman didn't want to pay the tax on her food.
The cashier told the older woman that if she went online to www.subway.com, she could lodge her written complaint. The woman stated she would.
I couldn't stand by and watch the older woman bully the cashier any longer.
I spoke up and said, "I will volunteer to go onto the website and lodge an atta girl for you because you have been respectful and tried everything possible to resolve this problem. I will report that there was nothing humanly possible you could do to make her happy".
At this the woman stomped off in a huff.
No, its not over. The older woman couldn't stand it. She actually thought she could bully me too.
So she came back and advised me that the discrepancy was not over 3 cents but "it should be more like 10 cents".
I explained to her that I was a customer trying to pay for my sandwiches and she was holding up the line. I told to her that all I wanted to do was pay my full bill and go feed my wife lunch.
This seemed to infuriate her and she left. As she left Yellow Pine, the whole gas station cracked up laughing. There were at least 20 people in there laughing at the spectacle she made of herself over 3 cents.
The point of my story today is this: "It is never ok to bully the weak."
The older woman knew the cashier couldn't say or do anything to her because she would get fired. And when the cashier gave her the three cents back, the bully inflicted more pain by threatening to file a complaint with the company on her attitude.
The second point to my story is this: "It is never ok to stand by and watch a bully abuse the weak".
And for the record, YES, I went to the Subway website and filed an atta girl for the patient cashier that handled today's adventure.
"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed"
Psalm 82:3
"The Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what He requires of you:
to do what is right,
to love mercy,
and to walk humbly
with your God"
Micah 6:8
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Avoiding Danger
Twice today I was asked an interesting question.
Truth is, it had never crossed my mind until someone mentioned it. Once it was brought to my attention, well, the bell can't be unrung. Sort of like having someone ask you how you got a dent in the side of your car. Until someone pointed it out, you never noticed it. However, once you were aware of it, it is like a sliver in your brain.
The question is this: "How do I keep from becoming emotionally and spiritually
depleted after spending so much time meeting the needs of others?"
Pretty interesting question.
Because our society is built on the premise that: Busyness = Significance
Rather than explore the problem, which everyone is already aware of, I would like to take a couple minutes and talk about my personal "spiritual safeguard system".
I pray that the good Lord will lead you to consider a couple points I have learned. And these points will be used to increase your faith in God.
#1. I listen to God
I know there is much debate and controversy over how and when God speaks.
But I am here to tell you that if you own a Bible, you can hear God speak.
Step #1 is open your Bible.
Step #2 is read your Bible
Step #3 is study your Bible
Step #4 is memorize your Bible
Step #5 is meditate on your Bible
I guarantee if you follow these 5 steps, you will be well on your way to hearing God.
So, exactly what does God's voice sound like? I'm glad you asked:
"And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:12 NLT
#2. I listen to my wife
The good Lord provided me a wife that is much smarter in some areas than I.
And she is a woman of few words, so when she speaks, I pay attention.
And outside of the good Lord, NO ONE knows me better than Michele.
I believe with all my heart that God designed her with gifts to counsel me.
My point is this, Michele is my first line of defense against burn out.
#3. I listen to my dad
I am guilty of the age old tradition that says, the older you get -- the smarter your dad gets.
For years, I have went to my dad for counsel
and for years, he has calmed me down and
advised me to look at situations rationally and
from God's perspective.
#4. I listen to my Church Elders
Finally, I am blessed with Church Elders that love God
and are devoted to leading a Church that glorifies God.
I choose to submit to their counsel, leadership, and
vision. This serves as a safety net for both me and the
Church. By being accountable to them, I am obeying
Proverbs 15:22, "Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
but many advisors bring success"
I have many other safeguards in place to insure I don't
"burn out" or "go astray" -- but these 4 are my first lines
of defense.
I close this blog with one of my favorite passages:
"He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars and calls them all by name.
How great is our Lord!
His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension!"
Psalm 147:3-5 NLT
Truth is, it had never crossed my mind until someone mentioned it. Once it was brought to my attention, well, the bell can't be unrung. Sort of like having someone ask you how you got a dent in the side of your car. Until someone pointed it out, you never noticed it. However, once you were aware of it, it is like a sliver in your brain.
The question is this: "How do I keep from becoming emotionally and spiritually
depleted after spending so much time meeting the needs of others?"
Pretty interesting question.
Because our society is built on the premise that: Busyness = Significance
Rather than explore the problem, which everyone is already aware of, I would like to take a couple minutes and talk about my personal "spiritual safeguard system".
I pray that the good Lord will lead you to consider a couple points I have learned. And these points will be used to increase your faith in God.
#1. I listen to God
I know there is much debate and controversy over how and when God speaks.
But I am here to tell you that if you own a Bible, you can hear God speak.
Step #1 is open your Bible.
Step #2 is read your Bible
Step #3 is study your Bible
Step #4 is memorize your Bible
Step #5 is meditate on your Bible
I guarantee if you follow these 5 steps, you will be well on your way to hearing God.
So, exactly what does God's voice sound like? I'm glad you asked:
"And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:12 NLT
#2. I listen to my wife
The good Lord provided me a wife that is much smarter in some areas than I.
And she is a woman of few words, so when she speaks, I pay attention.
And outside of the good Lord, NO ONE knows me better than Michele.
I believe with all my heart that God designed her with gifts to counsel me.
My point is this, Michele is my first line of defense against burn out.
#3. I listen to my dad
I am guilty of the age old tradition that says, the older you get -- the smarter your dad gets.
For years, I have went to my dad for counsel
and for years, he has calmed me down and
advised me to look at situations rationally and
from God's perspective.
#4. I listen to my Church Elders
Finally, I am blessed with Church Elders that love God
and are devoted to leading a Church that glorifies God.
I choose to submit to their counsel, leadership, and
vision. This serves as a safety net for both me and the
Church. By being accountable to them, I am obeying
Proverbs 15:22, "Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
but many advisors bring success"
I have many other safeguards in place to insure I don't
"burn out" or "go astray" -- but these 4 are my first lines
of defense.
I close this blog with one of my favorite passages:
"He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars and calls them all by name.
How great is our Lord!
His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension!"
Psalm 147:3-5 NLT
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Bloom Where Planted
Michele likes buying those small planter trays for spring starter plants.
She purchased 3 trays at the Walmart. 2 of the trays are growing like weeds.
The third tray, nothing. Zilch. Nada.
So, today the sun was shining and the warm rays were very promising. She couldn't stand it, so the third tray got relocated out to the porch. Her master plan is that perhaps a change of environment and some fresh air will spur the Petunia's into a growth spirt.
She is desperately waiting for any sign of life but it refuses to bloom.
My point is this, all three trays were filled with the same soil, and the same fertilizer, with seeds from the same store and one tray is following a different path.
How often do we not only expect but demand that everyone grow and live in a method that we consider normal and are comfortable with?
Heaven forbid if someone moves our cheese and colors outside the lines that we have established as our comfort zone.
Face it, some people have to make every mistake for themselves and they use our warnings as roadmaps to their next encounter with pain.
This morning I received a phone call from a dear friend that wanted counsel on how best to assist an alcoholic neighbor. This is more common that you would expect. The problem is, we can't wish healthy decisions onto people. They need time for God to change their heart and bring them to a place of life change.
So how exactly does God bring people to the point of life change?
By controlling circumstances, events and people to accomplish His will.
One of the most hope restoring verses in the Bible is Genesis 50:20. I use this on a weekly basis when I counsel people that are struggling with anger and forgiveness issues.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.
He brought me to this position
so I could save the lives of many people."
Genesis 50:20
All this brings you to one question that you must answer:
"Do you trust that God is good, in every situation, to always do what is best?"
God will use circumstances, events and people to bring you to a point of honesty and humility before Him. No excuses. No explaining. No rationalizing. No bargaining.
Your spiritual takeaway for today is, "If you trust God to be good, in every situation, will you thank Him for putting you in the situation you are in right now?"
If you trust God to be good, in every situation, will you thank Him for putting a difficult person in your life?
If you trust God to be good, in every situation, will you thank Him for allowing you to experience what you are going through right now?
If you can thank God for everything in your life, then you are beginning to view your life from God's perspective and you will experience a life of spiritual maturity and health.
"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.
If you need wisdom,
ask our generous God,
and he will give it to you.
He will not rebuke you for asking."
James 1:2-5
She purchased 3 trays at the Walmart. 2 of the trays are growing like weeds.
The third tray, nothing. Zilch. Nada.
So, today the sun was shining and the warm rays were very promising. She couldn't stand it, so the third tray got relocated out to the porch. Her master plan is that perhaps a change of environment and some fresh air will spur the Petunia's into a growth spirt.
She is desperately waiting for any sign of life but it refuses to bloom.
My point is this, all three trays were filled with the same soil, and the same fertilizer, with seeds from the same store and one tray is following a different path.
How often do we not only expect but demand that everyone grow and live in a method that we consider normal and are comfortable with?
Heaven forbid if someone moves our cheese and colors outside the lines that we have established as our comfort zone.
Face it, some people have to make every mistake for themselves and they use our warnings as roadmaps to their next encounter with pain.
This morning I received a phone call from a dear friend that wanted counsel on how best to assist an alcoholic neighbor. This is more common that you would expect. The problem is, we can't wish healthy decisions onto people. They need time for God to change their heart and bring them to a place of life change.
So how exactly does God bring people to the point of life change?
By controlling circumstances, events and people to accomplish His will.
One of the most hope restoring verses in the Bible is Genesis 50:20. I use this on a weekly basis when I counsel people that are struggling with anger and forgiveness issues.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.
He brought me to this position
so I could save the lives of many people."
Genesis 50:20
All this brings you to one question that you must answer:
"Do you trust that God is good, in every situation, to always do what is best?"
God will use circumstances, events and people to bring you to a point of honesty and humility before Him. No excuses. No explaining. No rationalizing. No bargaining.
Your spiritual takeaway for today is, "If you trust God to be good, in every situation, will you thank Him for putting you in the situation you are in right now?"
If you trust God to be good, in every situation, will you thank Him for putting a difficult person in your life?
If you trust God to be good, in every situation, will you thank Him for allowing you to experience what you are going through right now?
If you can thank God for everything in your life, then you are beginning to view your life from God's perspective and you will experience a life of spiritual maturity and health.
"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.
If you need wisdom,
ask our generous God,
and he will give it to you.
He will not rebuke you for asking."
James 1:2-5
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Self Fulfilling Prophecies
My dear ol dad (as he likes to call himself), has a favorite saying (actually he has about 500 favorite sayings that my wife calls his "Jim-isms"), "A lot of what you see, depends on what you are looking for".
My point is this, if you look for the worst in someone, you will find something to criticize. If you look for the worst in a situation, you will find something that irritates you. If you look for the negative -- then trust me -- you will find the negative.
For a moment, I am going to get "preachy" so roll your eyes back in your head and get comfortable. Yes, I know that is what you do because I see you do it every Sunday at 11:30 am when I climb into the pulpit to preach.
A few months ago I was getting seriously depressed and negative about our nation. I had become obsessed with collecting as much negative news as possible about the direction our leaders were taking us.
Then one night as I was getting ready for bed I asked myself, "Exactly what can I do to influence any of these problems that I have myself so twisted up about?"
I know this will shock most of you but, NO ONE in Washington DC has called me this week for advice on how to handle foreign trade relations. I know, I know, I too am shocked by this.
And the "Occupy Colville" warriors, they might as well move their base of operations to Cedar Lake. No one in government leadership gives 2 hoots about protesters in Colville. And just in case you are curious, Cedar Lake is about as far north as you can go in Stevens County without crossing into Canada and speaking French. You sorta have to be lost to get there.
OK, I am climbing off my soapbox and preparing to take up an offering so reach for your wallet. Sorry, that was pastor-humor.
So let me share a couple observations on how I began to adjust my perspective.
(a) Always base your happiness & joy on things that please God.
(b) Always view circumstances & people in light of "God is in control".
(c) Beware of doomsday prophets. Ask yourself, "Do they have a solution or are they simply devil sniffers?" If they are preaching God's Word and attempting to bring people to God, then encourage and support them. But if their sole purpose is to steal your joy and depress you, then open your Bible and ask God for guidance.
(d) Finally, keep a balance on your NEWS intake. By "balance" I mean, for every minute you view the NEWS, spend a minute reading your Bible. You seriously need to view today's issues in the light of God's Word.
D.L. Moody said, "The best way to study God's Word is to have a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other".
“But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed. Just as the LORD has destroyed other nations in your path, you also will be destroyed if you refuse to obey the LORD your God." Deuteronomy 8:19-20
My point is this, if you look for the worst in someone, you will find something to criticize. If you look for the worst in a situation, you will find something that irritates you. If you look for the negative -- then trust me -- you will find the negative.
For a moment, I am going to get "preachy" so roll your eyes back in your head and get comfortable. Yes, I know that is what you do because I see you do it every Sunday at 11:30 am when I climb into the pulpit to preach.
A few months ago I was getting seriously depressed and negative about our nation. I had become obsessed with collecting as much negative news as possible about the direction our leaders were taking us.
Then one night as I was getting ready for bed I asked myself, "Exactly what can I do to influence any of these problems that I have myself so twisted up about?"
I know this will shock most of you but, NO ONE in Washington DC has called me this week for advice on how to handle foreign trade relations. I know, I know, I too am shocked by this.
And the "Occupy Colville" warriors, they might as well move their base of operations to Cedar Lake. No one in government leadership gives 2 hoots about protesters in Colville. And just in case you are curious, Cedar Lake is about as far north as you can go in Stevens County without crossing into Canada and speaking French. You sorta have to be lost to get there.
OK, I am climbing off my soapbox and preparing to take up an offering so reach for your wallet. Sorry, that was pastor-humor.
So let me share a couple observations on how I began to adjust my perspective.
(a) Always base your happiness & joy on things that please God.
(b) Always view circumstances & people in light of "God is in control".
(c) Beware of doomsday prophets. Ask yourself, "Do they have a solution or are they simply devil sniffers?" If they are preaching God's Word and attempting to bring people to God, then encourage and support them. But if their sole purpose is to steal your joy and depress you, then open your Bible and ask God for guidance.
(d) Finally, keep a balance on your NEWS intake. By "balance" I mean, for every minute you view the NEWS, spend a minute reading your Bible. You seriously need to view today's issues in the light of God's Word.
D.L. Moody said, "The best way to study God's Word is to have a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other".
“But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed. Just as the LORD has destroyed other nations in your path, you also will be destroyed if you refuse to obey the LORD your God." Deuteronomy 8:19-20
Monday, February 13, 2012
God Given Responsibility
I spent part of today listening to a person's views on God, the Bible and the next life. To the best of my knowledge, this person's views are based on an interesting combination of the Discovery Channel, a few college classes in a secular university, and a very insightful 1997 National Geographic article in the dentist office waiting room.
This person's opinion of my college eduction and personal study was.... unimpressed to say the least. Which is obviously not my fault because if this person had recorded the Discovery Channel's show, then I could have moved to the front of the class. So in this person's estimation, my education was crippled by my confidence in God's Word.
"God's Word" (in this person's estimation) is an ancient tool of the Catholic Church to control the masses. Of course this opened the door for another lecture on all the books the Catholic Church refused to add to the Bible and how biased they were on what books they allowed in the Bible. And all this credible information was gleaned from the Discovery Channel and Tom Hank's movie, "The Da Vinci Code".
I would love to apologize for being snarky and taking creative liberties with my story but alas, no apology is necessary, it is all quite factual. And to make it even more disturbing, quite common.
So if you have stayed with me this far, I will push the limits of your tolerance by suggesting that the root problem of all this confusion is a deterioration of children's Sunday School's across the nation.
Think about this. 3 or 4 generations ago, kids went to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School because parents believed it was the right thing to do. Somewhere along the way their move changed from the right thing to do to, "free daycare" for a couple hours. But that is for another blog.
After a couple generations of kids missing the crucial foundation that is established by Sunday School teachers, those kids became parents and eventually Sunday School was seen as irrelevant.
I meet with kids every week that have no idea that the Bible has 2 divisions. And I am not picking on the kids. We as adults have a God given obligation to train children in His Word, introduce them to His heart, walk them into His presence, and teach them to fear His wrath towards sin.
"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older,
they will not leave it"
Proverbs 22:6
"Children are a gift from the LORD;
they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts
his accusers at the city gates" Psalm 127:3-5
Your spiritual challenge from this blog is to ask yourself what you are doing to prepare the next generation for Christian leadership? The question is not "if" they will lead, the question is "where" they will lead. They will lead their families, their communities, and this nation. The question is, will they lead toward God or away from God.
This person's opinion of my college eduction and personal study was.... unimpressed to say the least. Which is obviously not my fault because if this person had recorded the Discovery Channel's show, then I could have moved to the front of the class. So in this person's estimation, my education was crippled by my confidence in God's Word.
"God's Word" (in this person's estimation) is an ancient tool of the Catholic Church to control the masses. Of course this opened the door for another lecture on all the books the Catholic Church refused to add to the Bible and how biased they were on what books they allowed in the Bible. And all this credible information was gleaned from the Discovery Channel and Tom Hank's movie, "The Da Vinci Code".
I would love to apologize for being snarky and taking creative liberties with my story but alas, no apology is necessary, it is all quite factual. And to make it even more disturbing, quite common.
So if you have stayed with me this far, I will push the limits of your tolerance by suggesting that the root problem of all this confusion is a deterioration of children's Sunday School's across the nation.
Think about this. 3 or 4 generations ago, kids went to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School because parents believed it was the right thing to do. Somewhere along the way their move changed from the right thing to do to, "free daycare" for a couple hours. But that is for another blog.
After a couple generations of kids missing the crucial foundation that is established by Sunday School teachers, those kids became parents and eventually Sunday School was seen as irrelevant.
I meet with kids every week that have no idea that the Bible has 2 divisions. And I am not picking on the kids. We as adults have a God given obligation to train children in His Word, introduce them to His heart, walk them into His presence, and teach them to fear His wrath towards sin.
"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older,
they will not leave it"
Proverbs 22:6
"Children are a gift from the LORD;
they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts
his accusers at the city gates" Psalm 127:3-5
Your spiritual challenge from this blog is to ask yourself what you are doing to prepare the next generation for Christian leadership? The question is not "if" they will lead, the question is "where" they will lead. They will lead their families, their communities, and this nation. The question is, will they lead toward God or away from God.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Mind Bender Truth
A friend of mine teaches the adult Sunday School class at our church. This morning he made an interesting comment that I have been mulling over.
I would like to present his parable and shine some light on the fascinating truths from Scripture.
"If God wants an Oak Tree in your yard today, He will have a squirrel drop an acorn in your yard, 500 years ago."
This parable teaches principles about God's power and trustworthiness. This will result in your faith growing as you move closer to God.
(a) God is all-knowing
God is never caught off guard. God has never been surprised by anything. I am not going to pretend to understand all the ramifications of this principle but it is staggering. This has a positive and a negative aspect.
POSITIVE: God knows my every fear, pain, frustration, depression, success, failure, and everything else.
NEGATIVE: God knows my ever sin, violation of His Word, evil thought, improper motivation, character failure, unhealthy desire, and everything else.
"For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." 1 John 3:20
"God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:10
"Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." Psalm 44:21
(b) God is all-powerful
Nothing is too great for God. Often we attempt to impose our human weaknesses onto God. Nothing could be further from the truth.
"O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for You!" Jeremiah 32:17
"To whom will you compare to Me? Who is My equal?" asks the Holy One. Look up into the heavens. Who created the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of His great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing." Isaiah 40:25-26
"For nothing is impossible with God" Luke 1:37
"Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes." Psalm 115:3
(c) God is all-eternal
Don't ask me to explain this in detail because this concept is mind boggling. God is not restrained by time. Time is a restriction imposed on humanity but has no impact on the eternal God. Think about it, the definition of eternal means there is no beginning or ending.
"But 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
"Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish." Isaiah 46:10
C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, p. 147, "If you picture Time as a straight line along which we have to travel, then you must picture God as the whole page on which the line is drawn."
I would like to present his parable and shine some light on the fascinating truths from Scripture.
"If God wants an Oak Tree in your yard today, He will have a squirrel drop an acorn in your yard, 500 years ago."
This parable teaches principles about God's power and trustworthiness. This will result in your faith growing as you move closer to God.
(a) God is all-knowing
God is never caught off guard. God has never been surprised by anything. I am not going to pretend to understand all the ramifications of this principle but it is staggering. This has a positive and a negative aspect.
POSITIVE: God knows my every fear, pain, frustration, depression, success, failure, and everything else.
NEGATIVE: God knows my ever sin, violation of His Word, evil thought, improper motivation, character failure, unhealthy desire, and everything else.
"For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." 1 John 3:20
"God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:10
"Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." Psalm 44:21
(b) God is all-powerful
Nothing is too great for God. Often we attempt to impose our human weaknesses onto God. Nothing could be further from the truth.
"O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for You!" Jeremiah 32:17
"To whom will you compare to Me? Who is My equal?" asks the Holy One. Look up into the heavens. Who created the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of His great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing." Isaiah 40:25-26
"For nothing is impossible with God" Luke 1:37
"Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes." Psalm 115:3
(c) God is all-eternal
Don't ask me to explain this in detail because this concept is mind boggling. God is not restrained by time. Time is a restriction imposed on humanity but has no impact on the eternal God. Think about it, the definition of eternal means there is no beginning or ending.
"But 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
"Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish." Isaiah 46:10
C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, p. 147, "If you picture Time as a straight line along which we have to travel, then you must picture God as the whole page on which the line is drawn."
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Whitney Houston passed away
Have you ever noticed the odd contradition that takes place when a controversial celebrity passes away? First the media explores all the unsavory possibilies that surrounded the passing. And second, in an effort to appear humanitarian, they whitewash the unsavory possibilities and focus their spotlights on the sucesses they experienced.
My sense of right and wrong spun wildly as the TV talking heads would repeatedly state their "weasel clause" (we have not confirmed this information and we do not anyone to be confused as to whether or not it is confirmed and factual). Then they would go on in their conjecture and unsavory possibilities.
So much in our world is changing on a daily basis, Twitter and FaceBook is considered a "news source". I just observed the TV news talking heads reading twitter posts. REALLY? Don't they have reporters, like Clark Kent? Sorry, I digress.
What has caught my attention is the immediate assumptions mentioned by the TV news talking-heads. I am not saying they are wrong in their assumptions (drug & alcohol abuse) but at what point do they infringe on the honor & dignity of the deceased and the grieving family?
My point? How should Christians respond to the death of celebrities?
First, do a heart-check.
I feel great sympathy for celebrities. I have friends that I rely on to be honest with me. They give me honest counsel, even when it is uncomfortable. Can you imagine having hundreds of people surround you, every moment of every day, and none of them care enough about you to tell you honestly give you a heads up when decisions are going south? Michael Jackson comes to mind.
Second, calibrate your perspective in light of God's Word.
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" Colossians 4:6
"Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity" 1 Timothy 4:2
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer" Psalm 19:14
Third, pray for their families and friends.
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." 1 Timothy 2:1-2
"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words" Romans 8:26
My spiritual point for you to ponder is:
"Safety does not rest in our distance from the danger, but in our nearness to God"
Those that are far from God and lost in the jungle of this worlds confusion, needs to experience the presence of God. And to that end, we must pray.
My sense of right and wrong spun wildly as the TV talking heads would repeatedly state their "weasel clause" (we have not confirmed this information and we do not anyone to be confused as to whether or not it is confirmed and factual). Then they would go on in their conjecture and unsavory possibilities.
So much in our world is changing on a daily basis, Twitter and FaceBook is considered a "news source". I just observed the TV news talking heads reading twitter posts. REALLY? Don't they have reporters, like Clark Kent? Sorry, I digress.
What has caught my attention is the immediate assumptions mentioned by the TV news talking-heads. I am not saying they are wrong in their assumptions (drug & alcohol abuse) but at what point do they infringe on the honor & dignity of the deceased and the grieving family?
My point? How should Christians respond to the death of celebrities?
First, do a heart-check.
I feel great sympathy for celebrities. I have friends that I rely on to be honest with me. They give me honest counsel, even when it is uncomfortable. Can you imagine having hundreds of people surround you, every moment of every day, and none of them care enough about you to tell you honestly give you a heads up when decisions are going south? Michael Jackson comes to mind.
Second, calibrate your perspective in light of God's Word.
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" Colossians 4:6
"Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity" 1 Timothy 4:2
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer" Psalm 19:14
Third, pray for their families and friends.
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." 1 Timothy 2:1-2
"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words" Romans 8:26
My spiritual point for you to ponder is:
"Safety does not rest in our distance from the danger, but in our nearness to God"
Those that are far from God and lost in the jungle of this worlds confusion, needs to experience the presence of God. And to that end, we must pray.
Friday, February 10, 2012
A Spiritual Retreat
Someone once said that you can find Jesus at the end of your rope.
After 4 years of Bible College in Chicago, I came home complaining to my parents about stomach pain. They referred me to our family doctor, a wise Christian man.
The Doc asked me a few questions and wisely nodded.
"Son, you are studying to be a pastor right?"
"Yes Sir, that is the plan", I replied.
"Do you read your bible?" He asked.
"Yes Sir, thats what we do in Bible College".
"Ok then, in my Bible it ways that Jesus set aside time to get alone with His Father and pray all night. Have you done this?" He asked.
"No, I have been very busy" was my reply.
"So, you feel you are stronger than Jesus?"
ANYWAY, you get the idea of how my conversation went with this godly Doctor at Mount Carmel. His diagnosis was that I had carried too much for too long and was a month (tops) away from having an emotional flat tire.
Mark 6:31
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Your spiritual lesson for tonight is, "If you don't come apart -- then you will come apart".
When you car is out of gas, without thinking, without making any decisions, you automatically point your ride toward your favorite gas station.
Apply that same principle to your spiritual life. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands, "Never stop praying". Or in my simple terms, "Stay connected to your spiritual fuel pump at all times".
Quickly I want to address 2 questions:
(a) Why should we never stop praying?;
(b) How am I supposed to never stop praying?
(a) Why should we never stop praying?
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
You will either function in your own limited & quickly depleting strength & wisdom or you will tap into God's unlimited, all powerful resources. Your choice. It is called "FAITH".
"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10b
(b) How are we to never stop praying?
"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for believers everywhere" Ephesians 6:18
My paraphrase of the first part of this verse is, "At all times, you are a mere breath away from being in the Throne room of God. Bring everything to God in prayer."
This is a habit and a decision.
Right now, you are in the habit of doing what feels right to you. Making decisions based on instinct. However, God offers you His insight and wisdom in James 1:5.
Finally, "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16
The bottom line is this, "Do you need to unplug and get away from all the distractions of life and uninterrupted time with Jesus Christ?"
After 4 years of Bible College in Chicago, I came home complaining to my parents about stomach pain. They referred me to our family doctor, a wise Christian man.
The Doc asked me a few questions and wisely nodded.
"Son, you are studying to be a pastor right?"
"Yes Sir, that is the plan", I replied.
"Do you read your bible?" He asked.
"Yes Sir, thats what we do in Bible College".
"Ok then, in my Bible it ways that Jesus set aside time to get alone with His Father and pray all night. Have you done this?" He asked.
"No, I have been very busy" was my reply.
"So, you feel you are stronger than Jesus?"
ANYWAY, you get the idea of how my conversation went with this godly Doctor at Mount Carmel. His diagnosis was that I had carried too much for too long and was a month (tops) away from having an emotional flat tire.
Mark 6:31
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Your spiritual lesson for tonight is, "If you don't come apart -- then you will come apart".
When you car is out of gas, without thinking, without making any decisions, you automatically point your ride toward your favorite gas station.
Apply that same principle to your spiritual life. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands, "Never stop praying". Or in my simple terms, "Stay connected to your spiritual fuel pump at all times".
Quickly I want to address 2 questions:
(a) Why should we never stop praying?;
(b) How am I supposed to never stop praying?
(a) Why should we never stop praying?
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
You will either function in your own limited & quickly depleting strength & wisdom or you will tap into God's unlimited, all powerful resources. Your choice. It is called "FAITH".
"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10b
(b) How are we to never stop praying?
"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for believers everywhere" Ephesians 6:18
My paraphrase of the first part of this verse is, "At all times, you are a mere breath away from being in the Throne room of God. Bring everything to God in prayer."
This is a habit and a decision.
Right now, you are in the habit of doing what feels right to you. Making decisions based on instinct. However, God offers you His insight and wisdom in James 1:5.
Finally, "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16
The bottom line is this, "Do you need to unplug and get away from all the distractions of life and uninterrupted time with Jesus Christ?"
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A Healthy Perspective
I just spent 2 hours with the most amazing family.
We spent 2 hours organizing and writing the funeral service for their loved one that passed away. Tomorrow we will participate in a "Celebration of life" for him. A community gathering together to support each other in their moment of grief.
This remarkable family pulled together, shared tears and laughter, as they honored the memory of their loved one, Mic Jensen.
Mic loved life. He never met a stranger. It never crossed his mind to refuse help to someone in need. The overview of Mic's life is staggering as I realize his passion for life and his devotion to his family and friends.
Mic's life is well described in George Strait's song "The Breath You Take":
The Breath You Take
He looks up from second base
And Dad’s up in the stands
He saw the hit, the run, the slide
There ain’t no bigger fan
In the parking lot, after the game
He said Dad I thought you had a plane to catch
He smiled and said, yeah son, I did
But life’s not the breath you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
You just might miss the point
Trying to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away
Fast-forward fifteen years
And a thousand miles away
Boy’s built a life, he’s got a wife
And a baby due today
He hears a voice saying I made it, son
Says I told you Dad, you didn’t have to come
He smiles and says, yeah, I know you did
But life’s not the breath you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
You just might miss the point
Trying to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away
Just like it took my breath when she was born
Just like it took my breath away
When Dad took his last that morn
Life’s not the breath you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
You just might miss the point
If you don’t slow down the pace
Life’s not the breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away
My spiritual thought for today is, "God uses the affects of age to prepare us to let go of the binds that hold us to this old world and prepare us mentally and emotionally to let go".
If we were in perfect health and vibrant - we would never never want to leave the nest.
However, God disrupts our lives with graying hair, failing eyesight, bad backs, and many other ailments that plague us as we get older. Each of these ailments is a gentle reminder that our good Lord is preparing a home for us and our time here is limited.
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
Psalm 116:15
This is only possible because the good Lord is calling His child home - away from pain and suffering - to a home where there is no disease, pain or tears.
I prefer to view this whole process from God's point of view.
We spent 2 hours organizing and writing the funeral service for their loved one that passed away. Tomorrow we will participate in a "Celebration of life" for him. A community gathering together to support each other in their moment of grief.
This remarkable family pulled together, shared tears and laughter, as they honored the memory of their loved one, Mic Jensen.
Mic loved life. He never met a stranger. It never crossed his mind to refuse help to someone in need. The overview of Mic's life is staggering as I realize his passion for life and his devotion to his family and friends.
Mic's life is well described in George Strait's song "The Breath You Take":
The Breath You Take
He looks up from second base
And Dad’s up in the stands
He saw the hit, the run, the slide
There ain’t no bigger fan
In the parking lot, after the game
He said Dad I thought you had a plane to catch
He smiled and said, yeah son, I did
But life’s not the breath you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
You just might miss the point
Trying to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away
Fast-forward fifteen years
And a thousand miles away
Boy’s built a life, he’s got a wife
And a baby due today
He hears a voice saying I made it, son
Says I told you Dad, you didn’t have to come
He smiles and says, yeah, I know you did
But life’s not the breath you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
You just might miss the point
Trying to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away
Just like it took my breath when she was born
Just like it took my breath away
When Dad took his last that morn
Life’s not the breath you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
You just might miss the point
If you don’t slow down the pace
Life’s not the breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away
My spiritual thought for today is, "God uses the affects of age to prepare us to let go of the binds that hold us to this old world and prepare us mentally and emotionally to let go".
If we were in perfect health and vibrant - we would never never want to leave the nest.
However, God disrupts our lives with graying hair, failing eyesight, bad backs, and many other ailments that plague us as we get older. Each of these ailments is a gentle reminder that our good Lord is preparing a home for us and our time here is limited.
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
Psalm 116:15
This is only possible because the good Lord is calling His child home - away from pain and suffering - to a home where there is no disease, pain or tears.
I prefer to view this whole process from God's point of view.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Electric Blanket Issues
I have the worlds most ineffective electric blanket.
When it is cold, I push the button and the light comes on, but the blanket produces no heat.
So the question is, "Why do I keep pushing the button?"
Michele insists that that if you turn the control high enough, it does produce some heat.
However, I suggest that what little heat it produces is the result of 2 pugs laying around her. Those 2 little beggars kick out a lot of heat and snore like steam engines.
She thinks there is one single wire in the blanket that is still cranking out some heat.
I think that is called "wishful thinking".
So back to my original question, "Why do I keep pushing the button -- when I know it doesn't produce any heat?"
Perhaps a better question is, "How many people go through routine religious rituals knowing that it doesn't produce any heat?"
Remember the old definition of insanity? "Doing the same thing over and over and each time expecting a different result".
How long has it been since you had God answer one of your prayers?
"You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it.
You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it,
so you fight and wage war to take it away from them.
Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.
And even when you ask, you don’t get it
because your motives are all wrong—
you want only what will give you pleasure."
James 4:2-3
So lets stay with the prayer question. When was the last time you seriously prayed for something? Or, have you ever prayed for something and actually EXPECTED God to answer?
So is it possible that your Christianity has all the demonstrated power of my electric blanket? The light is on but it produces no heat?
So, HOW can you experience the power of God in your daily life?
#1. Make a daily habit of confessing our sin to Him.
Sin is what drives a wedge in our relationship with God, so confession removes that wedge. When we confess our sins before God, He promises to forgive us (1 John 1:9)
#2. Listen when God speaks.
It is through God's Word that you become “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So if you want to grow closer to God, ‘listen’ to God speak through it by his Spirit when you read the Bible.
#3. Speak to Him through prayer.
If reading the Bible is listening to God speak to us, speaking to God is through prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13) A helpful model to guide our prayer is the acronym ACTS, which is: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
#4. Find a body of believers where you can regularly worship.
Too often we approach church with a “what can I get out of it?” mentality. We seldom take the time to prepare our hearts and minds for worship.
(Psalm 95:1-2)
#5. A close relationship with God is built on a life of obedience.
Jesus told His disciples, “if you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:23).
James tells us, "draw near to God, He will draw near to you" (James 4:7-8).
When it is cold, I push the button and the light comes on, but the blanket produces no heat.
So the question is, "Why do I keep pushing the button?"
Michele insists that that if you turn the control high enough, it does produce some heat.
However, I suggest that what little heat it produces is the result of 2 pugs laying around her. Those 2 little beggars kick out a lot of heat and snore like steam engines.
She thinks there is one single wire in the blanket that is still cranking out some heat.
I think that is called "wishful thinking".
So back to my original question, "Why do I keep pushing the button -- when I know it doesn't produce any heat?"
Perhaps a better question is, "How many people go through routine religious rituals knowing that it doesn't produce any heat?"
Remember the old definition of insanity? "Doing the same thing over and over and each time expecting a different result".
How long has it been since you had God answer one of your prayers?
"You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it.
You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it,
so you fight and wage war to take it away from them.
Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.
And even when you ask, you don’t get it
because your motives are all wrong—
you want only what will give you pleasure."
James 4:2-3
So lets stay with the prayer question. When was the last time you seriously prayed for something? Or, have you ever prayed for something and actually EXPECTED God to answer?
So is it possible that your Christianity has all the demonstrated power of my electric blanket? The light is on but it produces no heat?
So, HOW can you experience the power of God in your daily life?
#1. Make a daily habit of confessing our sin to Him.
Sin is what drives a wedge in our relationship with God, so confession removes that wedge. When we confess our sins before God, He promises to forgive us (1 John 1:9)
#2. Listen when God speaks.
It is through God's Word that you become “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So if you want to grow closer to God, ‘listen’ to God speak through it by his Spirit when you read the Bible.
#3. Speak to Him through prayer.
If reading the Bible is listening to God speak to us, speaking to God is through prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13) A helpful model to guide our prayer is the acronym ACTS, which is: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
#4. Find a body of believers where you can regularly worship.
Too often we approach church with a “what can I get out of it?” mentality. We seldom take the time to prepare our hearts and minds for worship.
(Psalm 95:1-2)
#5. A close relationship with God is built on a life of obedience.
Jesus told His disciples, “if you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:23).
James tells us, "draw near to God, He will draw near to you" (James 4:7-8).
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Road Trip
Have you ever had a week where your wheels just never seemed to stop spinning?
Truck drivers get paid by the mile.... country pastors do not.
However, there is a silver lining to my busy week....
I get to spend a lot of miles with my wife.
Due to gas prices and our vehicles getting a lot of miles on them,
Michele and I are making a conscious effort to car-pool as much as possible.
This week, our car-pooling has taken us from Spokane to Republic,
and it is only Tuesday.
We have found that no matter what is happening in our lives, the one place that we can go as a married couple to spend quality time together, is to take a road trip together.
We discovered this very early in our marriage and it has proven to be a consistent in our relationship.
A couple years ago, we decided that we were going to be motorcycle people. We got our endorcements and purchased bikes. However, there was a serious problem. We LOST our connection when we were on our motorcycles. We were surprised to find that we both were disappointed at how unsatisfying the motorcycle trips were because it violated the connection we always had on road trips.
Quality time with no distractions is a rare thing in our society today.
So my first free question for you is, "Where is the special place that you and your spouse go to be alone together without distractions?"
Remember this, "Priorities never conflict".
So if your relationship is a priority, you will make time to be together.
Another thought along this same line is, "A good definition of LOVE is -- ATTENTION".
If you love someone, you will make them a priority and set aside time to give her/him your undivided attention.
We live in a very busy and cynical world. It is important that you have a place where your relationship can go -- and be protected from the world and all its distractions.
Think of your relationship as a plant. It can die from neglect or it can flourish from proper care. It will struggle to survive if it is planted in a crowded pot.
Let me give you a word to think about: EXCLUSIVITY
1. Maintaining exclusive barriers
2. Not allowing something else; mutually exclusive conditions
3. Not divided or shared with others
4. Not accompanied by others
5. Undivided: gained their exclusive attention
Ask yourself this: "Am I keeping my relationship with my spouse exclusive?"
Or have you allowed other priorities to creep in
and steal a bit of the exclusiveness away from your relationship?
I had a married friend that spent hours searching on-line internet dating sites.
He even exchanged e-mails with some of the women he met on-line.
He convinced himself that since he wasn't meeting them in "person",
that he wasn't being "unfaithful" to his wife.
When his wife found out, she didn't see it that way.
God designed marriage for two people to receive all the validation and love they from each other.
So to reach outside the marriage for an emotional connection -- is to violate the EXCLUSIVITY that God intended for married people to protect and cherish.
"Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
It does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful,
and endures through every circumstance."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Truck drivers get paid by the mile.... country pastors do not.
However, there is a silver lining to my busy week....
I get to spend a lot of miles with my wife.
Due to gas prices and our vehicles getting a lot of miles on them,
Michele and I are making a conscious effort to car-pool as much as possible.
This week, our car-pooling has taken us from Spokane to Republic,
and it is only Tuesday.
We have found that no matter what is happening in our lives, the one place that we can go as a married couple to spend quality time together, is to take a road trip together.
We discovered this very early in our marriage and it has proven to be a consistent in our relationship.
A couple years ago, we decided that we were going to be motorcycle people. We got our endorcements and purchased bikes. However, there was a serious problem. We LOST our connection when we were on our motorcycles. We were surprised to find that we both were disappointed at how unsatisfying the motorcycle trips were because it violated the connection we always had on road trips.
Quality time with no distractions is a rare thing in our society today.
So my first free question for you is, "Where is the special place that you and your spouse go to be alone together without distractions?"
Remember this, "Priorities never conflict".
So if your relationship is a priority, you will make time to be together.
Another thought along this same line is, "A good definition of LOVE is -- ATTENTION".
If you love someone, you will make them a priority and set aside time to give her/him your undivided attention.
We live in a very busy and cynical world. It is important that you have a place where your relationship can go -- and be protected from the world and all its distractions.
Think of your relationship as a plant. It can die from neglect or it can flourish from proper care. It will struggle to survive if it is planted in a crowded pot.
Let me give you a word to think about: EXCLUSIVITY
1. Maintaining exclusive barriers
2. Not allowing something else; mutually exclusive conditions
3. Not divided or shared with others
4. Not accompanied by others
5. Undivided: gained their exclusive attention
Ask yourself this: "Am I keeping my relationship with my spouse exclusive?"
Or have you allowed other priorities to creep in
and steal a bit of the exclusiveness away from your relationship?
I had a married friend that spent hours searching on-line internet dating sites.
He even exchanged e-mails with some of the women he met on-line.
He convinced himself that since he wasn't meeting them in "person",
that he wasn't being "unfaithful" to his wife.
When his wife found out, she didn't see it that way.
God designed marriage for two people to receive all the validation and love they from each other.
So to reach outside the marriage for an emotional connection -- is to violate the EXCLUSIVITY that God intended for married people to protect and cherish.
"Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
It does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful,
and endures through every circumstance."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Monday, February 6, 2012
God has a Plan
"You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does" Job 1:10
Satan was discussing God's servant, Job.
Satan's position was that Job ONLY loved God because of all the benefits that God poured into Job's life. Satan believed that Job's love was bought and paid for.
God's position was that Job loved from a pure heart and NOT as a response to God's blessings.
What I want you to take away from this verse is the "wall of protection around him and his home and his property".
Job's life pleased God in the good times BUT would his faith stand up to the pressures imposed by the bad times?
I was raised in an amazing Christian home by parents that loved God and walked the talk. What they believed, they lived 24/7.
Immediately out of high school I went to Bible College in Chicago for 4 years.
Looking back, I feel like Job. I was blessed and God protected me.
So the 50 cent question is, what would my faith look like when God lowered His "hedge of safety" and allowed Satan to put me to the test?
Enter the U.S. Army.
For the first time in my life, I was removed from everyone that held me accountable for my decisions and actions. God put me in Central America where I had no "hedge of safety".
I would LOVE to tell you that my faith held up to my 3 years of testing but... I am honest.
To humble me even further, in Panama, God led me to a very small group of Believers that welcomed me with open arms. God provided me a "hedge of safety" within the church -- if I chose to take refuge there. God gave me everything I needed to spiritually succeed.
This lesson taught me to be patient with people that are struggling in their commitment to church. I've been there, done that, and have the tee shirt.
The Christian life is a journey. Each of us are being transformed into Believers whose life's delight God. When He looks at your life, does He beam with pride at your attitude toward other Christians, toward your unbelieving family members & neighbors, with your devotion and commitment to His church, and your attitude and love for God Himself?
Where Job's faith stood fast, mine revealed many fault lines that needed growth and maturity.
Out of that season of darkness, my thirst for God's Word was unquenchable, I fell in love with the family of God (the church of Jesus Christ), and I was deeply broken and humble.
For that, I am forever grateful.
"we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better." Colossians 1:9-10
Satan was discussing God's servant, Job.
Satan's position was that Job ONLY loved God because of all the benefits that God poured into Job's life. Satan believed that Job's love was bought and paid for.
God's position was that Job loved from a pure heart and NOT as a response to God's blessings.
What I want you to take away from this verse is the "wall of protection around him and his home and his property".
Job's life pleased God in the good times BUT would his faith stand up to the pressures imposed by the bad times?
I was raised in an amazing Christian home by parents that loved God and walked the talk. What they believed, they lived 24/7.
Immediately out of high school I went to Bible College in Chicago for 4 years.
Looking back, I feel like Job. I was blessed and God protected me.
So the 50 cent question is, what would my faith look like when God lowered His "hedge of safety" and allowed Satan to put me to the test?
Enter the U.S. Army.
For the first time in my life, I was removed from everyone that held me accountable for my decisions and actions. God put me in Central America where I had no "hedge of safety".
I would LOVE to tell you that my faith held up to my 3 years of testing but... I am honest.
To humble me even further, in Panama, God led me to a very small group of Believers that welcomed me with open arms. God provided me a "hedge of safety" within the church -- if I chose to take refuge there. God gave me everything I needed to spiritually succeed.
This lesson taught me to be patient with people that are struggling in their commitment to church. I've been there, done that, and have the tee shirt.
The Christian life is a journey. Each of us are being transformed into Believers whose life's delight God. When He looks at your life, does He beam with pride at your attitude toward other Christians, toward your unbelieving family members & neighbors, with your devotion and commitment to His church, and your attitude and love for God Himself?
Where Job's faith stood fast, mine revealed many fault lines that needed growth and maturity.
Out of that season of darkness, my thirst for God's Word was unquenchable, I fell in love with the family of God (the church of Jesus Christ), and I was deeply broken and humble.
For that, I am forever grateful.
"we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better." Colossians 1:9-10
Sunday, February 5, 2012
God is God
"Yes, He humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD" Deuteronomy 8:3
Today as I stood to preach, the good Lord nudged me and pointed out that NO ONE feels a desire to drive out in the dingle weeds to attend church (without indoor plumbing or bathrooms) on Super Bowl Sunday -- UNLESS they each one experienced a GOD GIVEN CALLING.
For years I (part time) attended Moody Bible Institute in Spokane. The drive to Spokane gave me time to study for tests and memorize my notes. All in all, that was a very amazing time in my life. I loved attending Moody. One morning I arrived early for my 8 am class, so I stopped at the Perkins on North Division.
While I was having breakfast and drinking my pot of coffee, a man stopped by my table and asked me if I was a "believer". I confessed that I am a Christian. He nodded and stated, "I am a science professor. Did you know that science has no idea what holds atoms together?"
I didn't want to admit my ignorance but he had mercy on me and continued, "The building blocks of the universe is held together by an invisible force that we can't identify or explain. Of course, you as a Christian knows exactly what holds the universe together, the Word of God. All God has to do is give the word and everything would cease to exist." The man walked off without a further word. I will always wonder if he was my encounter with an angel.
My point is this, each breath we take is simply a gift from God.
"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17
Deuteronomy 8:3 is a practical lesson that if we are hungry, then God knows about it and is watching. If we choose to complain, they we are questioning whether God knows
what He is doing or not. When we grumble about our condition, we are expressing our displeasure with what God is doing in our lives.
The bottom line is, either you believe God is good, always, and in every situation or you believe you could do a better job if He would step back and give you full control.
Ain't gunna happen.
Why? God loves you.
"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners" Romans 5:8
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Today as I stood to preach, the good Lord nudged me and pointed out that NO ONE feels a desire to drive out in the dingle weeds to attend church (without indoor plumbing or bathrooms) on Super Bowl Sunday -- UNLESS they each one experienced a GOD GIVEN CALLING.
For years I (part time) attended Moody Bible Institute in Spokane. The drive to Spokane gave me time to study for tests and memorize my notes. All in all, that was a very amazing time in my life. I loved attending Moody. One morning I arrived early for my 8 am class, so I stopped at the Perkins on North Division.
While I was having breakfast and drinking my pot of coffee, a man stopped by my table and asked me if I was a "believer". I confessed that I am a Christian. He nodded and stated, "I am a science professor. Did you know that science has no idea what holds atoms together?"
I didn't want to admit my ignorance but he had mercy on me and continued, "The building blocks of the universe is held together by an invisible force that we can't identify or explain. Of course, you as a Christian knows exactly what holds the universe together, the Word of God. All God has to do is give the word and everything would cease to exist." The man walked off without a further word. I will always wonder if he was my encounter with an angel.
My point is this, each breath we take is simply a gift from God.
"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17
Deuteronomy 8:3 is a practical lesson that if we are hungry, then God knows about it and is watching. If we choose to complain, they we are questioning whether God knows
what He is doing or not. When we grumble about our condition, we are expressing our displeasure with what God is doing in our lives.
The bottom line is, either you believe God is good, always, and in every situation or you believe you could do a better job if He would step back and give you full control.
Ain't gunna happen.
Why? God loves you.
"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners" Romans 5:8
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
GVCC Sermon Handout 02/05/2012
Garden Valley Community Church
Pastor Shane Moffitt February 5th 2012
(verse 16) “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness”
#3. “teaching”
#4. “rebuking”
#5. “correcting”
#6. “training”
Pastor Shane Moffitt February 5th 2012
“The POWER of God’s Word”
Part 2: 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Part 2: 2 Timothy 3:15-17
(verse 15) “and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus)
#1. “for salvation”
· “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ” Romans 10:17
· READ: John 1:14; John 20:31& Hebrews 1:1-3
(verse 16) “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness”
#2. “breathed out by God” (inspiration)
· means that God is the originator of Scripture
· Bottom Line: Scriptures are as reliable as God
· READ: 2 Peter 1:20-21
#3. “teaching”
· “Your Word is Truth” John 17:17
· It has principles to address every individuals point of need, every thought and every action
· READ: Psalm 119:99-100
#4. “rebuking”
· “Rebuke” means to confront and expose wrong
· the Bible has the power to expose sin in our lives and to convince us that we are wrong
· “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word” Psalm 119:9
· The Word rebukes ~ convicts of sin ~ it sifts, it analyzes, it reveals attitudes and thoughts
· READ: Hebrews 4:12 & Psalm 19:7-11
#5. “correcting”
· literally means to lift up and straighten up like you would a child
· God’s Word has the ability to straighten up your conduct, to restore to an upright position, is what the word means
· READ: Colossians 3:16 & Acts 20:32
#6. “training”
· Literally “to train or raise a child”
· Dealing with your faults is 1/2, instructing you in what is right is the other ½
· READ: Hebrews 12:5-11 & Proverbs 3:12
WHY: (verse 17) “so that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work”
· “Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good”
1 Peter 2:2
· The Bible will give you a Christian world-view, so you think and respond to life as God intends
· READ: Ephesians 6:10-18 & Joshua 1:7-8
NEXT SUNDAY: 2 Chronicles 34 Back to the Bible
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