When did the term 'faith' get reduced to the weak definition of merely 'believing in something'? Many who are said to have 'faith' - have it like one has a pair of shoes, or a car, or that trophy deer head on the wall. It's something they have, one more possession that they've collected along life's journey that they can sit back and admire. But for the true follower of Christ - Faith is much more than this - it must be - it has to be. For faith is not just a belief in God or that God exists - that's for the casual at heart. No, faith is so much more. Genuine faith means I will take risks - because faith is risk. Faith spoke when the three Hebrew children defied a king and told him that their God "would" deliver them from the furnace. Faith spoke when Jesus released storm canceling power in a boat one night on the Sea of Galilee - then rebuked the disciples for not speaking to the storm themselves. Faith spoke when Peter told a dead girl to simply "get up" in Acts 9.
Why don't we see the miraculous in America like seen on the mission field, like we read about in the Bible? Because we've forgotten what faith is. We've forgotten what it means to go out on a limb, and trust that God will meet us there. With a wink and a smile we tell someone we will pray for them - but whatever happened to stopping to lay hands on them right there and then asking them how they feel, is the lump gone, has the pain disappeared? You don't see that very much anymore - even in most of our churches. Why? Because that's risky. We might look stupid. We think 'what if nothing happens'? It's time to change our thinking: 'What if something does happen?
Jesus' commission to us from Matthew 10 still stands today: "Preach the kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." Since the Biblical definition of belief is actually obedience, this short list requires obedience to the call - faith - and that is spelled r-i-s-k.
Showing posts with label Christian Living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian Living. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Rate Your Verticality
Is your church more vertical or horizontal? What's the difference? Vertical describes a church that seeks to minister to God first, pleasing Him in all things no matter what. Horizontal describes a church that seeks to minister to and appeal to man first and foremost. Obviously a vertical church is the gold standard that all churches should seek to be.
I found this 'Vertical quiz' on another site - but I've changed and tweaked it a little to (in my opinion) improve it. Take this little quiz and see how 'vertical' your church is. Answer each question with a 0-5, with 0 being the weakest yes, and 5 being the strongest yes:
1. Are the songs we sing in worship directed more TO God rather than singing ABOUT God?
I found this 'Vertical quiz' on another site - but I've changed and tweaked it a little to (in my opinion) improve it. Take this little quiz and see how 'vertical' your church is. Answer each question with a 0-5, with 0 being the weakest yes, and 5 being the strongest yes:
1. Are the songs we sing in worship directed more TO God rather than singing ABOUT God?
2. Do platform personnel come across as ministers or as entertainers?
3. Is the sermon coming clearly/continually from what the Bible is actually saying - or is one verse used to 'jump off' on some topic?
4. Does the sermon challenge me to change and grow, versus just something to know - and are the hard scriptures preached about?
5. Am I strongly encouraged over time to join a smaller group where I can express and experience biblical community?
6. Do I find the people I meet to be humble and overt in their love for Christ, or more guarded and private about their faith?
7. Am I challenged to find a place of ministry where I can use my gifts and shoulder weekly kingdom responsibility in working and tithing my income for God?
8. Do the leaders of my church find ways to draw the focus away from themselves and onto Christ and what He is doing?
9. Does my church invite me into sacrificial work for Christ that does not benefit our church at all: feeding the poor, church planting/missions, etc.?
10. Does my church seek to follow the biblical pattern for church governance and elevate the Word of God in all it does, including church discipline?
SCORE:
Vertical Church: 40+
60-Degree Church: 30-40
Horizontal Church: 20-30
Find a New Church : 0-20Wednesday, March 25, 2009
What's More Relevant Than Fruit?
I'm blessed with the incredible opportunity of being in the local public schools in my area from time to time. I consider it an incredible opportunity because I get to rub shoulders with lots of people who don't serve Christ, never attend church, and in some cases have very little dealings with folks who are believers at all.
When it comes to dealing with unbelievers, I've come to an interesting conclusion: Churches & Christians wanting to be "culturally relevant" need to look no further than Galatians 5:22-23:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Show these 9 items above in your life and you will have no problem connecting, talking, meeting and even attracting unbelievers. Who doesn't love being around someone kind? Who doesn't admire someone who exercises self control? Who doesn't appreciate patience in someone else? What could possibly be more culturally relevant than showing the Fruit of the Spirit?
I don't believe churches are struggling today because they lack cultural relevance - I think many churches are irrelevant because they lack the Fruit of the Spirit. If you don't believe me - go work as a waiter at a local restaurant on a Sunday afternoon. I have actually been a waiter in a couple different restaurants in my day - and Sunday's clientele was roundly disliked by most all of the wait staff because of, you guessed it, church people. Pompous, arrogant, demanding only begins to describe the attitude that we got from most church people on Sunday. Some of these folks had the unmitigated gall to act this way, then leave a tract with a lousy tip (usually just change). When this happened I always did my best to swing by the tables of my co-workers and snatch up the tract before they saw it because I knew it would only serve to harden them against the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I realize that many church attenders aren't Biblically saved and therefore are unable to produce fruit. But for the many others who are saved - we must challenge ourselves to reflect Jesus Christ with every breath we take.
As Paul finished saying in Galatians: Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
When it comes to dealing with unbelievers, I've come to an interesting conclusion: Churches & Christians wanting to be "culturally relevant" need to look no further than Galatians 5:22-23:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Show these 9 items above in your life and you will have no problem connecting, talking, meeting and even attracting unbelievers. Who doesn't love being around someone kind? Who doesn't admire someone who exercises self control? Who doesn't appreciate patience in someone else? What could possibly be more culturally relevant than showing the Fruit of the Spirit?
I don't believe churches are struggling today because they lack cultural relevance - I think many churches are irrelevant because they lack the Fruit of the Spirit. If you don't believe me - go work as a waiter at a local restaurant on a Sunday afternoon. I have actually been a waiter in a couple different restaurants in my day - and Sunday's clientele was roundly disliked by most all of the wait staff because of, you guessed it, church people. Pompous, arrogant, demanding only begins to describe the attitude that we got from most church people on Sunday. Some of these folks had the unmitigated gall to act this way, then leave a tract with a lousy tip (usually just change). When this happened I always did my best to swing by the tables of my co-workers and snatch up the tract before they saw it because I knew it would only serve to harden them against the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I realize that many church attenders aren't Biblically saved and therefore are unable to produce fruit. But for the many others who are saved - we must challenge ourselves to reflect Jesus Christ with every breath we take.
As Paul finished saying in Galatians: Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Monday, May 19, 2008
Pastor Mark Petric Update
I recently had the joy of watching a fellow pastor, Mark Petric, walk to the pulpit and give a powerful testimony of forgiveness. Last October, Pastor Mark's 16 year old son Daniel, shot him and his wife in head, claiming the life of Mark's wife Sue.
Mark sustained a gun shot wound that by all rights, should have taken his life. The doctors didn't seem to be very hopeful after the massive blood loss that he sustained as well - but God intervened, and today Mark is a walking, talking miracle.
To see the miracle healing of Mark even being alive, then to hear him speak of how he has not only forgiven his son, but how Daniel has completely given his life to Jesus Christ was extremely moving. Mark is even standing alongside of his son as he is facing prison time and an uncertain future.
This incredible story of forgiveness reminds me of the Biblical truth - With God, all things are possible!
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Deadliest Catch
I've become increasingly aware that some of the most bitter critics of the church today are, in some cases, people who not only have ceased to attend church, but run blogs and websites purporting themselves to be a bastion of doctrinal 'trueness' and purity.
They speak as authorities on what ails the modern church, yet they are unable to humble themselves enough to attend a local church to try to implement their 'ideas'. While there are things that certainly need critical assessment in the church and in churches - I agree with Pastor Anton Bosch that biblically speaking only those who have a pastoral or teaching ministry even have the right to teach doctrine or point out false doctrine. There is no biblical allowance for critical or fault finding ministries in God's Word.
Where does this leave these self proclaimed Christian authorities who never even darken the door of Jesus' own invention and yet speak as though they alone have the plan to fix the church?
What I've personally witnessed is that these bitter souls have caught a deadly disease - spiritual pride. Spiritual pride is the deadliest catch for it keeps you from church, blinds you to think you are always right and everyone else is always wrong. Spiritual pride, in modern vernacular, is very much the 'my way or the highway' mentality. Spiritual pride is the disease that vexed Lucifer himself. It's easy to catch and hard to shake. It blocks repentance and deceives one into thinking that they themselves are doing the very work of God as they proudly check their blog daily for the 'hit count' and revel in the traffic that they are getting for their latest sharp tongued assessment of brothers and sisters in Christ to whom they are not even connected.
Spiritual pride defined is thinking that you are more spiritual and more 'right' than anyone else, including the pastor - so much so you are unable to humble yourself and submit to anyone because you think you alone have discernment that no one else has. This dangerous thinking pretty much eliminates these folks from ever finding a church home because they will never find one that suits their fancy - translated, a church ran by their specifications - and of course if a church isn't run by their specifications then that means only one thing to them - it's obviously not of God in their not so humble opinion.
I was recently told that our church wasn't biblical because we have a 501 c3 making us a tax exempt entity - "true churches aren't tax exempt" I was told. Who knew? Let's see...that's found in 2 Collisions 3:5, right? What's odd is that most of these critical types reject any 'new revelation' from God today - however they will come up with some doozy's like this which apparently came through their own private hot-line to God. Sadly their hot-line was disconnected long ago by their own pride.
Obviously, there is no such thing as a perfect church, no church has ever been perfect - not even in the book of Acts. Church pretty much became imperfect when humans showed up inside of it - a fact lost on these folks.
That's why we all must keep our eyes on the cross, humble ourselves, preach Christ and Him crucified, walk humbly before God and have I said anything about humility yet?
They speak as authorities on what ails the modern church, yet they are unable to humble themselves enough to attend a local church to try to implement their 'ideas'. While there are things that certainly need critical assessment in the church and in churches - I agree with Pastor Anton Bosch that biblically speaking only those who have a pastoral or teaching ministry even have the right to teach doctrine or point out false doctrine. There is no biblical allowance for critical or fault finding ministries in God's Word.
Where does this leave these self proclaimed Christian authorities who never even darken the door of Jesus' own invention and yet speak as though they alone have the plan to fix the church?
What I've personally witnessed is that these bitter souls have caught a deadly disease - spiritual pride. Spiritual pride is the deadliest catch for it keeps you from church, blinds you to think you are always right and everyone else is always wrong. Spiritual pride, in modern vernacular, is very much the 'my way or the highway' mentality. Spiritual pride is the disease that vexed Lucifer himself. It's easy to catch and hard to shake. It blocks repentance and deceives one into thinking that they themselves are doing the very work of God as they proudly check their blog daily for the 'hit count' and revel in the traffic that they are getting for their latest sharp tongued assessment of brothers and sisters in Christ to whom they are not even connected.
Spiritual pride defined is thinking that you are more spiritual and more 'right' than anyone else, including the pastor - so much so you are unable to humble yourself and submit to anyone because you think you alone have discernment that no one else has. This dangerous thinking pretty much eliminates these folks from ever finding a church home because they will never find one that suits their fancy - translated, a church ran by their specifications - and of course if a church isn't run by their specifications then that means only one thing to them - it's obviously not of God in their not so humble opinion.
I was recently told that our church wasn't biblical because we have a 501 c3 making us a tax exempt entity - "true churches aren't tax exempt" I was told. Who knew? Let's see...that's found in 2 Collisions 3:5, right? What's odd is that most of these critical types reject any 'new revelation' from God today - however they will come up with some doozy's like this which apparently came through their own private hot-line to God. Sadly their hot-line was disconnected long ago by their own pride.
Obviously, there is no such thing as a perfect church, no church has ever been perfect - not even in the book of Acts. Church pretty much became imperfect when humans showed up inside of it - a fact lost on these folks.
That's why we all must keep our eyes on the cross, humble ourselves, preach Christ and Him crucified, walk humbly before God and have I said anything about humility yet?
Saturday, April 26, 2008
God On The Throne
You are my shepherd I have no need
You lead me by peaceful streams
And you refresh my life
You hold my hand and You guide my steps
I could walk through the valley of death
And I won't be afraid
Because You are in control
You are in control
You are in control
You cause everything to work together
You truly have a sovereign plan
And you know who I am
Any you made who I am
And you love who I am
Because You are in control
You lead me by peaceful streams
And you refresh my life
You hold my hand and You guide my steps
I could walk through the valley of death
And I won't be afraid
Because You are in control
You are in control
You are in control
You cause everything to work together
You truly have a sovereign plan
And you know who I am
Any you made who I am
And you love who I am
Because You are in control
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Opening Day Here I Come!
For the first time in my 41 years of Cincinnati Red 'fanhood', I am attending opening day at Great American Ballpark next Monday afternoon!
I and a good friend will be seated in section 419 (decent seats - the yellow section closest to home plate on the 3rd base line) dressed in red and black cheering for the Red legs.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
I Don't Think I Can Go On Being A Christian
Those are the words of an 18 year old girl in a letter she wrote to her pastor. He posted the letter on his blog in order to receive feedback. Below is her letter:
"I am 18 an have been a member of Seacoast for about a year or so. I am looking for some answers to some big issues I am struggling with. My boyfriend and I are both Christians, but we are at a crossroads right now and though we believe in God, Jesus, and WANT to believe in Christianity, we are struggling.
First off, we started reading the old testament and a good bit doesn't make sense. For example, in the story of Job, towards the end God starts to talk about a fire breathing dragon. Another example, I do not remember the specific book, but a woman looked back and was "turned to a pillar of salt...."
Read the rest HERE. Feel free to leave a comment there or here.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Great Illustration
Some of the most powerful words of Jesus Christ are: "Whoever would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Jesus also said, "whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple."
Cross carrying, however, is not a popular message. In fact, it flies in the face of much of the current version of the 'bait and switch' gospel message that promises if you come to God you will receive 'rich rewards', or come to Christ and 'you'll be wealthy', or, 'you'll be a better business man', not to mention that 'God doesn't want you to ever suffer'. This modernized, sanitized version of the Gospel of Christ is completely void of the mention of trials, temptations and battles that we are scripturally promised to face as believers.
But the Word of God actually tells us to embrace our trials: "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4. The Apostle Peter also tells us that when we are enduring trials, the genuineness of our faith is being tested so it will bring glory to Jesus Christ at his appearing. Carrying our cross is part of the gig as a true Christian.
This little illustration below powerfully shows the necessity of going through trials and suffering - the cross carrying - that we endure for the sake of Christ:
Cross carrying, however, is not a popular message. In fact, it flies in the face of much of the current version of the 'bait and switch' gospel message that promises if you come to God you will receive 'rich rewards', or come to Christ and 'you'll be wealthy', or, 'you'll be a better business man', not to mention that 'God doesn't want you to ever suffer'. This modernized, sanitized version of the Gospel of Christ is completely void of the mention of trials, temptations and battles that we are scripturally promised to face as believers.
But the Word of God actually tells us to embrace our trials: "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4. The Apostle Peter also tells us that when we are enduring trials, the genuineness of our faith is being tested so it will bring glory to Jesus Christ at his appearing. Carrying our cross is part of the gig as a true Christian.
This little illustration below powerfully shows the necessity of going through trials and suffering - the cross carrying - that we endure for the sake of Christ:
Friday, September 14, 2007
Why Orthodoxy Isn't Enough
(From Humble Orthodoxy - written by Justin Blizzard)
I’m committed to humble orthodoxy because orthodoxy isn’t enough.
Mere orthodoxy, mere correctness of doctrine, mere mental knowledge of biblical truth, isn’t enough to drive what I’m called to do as a man, husband, father, pastor, and missionary to the San Francisco Peninsula. Let me explain.
James 2 gives one of Scripture’s sharpest statements that God wants his people to operate with something more than mere orthodoxy, for even non-Christians, even enemies of God, can be orthodox: “Even the demons believe…” (James 2:19). James 2:19 is our reason why orthodoxy needs an adjective. I suppose we could place many different adjectives in front of the word “orthodoxy” which would help us move beyond the useless “demon orthodoxy” of James 2. Maybe what we need is “obedient” orthodoxy? Maybe what Christ wants from us is a “passionate” orthodoxy? Or “purpose-driven” orthodoxy?
It would seem to me that “humble” is the most appropriate adjective for describing the kind of orthodoxy the Bible calls Christians to cultivate. Though I became a Christian when I was just a young boy, I’ve lived most of my life with an aversion to humility. Until a few years ago, just hearing the word “humble” caused allergic reactions. My pride runs deep. I’m the kind of guy, the kind of Christian, who thinks he has what it takes to wake up in the morning, get dressed, and go out and live with an obedient, passionate, purpose-driven orthodoxy that pleases God, blesses my family, turns heads, converts thousands, and causes others to be really impressed with me…and maybe also with God.
Though I probably still woke up this morning with that same default, prideful frame of mind, humility has become attractive to me. The aversion has melted. I now hear the adjective “humble” and I’m drawn in. I want this word to mark my life. There are two reasons for this: failure and Jesus. I’ve come to realize that left to myself, I’m not much better than the demons. I can fill my mind with orthodox thoughts about God, yet live a life unchanged. As obedient, passionate, and purpose-driven as I aim to be in my orthodoxy, I fail: I don’t enjoy and glorify God, serve my wife, love my son, pastor my sheep, or love my lost neighbors here in the un-churched San Francisco Bay Area as the Bible calls for me to do. I can’t do it. I need help. I need a Savior.
I’ve come to see that I need Jesus my Savior every single day of my Christian life. That’s the heart of orthodoxy, the heart of the Bible, the heart of the gospel: living this Christian life that brings glory to God and redemption to the world requires, pivots upon, the Savior. And that’s true not just for day one, but for every single day of the Christian life. I’m committed to humble orthodoxy because humble orthodoxy highlights my Savior. And without a humble, daily reliance upon Jesus, I can’t be orthodox. It’s taken me a long time to realize this. It’s going to take the rest of my life to apply this. By the grace of God, game on.
I’m committed to humble orthodoxy because orthodoxy isn’t enough.
Mere orthodoxy, mere correctness of doctrine, mere mental knowledge of biblical truth, isn’t enough to drive what I’m called to do as a man, husband, father, pastor, and missionary to the San Francisco Peninsula. Let me explain.
James 2 gives one of Scripture’s sharpest statements that God wants his people to operate with something more than mere orthodoxy, for even non-Christians, even enemies of God, can be orthodox: “Even the demons believe…” (James 2:19). James 2:19 is our reason why orthodoxy needs an adjective. I suppose we could place many different adjectives in front of the word “orthodoxy” which would help us move beyond the useless “demon orthodoxy” of James 2. Maybe what we need is “obedient” orthodoxy? Maybe what Christ wants from us is a “passionate” orthodoxy? Or “purpose-driven” orthodoxy?
It would seem to me that “humble” is the most appropriate adjective for describing the kind of orthodoxy the Bible calls Christians to cultivate. Though I became a Christian when I was just a young boy, I’ve lived most of my life with an aversion to humility. Until a few years ago, just hearing the word “humble” caused allergic reactions. My pride runs deep. I’m the kind of guy, the kind of Christian, who thinks he has what it takes to wake up in the morning, get dressed, and go out and live with an obedient, passionate, purpose-driven orthodoxy that pleases God, blesses my family, turns heads, converts thousands, and causes others to be really impressed with me…and maybe also with God.
Though I probably still woke up this morning with that same default, prideful frame of mind, humility has become attractive to me. The aversion has melted. I now hear the adjective “humble” and I’m drawn in. I want this word to mark my life. There are two reasons for this: failure and Jesus. I’ve come to realize that left to myself, I’m not much better than the demons. I can fill my mind with orthodox thoughts about God, yet live a life unchanged. As obedient, passionate, and purpose-driven as I aim to be in my orthodoxy, I fail: I don’t enjoy and glorify God, serve my wife, love my son, pastor my sheep, or love my lost neighbors here in the un-churched San Francisco Bay Area as the Bible calls for me to do. I can’t do it. I need help. I need a Savior.
I’ve come to see that I need Jesus my Savior every single day of my Christian life. That’s the heart of orthodoxy, the heart of the Bible, the heart of the gospel: living this Christian life that brings glory to God and redemption to the world requires, pivots upon, the Savior. And that’s true not just for day one, but for every single day of the Christian life. I’m committed to humble orthodoxy because humble orthodoxy highlights my Savior. And without a humble, daily reliance upon Jesus, I can’t be orthodox. It’s taken me a long time to realize this. It’s going to take the rest of my life to apply this. By the grace of God, game on.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
God All Sufficient
By Dr. Opal Reddin
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY
Omnipotent King, Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Provider, Protector, Paternal, Leader Ruling Lord and Reigning King of all the universe.
He is Father, He is Helper, He is Guardian, and He is God. He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, He is the Keeper of Creation and Creator of all He keeps; The Architect of the universe and manager of all times. He always was, He always is, and always will be...unmoved, unchanged, undefeated, and never undone.
He was bruised and brought healing .He was pierced and eased pain. He was persecuted and brought freedom. He was dead and brought life. He is risen and brings power. He reigns and brings peace.
The world can't understand Him, the armies can't defeat Him the schools can't explain Him, and leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, The pharisees couldn't confuse Him, People couldn't hold Him, Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New Age can't replace Him, And Oprah can't explain Him away!
He is Light, Love, Longevity and Lord. He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful and Pure. His ways are right His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me!
He is my Savior, He is my Guide,
He is my Peace, He is my Joy,
He is my Comfort. He is my Lord and He rules my life.
I serve Him because He is God and is worthy to be served. His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is...THE wisdom, THE power of the powerful, THE ancient of days, THE ruler of rulers, THE leader of leaders, THE overseer of overcomers and sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
Now if that seems impressive to you, try this on for size. His goal is a relationship with ME !He will never leave me, never forsake me, Never mislead me, never forget me, never overlook me,and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives. When I am weak, He is strong. When I am lost, He is the way. When I am afraid, He is my courage. When I stumble, He steadies me. When I am hurt, He heals me. When I am broken, He mends me .When I am blind, He leads me. When I am hungry, He feeds me. When I face trials, He is with me. When I face persecution, He shields me. When I face problems, He is the answer When I face loss, He provides for me. When I face death, HE carries me Home! He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful and true, I am His and He is mine.
My Father in Heaven has already defeated the father of this world, and so if you're asking why I stand and feel so secure, understand this; He said it, and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on his side, and that means all is well with my soul.
Every day is a blessing for... GOD IS!
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY
Omnipotent King, Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Provider, Protector, Paternal, Leader Ruling Lord and Reigning King of all the universe.
He is Father, He is Helper, He is Guardian, and He is God. He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, He is the Keeper of Creation and Creator of all He keeps; The Architect of the universe and manager of all times. He always was, He always is, and always will be...unmoved, unchanged, undefeated, and never undone.
He was bruised and brought healing .He was pierced and eased pain. He was persecuted and brought freedom. He was dead and brought life. He is risen and brings power. He reigns and brings peace.
The world can't understand Him, the armies can't defeat Him the schools can't explain Him, and leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, The pharisees couldn't confuse Him, People couldn't hold Him, Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New Age can't replace Him, And Oprah can't explain Him away!
He is Light, Love, Longevity and Lord. He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful and Pure. His ways are right His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me!
He is my Savior, He is my Guide,
He is my Peace, He is my Joy,
He is my Comfort. He is my Lord and He rules my life.
I serve Him because He is God and is worthy to be served. His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is...THE wisdom, THE power of the powerful, THE ancient of days, THE ruler of rulers, THE leader of leaders, THE overseer of overcomers and sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
Now if that seems impressive to you, try this on for size. His goal is a relationship with ME !He will never leave me, never forsake me, Never mislead me, never forget me, never overlook me,and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives. When I am weak, He is strong. When I am lost, He is the way. When I am afraid, He is my courage. When I stumble, He steadies me. When I am hurt, He heals me. When I am broken, He mends me .When I am blind, He leads me. When I am hungry, He feeds me. When I face trials, He is with me. When I face persecution, He shields me. When I face problems, He is the answer When I face loss, He provides for me. When I face death, HE carries me Home! He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful and true, I am His and He is mine.
My Father in Heaven has already defeated the father of this world, and so if you're asking why I stand and feel so secure, understand this; He said it, and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on his side, and that means all is well with my soul.
Every day is a blessing for... GOD IS!
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Cost Equals Value
The other night I took my kids to a "dollar" cinema to see one of the latest offering of animated movies. The last time I took my kids to a movie it was at a "regular" theater. The first thing I noticed about the dollar theater was the large price difference - which was nice. The second thing I noticed got me thinking of things of a more eternal nature. When we got seated in the theater I noticed that it was not very full - which wasn't surprising as I've seldom ever been in a packed out discount theater. But what I wasn't counting on is the vast number of people that came in after the movie started. The number of late comers was at least equivalent to the number who were early. One family even came in at least forty-five minutes after the movie started (I know because they plopped down right next to me). It dawned on me that you never see that at a full priced theater and the reason why? It has to be price. When folks pay more for something, they value it more. When something costs you something, there is more emotional investment in making sure you're there on time and get your choice of seat.
Now fast forward to Sunday morning at your church. Notice how many people are late and how many of those are habitually so.
We value things that cost us something.
I'll let you do the math.
The Truth:
"Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” 2 Sam. 24:24.
"Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'" Luke 9:23.
Now fast forward to Sunday morning at your church. Notice how many people are late and how many of those are habitually so.
We value things that cost us something.
I'll let you do the math.
The Truth:
"Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” 2 Sam. 24:24.
"Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'" Luke 9:23.
Tuesday, September 5, 2006
Your Last Day
Millions of people worldwide were saddened yesterday at the passing of Steve Irwin, a man better known as "The crocodile hunter". The cause of death for this man who routinely handled deadly snakes and ravenous crocodiles was perhaps as shocking as anything. He died after being stung by a stingray while filming for his show off the coast of Australia. Expert's say that human deaths attributed to stingrays are extremely rare, and Steve died only because the barb just so happened to puncture his heart.
Often death comes as a surprise. I'm sure when Steve Irwin awoke yesterday morning and kissed his wife and kids he never dreamed it would be for the last time.
Sad events like this always remind me of the uncertainty of life. Even though in the very back of our minds we know that last day is coming for us, we do not know when and seldom will know how it will happen. James 4:14 says: "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."
I believe planning for that day begins right now. I'm not suggesting that we live with this morbid thought floating around in our heads, in fact that would be wrong, but I am suggesting that we live our lives as one prepared for that finality. Here's my personal checklist for living a prepared life:
1. Make sure you tell your family you love them every single day. And don't just tell them, show them. Hug and kiss your children, speak encouraging, uplifting words to them every single day. Give affirmation to your spouse as often as you can. Compliment your loved ones - look for positive things to say. The world is full of negativity; don't let that come out of your mouth.
2. Make sure you live each day to the fullest for God's glory. The old saying goes, "One life on earth will soon be past - only what's done for God will last." Every day we have been given is a gift from the God who gave us our life, so go for God with all of your heart. Remember Jesus said we should love God with all of our "heart, soul, mind and strength."
3. Don't procrastinate. I once heard that "Tomorrow is a day found only on a fool's calendar". That truth has always stuck in my heart. You've no doubt heard the Latin phrase 'carpe diem' that literally means, "pluck the day", but is usually stated as "seize the day". Every day should be "plucked" and lived to the fullest.
4. Important things always come first. A Christian's priority list should look something like this: God, spouse, children, everything else. Don't allow the urgent to rule your life - make sure you rule it. Similarly, don' t allow your calendar to control you - you control it.
Seize the day!
Often death comes as a surprise. I'm sure when Steve Irwin awoke yesterday morning and kissed his wife and kids he never dreamed it would be for the last time.
Sad events like this always remind me of the uncertainty of life. Even though in the very back of our minds we know that last day is coming for us, we do not know when and seldom will know how it will happen. James 4:14 says: "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."
I believe planning for that day begins right now. I'm not suggesting that we live with this morbid thought floating around in our heads, in fact that would be wrong, but I am suggesting that we live our lives as one prepared for that finality. Here's my personal checklist for living a prepared life:
1. Make sure you tell your family you love them every single day. And don't just tell them, show them. Hug and kiss your children, speak encouraging, uplifting words to them every single day. Give affirmation to your spouse as often as you can. Compliment your loved ones - look for positive things to say. The world is full of negativity; don't let that come out of your mouth.
2. Make sure you live each day to the fullest for God's glory. The old saying goes, "One life on earth will soon be past - only what's done for God will last." Every day we have been given is a gift from the God who gave us our life, so go for God with all of your heart. Remember Jesus said we should love God with all of our "heart, soul, mind and strength."
3. Don't procrastinate. I once heard that "Tomorrow is a day found only on a fool's calendar". That truth has always stuck in my heart. You've no doubt heard the Latin phrase 'carpe diem' that literally means, "pluck the day", but is usually stated as "seize the day". Every day should be "plucked" and lived to the fullest.
4. Important things always come first. A Christian's priority list should look something like this: God, spouse, children, everything else. Don't allow the urgent to rule your life - make sure you rule it. Similarly, don' t allow your calendar to control you - you control it.
Seize the day!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Grassroots Christianity
Recently I read a powerful testimony of a Ukrainian physicist turned pastor and church planter in the Charisma Online Magazine. Valeriy Reshetinsky survived the horrific state persecution of the 70's and remembers the secret church meetings, beatings from state hired thugs and waiting five years just to get his own Bible. He also remembers a prophecy given back in those days about how communism was going to end in his Russian country and that someday the Gospel of Jesus Christ would be preached in stadiums across his homeland.
Valeriy has lived to see that day. He now pastors a 2,500 member church in Kiev that has mothered another 150 churches in the Ukraine.
His plea to Americans? He states, "Please don't allow the United States to become like Western Europe. Don't allow it to become secular. Please keep America a Christian nation."
That begs the question - how can we do that? How can we contribute to keeping America from slipping into the chasm of Godlessness the way Western Europe has? Well some would argue that we are there right now, but having visited Europe, I can assure you that we are not - not yet anyway. But we are heading down that same path for sure.
Here's what I believe we must do:
1. Pray. We still have the promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." As we often say around here - if we don't pray we won't have anything. Only through prayer will things change.
2. Go Grass Roots. Each and every believer must be intent on reaching one life at a time. There is much nonsense being taught today about Christians taking over the government and institutions of higher learning, etc. This is both un-scriptural and non-productive. Jesus has called us to make disciples one life at a time. Until every Christian makes it their business to not only witness to unbelievers, but then disciple them we will never see a change in our nation.
3. Rely On The Holy Spirit. We don't need to hear the 'prophetic' voice today near as much as we need to get back to listening to the Third Person of the trinity. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. The Book of Acts is filled with stories of how the fledgling church grew and did the miraculous because they listened daily to the Spirit of God. Churches that would espouse themselves to be New Testament churches must begin to emphasize the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, or we are in danger of not seeing the Fire of God passed down to the next generation. Jesus told us that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit was primarily for the purpose of reaching the lost. It's time to toss human engineered growth and fall on our faces before a Holy God.
4. Love. After the greatest command of loving God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength, Jesus gave us the second greatest commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. There are many ways to show the love of Jesus Christ in everyday living. Last week I was trying to get off of the highway and apparently got in the way of someone in a bigger hurry than I was. This guy pulled up beside me and gave me the 'business' for a moment. After he pulled past me I saw the Christian fish symbol on the back of his truck. I looked over at my twelve year old daughter who was sitting next to me and said, "Ni-ice". Glad it was me that saw that outburst and not someone who didn't yet know Jesus. Actions like that contribute to the belief of many that having Jesus makes no difference in your life. I still cling to a little theology I learned as a child, "If you're saved and you know then your life will surely show it..." We must move out of the zone of the typical, and begin to show the love of Jesus in greater measure to the world around us.
Let's resolve to make a difference today in our world!
Valeriy has lived to see that day. He now pastors a 2,500 member church in Kiev that has mothered another 150 churches in the Ukraine.
His plea to Americans? He states, "Please don't allow the United States to become like Western Europe. Don't allow it to become secular. Please keep America a Christian nation."
That begs the question - how can we do that? How can we contribute to keeping America from slipping into the chasm of Godlessness the way Western Europe has? Well some would argue that we are there right now, but having visited Europe, I can assure you that we are not - not yet anyway. But we are heading down that same path for sure.
Here's what I believe we must do:
1. Pray. We still have the promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." As we often say around here - if we don't pray we won't have anything. Only through prayer will things change.
2. Go Grass Roots. Each and every believer must be intent on reaching one life at a time. There is much nonsense being taught today about Christians taking over the government and institutions of higher learning, etc. This is both un-scriptural and non-productive. Jesus has called us to make disciples one life at a time. Until every Christian makes it their business to not only witness to unbelievers, but then disciple them we will never see a change in our nation.
3. Rely On The Holy Spirit. We don't need to hear the 'prophetic' voice today near as much as we need to get back to listening to the Third Person of the trinity. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. The Book of Acts is filled with stories of how the fledgling church grew and did the miraculous because they listened daily to the Spirit of God. Churches that would espouse themselves to be New Testament churches must begin to emphasize the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, or we are in danger of not seeing the Fire of God passed down to the next generation. Jesus told us that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit was primarily for the purpose of reaching the lost. It's time to toss human engineered growth and fall on our faces before a Holy God.
4. Love. After the greatest command of loving God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength, Jesus gave us the second greatest commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. There are many ways to show the love of Jesus Christ in everyday living. Last week I was trying to get off of the highway and apparently got in the way of someone in a bigger hurry than I was. This guy pulled up beside me and gave me the 'business' for a moment. After he pulled past me I saw the Christian fish symbol on the back of his truck. I looked over at my twelve year old daughter who was sitting next to me and said, "Ni-ice". Glad it was me that saw that outburst and not someone who didn't yet know Jesus. Actions like that contribute to the belief of many that having Jesus makes no difference in your life. I still cling to a little theology I learned as a child, "If you're saved and you know then your life will surely show it..." We must move out of the zone of the typical, and begin to show the love of Jesus in greater measure to the world around us.
Let's resolve to make a difference today in our world!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
It Only Took 4 Minutes
You've no doubt heard the name Jason MacElwain. Jason is the high school senior from Rochester, New York who was the manager for his high school basketball team. While Jason loved basketball, he was never good enough to make his team, so he decided to be the team manager. At the teams' last home game, the coach decided to put Jason into the game. He wanted to show his appreciation to Jason for all of his hard work and dedication. What happened after that was simply unbelievable.
Jason entered the game with only four minutes to play and proceeded to hit 6 three-pointers and score 20 points in those final 240 seconds. An amazing feat on any level of basketball, even more amazing considering Jason has autism.
I must admit that watching the video of this high school boy playing the role of unlikely hero brought tears to my eyes. The student section in the gymnasium went crazy for Jason and carried him off the floor after the game was over.
I couldn't help but see the spiritual parallel of how God seems to use the most unlikely of people to accomplish great things. If you've ever felt unlikely like I have - that's good news for you and me!
1 Samuel 17 illustrates this beautifully by showing us that things weren't going so well for God's army as they lined up against the Philistine army. They were cowering in fear unable to meet the challenge of the behemoth named Goliath. That's when God went to His bullpen and brought in an unlikely hero in the form of a seventeen year old shepherd boy named David. Before he went out to meet Goliath, David makes a powerful statement of faith in verse 29, "Is there not a cause?" The rest, as they say, was history.
In a matter of moments God used a most unlikely person to win an unlikely victory. In a few seconds, everything was different. The outlook had changed. Men went from fear to celebration.
The truth is if we, like David, will be faithful to the Lord and trust Him no matter what - there is nothing that our God can't accomplish through us!
Jason entered the game with only four minutes to play and proceeded to hit 6 three-pointers and score 20 points in those final 240 seconds. An amazing feat on any level of basketball, even more amazing considering Jason has autism.
I must admit that watching the video of this high school boy playing the role of unlikely hero brought tears to my eyes. The student section in the gymnasium went crazy for Jason and carried him off the floor after the game was over.
I couldn't help but see the spiritual parallel of how God seems to use the most unlikely of people to accomplish great things. If you've ever felt unlikely like I have - that's good news for you and me!
1 Samuel 17 illustrates this beautifully by showing us that things weren't going so well for God's army as they lined up against the Philistine army. They were cowering in fear unable to meet the challenge of the behemoth named Goliath. That's when God went to His bullpen and brought in an unlikely hero in the form of a seventeen year old shepherd boy named David. Before he went out to meet Goliath, David makes a powerful statement of faith in verse 29, "Is there not a cause?" The rest, as they say, was history.
In a matter of moments God used a most unlikely person to win an unlikely victory. In a few seconds, everything was different. The outlook had changed. Men went from fear to celebration.
The truth is if we, like David, will be faithful to the Lord and trust Him no matter what - there is nothing that our God can't accomplish through us!
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