So today Jane and I both worked a half day and then drove 250 miles one way to Denton, TX to see our son Peter's college choir concert. We took him to Texas Roadhouse for dinner before the concert and grabbed some ice cream at Beth Marie's afterward. Tonight we will sleep on a blow up mattress at our son and daughter in laws home. Tomorrow, we will meet our son for a late breakfast then drive back to The Woodlands, to work another half day till around 9:00 pm.
Why?
That really isn't a very practical trip.
It wasn't meant to be.
This trip wasn't planned around our comfort or convenience. It was planned because we love our son. And we want him to know that he is a priority in our lives. The trip was physically tiring and a little costly, but that didn't matter. All that mattered was seeing our son.
Love can be costly.
Matthew 26:6-13
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
If it doesn't cost us something, it isn't really love.
Christmas is coming soon. (I know because I saw the egg nog in the dairy section)
Christmas is about extravagant love.
John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Now that is extravagant!!!
Joe
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
What Should We Do Then?
Today I was reading in Luke 3 where John the Baptist comes on the scene and begins his public ministry. He was the one who went before Jesus, preparing the way. The way that John was preparing the people was through preaching a baptism of repentance. He challenged the people to 'produce fruit in keeping with repentance.' Repentance literally means to 'change one's mind or way of thinking.' Repentance goes hand in hand with receiving the work of Jesus in your life. There is a decision that comes from your mind and a willingness that comes from your heart to submit to a new way of living that's different than the way you used to live and the way the world around you lives.
In verse 10-11 it says, 10 "What should we do then?" the crowd asked. 11 John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." The people that followed John out near the Jordan river were recognizing that God was visiting Israel and that His hand was upon John. They wanted to be a part of this fresh work that the Lord was doing in their midst as it had been 400 years since any true prophet had come on the scene. So they ask the question, 'what should we do then?' John challenges them to submit to a new way of living that Jesus would fully usher in through His life and teaching. He challenged them to give. If you have an extra coat then give it away. If you have extra food than give that away too. Perhaps any extra of anything we have is a test from God to see if we will live out a generous and compassionate life that produces a blessing in lives around us who are impoverished and lacking. This was how the people were being prepared for the first Christmas and it is still the best way for us to prepare for Christmas 2000 years later.
in Christ,
Brian
In verse 10-11 it says, 10 "What should we do then?" the crowd asked. 11 John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." The people that followed John out near the Jordan river were recognizing that God was visiting Israel and that His hand was upon John. They wanted to be a part of this fresh work that the Lord was doing in their midst as it had been 400 years since any true prophet had come on the scene. So they ask the question, 'what should we do then?' John challenges them to submit to a new way of living that Jesus would fully usher in through His life and teaching. He challenged them to give. If you have an extra coat then give it away. If you have extra food than give that away too. Perhaps any extra of anything we have is a test from God to see if we will live out a generous and compassionate life that produces a blessing in lives around us who are impoverished and lacking. This was how the people were being prepared for the first Christmas and it is still the best way for us to prepare for Christmas 2000 years later.
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, November 28, 2011
Unplugged.
So today our worship was all acoustic instruments. Instruments that work with out electricity or a computer. A lot of hollow wood and metal strings, air blown through a reed or through a pipe. A grand piano, acoustic guitars, acoustic bass, mandolin, flute, harmonica. It created an incredible environment for worship. There was an authenticity, a transparency in the worship. It was stripped down and unpretentious.
We do an unplugged Sunday after Thanksgiving to remind ourselves that we come to God, just as we are. It also remind us that God already knows the "real" me."..........after all He made us.
We need more time to unplug from the fast pace and take time to connect with God.
I'm enjoying this cool weather today. It reminds me of snow days as a kid. We would stop the routine of school and work and just "be" a family. We would talk, eat together, play in the snow, make snow cream and come inside to get warm. There was a peace and serenity to it all.
I doubt we will get a snow day in Houston year, but I hope we can still find time to unplug from the race and connect with the One who made it all.
One of my favorite verses is when Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Our Lord knows what's best for us. I'm sure His plan for my life will work far better than my own. And instead of moving in forty directions at once, I will move in one.
Keep it real,
Joe
We do an unplugged Sunday after Thanksgiving to remind ourselves that we come to God, just as we are. It also remind us that God already knows the "real" me."..........after all He made us.
We need more time to unplug from the fast pace and take time to connect with God.
I'm enjoying this cool weather today. It reminds me of snow days as a kid. We would stop the routine of school and work and just "be" a family. We would talk, eat together, play in the snow, make snow cream and come inside to get warm. There was a peace and serenity to it all.
I doubt we will get a snow day in Houston year, but I hope we can still find time to unplug from the race and connect with the One who made it all.
One of my favorite verses is when Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Our Lord knows what's best for us. I'm sure His plan for my life will work far better than my own. And instead of moving in forty directions at once, I will move in one.
Keep it real,
Joe
Friday, November 25, 2011
Arm Yourself With Gratitude.
Like Joe and Lindsey, I love Thanksgiving. It was great once again to just spend yesterday with family and friends, many of whom I only get to see once or twice a year. It was a day of just relaxing, enjoying some great food, watching football, and taking time to share things we are grateful for and pray together. So the question I was thinking about for today is, how do we keep this grateful spirit on the other 364 days of the year. Afterall, I'm pretty sure that God's word challenges us to 'give thanks in all circumstances' and to 'overflow with thanksgiving'.
As I was thinking about this I went back to the very beginning of the Bible where there is an encounter between Adam and Eve and the serpent, satan. It says this in Genesis 3:1 'Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" What was Satan getting at there? He was basically suggesting to Adam and Eve that God was holding out on them. He got them to take their eyes off of ALL the amazing blessings that God had given them and he got them obsessing and lusting and longing for the one thing that God withheld from them, the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
I'm pretty sure he is still very much employing this same tactic today. Every day we are bombarded with commercials, billboards, and magazine ads that try and convince us that we are imcomplete unless we buy the product they are selling us. Their product will make us truly happy and change our life. He constantly tries to get us focusing on our neighbor's house or car, or lifestyle and the next thing we know our hearts are ravaged by envy and discontentment. I challenge you to arm yourself with gratefulness before you face your day every morning. Make a discipline of enjoying and meditating on all that you HAVE so that you don't get swallowed up in discouragement in fretting over what you DON'T HAVE.
in Christ,
Brian
As I was thinking about this I went back to the very beginning of the Bible where there is an encounter between Adam and Eve and the serpent, satan. It says this in Genesis 3:1 'Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" What was Satan getting at there? He was basically suggesting to Adam and Eve that God was holding out on them. He got them to take their eyes off of ALL the amazing blessings that God had given them and he got them obsessing and lusting and longing for the one thing that God withheld from them, the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
I'm pretty sure he is still very much employing this same tactic today. Every day we are bombarded with commercials, billboards, and magazine ads that try and convince us that we are imcomplete unless we buy the product they are selling us. Their product will make us truly happy and change our life. He constantly tries to get us focusing on our neighbor's house or car, or lifestyle and the next thing we know our hearts are ravaged by envy and discontentment. I challenge you to arm yourself with gratefulness before you face your day every morning. Make a discipline of enjoying and meditating on all that you HAVE so that you don't get swallowed up in discouragement in fretting over what you DON'T HAVE.
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, November 24, 2011
A Day Of Thanks.
Spending time with family, delicious food, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, naps, football. Thanksgiving is absolutely one of my favorite holidays. Today, David and I will be all over the place getting family time in for our last Thanksgiving in Texas. Every year I love to reflect on how I have seen God’s faithfulness over the last year and this year is no different. I have learned so much and grown more than I could have expected. And I am so thankful for you, Stonebridge. I have seen God’s faithfulness in you as well. Thank you for your faith and your desire to do God’s will. As you spend time with your family today, don’t just stop at the food and the football. Take time to reflect and give thanks. You will be amazed at how faithful God has been. We have so much to be thankful for.
“I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way- with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
“They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:7
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lindsey
“I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way- with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
“They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:7
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lindsey
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thankful...Really?
Thankfulness doesn't come from circumstances. It comes from the condition of the heart.
I was reading verses on thankfulness in the Bible, and I thought what does Jesus have to say on thankfulness or gratitude.
The following passage came to mind.
Luke 17:12-19
12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him–and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
A couple of things jump out at me from this passage. First, 90% of the men healed didn't come to say back to say thanks. Jesus found this notable. I am amazed at my own ability to take many huge blessings in my life for granted, forgetting to give God thanks.
Secondly, Jesus gave the one who came back, a second healing. I'm not sure what was healed the second time, but I imagine that it must have been greater than being healed of leprosy. Something deep, spiritual, lasting, and life changing. Perhaps eternal. To be healed of a sin sick soul. To be healed of a wounded heart. To be healed for all eternity, To receive from the Son of God, His full blessing. Healed from the effects of sin and death.
So gratitude to God, can lead to Jesus saying. "Rise" and "Go."
If the kingdom is one of the heart, then gratitude to God would evidence a heart that has thrown itself at the feet of Jesus to thank Him.
Hebrews 12:28
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God.
May all our hearts be full of Thanksgiving and so receive the full blessing of Christ.
Joe
I was reading verses on thankfulness in the Bible, and I thought what does Jesus have to say on thankfulness or gratitude.
The following passage came to mind.
Luke 17:12-19
12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him–and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
A couple of things jump out at me from this passage. First, 90% of the men healed didn't come to say back to say thanks. Jesus found this notable. I am amazed at my own ability to take many huge blessings in my life for granted, forgetting to give God thanks.
Secondly, Jesus gave the one who came back, a second healing. I'm not sure what was healed the second time, but I imagine that it must have been greater than being healed of leprosy. Something deep, spiritual, lasting, and life changing. Perhaps eternal. To be healed of a sin sick soul. To be healed of a wounded heart. To be healed for all eternity, To receive from the Son of God, His full blessing. Healed from the effects of sin and death.
So gratitude to God, can lead to Jesus saying. "Rise" and "Go."
If the kingdom is one of the heart, then gratitude to God would evidence a heart that has thrown itself at the feet of Jesus to thank Him.
Hebrews 12:28
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God.
May all our hearts be full of Thanksgiving and so receive the full blessing of Christ.
Joe
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Irrational Obedience.
There's a new book out right now called 'Kisses from Katie.' Katie is a 21 year old girl from America who is currently the mother of 14 kids and living in Uganda. How in the world did that happen? She stepped out for a 10 month teaching assignment in Uganda and came face to face with poverty and starvation like she had never seen before. Katie began wrestling with the fact that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind and we are to love our neighbor as ourself. In a very simple yet profound way she says 'Myself doesn't want to be starving and so I don't want other people to be starving.' She has now left every semblance of familiarity and comfort behind and is now living in Uganda.
A little closer to home there are 2 ladies from StoneBridge church that one day decided that they didn't want people going hungry right in our backyards here in Montgomery County. So these 2 ladies did something preposterous. They stepped out to start a food pantry with no experience or prior knowledge at all. They simply shared God's heart for the poor and hurting and said 'Yes' Lord. There are now over 80 families a month who are experiencing the love and care of Jesus because of this one act of compassion.
These kind of stories challenge me. I am really good at rationalizing my way out of obedience. I can read a command in Scripture and come up with all kinds of reasons why I can't obey it. Here's a few: 'it's too big of a problem...', 'I have no experience...', 'I don't have enough resources...', 'I don't have enough time...', etc. Oh, how I long to live more like this: 'Ok God you said it...I just need to do it and let You, God, figure out all the details.' You know I think God wants us to be more like that. This verse out of 2 Chronicles has always challenged me, "For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.." - 2 Chronicles 16:9a Our God is to have God's heart and step out in faith and then God will do what He does best...strongly support us in doing His work in ways we could never fathom. Let's get going!
in Christ,
Brian
A little closer to home there are 2 ladies from StoneBridge church that one day decided that they didn't want people going hungry right in our backyards here in Montgomery County. So these 2 ladies did something preposterous. They stepped out to start a food pantry with no experience or prior knowledge at all. They simply shared God's heart for the poor and hurting and said 'Yes' Lord. There are now over 80 families a month who are experiencing the love and care of Jesus because of this one act of compassion.
These kind of stories challenge me. I am really good at rationalizing my way out of obedience. I can read a command in Scripture and come up with all kinds of reasons why I can't obey it. Here's a few: 'it's too big of a problem...', 'I have no experience...', 'I don't have enough resources...', 'I don't have enough time...', etc. Oh, how I long to live more like this: 'Ok God you said it...I just need to do it and let You, God, figure out all the details.' You know I think God wants us to be more like that. This verse out of 2 Chronicles has always challenged me, "For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.." - 2 Chronicles 16:9a Our God is to have God's heart and step out in faith and then God will do what He does best...strongly support us in doing His work in ways we could never fathom. Let's get going!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, November 21, 2011
You too, I thought I was the only one....
Friendship is born at that moment one person says to another, "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." CS LEWIS.
Discouragement comes when we feel isolated and alone. When we believe no one understands us.
I am reminded of the old spiritual, sung by the suffering slaves, "Nobody knows the trouble I've Seen."
But loneliness is not the way of the Kingdom.
We are to live in relationship with love, encouragement and understanding.
John 15:12 - "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
• Romans 15:7 - Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
We are meant to live in community, giving strength to others and receiving strength from others.
But there are times, when we might not be in community. And while that is not how God intends for us to live, and we should make every effort to live in community, and God desires for us to meet each others needs through His church, the body of Christ, we still are not forsaken.
Because we have a empathizing Savior.
Hebrews 4:15-16
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are –yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So in the worst of circumstances, we can always sing....
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory Hallelujah
Sometimes I'm up and sometimes I'm down
Yes lord, you know sometimes I'm almost to the ground
O yes, Lord,
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus.
Friend, you're not the only one,
Joe
Discouragement comes when we feel isolated and alone. When we believe no one understands us.
I am reminded of the old spiritual, sung by the suffering slaves, "Nobody knows the trouble I've Seen."
But loneliness is not the way of the Kingdom.
We are to live in relationship with love, encouragement and understanding.
John 15:12 - "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
• Romans 15:7 - Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
We are meant to live in community, giving strength to others and receiving strength from others.
But there are times, when we might not be in community. And while that is not how God intends for us to live, and we should make every effort to live in community, and God desires for us to meet each others needs through His church, the body of Christ, we still are not forsaken.
Because we have a empathizing Savior.
Hebrews 4:15-16
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are –yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So in the worst of circumstances, we can always sing....
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory Hallelujah
Sometimes I'm up and sometimes I'm down
Yes lord, you know sometimes I'm almost to the ground
O yes, Lord,
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus.
Friend, you're not the only one,
Joe
Friday, November 18, 2011
We Cry Out.
Our team will be introducing a new song this weekend called 'We Cry Out'. The song seeks to help us cry out to the one true God, our creator, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We live in a day when if you simply say the word 'God', people conjure up all kinds of ideas and images in their minds and often attempt to make God into their own image. This song seeks to use the names that God, Himself, reveals to us throughout the story of Scripture that were most commonly used by His people, Israel, and the early church.
The first name is El Shaddai, which is usually translated 'God Almighty'. God first reveals this name to Abram and it appears repeatedly in the book of Job. As we cry out God's name, El Shaddai, we can know that He is mighty and all powerful. He is the God who is strong when we are weak and makes the impossible possible.
The second name the song uses is Adonai. This word comes from 'Adon' which means 'Lord' or 'Master'. 'Adonai' is the plural form of 'Adon' which add extra emphasis to the meaning. 'Adonai' was only used to describe the God of the Hebrews and was the spoken version of 'Yahweh'. 'Yahweh' which is also translated as 'Lord' was considered to be too holy of a name to speak. God's people would, therefore, call upon their 'Lord' by audibly saying the name 'Adonai'.
Lastly, the song uses the name Jesus Christ. Our God has most clearly revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the 'image of the invisible God' and the 'exact representation of His being'. So this song is so powerful because we are crying out over and over to El Shaddai, Adonai, Jesus Christ. We are not just singing words up into the sky, hoping that they might find an audience with some higher power if it is out there. No, we cry out to a real, living, and personal God. We cry out to the God who is most High. We cry out to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We cry out to the God who came and moved into our neighborhood, walked our streets, experienced our pains and died on a Roman cross 2000 years ago. He is real...He is listening. Let's cry out to Him together!
'We Cry Out'
Father of life, seated on the throne of grace It’s only by your mercy we are saved
Lord you have said if we call upon your name We and our families will be saved
So we cry, out your name El Shaddai, God of grace, Lord most high, Jesus Christ
We rely on your grace Adonai, Crowned in praise Lord most high, Jesus Christ
Father of love, never failing to forgive Each moment is a gift from you to man
We’re only here to tell the world about your grace Till the day you take us all away.
in Christ,
Brian
The first name is El Shaddai, which is usually translated 'God Almighty'. God first reveals this name to Abram and it appears repeatedly in the book of Job. As we cry out God's name, El Shaddai, we can know that He is mighty and all powerful. He is the God who is strong when we are weak and makes the impossible possible.
The second name the song uses is Adonai. This word comes from 'Adon' which means 'Lord' or 'Master'. 'Adonai' is the plural form of 'Adon' which add extra emphasis to the meaning. 'Adonai' was only used to describe the God of the Hebrews and was the spoken version of 'Yahweh'. 'Yahweh' which is also translated as 'Lord' was considered to be too holy of a name to speak. God's people would, therefore, call upon their 'Lord' by audibly saying the name 'Adonai'.
Lastly, the song uses the name Jesus Christ. Our God has most clearly revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the 'image of the invisible God' and the 'exact representation of His being'. So this song is so powerful because we are crying out over and over to El Shaddai, Adonai, Jesus Christ. We are not just singing words up into the sky, hoping that they might find an audience with some higher power if it is out there. No, we cry out to a real, living, and personal God. We cry out to the God who is most High. We cry out to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We cry out to the God who came and moved into our neighborhood, walked our streets, experienced our pains and died on a Roman cross 2000 years ago. He is real...He is listening. Let's cry out to Him together!
'We Cry Out'
Father of life, seated on the throne of grace It’s only by your mercy we are saved
Lord you have said if we call upon your name We and our families will be saved
So we cry, out your name El Shaddai, God of grace, Lord most high, Jesus Christ
We rely on your grace Adonai, Crowned in praise Lord most high, Jesus Christ
Father of love, never failing to forgive Each moment is a gift from you to man
We’re only here to tell the world about your grace Till the day you take us all away.
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, November 17, 2011
A Fool For You.
Last Sunday my niece Maddy was dedicated. She is almost 4 months old and it has been so much fun watching her develop a personality. She is at the stage where she is beginning to smile in response to you. Sometimes my mother-in-law and I have to work extra hard to get that beaming grin. Maddy’s mom, Stephanie, laughs at us because there is nothing we wouldn’t do to see her smile. I read something the other day that said “No matter how cool you think you are, when a toddler hands you a plastic phone you answer it.” Isn’t that so true? There is something about kids that make us check our vanity at the door.
As I was thinking about it, I realized that my relationship with Christ should mirror this. Christ calls us to do things that, to the world, look foolish. When society tells us we should act a certain way, often times we know it’s not what makes God smile. When we follow Christ, we are choosing the narrow path, which means we aren’t going to look like everyone else. As with babies and toddlers, we need to be okay with looking like a fool for Christ. We may receive some interesting stares (or get laughed at), but when our main purpose is living for Christ, our Father will smile down on us. In chapter four of 1 Corinthians, Paul writes that our dedication to Christ should make us look like fools. How foolish are you willing to look for Christ today?
In Him,
Lindsey
As I was thinking about it, I realized that my relationship with Christ should mirror this. Christ calls us to do things that, to the world, look foolish. When society tells us we should act a certain way, often times we know it’s not what makes God smile. When we follow Christ, we are choosing the narrow path, which means we aren’t going to look like everyone else. As with babies and toddlers, we need to be okay with looking like a fool for Christ. We may receive some interesting stares (or get laughed at), but when our main purpose is living for Christ, our Father will smile down on us. In chapter four of 1 Corinthians, Paul writes that our dedication to Christ should make us look like fools. How foolish are you willing to look for Christ today?
In Him,
Lindsey
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Sunday Morning, I Think I'll Sleep In.
So I was at a rehearsal tonight with one of our praise team members. She was supposed to sing this past weekend but sent me a text that she had a bronchial infection. I told her to get well soon and I would see her next time. I was quite surprised to see her in church on Sunday.
I asked her why she didn't stay home in bed to get well. She told me she was, until her 4 year old son pounced on her Sunday morning and said, "Mommy, we need to go see Jesus," to which her husband responded, "we're so busted."
I know maturity teaches us to do the right thing even when we don't feel like it. But I'd sure rather have my motivation for going to church to come from one of excitement than duty.
Jesus said, For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20
And there was a wee little man who wanted to see Jesus.
4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore- fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly Luke 19:4-6.
I want to be more like that wee little man.
This Sunday morning.....We need to go see Jesus.
Joe
I asked her why she didn't stay home in bed to get well. She told me she was, until her 4 year old son pounced on her Sunday morning and said, "Mommy, we need to go see Jesus," to which her husband responded, "we're so busted."
I know maturity teaches us to do the right thing even when we don't feel like it. But I'd sure rather have my motivation for going to church to come from one of excitement than duty.
Jesus said, For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20
And there was a wee little man who wanted to see Jesus.
4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore- fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly Luke 19:4-6.
I want to be more like that wee little man.
This Sunday morning.....We need to go see Jesus.
Joe
Yahweh-Shammah or Ichabod?
There's a city one day that all of God's children will have the amazing privilege of living in for eternity. The name of the city is Yahweh-Shammah. We are told this in the last verse of Ezekiel where it says, "The four sides of the city measure to a total of nearly six miles. "From now on the name of the city will be Yahweh-Shammah: "God-Is-There." Now contrast that thought with this verse in 1 Samuel 4, '21 She named the boy Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel"--because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 She said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured." Can you imagine if your Mom named you Ichabod, which means 'The glory or presence of God has departed'. You know it's a rough time when moms are giving out such names. Indeed this was a dark time. Israel had been brutally defeated, many men had lost their lives, and the ark of God, which was God's dwelling place, was stolen.
Are you in an 'Ichabod' place right now or in a 'Yahweh-Shammah' place right now? As I think back on the diffferent times in my life I have experienced the reality of both. There have been those times when I've faced temptations and I have given in and turned my back on God and chosen the path of sin rather than the path of His presence and righteousness. Sin is so deceptive in that it promises so much fulfilment and then when you get there it has this cold, lonely, guilt-ridden, Ichabod, empty feeling that equates to pure misery. On the other hand when we choose God's path, it may not always supply that instant gratification that sin does, but as we walk with Him faithfully, we find that this path fills us up with a peace, a deep satisfaction, a joy, and a contentment that the world can never give us. What's crazy is that I have spent time with people who live in shacks in a city dump site in Mexico and yet they smile because they daily experience 'Yahweh-Shammah'. I also have seen people who have every luxury the world can give and yet live in the cold, icy reality of 'Ichabod'. Today let's crave, set our hearts on, and run after 'Yahweh-Shammah' and know that to be in God's presence and to walk with Him throughout our day is the greatest treasure we will ever know.
pursuing His presence,
Brian
Are you in an 'Ichabod' place right now or in a 'Yahweh-Shammah' place right now? As I think back on the diffferent times in my life I have experienced the reality of both. There have been those times when I've faced temptations and I have given in and turned my back on God and chosen the path of sin rather than the path of His presence and righteousness. Sin is so deceptive in that it promises so much fulfilment and then when you get there it has this cold, lonely, guilt-ridden, Ichabod, empty feeling that equates to pure misery. On the other hand when we choose God's path, it may not always supply that instant gratification that sin does, but as we walk with Him faithfully, we find that this path fills us up with a peace, a deep satisfaction, a joy, and a contentment that the world can never give us. What's crazy is that I have spent time with people who live in shacks in a city dump site in Mexico and yet they smile because they daily experience 'Yahweh-Shammah'. I also have seen people who have every luxury the world can give and yet live in the cold, icy reality of 'Ichabod'. Today let's crave, set our hearts on, and run after 'Yahweh-Shammah' and know that to be in God's presence and to walk with Him throughout our day is the greatest treasure we will ever know.
pursuing His presence,
Brian
Monday, November 14, 2011
Close To God.
Proximity to God. We are meant to be close to God. We are designed to enjoy an intimate fellowship with God.
God's word says a lot about getting to enjoy a close relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Hear's just few scripture says about what it takes to draw near to God.
1. FAITH
Hebrews 10:22
22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
We must believe that He is.
2 HUMILITY
Psalms 34:18
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Pride takes us away from God. Humility bring us to God.
THROUGH JESUS
Hebrews 7:19
19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
Hebrews 7:22
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Jesus is our hope. We approach our Father, because of and through our relationship with his Son.
I heard from one of our friends at church today that their daughter came home from college to visit and brought eight friends with her. No one was turned away. Why? Because their daughter invited them. That was enough. All were welcomed, fed and housed.
That's just like Jesus. We approach the Father through the Son. We are welcomed, fed and provided for. Jesus has gone ahead to get everything ready to welcome us to his Fathers house.
John 14:2-4
2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
So let's draw close to God and experience what it means to be fully known and fully loved.
James 4:8a
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Joe
God's word says a lot about getting to enjoy a close relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Hear's just few scripture says about what it takes to draw near to God.
1. FAITH
Hebrews 10:22
22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
We must believe that He is.
2 HUMILITY
Psalms 34:18
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Pride takes us away from God. Humility bring us to God.
THROUGH JESUS
Hebrews 7:19
19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
Hebrews 7:22
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Jesus is our hope. We approach our Father, because of and through our relationship with his Son.
I heard from one of our friends at church today that their daughter came home from college to visit and brought eight friends with her. No one was turned away. Why? Because their daughter invited them. That was enough. All were welcomed, fed and housed.
That's just like Jesus. We approach the Father through the Son. We are welcomed, fed and provided for. Jesus has gone ahead to get everything ready to welcome us to his Fathers house.
John 14:2-4
2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
So let's draw close to God and experience what it means to be fully known and fully loved.
James 4:8a
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Joe
Friday, November 11, 2011
Here Am I, All Of Me.
Last night, several people from our church family huddled together in the cold and in the dark to devote about an hour and 15 minutes to praising God and setting our minds and hearts on Him. We gathered out by the crosses and together reflected on God's process of breaking us, molding us, filling us, and using us. The song we ended with was called 'Take my life'. It is a song that really unpacks in very vivid details what it means to devote, consecrate or surrender your life fully over to God. The song challenges me to ask the following questions: am I willing to give God my moments, my days, my intellect, my speech, my hands, my feet, my silver and gold (dollars and cents), my will, my choices, my love and affections, my life? The chorus of the song then erupts over and over at the end just exclaiming to God, 'Here am I, all of me, take my life, it's all for Thee!'
In Isaiah 6, Isaiah records an incredible encounter he has with God Almighty. In a powerful vision, he beholds the very throne of God and it is truly a breath-taking and awesome experience full of power and smoke and splendor. It literally says that Isaiah is 'ruined' for he realizes he is a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips. He is then cleansed and forgiven as an angel flies to him and touches his lips with a hot coal. In verse 8 it says, 'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" God basically throws down the million dollar question to Isaiah right there on the spot. Will you give me all of yourself, Isaiah, and allow me to send you into the world and to be my man? Without hesitation Isaiah offers himself fully to God and His mission. What about you and me? Does the way I spend my time, spend my money, speak to people on the phone and at work, make choices, and spend my free time reflect a life that says, 'Here am I Lord, all of me, take my life, it's all for Thee'? Let's dare to go deeper in surrendering our all to God today!
in Christ,
Brian
In Isaiah 6, Isaiah records an incredible encounter he has with God Almighty. In a powerful vision, he beholds the very throne of God and it is truly a breath-taking and awesome experience full of power and smoke and splendor. It literally says that Isaiah is 'ruined' for he realizes he is a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips. He is then cleansed and forgiven as an angel flies to him and touches his lips with a hot coal. In verse 8 it says, 'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" God basically throws down the million dollar question to Isaiah right there on the spot. Will you give me all of yourself, Isaiah, and allow me to send you into the world and to be my man? Without hesitation Isaiah offers himself fully to God and His mission. What about you and me? Does the way I spend my time, spend my money, speak to people on the phone and at work, make choices, and spend my free time reflect a life that says, 'Here am I Lord, all of me, take my life, it's all for Thee'? Let's dare to go deeper in surrendering our all to God today!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Break, Mold, Fill, and Use Me.
Tonight we are braving the cold weather and having an outdoor concert! The last time we had worship by the crosses, I was so moved by the simplicity and closeness I felt to God. There is something so intimate about being outdoors, totally immersed in His creation, as we sing praises to our Father. This connection with nature seems to make our worship so much more meaningful. I may be wrapped in a blanket tonight, but I am thoroughly looking forward to praising Him with all of you.
Since we are in the Ask God campaign, our theme for tonight is taken from the hymn “Spirit of the Living God”. We will ask God to break us so that He can mold us. Then we are going to ask that He fill us, in order to use us. These are some big things to ask. It’s a pretty serious thing to ask God to “break us”. Quite honestly, you can’t have a break without it being fairly uncomfortable. At the very least, there will be a loud noise that gets your attention. Thankfully, it doesn’t stop here. We get to be remade into something that is pleasing to God so that our new hearts can be filled with more of Him. As we are filled with more of Him, He will begin to use us in ways that bring glory to His name. As we get ready to worship tonight, ask God if you need to be broken and remolded. James 1:2-4 says:
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
Looking forward to seeing all of you tonight!
Lindsey
Since we are in the Ask God campaign, our theme for tonight is taken from the hymn “Spirit of the Living God”. We will ask God to break us so that He can mold us. Then we are going to ask that He fill us, in order to use us. These are some big things to ask. It’s a pretty serious thing to ask God to “break us”. Quite honestly, you can’t have a break without it being fairly uncomfortable. At the very least, there will be a loud noise that gets your attention. Thankfully, it doesn’t stop here. We get to be remade into something that is pleasing to God so that our new hearts can be filled with more of Him. As we are filled with more of Him, He will begin to use us in ways that bring glory to His name. As we get ready to worship tonight, ask God if you need to be broken and remolded. James 1:2-4 says:
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
Looking forward to seeing all of you tonight!
Lindsey
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Awake My Soul And Sing.
Dead men walking. I've known people like that. I've known times like that. Any time we are disconnected from walking with Jesus, we dry up. Like some of the branches on some of the trees in Texas, victims of being cut off from the source of life.
This week we will introduce a new song called "Awakening". It is my hearts cry for my life, for StoneBridge and for our nation and the nations of the world.
Awakening lyrics
Songwriters: Morgan, Reuben Timothy; Tomlin, Christopher D;
In our hearts, Lord, in this nation
Awakening
Holy Spirit, we desire
Awakening
For You and You alone
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
For the world You love
Your will be done, let Your will be done in me
In Your presence, in Your power
Awakening
For this moment, for this hour
Awakening
Like the rising sun that shines
From the darkness comes a light
I hear Your voice and this is my
Awakening
Like the rising sun that shines
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
From the darkness comes a light
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
Like the rising sun that shines
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
Only You can raise a life
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
Psalms 57:8-11
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Let us be fully alive people.
Joe
This week we will introduce a new song called "Awakening". It is my hearts cry for my life, for StoneBridge and for our nation and the nations of the world.
Awakening lyrics
Songwriters: Morgan, Reuben Timothy; Tomlin, Christopher D;
In our hearts, Lord, in this nation
Awakening
Holy Spirit, we desire
Awakening
For You and You alone
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
For the world You love
Your will be done, let Your will be done in me
In Your presence, in Your power
Awakening
For this moment, for this hour
Awakening
Like the rising sun that shines
From the darkness comes a light
I hear Your voice and this is my
Awakening
Like the rising sun that shines
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
From the darkness comes a light
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
Like the rising sun that shines
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
Only You can raise a life
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
Psalms 57:8-11
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Let us be fully alive people.
Joe
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Are You Ready?
'Daddy, can you read the Bible to me?' That's how a very involved conversation began on Saturday morning as my 5 year old son, Joshua, and I, read from the book of Joshua and began covering all kinds of topics. Eventually the conversation led to eternity and how everyone has two destinations, with God forever or apart from God forever in judgment. We talked about the Lamb's book of life that contains the names of all of those who have become God's children through faith. Joshua mentioned that he had doubts about whether he was God's child or not. So right there in my living room, Saturday morning, Nov 5 (also happened to be my Dad's 60th bday), I led him in a prayer that he repeated after me to ask Jesus into his heart.
In 1 Peter 3:15 it says, 'But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,' You know it wasn't on my radar to have that conversation with Joshua on Saturday, but praise God I was prepared to give an answer to his questions about the hope that I have. I like this verse because it challenges us to be worshipers throughout our day in that we are to keep this awe of Christ in our hearts in each moment and as God brings along opportunities they don't pass us by. The opportunity that God brings your way may be in the form of a little blond-haired rug rat tuggin on your pant leg. So be ready today for what and who God brings your way!
in Christ,
Brian
In 1 Peter 3:15 it says, 'But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,' You know it wasn't on my radar to have that conversation with Joshua on Saturday, but praise God I was prepared to give an answer to his questions about the hope that I have. I like this verse because it challenges us to be worshipers throughout our day in that we are to keep this awe of Christ in our hearts in each moment and as God brings along opportunities they don't pass us by. The opportunity that God brings your way may be in the form of a little blond-haired rug rat tuggin on your pant leg. So be ready today for what and who God brings your way!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, November 7, 2011
Follow You.
"Follow You" by Leeland is a song we will share this Thursday at our outdoor concert of worship. We chose it because of the line, "use my hands Lord, use my feet.". It is a great song of consecration. A song that says, Here am I Lord, send me.
When speaking about the song, Leeland shared the following.
"God’s there, right beside every person in the world. Now is the time for us to get up and follow in God’s footsteps. It’s really that simple. Find out where God is and run to meet him there! We know that God’s heart aches for the poor and the needy. They are His children too. As we reach out to people that are hurting, our problems begin to shrink, and we draw closer to God’s heart in the process! This is what the song “Follow You” is all about."
Here are the lyrics.
You lived among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.
All my needs You have supplied.
When I was dead You gave me life.
How could I not give it away so freely?
And I’ll follow You into the homes that are broken.
Follow You into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow You into the world.
Use my hands use my feet
To make Your kingdom come
Through the corners of the earth
Until Your work is done
`cause faith without works is dead
And on the cross Your blood was shed
So how could I not give it away so freely?
And I’ll follow You into the homes that are broken.
Follow You into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow You into the world.
Follow You
God’s there, right beside every person in the world. Now is the time for us to get up and follow in God’s footsteps. It’s really that simple. Find out where God is and run to meet him there! We know that God’s heart aches for the poor and the needy. They are His children too. As we reach out to people that are hurting, our problems begin to shrink, and we draw closer to God’s heart in the process! This is what the song “Follow You” is all about.
You lived among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.
All my needs You have supplied.
When I was dead You gave me life.
How could I not give it away so freely?
And I’ll follow You into the homes that are broken.
Follow You into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow You into the world.
Use my hands use my feet
To make Your kingdom come
Through the corners of the earth
Until Your work is done
`cause faith without works is dead
And on the cross Your blood was shed
So how could I not give it away so freely?
And I’ll follow You into the homes that are broken.
Follow You into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow You into the world.
I give all myself.
I give all myself
I give all myself. To You.
Matthew 25:31-40
The Sheep and the Goats
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. ’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? ’
40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. ’
John 12:26
26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Let's follow Jesus together, no matter where it takes us, that will be the best place to be.
Joe
When speaking about the song, Leeland shared the following.
"God’s there, right beside every person in the world. Now is the time for us to get up and follow in God’s footsteps. It’s really that simple. Find out where God is and run to meet him there! We know that God’s heart aches for the poor and the needy. They are His children too. As we reach out to people that are hurting, our problems begin to shrink, and we draw closer to God’s heart in the process! This is what the song “Follow You” is all about."
Here are the lyrics.
You lived among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.
All my needs You have supplied.
When I was dead You gave me life.
How could I not give it away so freely?
And I’ll follow You into the homes that are broken.
Follow You into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow You into the world.
Use my hands use my feet
To make Your kingdom come
Through the corners of the earth
Until Your work is done
`cause faith without works is dead
And on the cross Your blood was shed
So how could I not give it away so freely?
And I’ll follow You into the homes that are broken.
Follow You into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow You into the world.
Follow You
God’s there, right beside every person in the world. Now is the time for us to get up and follow in God’s footsteps. It’s really that simple. Find out where God is and run to meet him there! We know that God’s heart aches for the poor and the needy. They are His children too. As we reach out to people that are hurting, our problems begin to shrink, and we draw closer to God’s heart in the process! This is what the song “Follow You” is all about.
You lived among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.
All my needs You have supplied.
When I was dead You gave me life.
How could I not give it away so freely?
And I’ll follow You into the homes that are broken.
Follow You into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow You into the world.
Use my hands use my feet
To make Your kingdom come
Through the corners of the earth
Until Your work is done
`cause faith without works is dead
And on the cross Your blood was shed
So how could I not give it away so freely?
And I’ll follow You into the homes that are broken.
Follow You into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow You into the world.
I give all myself.
I give all myself
I give all myself. To You.
Matthew 25:31-40
The Sheep and the Goats
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. ’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? ’
40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. ’
John 12:26
26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Let's follow Jesus together, no matter where it takes us, that will be the best place to be.
Joe
Friday, November 4, 2011
Who Are We Asking?
Yesterday I had coffee with a young pastor who was describing a vision God had given him for an event that would target college and young singles and attempt to draw them back into the church in large numbers. As he was describing the steps for implementing this huge vision, he described the process in 4 phases. Phases 2-4 involved planning and promotion and other things that you would expect when pulling off a huge event for a large city. Phase 1 though was very simple, pray. One of the men who has been coaching him is Greg Matte, pastor of First Baptist Houston, and the founder of Breakaway ministries at Texas A&M. Breakaway is a ministry that just recently had over 9000 Aggie students fill a building for a weekly meeting. People have often asked Greg, 'what is your secret to launching a successful ministry like Breakaway?' Greg's simple reply is prayer. He said from the get go their gatherings, when they had 4-5 people, were bathed in prayer and 'asking God' what He wanted them to do. Greg explained that they saw themselves like a sailboat. Unlike a motor boat, a sailboat has to hoist the sail and allow the wind to move it through the water. They knew that if they wanted to really experience a God-thing it would have to be directed by the wind of the Holy Spirit.
That is what we are desiring for StoneBridge, a God-thing. If we simply ask man, then we will get what man can do. If we ask God, then we will get what God can do. What if instead of prayer being an after-thought we made it the main thought? What if our church in this season was filled with hundreds of people who truly were 'asking God' what He wants. What if we had hundreds of people crying out to God asking Him to break us, mold us, fill us and use us to help bring His kingdom here to our city in a way that was beyond anything we could ask or imagine. Check out some of these challenges to us directly from the mouth of Jesus in the gospels..." Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." Ask Him to heal marriages, save your neighbors, reconcile broken relationships, reach the next generation, bring justice to the oppressed, bring joy to the lonely, etc. So what are you gonna ask Him to do today?
in Christ,
Brian
That is what we are desiring for StoneBridge, a God-thing. If we simply ask man, then we will get what man can do. If we ask God, then we will get what God can do. What if instead of prayer being an after-thought we made it the main thought? What if our church in this season was filled with hundreds of people who truly were 'asking God' what He wants. What if we had hundreds of people crying out to God asking Him to break us, mold us, fill us and use us to help bring His kingdom here to our city in a way that was beyond anything we could ask or imagine. Check out some of these challenges to us directly from the mouth of Jesus in the gospels..." Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." Ask Him to heal marriages, save your neighbors, reconcile broken relationships, reach the next generation, bring justice to the oppressed, bring joy to the lonely, etc. So what are you gonna ask Him to do today?
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, November 3, 2011
The Song In My Heart.
Self-examination can be tough. Let’s face it, it’s much easier to ignore the nagging feeling that something is holding you back, rather than confronting it. But what if that feeling is God trying to get our attention? Psalm 139:23-24 states:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Although often uncomfortable, examination of our hearts leads to a pruning away of emotions and ambitions that can hinder our relationship with God.
This past week I asked myself a difficult, yet necessary question. If my heart had one song to sing, what would it be? Would it be a song of worship to the King? Or a song sung primarily to attract the attention of others? What about a song of admiration? In examining my own heart, I found that too often my heart’s song is one of worry. While it is perfectly okay for me to bring my worries to the foot of the cross, how much better would it be if I could boldly declare my song as one of thanksgiving and amazement! I want my life to proclaim God’s goodness through the way I express gratitude and praise. As you read this, ask God to examine your heart. What song is your heart singing?
“…be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20
In Him,
Lindsey
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Although often uncomfortable, examination of our hearts leads to a pruning away of emotions and ambitions that can hinder our relationship with God.
This past week I asked myself a difficult, yet necessary question. If my heart had one song to sing, what would it be? Would it be a song of worship to the King? Or a song sung primarily to attract the attention of others? What about a song of admiration? In examining my own heart, I found that too often my heart’s song is one of worry. While it is perfectly okay for me to bring my worries to the foot of the cross, how much better would it be if I could boldly declare my song as one of thanksgiving and amazement! I want my life to proclaim God’s goodness through the way I express gratitude and praise. As you read this, ask God to examine your heart. What song is your heart singing?
“…be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20
In Him,
Lindsey
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Love Your Enemies.
Really? Love your enemies. How? What does that even look like. Who are my enemies? I think the point is that the love Christ calls us to is different. Our love is not based on the object of our love. It is based on who we are and whose we are. God is good to us because, He is good. God is loving to us because He is love.
So do we love our enemies because we “feel” love toward them. No, we love our enemies, because the love of God has changed our heart. We have a capacity to love that is supernatural. We love them because of who we are. And we are sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who is loving and gracious.
Matthew 5:43-48
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. ’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
We were once enemies of God ourselves. How did God treat us?
Romans 5:10
10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
So let’s bring it home. If God calls us to love our enemies, how might we treat those who are closest to us. When we are having an argument with a spouse, child or sibling, what should that look like? Could we, like Christ humble ourselves and put the interest of others ahead of ourselves.
I’ve often said that we treat the people we are closest to the worse than anyone. I believe that the love that Christ wants us to share with the world is developed in our relationships at home. So we are first to be ministers at home. We learn to serve our family, our friends, our coworkers, our acquaintances, the lost and needy and then even our enemies.
Love our enemies, yes… because that is who we are becoming in Christ.
Once an enemy, now redeemed,
Joe
So do we love our enemies because we “feel” love toward them. No, we love our enemies, because the love of God has changed our heart. We have a capacity to love that is supernatural. We love them because of who we are. And we are sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who is loving and gracious.
Matthew 5:43-48
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. ’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
We were once enemies of God ourselves. How did God treat us?
Romans 5:10
10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
So let’s bring it home. If God calls us to love our enemies, how might we treat those who are closest to us. When we are having an argument with a spouse, child or sibling, what should that look like? Could we, like Christ humble ourselves and put the interest of others ahead of ourselves.
I’ve often said that we treat the people we are closest to the worse than anyone. I believe that the love that Christ wants us to share with the world is developed in our relationships at home. So we are first to be ministers at home. We learn to serve our family, our friends, our coworkers, our acquaintances, the lost and needy and then even our enemies.
Love our enemies, yes… because that is who we are becoming in Christ.
Once an enemy, now redeemed,
Joe
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Ripples.
Psalms 120-134 are called the 'Songs of Ascents'. They were traditionally sung by the Jewish families during their 'ascent' to Jerusalem for the 3 different appointed annual feasts. Maybe in the modern day setting these are like songs we might sing together going on a road trip to a retreat. Psalm 128 goes like this, "1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. 2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. 4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. 5 May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, 6 and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel."
Whenever I've read this before I tend to picture a ripple effect. Whenever you pick up a rock and toss it into a lake, its impact sends out circular waves that are felt a considerable distance away. This song begins by talking about a man who fears the Lord and walks in his ways. As a result of this one decision he is blessed, his wife is blessed, his kids are blessed, and it even projects a blessing to a city (Jerusaelm) and a nation (Israel) and finally to the next generation (children's children). Blessing doesn't always look like what we think it will. It doesn't necessarily mean a big house, a life of ease, and everything always going our way. I think of it as a powerful sense of God's presence with us, peace, joy and love that gets deeply rooted in us and its ripples impact our wife, kids, community, city and nation. So never underestimate the impact of your decision today to fear God and walk in His ways.
in Christ,
Brian
Whenever I've read this before I tend to picture a ripple effect. Whenever you pick up a rock and toss it into a lake, its impact sends out circular waves that are felt a considerable distance away. This song begins by talking about a man who fears the Lord and walks in his ways. As a result of this one decision he is blessed, his wife is blessed, his kids are blessed, and it even projects a blessing to a city (Jerusaelm) and a nation (Israel) and finally to the next generation (children's children). Blessing doesn't always look like what we think it will. It doesn't necessarily mean a big house, a life of ease, and everything always going our way. I think of it as a powerful sense of God's presence with us, peace, joy and love that gets deeply rooted in us and its ripples impact our wife, kids, community, city and nation. So never underestimate the impact of your decision today to fear God and walk in His ways.
in Christ,
Brian
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