What a day yesterday!! A few weeks ago our church voted to put in a new A/V system and to pay for it from designated funds that we could pay back and replenish in two ways: in excess funds each month in the budget and 5th Sunday offerings. I did not want us to drag it out through 2012 taking all of our fifth Sunday offerings and I wanted us to have us A DAY! I've been a part of such a thing before and it is exciting. So just a few weeks ago I started promoting and praying for an offering on October 30th that would be sacrificial and significant. I did not know what to expect because of the short notice. If you do such a thing over several months, it can be a very significant offering. Over a few weeks, not normally.
Last week with the Joash's chest on my mind (2 Kings 12), I pulled out my grandfather's tool chest that I inherited and placed it in front of the pulpit. Yesterday, the church walked by it and placed their offering in. In October we had excess funds of $2500 and yesterday's offering was over $67,500 for a total of over $70,000, or about 5 times our weekly average. Absolutely Amazing!! How God rewards our faithfulness!!
We followed that last night with a Tailgate-n-Treat, a combo of two loved events: our Tailgate party and oUr Trunk N Treat. It was one of our greatest events! A wonderful crowd and a wonderful day! Absolutely amazing. What a great day! A joy to be a part of such as that.
On top of all of that my chairman of deacons surprised me at the close of the service with an appreciation gift and the kindest word of thankfulness which was followed by a wonderful round of applause! It was just too much.
Let me get to the text (www.lifejournal.cc). I call this one Bread Crumb Theology. When the foreign lady came to Jesus He challenged her because she was not a Jew. In Mark 7:27 He says- First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” In other words, He was ministering to the Jews, any leftovers others could have. It sounds kind of cold, but it was really just a challenge of faith. Don't get too sidetracked by that passage. God often challenges us when we come to Him with a request and sometimes the challenge is not how we expect. Look at her answer though. In Mark 7:28- “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” In other words, 'Lord, if you will intervene in my daughter's life, I will take whatever I can get.' To all those 'name and claim it' kind of prayer proclaimers, take this as an example. Humbly seek the face of God, not because of what you did or who you are, but because of what He did and who He is, and ask Him to move and work, not to get your will done in heaven but His Will on earth. He'll reward such as that!!
Do it today!! I hope you have a great one!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Don't Miss It!
The Lord must marvel at us! It would be funny to Him, if it were not so sad. We just miss it WAAAYY too often! In Mark 6 (www.lifejournal.cc) the crowd has gathered and suppertime is coming. It is a desolate place and Christ tells the disciples to feed the people. They reply, "How in the world?" And Christ leads them through the process and miraculously provides. He then needs some time. No wonder I need some time, even the Lord did!! He sends the disciples off across the sea while He goes to pray. When He is finished praying and seeks the disciples, they are fighting a squall out on the water and not making good time. He walks out on the water to them. Instead of giving them comfort, it scares them. He calms the storm and gets in the boat and Luke 6:51-52 say-And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. They were utterly astounded at what He had done, because they did not get it about the loaves. The disciples were not the only ones not to get it. Few get it! Think about it: They did not get in his hometown. They did not honor Him because they knew where He was from. They did not listen to Him with Jairus' daughter. They laughed at Him when He said she was only sleeping (meaning- her death is only temporary). They turned against Him when He cast the demons out of the man because it costs them their pigs. On and on it goes. Please allow me to repeat myself: The Lord must marvel at us! It would be funny to Him, if it were not so sad. We just miss it WAAAYY too often!
So I don't know about you, but I am going to be determined not to miss it! Whatever it is that He wants to do, He can do! I am not going to miss it! Let's open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to let God do miraculously stuff around us and we actually 'get' it!! I hope you GET IT today!!
So I don't know about you, but I am going to be determined not to miss it! Whatever it is that He wants to do, He can do! I am not going to miss it! Let's open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to let God do miraculously stuff around us and we actually 'get' it!! I hope you GET IT today!!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Coming Together
One thing I love about being a part of the Lord's church is the opportunity to work together with God's people toward a unified cause. It is refreshing to team up with fellow believers and 'Go for it!' with God. Mission trips, goals, events, and other exciting things that require us to work as a team, strengthens the fellowship, helps us know each other more, and fortifies the Body for whatever may come. It is fun to be a part of the church, especially when exciting things are bringing us together.
I don't know if two men could have carried that cot, but I bet they could not have got the job done. It took four. (www.lifejournal.cc). Notice what it said: Mark 2:3-4- And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. There were four men who worked together for a common cause: to get their friend to Jesus. They would do whatever it took. They carried him to the house...too full to get in the door. They carried him up the exterior steps...no entrance on the roof. They tore through the roof...little worry about the repair. You've never thought about them having to come back the next day and fix the roof, have you? That third dude on the left foot corner of the cot was a roofer. He said to the others, "Just do it. I'll fix it tomorrow." (No, I can't prove that conversation went on nor that he was a roofer, but you cannot prove it's not true either.) Regardless of the conversation, they worked together and got their friend to Jesus. Not only was he healed physically, he was healed spiritually. His sins were removed. It all happened because a few men got together and decided to let God change an ole boy's life. And God blessed their efforts. He still blesses the efforts of His People when they work together to change the world in which they live.
Strive with God's people to change the world in which we live and let God give us the blessing of using us for His Honor and Glory....and let's do it TODAY!! Enjoy the Lord today!
I don't know if two men could have carried that cot, but I bet they could not have got the job done. It took four. (www.lifejournal.cc). Notice what it said: Mark 2:3-4- And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. There were four men who worked together for a common cause: to get their friend to Jesus. They would do whatever it took. They carried him to the house...too full to get in the door. They carried him up the exterior steps...no entrance on the roof. They tore through the roof...little worry about the repair. You've never thought about them having to come back the next day and fix the roof, have you? That third dude on the left foot corner of the cot was a roofer. He said to the others, "Just do it. I'll fix it tomorrow." (No, I can't prove that conversation went on nor that he was a roofer, but you cannot prove it's not true either.) Regardless of the conversation, they worked together and got their friend to Jesus. Not only was he healed physically, he was healed spiritually. His sins were removed. It all happened because a few men got together and decided to let God change an ole boy's life. And God blessed their efforts. He still blesses the efforts of His People when they work together to change the world in which they live.
Strive with God's people to change the world in which we live and let God give us the blessing of using us for His Honor and Glory....and let's do it TODAY!! Enjoy the Lord today!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Turning Up and Focusing Out
With all that Paul had been through, he never lose his focus (www.lifejournal.cc). He had been accused by church leaders, arrested by the Romans, imprisoned several times, shipwrecked, snake bit, put in stocks, beat, and left for dead. However, so much of his focus in his latter years, was to get to Rome to share the Gospel. When we end the book of Acts, notice what he is doing. Acts 28:30-31- He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. His goal was to be a productive witness for Christ in as many places as possible and that is what he did. He crossed over the known world many times over to share the Gospel in every town that he could. God blessed him as he went. It did not go right all the time. If it had, there would not have been prisons, snakes, beatings, and wrecks. However, Paul took it all in stride.
I was teaching last night on the dualism in the book of Revelation. Imagine sitting in an auditorium watching a play. On the stage was a two story structure. On the top story were scenes of heaven playing out in front of you. There was worship, praise, and celebration. On the bottom story were the scenes of earth. There were difficulty, persecution, war and strife. The actors on the bottom story could not see the scenes of the 2nd story, but the audience could see both. While all the earth seemed in a daily struggle, the throne of heaven was always secure and praise and adoration was abundant. The earth actors could not see the scene upstairs, the audience can. The book of Revelation is to 'unveil' to us the scenes and victory of heaven in the midst of and at the time of the struggles of earth. It may seem like constant setback or defeat on earth, but the eternal victory is never insecure. The book of Revelation was written to give hope to the struggling on earth, by showing them the victory in heaven and giving them insight on the much greater spiritual battle they face on the earth. The reader of Revelation can gain a better grasp of this.
Paul gained a good grasp of it too. He kept on keeping on and God blessed his efforts the rest of his life. May your vision turn upward today while your focus turns outward and may His richest blessings bring you a harvest in the midst of this fertile field called earth.
Have a great day!
I was teaching last night on the dualism in the book of Revelation. Imagine sitting in an auditorium watching a play. On the stage was a two story structure. On the top story were scenes of heaven playing out in front of you. There was worship, praise, and celebration. On the bottom story were the scenes of earth. There were difficulty, persecution, war and strife. The actors on the bottom story could not see the scenes of the 2nd story, but the audience could see both. While all the earth seemed in a daily struggle, the throne of heaven was always secure and praise and adoration was abundant. The earth actors could not see the scene upstairs, the audience can. The book of Revelation is to 'unveil' to us the scenes and victory of heaven in the midst of and at the time of the struggles of earth. It may seem like constant setback or defeat on earth, but the eternal victory is never insecure. The book of Revelation was written to give hope to the struggling on earth, by showing them the victory in heaven and giving them insight on the much greater spiritual battle they face on the earth. The reader of Revelation can gain a better grasp of this.
Paul gained a good grasp of it too. He kept on keeping on and God blessed his efforts the rest of his life. May your vision turn upward today while your focus turns outward and may His richest blessings bring you a harvest in the midst of this fertile field called earth.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Short or Long
Oh, that we would have half the passion of Paul! www.lifejournal.cc He was so ready to do whatever needed to be done to see lives change for Christ. As he makes his strong stand before King Agrippa, he shares the sentiments that we should have toward the lost and dying world. Acts 26:28-29-And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?" 29And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains."
Share the love of Christ faithfully. Whether it is today that they come to Jesus or it is on down the road, that is not in our control. However, it is our job to share a clear, penetrating, concise message of the difference the Gospel has made in our lives. I hope God gives us the opportunity and the words to speak today! May we see His Fields white onto harvest!
Share the love of Christ faithfully. Whether it is today that they come to Jesus or it is on down the road, that is not in our control. However, it is our job to share a clear, penetrating, concise message of the difference the Gospel has made in our lives. I hope God gives us the opportunity and the words to speak today! May we see His Fields white onto harvest!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Why We Do What We Do
We are reading this morning of the jostling around of Paul (www.lifejournal.cc). It somewhat reminds me of the kangaroo court that Christ meandered through in the night before his crucifixion. Everybody is thinking something needs to be done but they sure don't want to be the ones to make it happen.
What got my attention this morning, however, is a comment that Paul makes to Ananias, the high priest.
Acts 23: 2-5- And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3Then Paul said to him, "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?" 4Those who stood by said, "Would you revile God’s high priest?" 5And Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"
Notice why Paul corrected himself for rebuking Ananias. It was not because of the high priest's status or power. It was simply because he was one who was in authority. It was disrespectful. It was not about being concerned with what was going to happen to him as a consequence or what he might face. It was simply wrong for him to be rude to those in authority. It was not godly. He was quoting the law out of the book of Exodus. I got to thinking about motive. Why do we do what we do?
Do we give to God out of obedience and reliance upon Him as the supplier of our needs or do we give to win some type of heavenly sweepstakes of blessings beyond what we can foresee?
Do we go to church to receive heavenly pins along with our crown that let all know how faithful we have been or do we go simply to be faithful?
Do we go to church to receive earthly nods that our own community may crown us Christian with all the entitlements that may bring to us to be accepted and approved? Or is it because we love Jesus?
Do we share a testimony for Christ to rack up points in our heavenly account or do we share because Christ has done so much for us, it is the least that we can do yet the very thing He asked?
Do we pray diligently to get our will done in heaven or to submit ourselves to His Will on earth?
Are we kind to people to win their favor or are we kind to show the overflowing love of the Lord?
Do we help others to get a pat on the back or do we help others to show the overflowing love of the Lord? Why do we do what we do? Our motive may be just as important, if not more so, than our participation in an action that would appear to be done just to please the Lord.
Do the right thing today...and do it for the right reason. And have a good one!
What got my attention this morning, however, is a comment that Paul makes to Ananias, the high priest.
Acts 23: 2-5- And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3Then Paul said to him, "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?" 4Those who stood by said, "Would you revile God’s high priest?" 5And Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"
Notice why Paul corrected himself for rebuking Ananias. It was not because of the high priest's status or power. It was simply because he was one who was in authority. It was disrespectful. It was not about being concerned with what was going to happen to him as a consequence or what he might face. It was simply wrong for him to be rude to those in authority. It was not godly. He was quoting the law out of the book of Exodus. I got to thinking about motive. Why do we do what we do?
Do we give to God out of obedience and reliance upon Him as the supplier of our needs or do we give to win some type of heavenly sweepstakes of blessings beyond what we can foresee?
Do we go to church to receive heavenly pins along with our crown that let all know how faithful we have been or do we go simply to be faithful?
Do we go to church to receive earthly nods that our own community may crown us Christian with all the entitlements that may bring to us to be accepted and approved? Or is it because we love Jesus?
Do we share a testimony for Christ to rack up points in our heavenly account or do we share because Christ has done so much for us, it is the least that we can do yet the very thing He asked?
Do we pray diligently to get our will done in heaven or to submit ourselves to His Will on earth?
Are we kind to people to win their favor or are we kind to show the overflowing love of the Lord?
Do we help others to get a pat on the back or do we help others to show the overflowing love of the Lord? Why do we do what we do? Our motive may be just as important, if not more so, than our participation in an action that would appear to be done just to please the Lord.
Do the right thing today...and do it for the right reason. And have a good one!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Watchmen
Today we read (www.lifejournal.cc) of Paul's goodbye to the leaders of the Ephesian church. I am particularly stirred by Acts 20:26- Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, 27for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. It reminds me a lot of another passage from Ezekiel 33. Don't lose me now. Carefully read the following passage.
Ezekiel 33:1-9-The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and make him their watchman, 3and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people, 4then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.
7 "So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 8 If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.
The watchman's tower was on the wall of the city. He was to inform the city when the enemy was coming. Like a watchman on the wall, those that walk with God gain discernment in seeing the spiritual battles that are taking place. They see (better than those without the Lord or without a steady walk with God), not perfectly but more clearly, where the enemy is approaching. They see the cost of not having Christ. It is their job (that's our job, you know), to warn others. Warn others who walk the wrong paths. Warn others who so desperately need the Lord. We must warn. What they do with the warning is between them and God, but we must warn! We must be watchmen!
I pray today that your burden for the lost and wayward will grow stronger and you will faithfully keep your watch on the wall!
Ezekiel 33:1-9-The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and make him their watchman, 3and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people, 4then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.
7 "So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 8 If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.
The watchman's tower was on the wall of the city. He was to inform the city when the enemy was coming. Like a watchman on the wall, those that walk with God gain discernment in seeing the spiritual battles that are taking place. They see (better than those without the Lord or without a steady walk with God), not perfectly but more clearly, where the enemy is approaching. They see the cost of not having Christ. It is their job (that's our job, you know), to warn others. Warn others who walk the wrong paths. Warn others who so desperately need the Lord. We must warn. What they do with the warning is between them and God, but we must warn! We must be watchmen!
I pray today that your burden for the lost and wayward will grow stronger and you will faithfully keep your watch on the wall!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
To His Face
That poor little church! My first church had to endure some things from this very green preacher. When I took an Ephesians class, I started preaching through Ephesians. Martin Lloyd Jones, a prolific commentary writer and preacher, wrote 5 volumes on Ephesians. I bought it and had so much money in it, I tried to preach everything in it. I was in Ephesians for about a year. They endured.
I took a Preaching from Job class and developed a series out of that. It did not take a year but I feel sure it felt too long. It is not easy for someone who KNOWS what he is doing to preach a series THROUGH the book of Job. I would not say I knew what I was doing. They endured, however. Last spring I sat through another seminar on Job. It was good. I may work up to Job again after reading through it. The lessons I get from Job, however, are centered around one lesson. It is found in our reading today (www.lifejournal.cc). Job 13:15- Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. One 'take home point' today: Take it to the Lord. Don't talk to others about how you don't understand what God is doing to you. Don't pray weak, shallow, surface prayers and then give long bellyaches to others. Take it to the Lord. Job has taught me that you can be honest with God and share what is on your heart. He knows your heart anyway. Just share it...but when you do, leave it with Him. He can handle it, so trust Him to handle it. Then share your praise to Him with others, instead of weakly praying shallow prayers to God and having heartfelt discussions about your injustices with others. God knows the real story and He can do something about it. We don't and we can't. Let's quit talking about Him and talk to Him.
I took a Preaching from Job class and developed a series out of that. It did not take a year but I feel sure it felt too long. It is not easy for someone who KNOWS what he is doing to preach a series THROUGH the book of Job. I would not say I knew what I was doing. They endured, however. Last spring I sat through another seminar on Job. It was good. I may work up to Job again after reading through it. The lessons I get from Job, however, are centered around one lesson. It is found in our reading today (www.lifejournal.cc). Job 13:15- Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. One 'take home point' today: Take it to the Lord. Don't talk to others about how you don't understand what God is doing to you. Don't pray weak, shallow, surface prayers and then give long bellyaches to others. Take it to the Lord. Job has taught me that you can be honest with God and share what is on your heart. He knows your heart anyway. Just share it...but when you do, leave it with Him. He can handle it, so trust Him to handle it. Then share your praise to Him with others, instead of weakly praying shallow prayers to God and having heartfelt discussions about your injustices with others. God knows the real story and He can do something about it. We don't and we can't. Let's quit talking about Him and talk to Him.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Your Best Investment in the Stocks
I went to New Orleans Baptist Seminary and sat under Dr. Harold T. Bryson for Intro to Preaching in my first year there. He is an excellent teacher and it was a blessing to have him as a professor. I was very impressed with him at the time and I wanted him to know what he had by having me in his class. One day I was walking down the hall of most of the faculty offices and I caught him in the hall and gave him one of my sermon outlines. It was a sermon concerning the Acts 16 passage that we study today (www.lifejournal.cc) with a focus on Paul and Silas in prison. Their feet was placed in stocks, so I came up with the very clever title, "Your Best Investments in the Stocks." I thought it was great! I gave him the sermon title, the passage, and the points of my outline and waited for him to stand back in awe. He took it in and said little. I figured he was just stunned, stunned like when Paul saw the light and voice on the road to Damascus. I could understand why, because it was good stuff.
The next day I sat on the front row of a class of at least seventy and took in what he said. He turned to me about midway through the class and ask me to give him that sermon again. Apparently he was now going to lean on me to get him the best in Christian proclamation. I gave it to him and he proceeded to butcher my sermon in front of the whole class. He said it was wrong contextually, organizationally, and practically. Zorro and his gay blade could not have sliced me up any better. I picked the pieces of my sermonic image up off the floor and crawled out of class when class was over.
I don't remember what he said in class, I have repressed it. I do remember vaguely the stunned, slow motion like terrorizing of my ego though.
Having said all that, I still believe that whether it is a real prison, a real dungeon, real stocks, or whether it is the prisons of our spiritual walk, the dungeons that dog us in our mind or the stocks that stretch us spiritually to uncomfortable points, I still believe your best investment in the stocks is like Paul and Silas. Your best investment is 1) to give God praise in the midst of it. 2)Influence those around you with your faith in Christ. 3)Just watch how Christ can set you free. I encourage you to do those very things with the worries of your day today.
By the way, I recently preached a sermon by the same title. It was not the same sermon. My preaching has changed a lot in 20 years but the idea hadn't changed much.
....Oh, and by the way again, God used Dr. Bryson's personal recommendation to one of his best friends to help me become the pastor of my first church...Dr. Bryson had a sense of humor....and I believe God does too. Have a good one!
The next day I sat on the front row of a class of at least seventy and took in what he said. He turned to me about midway through the class and ask me to give him that sermon again. Apparently he was now going to lean on me to get him the best in Christian proclamation. I gave it to him and he proceeded to butcher my sermon in front of the whole class. He said it was wrong contextually, organizationally, and practically. Zorro and his gay blade could not have sliced me up any better. I picked the pieces of my sermonic image up off the floor and crawled out of class when class was over.
I don't remember what he said in class, I have repressed it. I do remember vaguely the stunned, slow motion like terrorizing of my ego though.
Having said all that, I still believe that whether it is a real prison, a real dungeon, real stocks, or whether it is the prisons of our spiritual walk, the dungeons that dog us in our mind or the stocks that stretch us spiritually to uncomfortable points, I still believe your best investment in the stocks is like Paul and Silas. Your best investment is 1) to give God praise in the midst of it. 2)Influence those around you with your faith in Christ. 3)Just watch how Christ can set you free. I encourage you to do those very things with the worries of your day today.
By the way, I recently preached a sermon by the same title. It was not the same sermon. My preaching has changed a lot in 20 years but the idea hadn't changed much.
....Oh, and by the way again, God used Dr. Bryson's personal recommendation to one of his best friends to help me become the pastor of my first church...Dr. Bryson had a sense of humor....and I believe God does too. Have a good one!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Chillin' Around the Table
As we read the book of Acts (www.lifejournal.cc) we see what happens when God moves mightily. He is moving Paul and Barnabas across the known world to share the truths of the Gospel in various settings to all they come in contact with. Some are very accepting and lives are changed. Some see their success and try to tag on in hopes of gaining credibility for themselves. Some simply don't like it and want the message and the messengers extinguished. The protection of the Lord is upon them. The peace of the Lord is upon them too. Therefore even when they are stoned and left with great bodily injury and pain, the peace of God gets them up and his protection keeps them moving. However, what I love is the way these two chapters end. Acts 14:27-28- And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28And they remained no little time with the disciples.
The perspective of Paul, even with all they had been through, was always focused on the lives that were changed for Christ and the way the message had spread to new lands and new peoples. He did not focus on his hardship. He simply focused on the victory in Christ. What a vision for the Lord! My favorite this morning, however, is the last verse. In verse 28 it tells me that he just hung out with the church. No greater fellowship, encouragement, or enjoyment than the fellowship of the believers just chillin' together.
May our walk and testimony be such that we are salt and light and making a difference. A difference worth talking about around the fellowship table of the church! Be salt and let Him shake you out today!
The perspective of Paul, even with all they had been through, was always focused on the lives that were changed for Christ and the way the message had spread to new lands and new peoples. He did not focus on his hardship. He simply focused on the victory in Christ. What a vision for the Lord! My favorite this morning, however, is the last verse. In verse 28 it tells me that he just hung out with the church. No greater fellowship, encouragement, or enjoyment than the fellowship of the believers just chillin' together.
May our walk and testimony be such that we are salt and light and making a difference. A difference worth talking about around the fellowship table of the church! Be salt and let Him shake you out today!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Santa and Prayer
It is always cool when you get something that you do not expect (well, not always, but I mean when it is a good thing). We have always favored the myth of Santa with our kids. We did not want to spoil their Christmas or make them the mythological sages of their class by telling them that there was not a reclusive man from the frozen tundra with many little people working for him who was praised for his gift of infringing the copyright of every major toy company a million times over. We wanted to comfort them by letting them know that he would be pulled along in the sky by a dozen white tails at a speed faster than lightning only to land on our house, go down our chimney, eat our cookies and leave us the toys that his well-paid, well-benefited team of undersized employees had made custom ordered for us. We wanted them to know that he worked all the malls and hocked pictures in order to pay for the largest toy industry in the world. We wanted them to find comfort in sitting in this one older man's lap, although a stranger that always looks slightly different, and tell him all their personal information while he gives them candy. Without sharing that with your kids, what is Christmas? I know what Christmas is, of course, and none of this should get in the way of the real meaning, however, how do you not get on the largest conspiracy in human history? We did it, OK! I am sorry and do not spoil for the one who still believes and the other that will act like she does, if she is going to get more out of it.
Right after we moved here, we were blessed with one of Mississippi's finest straight line storms that blew one of our 33 trees over and on top of our trampoline. (Yes, we had one of those devices that now tell you not to jump on it unless you land on your feet or bottom alone. Hospitals would lose revenue if people followed such instructions.) The tree destroyed our toy. I was hoping it would be gone now, however, my daughters and their mom continued to pine for us to have another one. I said, 'No' and then put my order in with the reclusive man with all the little guys. It was built in a secret location not too far from our back door and placed almost out of sight (unless you looked over the gate on the other side of the house). On Christmas Eve, Santa and his MUCH larger elves went out and moved it to its spot and put the safety net on it, while it POURED DOWN rain. The elves are not happy with just cookies. They want a lot more than that.
The next morning we awoke to a red string of yarn and a sign that said, 'Follow the string.' To be such a recluse, the ole boy has an imagination, even if he does write like a woman. We followed the string and what to my wondering eyes did appear but a fine 14ft. trampoline in the backyard. The kids were so excited and that made Mom excited and then my oldest looked at me and said, "I told you Santa would bring us one but you said, 'No.' I told you, Daddy."
She was expecting to get what she asked for while she was also trying to get to the bottom of THE conspiracy.
There is another mystery that I read about this morning (www.lifejournal.cc) : the mystery of prayer. The church was praying that Peter would be released from jail and would not suffer for speaking out for Christ. God answered their prayers and Peter went to their house but they would not answer. They were too busy praying for his release to believe that he had been released. Acts 12:16- But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. They were praying but they were not expecting. How many times have we prayed and not expected? Isn't it a shame? The God that loves us so much that He gave His Son for us and empowered us with abilities and opportunities well beyond our own has told us to ask, seek, and knock through prayer, so that He can work in us. Yet, when He answers, we are as surprised as a kid standing on the end of a long string of yarn looking at a huge, unexpected Christmas gift in the backyard. It should not be. Pray often, fervently, and expectantly and do it today!
Right after we moved here, we were blessed with one of Mississippi's finest straight line storms that blew one of our 33 trees over and on top of our trampoline. (Yes, we had one of those devices that now tell you not to jump on it unless you land on your feet or bottom alone. Hospitals would lose revenue if people followed such instructions.) The tree destroyed our toy. I was hoping it would be gone now, however, my daughters and their mom continued to pine for us to have another one. I said, 'No' and then put my order in with the reclusive man with all the little guys. It was built in a secret location not too far from our back door and placed almost out of sight (unless you looked over the gate on the other side of the house). On Christmas Eve, Santa and his MUCH larger elves went out and moved it to its spot and put the safety net on it, while it POURED DOWN rain. The elves are not happy with just cookies. They want a lot more than that.
The next morning we awoke to a red string of yarn and a sign that said, 'Follow the string.' To be such a recluse, the ole boy has an imagination, even if he does write like a woman. We followed the string and what to my wondering eyes did appear but a fine 14ft. trampoline in the backyard. The kids were so excited and that made Mom excited and then my oldest looked at me and said, "I told you Santa would bring us one but you said, 'No.' I told you, Daddy."
She was expecting to get what she asked for while she was also trying to get to the bottom of THE conspiracy.
There is another mystery that I read about this morning (www.lifejournal.cc) : the mystery of prayer. The church was praying that Peter would be released from jail and would not suffer for speaking out for Christ. God answered their prayers and Peter went to their house but they would not answer. They were too busy praying for his release to believe that he had been released. Acts 12:16- But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. They were praying but they were not expecting. How many times have we prayed and not expected? Isn't it a shame? The God that loves us so much that He gave His Son for us and empowered us with abilities and opportunities well beyond our own has told us to ask, seek, and knock through prayer, so that He can work in us. Yet, when He answers, we are as surprised as a kid standing on the end of a long string of yarn looking at a huge, unexpected Christmas gift in the backyard. It should not be. Pray often, fervently, and expectantly and do it today!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Our Questions
In Acts 9 and 10 you find some of the most significant events in the spread of the Gospel in all of history.
The conversion of Paul and the conversion of his zeal to kill Christians into a zeal to share Christ is the watershed event after the cross that allowed the spread of the Gospel. Another event almost as significant is the vision of Peter that opened his eyes to his ability and his responsibility to reach the Gentiles for Christ. For some reason that is significant to me and mine. These are big time, history changing passages.
I also like them because of the questions that are asked. I have this thing about the questions of Scripture. My main emphasis is on the questions that God asks us. I have tried for years (with an on and off again commitment) to write down the questions that God asks His followers. Think about it. Why does God ask questions? He knows all the answers. Even though he does know the answers, He often leads us to better understand the deeper matters by probing us with questions. He has worked in my life that way too. So 'the questions of God' is some sermon series or book that is floating out there in the future somewhere.
In Acts 9 and 10 we have a couple of conversations with God that tell a lot about us. The first one that I love to think about is Paul's on the road to Damascus. Jesus asked him why he was persecuting Christ (meaning His followers). Paul responded in Acts 9:5- Who are you, Lord? That doesn't make a lot of sense, does it? He asked him who he was but yet called him Lord. Most of our questions don't make a lot of sense. Again in Acts 10 when the blanket of unclean animals is seen by Peter and God says, "Rise Peter, kill and eat," Peter responds in 10:15- By no means, Lord.
You cannot call Him Lord and also tell Him, 'No'. I don't think you can call Him 'Lord' and not know who He is either (back to Paul). However, that is the kind of questions that we ask God and the kind of answers we sometimes give when He asks us a question or gives us a command. Some of what we say to God just simply does not make sense. Like when a child gets back in a corner and starts spouting out all these excuses and pleas, it just does not make a lot of sense. Our conversation often shows that we have missed the point.
So think about two things today: What do you think God thinks of your questions? How do you respond to His? It might be better if we quit asking and start listening. I am sure it is best if we just obey without hesitation. Before you question God, think about what it must sound like in heaven.
Just some food for thought for today.
I hope you have a great one.
The conversion of Paul and the conversion of his zeal to kill Christians into a zeal to share Christ is the watershed event after the cross that allowed the spread of the Gospel. Another event almost as significant is the vision of Peter that opened his eyes to his ability and his responsibility to reach the Gentiles for Christ. For some reason that is significant to me and mine. These are big time, history changing passages.
I also like them because of the questions that are asked. I have this thing about the questions of Scripture. My main emphasis is on the questions that God asks us. I have tried for years (with an on and off again commitment) to write down the questions that God asks His followers. Think about it. Why does God ask questions? He knows all the answers. Even though he does know the answers, He often leads us to better understand the deeper matters by probing us with questions. He has worked in my life that way too. So 'the questions of God' is some sermon series or book that is floating out there in the future somewhere.
In Acts 9 and 10 we have a couple of conversations with God that tell a lot about us. The first one that I love to think about is Paul's on the road to Damascus. Jesus asked him why he was persecuting Christ (meaning His followers). Paul responded in Acts 9:5- Who are you, Lord? That doesn't make a lot of sense, does it? He asked him who he was but yet called him Lord. Most of our questions don't make a lot of sense. Again in Acts 10 when the blanket of unclean animals is seen by Peter and God says, "Rise Peter, kill and eat," Peter responds in 10:15- By no means, Lord.
You cannot call Him Lord and also tell Him, 'No'. I don't think you can call Him 'Lord' and not know who He is either (back to Paul). However, that is the kind of questions that we ask God and the kind of answers we sometimes give when He asks us a question or gives us a command. Some of what we say to God just simply does not make sense. Like when a child gets back in a corner and starts spouting out all these excuses and pleas, it just does not make a lot of sense. Our conversation often shows that we have missed the point.
So think about two things today: What do you think God thinks of your questions? How do you respond to His? It might be better if we quit asking and start listening. I am sure it is best if we just obey without hesitation. Before you question God, think about what it must sound like in heaven.
Just some food for thought for today.
I hope you have a great one.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The Unsettling Conviction
I don't know if you noticed, but I changed the title of the blog the other day. Each morning I get up, make some coffee, let the dog out, get the paper, and then seat down in my den and read and write. It is a sacred spot and a sacred time. That setting and the famous story of the other Daniel in a different type of den lead to the name. I am glad I am in my den every morning and have not faced his.
Yesterday we took Abby to the ear doctor in Memphis. Abby has already had about 5 ear surgeries from tubes to rebuilding her ear drum. We were thankful to find out that the ear that she had surgery on last January has normal hearing in it. The main reason for our visit was to check the other one that does not hear as well. The doctor had previously said that if it did not get better, he wanted to make sure something else was not going on. Therefore, she had a CAT scan yesterday and everything looked good. She has a conductive hearing problem in that ear. The good news is she won't go deaf with that kind of problem. The bad news is that it probably won't get better. The hearing loss makes her a borderline candidate for a hearing aid. We at this point are simply hoping that the school district will help us in a generous way if we need something to help her succeed in school. Besides missing something in class, functionally she ought to be fine. We are a loud bunch around her anyway. Thanks for the prayers. They are working.
When I read about Saul this morning (www.lifejournal.cc), I thought a lot about what conviction will do to you. I am convinced he was a very convicted man and did not want to be reminded of the need for salvation in his life. When Stephen spoke up for Christ, Saul was there approving his death (Acts 8:1). When Stephen's voice was quiet, it did not quiet the soul of Saul though. He went after other Christians and 'ravaged' the church (Acts 8:3) and had them dragged out of their homes and off to prison. He was trying to silence the voice in his soul. When the church scattered, they ran for protection but God was scattering them as well to spread the Gospel. Paul went looking for them. But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2) Why so determined? I will always be convinced it was the unsettling conviction of his soul that he was trying to snuff out. However, you cannot outrun God. God met him on the road to Damascus and the church of Jesus Christ has been stronger ever since.
It is amazing to me what the power of conviction will do to a person. It will lead you to take out your soul's frustration on other people. It will lead to many innocent people getting hurt. It will dog your soul relentlessly. It is not seen, touched, or smelled, but you can feel it, and, at least, sometimes hear it. Oh, not audibly, but louder than that. Yet, its purpose is to do nothing but drive us to Jesus. If there is conviction characterizing your life today, don't wait another day, confess, repent, and walk away from your sin and walk into the arms of Jesus.
Yesterday we took Abby to the ear doctor in Memphis. Abby has already had about 5 ear surgeries from tubes to rebuilding her ear drum. We were thankful to find out that the ear that she had surgery on last January has normal hearing in it. The main reason for our visit was to check the other one that does not hear as well. The doctor had previously said that if it did not get better, he wanted to make sure something else was not going on. Therefore, she had a CAT scan yesterday and everything looked good. She has a conductive hearing problem in that ear. The good news is she won't go deaf with that kind of problem. The bad news is that it probably won't get better. The hearing loss makes her a borderline candidate for a hearing aid. We at this point are simply hoping that the school district will help us in a generous way if we need something to help her succeed in school. Besides missing something in class, functionally she ought to be fine. We are a loud bunch around her anyway. Thanks for the prayers. They are working.
When I read about Saul this morning (www.lifejournal.cc), I thought a lot about what conviction will do to you. I am convinced he was a very convicted man and did not want to be reminded of the need for salvation in his life. When Stephen spoke up for Christ, Saul was there approving his death (Acts 8:1). When Stephen's voice was quiet, it did not quiet the soul of Saul though. He went after other Christians and 'ravaged' the church (Acts 8:3) and had them dragged out of their homes and off to prison. He was trying to silence the voice in his soul. When the church scattered, they ran for protection but God was scattering them as well to spread the Gospel. Paul went looking for them. But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2) Why so determined? I will always be convinced it was the unsettling conviction of his soul that he was trying to snuff out. However, you cannot outrun God. God met him on the road to Damascus and the church of Jesus Christ has been stronger ever since.
It is amazing to me what the power of conviction will do to a person. It will lead you to take out your soul's frustration on other people. It will lead to many innocent people getting hurt. It will dog your soul relentlessly. It is not seen, touched, or smelled, but you can feel it, and, at least, sometimes hear it. Oh, not audibly, but louder than that. Yet, its purpose is to do nothing but drive us to Jesus. If there is conviction characterizing your life today, don't wait another day, confess, repent, and walk away from your sin and walk into the arms of Jesus.
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Lord Gives
I don't watch a lot of TV preachers, however, I used to have the opportunity to watch E.V. Hill quite often. E.V.'s show was mainly comprised of his visits to one of those gaudy, gold, 'glimpses of heaven' kind of sets for Christian TV telethon. You know, big hair and air conditioned dog house kind of people. However, it was always ironic that he would set in such a setting. He seemed the polar opposite. Whereas it seems all they ever do is promote giving to their organization, all E.V. ever promoted was the outreach ministry that his church had in Los Angeles. It was called "The Lord's Kitchen" (pronounced the LAWWWWD's Kitchen). As a pastor and leader of a small food ministry, I appreciate his concerns for that ministry. He never asked to keep him on the air. Never advertised a book. He just preached. Never got caught up in the setting in which he sat (all the gaudiness). He just saw it as an opportunity to preach the Gospel and that is what he did so faithfully. He is dead now but before his death, he experienced the death of his wife. He preached her funeral. James Dobson and Focus on the Family played the funeral on the radio afterwards. It was amazing! I could hear him again and again as I read Job this morning. His key passage (and he repeated it again and again) was my key passage today (www.lifejournal.cc): The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.- Job 1:20b
I don't pretend to understand the economy of God. I don't know why our community had to experience the lost of a beautiful teenage girl this past August. I know, however, that at least one has been saved in the aftermath, that many lives have been changed and challenged, and I know that a community has come together in an unbelievable fashion in her memory one time after another over the last two and half months. I know that the community came together and raised over $13,000 for a scholarship in her name when the goal was $10,000. I know that through a nationwide radio contest, it was this community that won a very festive Friday and a nationally broadcast tailgate party. I don't understand the economy of God, but I trust it. I see the evidence of His Wisdom and His Insight again and again. I don't know what tomorrow holds but I know who holds tomorrow and I will rest in that.
I hope you do as well.
I don't pretend to understand the economy of God. I don't know why our community had to experience the lost of a beautiful teenage girl this past August. I know, however, that at least one has been saved in the aftermath, that many lives have been changed and challenged, and I know that a community has come together in an unbelievable fashion in her memory one time after another over the last two and half months. I know that the community came together and raised over $13,000 for a scholarship in her name when the goal was $10,000. I know that through a nationwide radio contest, it was this community that won a very festive Friday and a nationally broadcast tailgate party. I don't understand the economy of God, but I trust it. I see the evidence of His Wisdom and His Insight again and again. I don't know what tomorrow holds but I know who holds tomorrow and I will rest in that.
I hope you do as well.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
But If
What do we do with those followers of Christ? They insist on proclaiming the message loudly and changing people's lives. When we lock them up, the doors come wide open. What do we do with these folks who relentlessly insist on proclaiming the message of Jesus? (www.lifejournal.cc) If we shut them down, we will make a host of people mad. If we let them go, the message will continue to spread and more will know and more will share and it will go viral. (Maybe they didn't use the word 'viral.') Gamaliel spoke very wise truths to them.
Acts 5:38-39- So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" You cannot stop God so don't try it. If it is of God, you don't want to try to stop it. If it is not of God, it won't last.
Let's go to church today and fuel the fire. Let's not try to put out the fires of God's Work but instead fan the flames of the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us today. If it is of Him, it will spread.
Acts 5:38-39- So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" You cannot stop God so don't try it. If it is of God, you don't want to try to stop it. If it is not of God, it won't last.
Let's go to church today and fuel the fire. Let's not try to put out the fires of God's Work but instead fan the flames of the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us today. If it is of Him, it will spread.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Trinity College
I am all for education. I graduated from high school and went to junior college. I graduated from there and went to a senior college. I graduated from there and went to seminary and got a master's. As soon as I could, I started on a doctorate and eventually got there. If I had the time and availability to get another one, I probably would. I loved the classroom and I am all for education. Having said all that, it don't do diddly if you don't know Jesus. Oh, it may give you a great career but in the long haul what is that even worth. As Christ asked, "What good is it if you gain the whole world yet lose your own soul?" Knowing all that is why I love Acts 4:13 so much: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Their power and persuasion did not come from a business management class or a public speaking course, it came from being with Jesus. The power of the Holy Spirit is what made a difference! I am not knocking education. I told you I am a believer in it. However, I am a greater believer in Father God who brings us salvation through Christ alone. I believe much deeper in the power of the indwelt presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer. That is where it is! That is what made the difference in them and their listeners and it is what will make the difference in us and ours. Do nothing to hinder the Holy Spirit in you today!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Overhearing
Years ago a man came by my office and plopped down in the chair close to my desk and started talking. It was a casual conversation but unlike him to come in and just start talking. My door is usually open and it is not uncommon to get in such small talk conversations. His phone rang and I hated that I could hear the conversation. I was trying not to listen but his spouse was so loud and belligerent I could not help but hear. I turned around and played around with whatever was on my computer screen but my mind was not on the screen. My mind was not on the conversation either. My mind was on what that poor ole boy had to deal with at home. He tried to explain that he had come by the church. He tried to explain that he was around the preacher. She just kept on profanely barking about whatever her problem was. Some things are better left unsaid. Some things are better left unheard. I don't know if he ever realized how loud his phone was set, because I tried not to acknowledge it (whether I was right or wrong). However my prayers for him intensified after that episode.
I read about some overhearing in Nehemiah today. What a polar opposite blessing it is compared to the conversation that I previously described. Nehemiah 12:43 (www.lifejournal.cc) said- And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.
Oh, I have got to ask you while I am asking myself: What are people overhearing about you? Are they overhearing complaining or sarcasm or gossip or profane things or anger or whining or mourning or are they hearing the praise of the Lord from your lips? Are they hearing 'woe is me' or are they hearing the 'joy of Jesus'? I do not need to tell anyone that this ole earth and the community in which any of us lives needs Jesus desperately. I just need to remind all of us that Jesus is to be shared through our lives. What better way for it to begin than for them to overhear the joy that we have in Christ? Speak of His Joy plainly and loudly today!.....And Have a good one!
I read about some overhearing in Nehemiah today. What a polar opposite blessing it is compared to the conversation that I previously described. Nehemiah 12:43 (www.lifejournal.cc) said- And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.
Oh, I have got to ask you while I am asking myself: What are people overhearing about you? Are they overhearing complaining or sarcasm or gossip or profane things or anger or whining or mourning or are they hearing the praise of the Lord from your lips? Are they hearing 'woe is me' or are they hearing the 'joy of Jesus'? I do not need to tell anyone that this ole earth and the community in which any of us lives needs Jesus desperately. I just need to remind all of us that Jesus is to be shared through our lives. What better way for it to begin than for them to overhear the joy that we have in Christ? Speak of His Joy plainly and loudly today!.....And Have a good one!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Miracle Message
We have a tendency when hearing or reading of the miraculous to focus on the miracle. However, in the Bible, I believe there is always a message to the miracle and if you will continue to read, you will get it.
The burning bush that would not be consumed was not about the fire in the branches but the message that God gave Moses after He got his undivided attention. The splitting of the Red Sea was not about the water but about the deliverance of God. Goliath's great defeat was not about David's sure shot but the battle that is of the Lord. Jonah is not about the great, God-appointed fish but the prayer from its belly. The empty tomb is not about how He did it, but what it means to us because He did.
The same concept needs to be applied to Acts 2. The coming of the Holy Spirit was not about the makeup of the fire over their heads but the message being given in their own language. It was about the impact that the power of the Holy Spirit has upon the church of Jesus Christ. Look at the after effects (Acts 2: 42-47) (www.lifejournal.cc):
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
The evidence of the movement of the Holy Spirit is not only during the worship hour or at the invitation. It is also evident of His Power and Presence in our lives when we are not gathered in worship. Today, let the evidence of the Holy Spirit shine through you.
The burning bush that would not be consumed was not about the fire in the branches but the message that God gave Moses after He got his undivided attention. The splitting of the Red Sea was not about the water but about the deliverance of God. Goliath's great defeat was not about David's sure shot but the battle that is of the Lord. Jonah is not about the great, God-appointed fish but the prayer from its belly. The empty tomb is not about how He did it, but what it means to us because He did.
The same concept needs to be applied to Acts 2. The coming of the Holy Spirit was not about the makeup of the fire over their heads but the message being given in their own language. It was about the impact that the power of the Holy Spirit has upon the church of Jesus Christ. Look at the after effects (Acts 2: 42-47) (www.lifejournal.cc):
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
The evidence of the movement of the Holy Spirit is not only during the worship hour or at the invitation. It is also evident of His Power and Presence in our lives when we are not gathered in worship. Today, let the evidence of the Holy Spirit shine through you.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The End Time Spirit
Everybody wants to know what is going to happen tomorrow, but the truth is we can't. Some are so eager that they will use crazy kind of methods like hand readers and card readers. (Take that $10 or $20 and come see me, tell me a little about what you are doing and where you are headed, I will tell you where you are going. 25% off today!) Others will use Bible readers which sounds like a good idea and is a much better one, however, many Bible readers use liberties with Scripture to sell their ideas. For years I have been amazed at how people use Scripture to predict the future, particularly end time events. There is no doubt that Scripture gives us macro (large, undetailed) ideas of what is to come. However, it does not give us micro (the hours and days) ideas. We see now unclearly, then it shall be clearly known. Be careful of anyone that tries to give you a detailed account of what is to come and jumps all over Scripture to do it. I was watching Jack Van Impe one time and heard his amazing way of throwing one Scripture out after another. He was talking about an end time matter that I was curious about, so I started writing down the passages he mentioned. Then I made the mistake of looking them up. None were used in context. It was scraps of phrases from here and there and put together for itching ears. I don't pretend to know all the answers about these matters. Nobody else should pretend to either.
More than anything let's just listen to Jesus. He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." - Acts 1:7-8 (www.lifejournal.cc)
I get from Jesus that the emphasis is not to be on times and seasons but on the power of the Holy Spirit working, moving, and blowing through us. Let's focus on energies and curiosities on that and let nothing hinder His Move in us Today!
More than anything let's just listen to Jesus. He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." - Acts 1:7-8 (www.lifejournal.cc)
I get from Jesus that the emphasis is not to be on times and seasons but on the power of the Holy Spirit working, moving, and blowing through us. Let's focus on energies and curiosities on that and let nothing hinder His Move in us Today!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Greatest Intangible
When I played football in high school, the locker room was filled with several plaques made out of plywood that had different things written on them. My coach called them the 'intangibles.' These were motivational sayings or reminders of what we were to do. On game Fridays we would go to the middle school and have a team meal in silence, then we would meet in the library(no one was at the school when we got there) and we would go over the intangibles. Coach would say give me one. Someone would repeat one and he would explain it. I only remember two. My favorite: Any ole nag can start a race but it takes a thoroughbred to finish. Coach would say: "At the beginnning of the summer we had a lot that came out and showed interest, but after running through the heat and lifting (weights) through the pain, many ole nags went home. Men, you are thoroughbreds, you came through. Now lets take what we have earned and not let the opponent take it from us. You are better prepared than anybody that you will play. Now outplay them." Now if that don't bring tears to your eyes, you don't love football. Another one was 'Oskie.' Oskie is a universal term that is shouted when the defense catches an interception. It tells the team to stop defending and to turn around and block. So in our meeting someone would yell that out and our mouth would water at the opportunity. They were called the 'intangibles.' Some of what makes football great.
Let me tell you about a better intangible- the movement of the Spirit of God in His people. You cannot always predict or put your finger on it, but I know it when I sense it. There is nothing better- no song, no sermon, no prayer, than the free move and reign of the Holy Spirit of God. Nothing better! It happens when hearts are right and the Word is shared. It is special! I cannot imagine what it was like when Jesus shared the Word. I have never physically heard a perfect preacher. Jesus is the only one. However, I have felt the overwhelming, humbling power of His Presence. There is NOTHING better. Can you imagine what they felt on the road to Emmaus and in the upper room? Notice the passages in Luke 24:32-They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" And in v.45-Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. That, my friend, is the power of the Holy Spirit. Although Jesus does not physically walk among us as He did these, He is Here, none the less. His Spirit moves and works and His power burns within us and His Insight opens our eyes. You cannot put your finger on it, you don't always know when the saturating cloud of His Powerful Presence will be felt heavily in the atmosphere of worship, but there is nothing better. It is the Greatest Intangible! I sincerely pray for it to be abundant in worship and I pray that you do as well. Seek His Face, feel His Presence, and Ask for an Abundance!
Let me tell you about a better intangible- the movement of the Spirit of God in His people. You cannot always predict or put your finger on it, but I know it when I sense it. There is nothing better- no song, no sermon, no prayer, than the free move and reign of the Holy Spirit of God. Nothing better! It happens when hearts are right and the Word is shared. It is special! I cannot imagine what it was like when Jesus shared the Word. I have never physically heard a perfect preacher. Jesus is the only one. However, I have felt the overwhelming, humbling power of His Presence. There is NOTHING better. Can you imagine what they felt on the road to Emmaus and in the upper room? Notice the passages in Luke 24:32-They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" And in v.45-Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. That, my friend, is the power of the Holy Spirit. Although Jesus does not physically walk among us as He did these, He is Here, none the less. His Spirit moves and works and His power burns within us and His Insight opens our eyes. You cannot put your finger on it, you don't always know when the saturating cloud of His Powerful Presence will be felt heavily in the atmosphere of worship, but there is nothing better. It is the Greatest Intangible! I sincerely pray for it to be abundant in worship and I pray that you do as well. Seek His Face, feel His Presence, and Ask for an Abundance!
Monday, October 10, 2011
A Brick at a Time
Some people just don't want you to succeed. No matter how noble you are attempting to be or how well a job you are doing at it, some just don't want you to succeed. There will be discouraging people along the way. There will also be some that are worse than discouraging. They can be attacking. When talking about subjects such as this one, I always try to find some episode in my life that I can focus on and poke fun at it. I am thankful I have not been around a whole lot of discouraging people and very few attackers. Oh, I had a deacon in my first church that would chew me once a year for something that I could not control. One Sunday he was upset with me because a folding table was left in his Sunday School class from Vacation Bible School the week before. I collapsed the table and moved it and he calmed down. He was not attacking, just grouchy at times. And then I tried to sell cars one summer in college and had a profane, aggressive sales manager. One Saturday (Saturdays are big on a car lot) I was walking around the new Taurus Wagon . It was the first year for it and I don't think I had been properly introduced to the vehicle ( I don't think I watched the video). The customer found a button in the back of the car that we could not figure out. I went and asked the manager. I know (kinda dumb) but I was only 19 years old. He cussed me and told me to ignore the button and sale the car. The customer was not impressed when I came back and told him that it was a bonus button or something like that. That manager was ugly to me but he just needed the Lord and few more sales. Not really on the attack. I had a bully in the 9th grade that was a pain. His name was Mark. I had a PreVocation class with him. When we were in the greenhouse, it would jab when the teacher wasn't looking. When we wired the little board and made the light come on, he would mess with my wires...or run the drill press one extra time through my project...or choke my small engine (can you tell I am making this up)...I just remember he was mean. I should of coldcocked him, but I was a good kid...and mighty skinny. Mark was attacking me but he just had some unfulfilled attention need that he was not getting at home.
So God has been good to me, but there are people that will get in your path. Nehemiah had some. (www.lifejournal.cc) First they made fun of their building, then they tried to stop them. However, Nehemiah was on mission for the Lord, and he would not stop. What do you do when people discourage you or try to attack you. Nehemiah 4:6 is great: So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. Just keep building your wall. Keep your mind on your task. Prepare for the attack and keep on keeping on.
I don't know what you are up against today but keep on keeping on. Keep your mind on your work and keep on building. Just do a brick at a time. Just keep doing it for the Lord! Have a great day!
So God has been good to me, but there are people that will get in your path. Nehemiah had some. (www.lifejournal.cc) First they made fun of their building, then they tried to stop them. However, Nehemiah was on mission for the Lord, and he would not stop. What do you do when people discourage you or try to attack you. Nehemiah 4:6 is great: So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. Just keep building your wall. Keep your mind on your task. Prepare for the attack and keep on keeping on.
I don't know what you are up against today but keep on keeping on. Keep your mind on your work and keep on building. Just do a brick at a time. Just keep doing it for the Lord! Have a great day!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
God's Waterboy
Do you want God to give you a big job? I mean one that will rock the world. A mission that will put together the pieces of a plan of God that all of history will hinge on. Ok, about this one: carry the water jug. That's right carry a water jug. Notice the passage:
Luke 22:8- Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." 9They said to him, "Where will you have us prepare it?" 10He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11and tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there." 13And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. (www.lifejournal.cc)
Have you ever thought what would have happened if this guy had not carried the water? I mean men did not carry the water jug. You know that. The women went to the well. It was a woman's job to carry the water. That is why this guy stuck out so much. People probably looked at him and said, "what's his problem?" or "he looks like a girl." On he went toting God's water jug. That is all we know. We don't know if this fellow set the whole thing up, was a mere messenger boy, or was just someone to follow. However, I do know that if he had not toted the water where he was to tote the water and had not walked into Peter and John, we may be missing some of Christ's greatest teaching on life after His Ascension in John 13-17. All that fellow had to do to set up one of the most Divine Appointments ever was simply tote the water to the spot where he was told.
How big a job do you want for God? How big an impact do you want to make for the Lord? Just step outside your comfort zone. Do something you normally would not do. Be a waterboy or watergirl for the Lord. All of history (at least for some) may hinge on it. Hope to see you in worship today!
Luke 22:8- Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." 9They said to him, "Where will you have us prepare it?" 10He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11and tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there." 13And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. (www.lifejournal.cc)
Have you ever thought what would have happened if this guy had not carried the water? I mean men did not carry the water jug. You know that. The women went to the well. It was a woman's job to carry the water. That is why this guy stuck out so much. People probably looked at him and said, "what's his problem?" or "he looks like a girl." On he went toting God's water jug. That is all we know. We don't know if this fellow set the whole thing up, was a mere messenger boy, or was just someone to follow. However, I do know that if he had not toted the water where he was to tote the water and had not walked into Peter and John, we may be missing some of Christ's greatest teaching on life after His Ascension in John 13-17. All that fellow had to do to set up one of the most Divine Appointments ever was simply tote the water to the spot where he was told.
How big a job do you want for God? How big an impact do you want to make for the Lord? Just step outside your comfort zone. Do something you normally would not do. Be a waterboy or watergirl for the Lord. All of history (at least for some) may hinge on it. Hope to see you in worship today!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
The Lap of the Lord
Psalm 131 refreshed me today:
1O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
I loudly cheered my Hilltoppers on last night to a tremedous victory. I plan to do the same for my Clemson Tigers today. Sometime today my family and I will go and have a birthday meal in a favorite restaurant that we decided would be easier to enjoy today over yesterday. However, between the two victories and the meal, I will begin my day in the stillness of this quiet house, praying for a calmness in my spirit, a passion in my heart, a conviction in my conscience, and a stillness in my soul.
Before the clutter of the day begins, enjoy the lap of the Lord.
1O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
I loudly cheered my Hilltoppers on last night to a tremedous victory. I plan to do the same for my Clemson Tigers today. Sometime today my family and I will go and have a birthday meal in a favorite restaurant that we decided would be easier to enjoy today over yesterday. However, between the two victories and the meal, I will begin my day in the stillness of this quiet house, praying for a calmness in my spirit, a passion in my heart, a conviction in my conscience, and a stillness in my soul.
Before the clutter of the day begins, enjoy the lap of the Lord.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Marveling and Silenced
What a week! Ken Smith has been with us this week in a great revival. We heard him speak eight times over four days and what a wonderful job. The true fruit will continue to be seen throughout the year.
The other night my family was leaving the church and we went by someone's trash and saw a big scallop shaped wicker chair that was been thrown out. It was the kind that was popular twenty or thirty years ago. You know the kind in graduation pictures with 1980's beauties with puffed hair standing behind it. Well, we thought of a neighbor that has a knack for finding good deals and a gift for taking junk and making it into something beautiful. I stopped, got the chair, laid it on top of my car, and drove home holding it with my arm out the window in true 'Sanford and Son' style. Those that saw us laughed at us. We laughed too until my hand cramped from gripping it so hard out of fear that it would fall in front of another car and liability would get the best of me. We put it on Deanna's front porch (also known as Dean-ER) and just waited to see what would come of it. (By the way, the bottom of the seat was busted out.) Well, I think she liked it. She told me she was one of the beauties that stood behind such a chair at graduation and I think she fell for it. It said on her immaculately cultivated front porch for a week.
This morning I woke up at 42 years of age for the first time and went out to get the paper. It was about 5 AM and there was a huge flashing sign in my front yard that said, "Happy 42nd Birthday, Pasture!" (The Pasture spelling is to emphasize the southern slang that we Mississippians enjoy. A long running joke.) The sign was accompanied by "the chair" that now has been converted into a very fancy port- a- potty and another sign that said, "Happy Stinkin' Birthday." That sign was accompanied by several paper Peppy LePues (the little skunk off Bugs Bunny). Another sign (huge signs) said 'We love you Pasture." "42" was cut out and placed on stands beside the chair. I bellylaughed for 5 minutes. I am blown away. I must say, "They got me."
Do you want to know what else got me? Watching Jesus get them! The 'them' I speak of this time is the Pharisees trying to catch him. Read Luke 20:26- And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent. He has been marveling and silencing people ever since. Reflect on Him today! He will do the same for you!
The other night my family was leaving the church and we went by someone's trash and saw a big scallop shaped wicker chair that was been thrown out. It was the kind that was popular twenty or thirty years ago. You know the kind in graduation pictures with 1980's beauties with puffed hair standing behind it. Well, we thought of a neighbor that has a knack for finding good deals and a gift for taking junk and making it into something beautiful. I stopped, got the chair, laid it on top of my car, and drove home holding it with my arm out the window in true 'Sanford and Son' style. Those that saw us laughed at us. We laughed too until my hand cramped from gripping it so hard out of fear that it would fall in front of another car and liability would get the best of me. We put it on Deanna's front porch (also known as Dean-ER) and just waited to see what would come of it. (By the way, the bottom of the seat was busted out.) Well, I think she liked it. She told me she was one of the beauties that stood behind such a chair at graduation and I think she fell for it. It said on her immaculately cultivated front porch for a week.
This morning I woke up at 42 years of age for the first time and went out to get the paper. It was about 5 AM and there was a huge flashing sign in my front yard that said, "Happy 42nd Birthday, Pasture!" (The Pasture spelling is to emphasize the southern slang that we Mississippians enjoy. A long running joke.) The sign was accompanied by "the chair" that now has been converted into a very fancy port- a- potty and another sign that said, "Happy Stinkin' Birthday." That sign was accompanied by several paper Peppy LePues (the little skunk off Bugs Bunny). Another sign (huge signs) said 'We love you Pasture." "42" was cut out and placed on stands beside the chair. I bellylaughed for 5 minutes. I am blown away. I must say, "They got me."
Do you want to know what else got me? Watching Jesus get them! The 'them' I speak of this time is the Pharisees trying to catch him. Read Luke 20:26- And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent. He has been marveling and silencing people ever since. Reflect on Him today! He will do the same for you!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Checking Sock Drawers
In the first century at the time of Christ a mina was worth about a quarter's worth of work (3 months). It would be a few thousand dollars in our market today. Not a bunch of money, but not money to sneeze at it. To the common laborer a few thousand dollars would be a very nice blessing. The inheritor (www.lifejournal.cc) of Luke 19's parable wanted to keep his money working while he went to claim his inheritance. He did not put his money in one pot. He split it between ten servants and asked them to invest. Today that is called a diversified mutual fund. Not a bad place to put your money (...just don't do it today. The bull and the bear are presently asleep or fading fast.) When he returned, several had made money, some very good money. Five or ten times the investment..(.I am looking for a servant like that). However, one had just held onto the money. He wanted to keep it safe, but in that he disobeyed his master.
The point of the story is not minas or what you do with them. The point is: what do you do with the Master's investment into you? Christ left the earth through the ascension to do two things: prepare a place for us and to make intercession for us. He has invested eternal life with all of its qualities into every soul that would admit their need for God and surrender their lives to His Lordship. He has told us in a variety of ways to invest that in which God gave us. He said that we are to be salt that is favoring our society. We are supposed to cause a splash for His Glory. He has told us to scatter seed. Our responsibility is not the soil but the scattering of the seed. Sling your testimony as far and as often as possible. We are to be light--beam Jesus upon your world. We are to be working the fields that are white unto harvest. We are to be catching 'men' and watching God bless the catch. We are to be beaming, shining, changing, sharing, producing, working, and referring the whole world for the cause of Christ to the life changing message of Christ. We are simply to be investing what God has invested into us. We are not to stop until He returns. It is not so much how well the investing goes as much as it is doing something with what God has invested.
The shame and the scam in the matter is that to many servants what God has invested in them, they have stored away. They did a long time ago. They did it so long ago that they forgot that what God gave them was not a ticket for eternal life, but an investment to be utilized, not in the end, but immediately.
We read God's Word today and are reminded of the confidence God has placed in us. It is not how much He has invested in us but what we have done with the investement. Let's use today to be the day that we go to our spiritual sock drawers and pull out that investment that God placed in us so long ago that we mistaken for just a gift. Let's put it to work today and let it germinate until He comes! May God open our eyes and doors and even windows of opportunities to put His investment at work today. Have a God blessed and treasured day!
The point of the story is not minas or what you do with them. The point is: what do you do with the Master's investment into you? Christ left the earth through the ascension to do two things: prepare a place for us and to make intercession for us. He has invested eternal life with all of its qualities into every soul that would admit their need for God and surrender their lives to His Lordship. He has told us in a variety of ways to invest that in which God gave us. He said that we are to be salt that is favoring our society. We are supposed to cause a splash for His Glory. He has told us to scatter seed. Our responsibility is not the soil but the scattering of the seed. Sling your testimony as far and as often as possible. We are to be light--beam Jesus upon your world. We are to be working the fields that are white unto harvest. We are to be catching 'men' and watching God bless the catch. We are to be beaming, shining, changing, sharing, producing, working, and referring the whole world for the cause of Christ to the life changing message of Christ. We are simply to be investing what God has invested into us. We are not to stop until He returns. It is not so much how well the investing goes as much as it is doing something with what God has invested.
The shame and the scam in the matter is that to many servants what God has invested in them, they have stored away. They did a long time ago. They did it so long ago that they forgot that what God gave them was not a ticket for eternal life, but an investment to be utilized, not in the end, but immediately.
We read God's Word today and are reminded of the confidence God has placed in us. It is not how much He has invested in us but what we have done with the investement. Let's use today to be the day that we go to our spiritual sock drawers and pull out that investment that God placed in us so long ago that we mistaken for just a gift. Let's put it to work today and let it germinate until He comes! May God open our eyes and doors and even windows of opportunities to put His investment at work today. Have a God blessed and treasured day!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
'Such As This' Moments
Purim is celebrated annually by Jews across the world because of the stand that Esther took. We read about this morning in our daily Bible reading (www.lifejournal.cc) God had put her in a unique position to go to the king with any request. To approach a king at anytime when you were not asked could easily had been a major messup. Many lives were taken just for approaching the king, but Esther realized that she was the only hope they had. Mordecai reminded her that God had placed her there 'for such a time as this.' I have had some 'for such a time as this' moments. No, I have not saved a whole generation of people. I speak on a much smaller scale. There have been ministry opportunities that came along the way- some expected and some very unexpected- that in hindsight I could see the special nature of the time and place. You can too if you think about it. Times when God used you in a special way to do a special task that God blessed in a special way. The question that I wrestle with today is: How do you make sure you don't miss those God opportunities? You never really know much in advance when they are going to come. How do you prepare? I believe the only way to be prepared for the unexpected is to be like a Boy Scout and: Be Prepared. Prepare yourself daily to hear from God concerning the matters in which He lays before you by studying His Word. A daily dose of His Word will teach you how He works, give you applicable truth, and prepare your mind to hear and listen to God. Prepare yourself daily through prayer. Real prayer is not seeking your will in heaven but God's Will on earth, specifically in your life and the lives of those you pray for. Lastly, prepare yourself by refocusing your mind upon Him throughout the day. Like an autofocus camera is always striving to focus on what the photographer is aiming at, let our minds autofocus constantly in an effort to focus on what God would have for us.
You never know when a 'such as this' moment is going to happen, but you don't have to. If you are prepared, you will act accordingly. I never know when a flat tire is coming, so I always carry a spare. When it does, I will be ready.
Prepare yourself today. Walk ready today. You never know....but you won't need to.
You never know when a 'such as this' moment is going to happen, but you don't have to. If you are prepared, you will act accordingly. I never know when a flat tire is coming, so I always carry a spare. When it does, I will be ready.
Prepare yourself today. Walk ready today. You never know....but you won't need to.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Where are the Nine?
God is a good and gracious God. He is good to me. He has always placed me around good people who are gracious and kind. There is much kindness shown to my children. Both of them has been known to work the room as good as a stadium vendor works the stands. God is a good and gracious God. I have tried to teach my children to always say 'Thank You' when someone compliments them or gives them a stick of gum or goes out of their way for them. They are usually pretty good at it. I have always tried to show my thankfulness to others because I know God has been good to me through the acts of others as well as all He has done for me. I have oftentimes been overwhelmed by the acts of kindness that people have done for me. No feeling of thanks seems adequate at times. I told my mother about this quandary one time and she said, "Just say, 'Thank you.'" Since then, instead of trying to come up with high class wordsmithing, I just say, 'Thank you.'
God is a good and gracious God. He is to you too. Have you told Him so? When is the last time that you really expressed your thanks to God for all that He has done for you? Jesus healed ten lepers and only one came back and said 'Thank you.' It prompted Jesus to ask, "Where are the nine?" (www.lifejournal.cc) Let me give you some food for thought. Are you typically the one odd one that faithfully expresses your thanks to the Lord for all He has done? Or are you one of the nine that go about your way no matter how good God is to you? Let's be the one that gives God the thanks and the praise that deserves!
Have a great day!
God is a good and gracious God. He is to you too. Have you told Him so? When is the last time that you really expressed your thanks to God for all that He has done for you? Jesus healed ten lepers and only one came back and said 'Thank you.' It prompted Jesus to ask, "Where are the nine?" (www.lifejournal.cc) Let me give you some food for thought. Are you typically the one odd one that faithfully expresses your thanks to the Lord for all He has done? Or are you one of the nine that go about your way no matter how good God is to you? Let's be the one that gives God the thanks and the praise that deserves!
Have a great day!
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Reality of Eternity
We had a great opening day to our revival yesterday. Ken spoke to our hearts and the Spirit of God was stirring last night in a special way. May God give us an openness to let Him have His Way!
It may not be popular to say or politically correct, but it is the truth: Hell is real. Jesus makes it very clear in Luke 16:22-23- The rich man also died and was buried, 23and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. (www.lifejournal.cc) Hell is not for the Christian to glory in or to threaten folks with, however, its reality is stated in several different ways through the words of Jesus and is never backed away from. I have read a couple of books about people going to heaven and coming back. I don't know about all that. Paul knew a man who had but he was sketchy on the details too. I always find it amazing that people never seem to see hell and come back (although I think there is a book out about that too). E.V. Hill told the story of a conversation he had with a man that only spoke of evangelism. E.V. said everytime you would talk to him it was always about winning people to the Lord. E.V. asked him one day what propelled him to such an extraordinary passion to reach the lost. His friend, Jack, answered by saying that one day his sister called him and said, "Jack, I had a dream. I saw Daddy in hell. It was awful." Once she described the scene to Jack, he said he was never the same. Now he tells all that he can about the loving opportunity of Jesus.
That is what we are to do. I don't think it benefits us to belabor the horrors of hell near as much as it would if we would concentrate on the amazing grace of God, but, however, you do it, tell it with love. We are the way that God would have others to know. We are to share the Word with others. Notice the man in hell begged that the man in heaven could be allowed to go and tell the living. However, the way they are to be told is through us and the way we are to share it is through His Word. Let's do our part to share with as many as possible the loving grace of God that keeps us away from a devil's hell.
If you are in Houston, I hope to see you at lunch, this evening, or both. Have a blessed day!
It may not be popular to say or politically correct, but it is the truth: Hell is real. Jesus makes it very clear in Luke 16:22-23- The rich man also died and was buried, 23and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. (www.lifejournal.cc) Hell is not for the Christian to glory in or to threaten folks with, however, its reality is stated in several different ways through the words of Jesus and is never backed away from. I have read a couple of books about people going to heaven and coming back. I don't know about all that. Paul knew a man who had but he was sketchy on the details too. I always find it amazing that people never seem to see hell and come back (although I think there is a book out about that too). E.V. Hill told the story of a conversation he had with a man that only spoke of evangelism. E.V. said everytime you would talk to him it was always about winning people to the Lord. E.V. asked him one day what propelled him to such an extraordinary passion to reach the lost. His friend, Jack, answered by saying that one day his sister called him and said, "Jack, I had a dream. I saw Daddy in hell. It was awful." Once she described the scene to Jack, he said he was never the same. Now he tells all that he can about the loving opportunity of Jesus.
That is what we are to do. I don't think it benefits us to belabor the horrors of hell near as much as it would if we would concentrate on the amazing grace of God, but, however, you do it, tell it with love. We are the way that God would have others to know. We are to share the Word with others. Notice the man in hell begged that the man in heaven could be allowed to go and tell the living. However, the way they are to be told is through us and the way we are to share it is through His Word. Let's do our part to share with as many as possible the loving grace of God that keeps us away from a devil's hell.
If you are in Houston, I hope to see you at lunch, this evening, or both. Have a blessed day!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Change the Game
I spent the late afternoon and evening yesterday watching football and coversating with my dear friend, Ken Smith. We rejoiced in seeing Clemson go down to Blacksburg and beat the living daylights out of Virginia Tech. Don't let your guard down Tigers! You might be in the top ten tonight at midseason!!
Today is an exciting one for me. We begin revival this morning and come into these days with anticipation. Why spiritually sit on the bench in this game of life? Why just play the game? Why not change it? Be a gamechanger! That is what we will be talking about today, 6:30 each evening, and at our noonday lunches. Make a point to be there and bring somebody with you. And before you come, do this: 1. Ask God to help you focus your mind upon His Message. 2. Ask Him to speak clearly to you. 3. Commit to follow as He leads. Then come with an anticipation that God is going to move in our midst.
I know He will move in our midst if we are like Jesus. Notice the first verse of Luke 15 (www.lifejournal.cc): Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.
When I read this a few minutes ago, the question screamed out at me: How good are we at drawing the sinners and the scornful to hear our message? We are much better at just talking to each other, aren't we? Although Jesus spent a lot of time helping the strong become stronger, He never let it get in the way of His Focus. He said in Luke 5:31-Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. His focus was on the spiritually sick. That is really the focus of all of Luke 15. You make an effort to go after the lost sheep. You sweep hard to find the lost coin. The Father runs out to meet the lost son when he comes home. Daddy's didn't run to the children in the 1st century. Their children was expected to serve them. The Father's children are still expected to serve Him but when we don't, our Father loves us enough to reach out to us. That is why the tax collectors and sinners soaked up the message with such effort. It was the unfailing love of God. The twist in Luke 15 is really when the 'good' son that stayed at home and worked faithfully did not like the reception his brother received him. He did not like the openness that the Father displayed toward his wayward son. If we are not careful, we will be like the 'good' son. We will be so satisfied in our ways and the way things 'ought to be' that we will fail to join the celebration of lost souls coming to Christ. No wonder they don't flock to hear us. May the message stay the same and may every messenger change to show and share the love of the message.
Work on that day! See you in church!
Today is an exciting one for me. We begin revival this morning and come into these days with anticipation. Why spiritually sit on the bench in this game of life? Why just play the game? Why not change it? Be a gamechanger! That is what we will be talking about today, 6:30 each evening, and at our noonday lunches. Make a point to be there and bring somebody with you. And before you come, do this: 1. Ask God to help you focus your mind upon His Message. 2. Ask Him to speak clearly to you. 3. Commit to follow as He leads. Then come with an anticipation that God is going to move in our midst.
I know He will move in our midst if we are like Jesus. Notice the first verse of Luke 15 (www.lifejournal.cc): Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.
When I read this a few minutes ago, the question screamed out at me: How good are we at drawing the sinners and the scornful to hear our message? We are much better at just talking to each other, aren't we? Although Jesus spent a lot of time helping the strong become stronger, He never let it get in the way of His Focus. He said in Luke 5:31-Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. His focus was on the spiritually sick. That is really the focus of all of Luke 15. You make an effort to go after the lost sheep. You sweep hard to find the lost coin. The Father runs out to meet the lost son when he comes home. Daddy's didn't run to the children in the 1st century. Their children was expected to serve them. The Father's children are still expected to serve Him but when we don't, our Father loves us enough to reach out to us. That is why the tax collectors and sinners soaked up the message with such effort. It was the unfailing love of God. The twist in Luke 15 is really when the 'good' son that stayed at home and worked faithfully did not like the reception his brother received him. He did not like the openness that the Father displayed toward his wayward son. If we are not careful, we will be like the 'good' son. We will be so satisfied in our ways and the way things 'ought to be' that we will fail to join the celebration of lost souls coming to Christ. No wonder they don't flock to hear us. May the message stay the same and may every messenger change to show and share the love of the message.
Work on that day! See you in church!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Sapper Sendoff
This morning I will be a part of the send off of the 288th Sapper National Guard Unit from Houston. There are 95 that are scheduled to leave with two other groups of similar size from close by communities leaving as well. When I came here as Pastor of FBC in 2007 they were gone. I remember when these men came back in 2007 and having the opportunity to meet them after hearing so much. Here we go again! They are going to Afghanistan for road clearance exercises. It is there job to make sure the road is clear for others to come through. What a job! We are surrounded by frontline heroes and today we say goodbye to them for one year. Thankfully through technology we can communicate by email but it is a difficult time for all of us, especially family. The Houston community has been praying through this matter for weeks and months, however I encourage all that read this to earnestly pray.
Pray for their safety. Pray that God's Hedge of Protection, His Mighty Angels, and dear Holy Spirit will guide these men and women giving them a keenness beyond their training. Protect them from the evil in which they will be surrounded.
Pray for them spiritually. Pray that time away will bring a sweet and strong sense of the power of God's Presence to them each and every day like never before. Pray that they will not only feel secure in the Lord but also pray that will grow spiritually.
Pray for their families. The time away is very difficult for families. Not only do they deal with the loneliness but in a healthy home each one helps one another. When one is away, it is more difficult. Pray that all will go well, that extended family, neighbors, churches, and friends will lend additional hands when needed. Pray for their transition when they come home. After being away the joy of seeing their loved one can be a little strained by the resetting of the household. Pray for 'smoothality.'
Sappers and your families, we love and we are praying for you. May the words of Psalm 126:4-6 give you hope in the difficult days:
4Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
May your sacrificial service be fruitful in every way!
Pray for their safety. Pray that God's Hedge of Protection, His Mighty Angels, and dear Holy Spirit will guide these men and women giving them a keenness beyond their training. Protect them from the evil in which they will be surrounded.
Pray for them spiritually. Pray that time away will bring a sweet and strong sense of the power of God's Presence to them each and every day like never before. Pray that they will not only feel secure in the Lord but also pray that will grow spiritually.
Pray for their families. The time away is very difficult for families. Not only do they deal with the loneliness but in a healthy home each one helps one another. When one is away, it is more difficult. Pray that all will go well, that extended family, neighbors, churches, and friends will lend additional hands when needed. Pray for their transition when they come home. After being away the joy of seeing their loved one can be a little strained by the resetting of the household. Pray for 'smoothality.'
Sappers and your families, we love and we are praying for you. May the words of Psalm 126:4-6 give you hope in the difficult days:
4Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
May your sacrificial service be fruitful in every way!
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