How would the world be different if you or I were not here? How would our family be different? How would our neighborhood be different? How would our workplace be different?
David, contemplates that idea at the end of Psalm 30:
9"What will you gain if I die, if I sink down into the grave? Can my dust praise you from the grave? Can it tell the world of your faithfulness? 10Hear me, LORD, and have mercy on me. Help me, O LORD." 11You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, 12that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!
We see from this passionate plea that losing David meant losing one who lived to praise God, tell of His faithfulness, dance joyfully, sing praises, and give thanks forever. Aren't those the things we should be about on this short little ride on earth? Wouldn't it be great to leave a legacy like that one day when our days are done?
There are days that I catch myself complaining more than thanking, moping around more than joyfully dancing, living timidly rather than singing His praises and engaging in meaningless chatter rather than telling of His faithfulness. Let's remember today that this life is described as a vapor and then it's gone. Every moment counts!
in Christ,
Brian
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Slow Down You Move too Fast (Simon and Garfunkle)
Here is a quote I heard on the radio as I was moving with traffic on I-45 at "slightly"over the speed limit.
"Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Godliness and hurry are incompatible"
This made me think. My being in a hurry could be linked to a self important attitude. Is my time or appointment more important than those I share the freeway with? Or is my time more valuable than others in the grocery line, parking space, gas station, shopping center, etc?
If I think so, then pride could be at the root of my hurry and, of course, contrary to the Kingdom of Our Lord.
Jesus was never in a hurry, but He was also never late.
Now, my excuse could be things were simpler then. He had no reason to hurry. Then I remembered Lazarus. Here is a snapshot of that story.
First, in the book of John, we hear the following:
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days,
and then he said to his disciples, 'Let us go back to Judea'." John 11:5-7
So Lazarus is very sick. Jesus often healed the sick. So you might think He would "hurry" to Judea to help his friend. But he stays two more days before heading out. When He arrives in Judea, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. And Martha, Lazarus' sister, speaks to this saying, "Lord if you had been here, he wouldn't have died." Which was absolutely true. But even under the pressure of close friends, illness and death, Jesus didn't hurry.
Now the story ends well and Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, which is amazing and is great news.
However, my point is Jesus didn't hurry and yet completed the Father's will perfectly.
And so can we.
This is not a passport to be lazy. But we should carefully decide how we can steward our time and only say "yes" to the things that God has called us to.
And to do that we must learn to "say no, artfully, kindly and with excellence."
So if indeed godliness and hurry are incompatible, I need to make a conscious effort to "slow down," counting others as more important than myself.
So next time I see you, I hope to have a little more time to chat
over a Cup O' Joe
"Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Godliness and hurry are incompatible"
This made me think. My being in a hurry could be linked to a self important attitude. Is my time or appointment more important than those I share the freeway with? Or is my time more valuable than others in the grocery line, parking space, gas station, shopping center, etc?
If I think so, then pride could be at the root of my hurry and, of course, contrary to the Kingdom of Our Lord.
Jesus was never in a hurry, but He was also never late.
Now, my excuse could be things were simpler then. He had no reason to hurry. Then I remembered Lazarus. Here is a snapshot of that story.
First, in the book of John, we hear the following:
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days,
and then he said to his disciples, 'Let us go back to Judea'." John 11:5-7
So Lazarus is very sick. Jesus often healed the sick. So you might think He would "hurry" to Judea to help his friend. But he stays two more days before heading out. When He arrives in Judea, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. And Martha, Lazarus' sister, speaks to this saying, "Lord if you had been here, he wouldn't have died." Which was absolutely true. But even under the pressure of close friends, illness and death, Jesus didn't hurry.
Now the story ends well and Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, which is amazing and is great news.
However, my point is Jesus didn't hurry and yet completed the Father's will perfectly.
And so can we.
This is not a passport to be lazy. But we should carefully decide how we can steward our time and only say "yes" to the things that God has called us to.
And to do that we must learn to "say no, artfully, kindly and with excellence."
So if indeed godliness and hurry are incompatible, I need to make a conscious effort to "slow down," counting others as more important than myself.
So next time I see you, I hope to have a little more time to chat
over a Cup O' Joe
Friday, April 26, 2013
The Civil War Is Still Going On.
Do you relate the following Scripture inspired by God through Paul?
'21 It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God's law with all my heart. 23 But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? 25Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.'
I love the honesty of these words because if you are human (which I assume you are if you're reading this), you can most definitely relate. Indeed, every morning when you and I wake up, we wake up to an internal civil war. The enemy is Satan, and he has powerful weapons. He launches missiles into our mind called lies, guilt, and discouragement.
Through these attacks he sidelines us and deceives us into finding comfort in things other than God and then he piles on the guilt and tries to push us further down in the pit. I love the ending of this little passage though....it's like a radiant sunrise bursting forth and dispersing the heavy darkness....'Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.' The moment that we turn back to Jesus and the completed work of forgiveness and redemption at the cross, the devil is DONE. He has no defense for what Christ did on the cross.
Remember Romans 8:1, 'Therefore there is now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus.' So when you start to get beat down today....remember....the answer is in Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Brian
'21 It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God's law with all my heart. 23 But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? 25Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.'
I love the honesty of these words because if you are human (which I assume you are if you're reading this), you can most definitely relate. Indeed, every morning when you and I wake up, we wake up to an internal civil war. The enemy is Satan, and he has powerful weapons. He launches missiles into our mind called lies, guilt, and discouragement.
Through these attacks he sidelines us and deceives us into finding comfort in things other than God and then he piles on the guilt and tries to push us further down in the pit. I love the ending of this little passage though....it's like a radiant sunrise bursting forth and dispersing the heavy darkness....'Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.' The moment that we turn back to Jesus and the completed work of forgiveness and redemption at the cross, the devil is DONE. He has no defense for what Christ did on the cross.
Remember Romans 8:1, 'Therefore there is now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus.' So when you start to get beat down today....remember....the answer is in Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Brian
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Grace.
Grace is a beautiful thing. Grace is a gift, freely give to an undeserving people. But I will admit that grace is often hard to wrap my mind around. A gift for me, a sinner so unworthy? I haven’t done anything so wonderful to merit this grace but I always feel like I need to somehow earn it. We are even called to come forward to the throne of grace with confidence,
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. Hebrews 4:16
But that’s about as far into that verse as I get before I get caught up on that part, “with confidence”. I am a mess of sin and failure and I just find it difficult to walk up to any throne with confidence. But that’s the beauty of grace, we can do that!
“Grace doesn’t give me a free pass to act out how I feel, with no regard to His commands. Rather His grace gives me consolation in the moment, with a challenge to learn from this situation and become more mature in the future…Grace is the reason I can go to God quickly, immediately-before I’m cleaned up-and boldly ask for His help.” –Lysa Terkeurst
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24
Hailey
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. Hebrews 4:16
But that’s about as far into that verse as I get before I get caught up on that part, “with confidence”. I am a mess of sin and failure and I just find it difficult to walk up to any throne with confidence. But that’s the beauty of grace, we can do that!
“Grace doesn’t give me a free pass to act out how I feel, with no regard to His commands. Rather His grace gives me consolation in the moment, with a challenge to learn from this situation and become more mature in the future…Grace is the reason I can go to God quickly, immediately-before I’m cleaned up-and boldly ask for His help.” –Lysa Terkeurst
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24
Hailey
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Straight Shooter.
I have always appreciated honesty. Not the folks who are mean spirited about it. But the ones who care enough to tell the truth. I value that. If I'm aiming at a target and miss it left, I want to know that.
So now the question is who sets the standard.
Who can tell me if I am off.
Yesterday I came upon this quote.
@stevenfurtick: You can call it like you see it - or choose to see what God has said.
Our problem is not just vision, but perspective. Our experience is greatly limited compared to God's. His vantage point is immeasurably higher than ours.
We might possibly see clearly, but we don't see enough.
Here are a few verses about the limits of man's wisdom.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.
1 Corinthians 1:25
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Proverbs 21:2
Every man’s way is right in his own eyes,
But the Lord weighs the hearts.
So wisdom is learning to trust God's word, rather than our own eyes or senses.
I have two brothers that are licensed pilots. I asked both about the tragic private airplane crash of John Kennedy. Both said the same thing. It's easy to get disoriented (BTW the word dis-oriented, means you can't find where East is). They both said you HAVE TO TRUST YOUR INSTRUMENTS.
We think there is nothing wrong with our sight. We just call 'em like we see 'em. Well, while we may be well intentioned and honest, our sight and senses could lead us on a path to destruction.
It is easy to become "wise in our own eyes."
Far better to trust what God has said.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
Bullseye.
Joe
So now the question is who sets the standard.
Who can tell me if I am off.
Yesterday I came upon this quote.
@stevenfurtick: You can call it like you see it - or choose to see what God has said.
Our problem is not just vision, but perspective. Our experience is greatly limited compared to God's. His vantage point is immeasurably higher than ours.
We might possibly see clearly, but we don't see enough.
Here are a few verses about the limits of man's wisdom.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.
1 Corinthians 1:25
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Proverbs 21:2
Every man’s way is right in his own eyes,
But the Lord weighs the hearts.
So wisdom is learning to trust God's word, rather than our own eyes or senses.
I have two brothers that are licensed pilots. I asked both about the tragic private airplane crash of John Kennedy. Both said the same thing. It's easy to get disoriented (BTW the word dis-oriented, means you can't find where East is). They both said you HAVE TO TRUST YOUR INSTRUMENTS.
We think there is nothing wrong with our sight. We just call 'em like we see 'em. Well, while we may be well intentioned and honest, our sight and senses could lead us on a path to destruction.
It is easy to become "wise in our own eyes."
Far better to trust what God has said.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
Bullseye.
Joe
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Missing.
We had one of those moments on Sunday that is the substance of every parent's worst nightmare....thinking you have lost a child. I'll fast-forward to the end....we found her (our 8 year old)....she was in the restroom....all is good.
I will say, though, there were a few minutes where panic and horror and terror started to come over us like a tidal wave. We scrambled around, started letting people know to be looking, we covered all the hallways and rooms and even ran around outside. We were consumed with the search. As a parent there is no question that you will use any means, any effort, any cost to find that missing child. Just before I was about to call the police, we found her, and hugged her, and held her and sighed in relief that she was back home with us. That's what God does when we He finds us and we come to Him.
In Luke 15, Jesus reveals the heart of our Father in Heaven for His missing kids...
4 "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? 5 When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, 6 and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' 7 Count on it - there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
8 "Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it you can be sure she'll call her friends and neighbors: 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!' 10 Count on it - that's the kind of party God's angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.
So today....let's remember. We have a heavenly Father who loves His kids. A lot of those kids are missing right now. May we grab hold of the heart of God and use whatever means necessary, short of sin, to help bring more and more missing kids back home to experience the joy, celebration and love of our amazing God!
in Christ,
Brian
I will say, though, there were a few minutes where panic and horror and terror started to come over us like a tidal wave. We scrambled around, started letting people know to be looking, we covered all the hallways and rooms and even ran around outside. We were consumed with the search. As a parent there is no question that you will use any means, any effort, any cost to find that missing child. Just before I was about to call the police, we found her, and hugged her, and held her and sighed in relief that she was back home with us. That's what God does when we He finds us and we come to Him.
In Luke 15, Jesus reveals the heart of our Father in Heaven for His missing kids...
4 "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? 5 When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, 6 and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' 7 Count on it - there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
8 "Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it you can be sure she'll call her friends and neighbors: 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!' 10 Count on it - that's the kind of party God's angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.
So today....let's remember. We have a heavenly Father who loves His kids. A lot of those kids are missing right now. May we grab hold of the heart of God and use whatever means necessary, short of sin, to help bring more and more missing kids back home to experience the joy, celebration and love of our amazing God!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, April 22, 2013
Explanations Don't Bring Comfort.
It's been a difficult week. The tragedies in Boston; West, Texas; and the earthquake in southwest China. Not to mention some heartache for the personal struggles of dear friends. For any with an empathetic heart, a heaviness has hovered over the whole week. I admit in times like this, I will look to certain godly men for perspective and help in processing. Here are some thoughts that collectively ministered to my heart this week.
@RickWarren: Explanations don't bring comfort. The love and presence of God does.
@JohnPiper: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped." Psalm 28:7 I am a witness. 10,000 times.
@louiegiglio: Jesus, thank you for a night of peace in Boston. Praying the healing can begin. Mindful of all who suffered loss. #birthplaceofliberty
@RickWarren: The ultimate test of faith is not how loudly you praise God in happy times but how deeply you trust him in dark times.
@DaveRamsey: “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
@AndyStanley: Praying tonight for Pastors & Priests in Boston.
@matt_papa: "Only love of the Immutable will bring tranquility." - Augustine // i.e. if you adore things which may fail, your peace may fail.
@RickWarren: The good that God intends for me is greater than the bad that happens to me. See Romans 8:28-29
@RickWarren: The darker the sky, the brighter the stars.
“…as children of God you are to shine like stars in a dark world.” Phil. 2:15
@RickWarren: In pain, I'd rather walk with Jesus with all of my questions than walk by myself with all the answers.
Joe
@RickWarren: Explanations don't bring comfort. The love and presence of God does.
@JohnPiper: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped." Psalm 28:7 I am a witness. 10,000 times.
@louiegiglio: Jesus, thank you for a night of peace in Boston. Praying the healing can begin. Mindful of all who suffered loss. #birthplaceofliberty
@RickWarren: The ultimate test of faith is not how loudly you praise God in happy times but how deeply you trust him in dark times.
@DaveRamsey: “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
@AndyStanley: Praying tonight for Pastors & Priests in Boston.
@matt_papa: "Only love of the Immutable will bring tranquility." - Augustine // i.e. if you adore things which may fail, your peace may fail.
@RickWarren: The good that God intends for me is greater than the bad that happens to me. See Romans 8:28-29
@RickWarren: The darker the sky, the brighter the stars.
“…as children of God you are to shine like stars in a dark world.” Phil. 2:15
@RickWarren: In pain, I'd rather walk with Jesus with all of my questions than walk by myself with all the answers.
Joe
Friday, April 19, 2013
Holding on to Hope.
This week has been one of those heavy weeks for our nation. We all felt the horror and shock as we heard news of the evil and senseless attack in Boston on Monday, and then we were shaken once more by the explosion on Wednesday night right here in our home state in West, TX.
Today I was reminded of the prophet Jeremiah who walked faithfully with God through a very heavy time in Israel's history. How would you like to have had his job? Go and proclaim God's message. By the way, no one will listen to you, you will be mocked and abused and the end result will be the complete destruction of Jerusalem.
Lamentations is a book in the Bible where Jeremiah is lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem. It is a very real and honest book from a man who both hurt deeply and held onto God deeply. Here's an exerpt from Chapter 3:
'17 I gave up on life altogether. I've forgotten what the good life is like. 18 I said to myself, "This is it. I'm finished. God is a lost cause." It's a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God 19 I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed. 20 I remember it all - oh, how well I remember - the feeling of hitting the bottom. 21 But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: 22 God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. 23 They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! 24I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left. 25 God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. 26 It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.'
The fact is we are not in heaven yet. Everything and everyone that exists on this planet is broken. It is a broken planet filled with broken people. We have a GOOD GOD who loves us enough to give us the freedom to choose Him or reject Him. We are right in the middle of an epic spiritual battle filled with tragedy, evil and darkness AND beauty, good and light. No matter what happens....no matter where we are....no matter what evil tries to do....OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL....OUR GOD IS GOOD....OUR GOD IS WITH US....OUR GOD WILL NOT FAIL.
Keep holding onto hope today....
in Christ,
Brian
Today I was reminded of the prophet Jeremiah who walked faithfully with God through a very heavy time in Israel's history. How would you like to have had his job? Go and proclaim God's message. By the way, no one will listen to you, you will be mocked and abused and the end result will be the complete destruction of Jerusalem.
Lamentations is a book in the Bible where Jeremiah is lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem. It is a very real and honest book from a man who both hurt deeply and held onto God deeply. Here's an exerpt from Chapter 3:
'17 I gave up on life altogether. I've forgotten what the good life is like. 18 I said to myself, "This is it. I'm finished. God is a lost cause." It's a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God 19 I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed. 20 I remember it all - oh, how well I remember - the feeling of hitting the bottom. 21 But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: 22 God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. 23 They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! 24I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left. 25 God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. 26 It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.'
The fact is we are not in heaven yet. Everything and everyone that exists on this planet is broken. It is a broken planet filled with broken people. We have a GOOD GOD who loves us enough to give us the freedom to choose Him or reject Him. We are right in the middle of an epic spiritual battle filled with tragedy, evil and darkness AND beauty, good and light. No matter what happens....no matter where we are....no matter what evil tries to do....OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL....OUR GOD IS GOOD....OUR GOD IS WITH US....OUR GOD WILL NOT FAIL.
Keep holding onto hope today....
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Why? vs. What?
This last week my bible study was very appropriate in light of the events that occurred on Monday. It was three chapters of dealing with struggles. Monday’s chapter was all about loss. No matter how big or how small, loss hurts.
Here is what Lysa Terkeurst had to say about after our loss and how we deal with it.
“Asking why is perfectly normal. Asking why isn’t unspiritual. However, if asking this question pushes us farther from God rather than drawing us closer to Him, it is the wrong question.”
Asking “why” is naturally the first thing we do. We want to understand how something so devastating could have happened. But wallowing in the Why can lead us into a downward spiral of seeing nothing but problems with no answers in sight, no remedy. So we can’t just linger on the Why, we have to move on to a more important question.
What.
What is it I am supposed to learn from this?
What will God reveal through this?
“Now that this has happened, what am I supposed to do with it?”
God, I look to You
I won’t be overwhelmed
Give me a vision to see things like You do
God, I look to You
You’re where my help comes from
Give me wisdom
You know just what to do
Let’s cry out that verse this week as we actively seek out what we are called to do in these times.
Hailey
Here is what Lysa Terkeurst had to say about after our loss and how we deal with it.
“Asking why is perfectly normal. Asking why isn’t unspiritual. However, if asking this question pushes us farther from God rather than drawing us closer to Him, it is the wrong question.”
Asking “why” is naturally the first thing we do. We want to understand how something so devastating could have happened. But wallowing in the Why can lead us into a downward spiral of seeing nothing but problems with no answers in sight, no remedy. So we can’t just linger on the Why, we have to move on to a more important question.
What.
What is it I am supposed to learn from this?
What will God reveal through this?
“Now that this has happened, what am I supposed to do with it?”
God, I look to You
I won’t be overwhelmed
Give me a vision to see things like You do
God, I look to You
You’re where my help comes from
Give me wisdom
You know just what to do
Let’s cry out that verse this week as we actively seek out what we are called to do in these times.
Hailey
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Masters.
I love the high drama that happens on the back nine of the final round at Augusta. This Sunday was among the best. Some writers compared it to a classic "Ali and Frazier" heavyweight championship bout. I was personally pulling for Adam Scott because I love to see someone "come back" from a difficult defeat and find victory.
As many of you know Adam lost "The Open" by bogeying the last four holes nine months ago to Ernie Els.
And while Ernie birdied the final hole, Adam really gave away the championship. It was a painful loss, but he talked about how he learned that he was capable of leading and winning a championship. And that the next time he "believed" he would finish better. Wow, shows you what belief can do. He certainly did finish better this time.
So this week after enjoying the high lights and post game discussions, I was reading my twitter feed and came across this from Rick Warren.
@RickWarren: If you spend more time watching the #masters than alone with the #Master,don't wonder why you lack spiritual power.
Ouch!!! While that stung a little bit, I don't think Rick is saying enjoying the drama of the Master's is a bad thing at all.
But what he is saying is that a follower of Jesus will be filled with power, love, and wisdom,
in direct proportion to time spent with Our Master, the Lord Jesus.
So let's spend some time in prayer and in deep study of God's word.
In golf I've been taught to spend more time working on my short game to improve my score.
In life, let's spend more time in the secret place to grow our faith in God and find lasting victory through Jesus Christ.
Joe
As many of you know Adam lost "The Open" by bogeying the last four holes nine months ago to Ernie Els.
And while Ernie birdied the final hole, Adam really gave away the championship. It was a painful loss, but he talked about how he learned that he was capable of leading and winning a championship. And that the next time he "believed" he would finish better. Wow, shows you what belief can do. He certainly did finish better this time.
So this week after enjoying the high lights and post game discussions, I was reading my twitter feed and came across this from Rick Warren.
@RickWarren: If you spend more time watching the #masters than alone with the #Master,don't wonder why you lack spiritual power.
Ouch!!! While that stung a little bit, I don't think Rick is saying enjoying the drama of the Master's is a bad thing at all.
But what he is saying is that a follower of Jesus will be filled with power, love, and wisdom,
in direct proportion to time spent with Our Master, the Lord Jesus.
So let's spend some time in prayer and in deep study of God's word.
In golf I've been taught to spend more time working on my short game to improve my score.
In life, let's spend more time in the secret place to grow our faith in God and find lasting victory through Jesus Christ.
Joe
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Count, Walk, Ask, Love.
Last week I listened to a message from a pastor in California named Miles McPherson. He refers to his church as a 'Do Something' church. He defines this type of church as a 'church body that does what Jesus did when He was in His body.' He described four specific things that Jesus did during His ministry: counting, walking, asking and loving.
The gospels, as well as the entire Bible, are full of numbers. Numbers matter to God. Think about it. Jesus picked 12 disciples...He fed 5,000 men...He healed 10 lepers and only 1 returned to give thanks...He helped Peter and the boys catch 153 fish after His resurrection...and on and on. To count means that we are aware of the people in our community. It means we know who is on our street. It means we don't overlook anyone, and each soul matters to God.
Another thing Jesus did constantly was walk. He could have set up camp in the synagogue and sent out flyers and had people come to Him. He chose rather to go where they were. When Jesus' feet stood on a piece of ground, He was reclaiming that land for God. When He physcially showed up, the demons got nervous. When a Christ-follower, filled with the Spirit, shows up at a gathering of any kind, the demons get nervous too. They certainly don't get nervous beause of me. They get nervous because, as a child of God, the presence and authority of Jesus go with me into the darkness around me. When we show up, God shows up too!
Jesus constantly asked questions. When He encountered the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, He asked, 'What do you want Me to do for you?'. Bartimaeus cried out, 'Rabbi, I want to see!' When we show up and are in the lives of people, that's our opportunity to simply ask questions. We don't shout at people with a bull horn and shove signs in their face, but we can ask them questions like....'Is there anything I can do for you?'....'Is there anything I can pray for you about?'....'How can I encourage you today?'
Lastly, just like Jesus lived a life of love, so we are called to 'be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love...' (Ephesians 5:1) Loving someone may mean being part of the answer to their need or prayer request. It might mean helping them clean up a mess, bringing them a meal, or giving them a ride. It might mean sharing with them the story of how Jesus changed your life and wants to also give them life. We simply need to play the part that the Holy Spirit wants us to play in the moment in order to continually nudge people closer and closer towards God.
So, are you ready? Let's count, walk, ask and love today!
in Christ,
Brian
The gospels, as well as the entire Bible, are full of numbers. Numbers matter to God. Think about it. Jesus picked 12 disciples...He fed 5,000 men...He healed 10 lepers and only 1 returned to give thanks...He helped Peter and the boys catch 153 fish after His resurrection...and on and on. To count means that we are aware of the people in our community. It means we know who is on our street. It means we don't overlook anyone, and each soul matters to God.
Another thing Jesus did constantly was walk. He could have set up camp in the synagogue and sent out flyers and had people come to Him. He chose rather to go where they were. When Jesus' feet stood on a piece of ground, He was reclaiming that land for God. When He physcially showed up, the demons got nervous. When a Christ-follower, filled with the Spirit, shows up at a gathering of any kind, the demons get nervous too. They certainly don't get nervous beause of me. They get nervous because, as a child of God, the presence and authority of Jesus go with me into the darkness around me. When we show up, God shows up too!
Jesus constantly asked questions. When He encountered the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, He asked, 'What do you want Me to do for you?'. Bartimaeus cried out, 'Rabbi, I want to see!' When we show up and are in the lives of people, that's our opportunity to simply ask questions. We don't shout at people with a bull horn and shove signs in their face, but we can ask them questions like....'Is there anything I can do for you?'....'Is there anything I can pray for you about?'....'How can I encourage you today?'
Lastly, just like Jesus lived a life of love, so we are called to 'be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love...' (Ephesians 5:1) Loving someone may mean being part of the answer to their need or prayer request. It might mean helping them clean up a mess, bringing them a meal, or giving them a ride. It might mean sharing with them the story of how Jesus changed your life and wants to also give them life. We simply need to play the part that the Holy Spirit wants us to play in the moment in order to continually nudge people closer and closer towards God.
So, are you ready? Let's count, walk, ask and love today!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, April 15, 2013
Ten Big, Daily Reminders by Matt Reagan.
(I found this blog on desiringgod.org on March 13. It is simply too good not to share.)
I wake up lost every morning. At least that’s what it feels like. Perhaps something similar is true of you.
Somehow during the night I’ve forgotten the big realities about God and the universe and myself and the gospel. I desperately need to steady myself with biblical truth rather than stumbling forward to live from unbelief.
I tend to forget the big realities during the day as well. I regularly catch myself living on the idiotic assumption that I will constantly remember the things that really matter — and that I will act in line with them. I assume that the realm of the seen and touched will not overwhelm the realm of the unseen and hoped for.
But in reality, whether it’s night or day, I don’t stay awake to what’s truly important for very long. I am like that college kid who sits in church on Sunday morning trying to keep his eyes open after an irresponsibly late Saturday night. My eyelids droop by default, and my mind wanders from the glories of the Bible to superfluous, naturalistic daydreams (that may or may not end with an embarrassing full-body twitch that snaps me awake again).
So I’ve learned over time to put structures in place that remind me of those unseen things, especially during my bleary-eyed, half-conscious mornings.
One effort is this list of ten truths. I hung it up next to our dining room rocking chair (my preferred spot for study and contemplation). It’s developed over the years as a list of the daily reminders I need most. Many of them overlap substantially, but a double reminder only reinforces the original purpose.
I’ve added a short commentary for each in hopes that something here might help you in your pursuit of remembering the biggest truths that we can be prone to assume and forget.
1) God exists. (Exodus 3:14; John 8:58)
It seems so simple, so basic, but I tend to wake up a naturalist, and a narcissistic one at that. I assume that all there is in the world is what is in front of my face. My bed, my wife, my kids, and most importantly myself. The simple yet ultimate existence of God immediately clears my lens, makes me small, and infuses meaning into every step. God exists — and that changes everything.
2) God loves you. (Romans 5:8; John 16:27; Jeremiah 32:40–41)
Another massive biblical reality, this immediately counters my hesitation to embrace God’s ultimate authority, reminding me that he has set his affections on this little speck of a person. He is far from indifferent toward me.
3) Jesus died for you, and the Father has now bound himself to give you only good things. (Romans 8:28; Romans 8:32)
This draws me quickly to the central reality of all history: the cross. It is an objective truth set in time and space, so it immediately draws my gaze away from my own capacity to garner acceptance from God through my efforts. Furthermore, the outworkings of the cross make clear that even the harshest trials will come to me as blessing, for my ultimate good, no matter how bad I feel at the time.
4) God sees you as perfect. (Hebrews 10:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
My self-absorption, anxiety, and self-pity know no bounds. They must be beaten into submission by the beauty of imputed righteousness. The question, “How am I doing?” is met head-on with the answer, “Perfect.” In that regard, every day is a good day.
5) That is because of Jesus’s perfection, not yours. You deserve hell. (Romans 3:10; 1 Timothy 1:15)
There are two main purposes here: first, to counterpunch when my flesh looks for a way to subtly claim credit for the perfection that is mine only in Jesus; second, to maintain a sense of trembling gratitude for my salvation. While I enjoy the glory of the gospel, there should always be an awestruck voice in the back of my mind that is whispering, “I shouldn’t be here.”
6) You will die. (James 4:14, Hebrews 9:27)
Nothing brings clarity to me like this simple and straightforward reminder. How quickly I assume my earthly immortality, and how often I need to think of myself as a terminal cancer patient.
7) You will live forever in the new heavens and new earth. (Romans 8:18, Hebrews 10:34)
I don’t want to be a clear-headed fearer of death, like some atheistic poet. I want to glory in the guarantee of indescribable bliss that is just around the corner. And I want to live like it’s real — because it is.
8) For now, you are an exile on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13–16)
This keeps me from feeling at home when I’m not at home (especially in my own home). It prepares me for not fitting in, for weird looks when I speak with conviction about Jesus, and for holding loosely to every bit of earthly life.
9) Nothing on earth is truly worth putting your hope in. (Jeremiah 2:13; Galatians 6:14)
This is a practical specification of #8. It is right for me to remember that I will inevitably be disappointed by every earthly pursuit or relationship or emotional experience. It runs me back to my true Home and the true Bridegroom.
10) You have no right to be unhappy. (Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:8–9)
This is a summarizing application of all the previous reminders, but it merits its own slot. How quick I am to become “blah” when there is a treasure trove of happy reality at my disposal! I must beat this into my discontent little brain. I can be plenty unhappy, but I have no right to be.
These reminders flee from my mind like stray socks in an armful of laundry. Every time I pick one up, another falls. By the time I read #10, #1 is beckoning again. What a grace that #4 is still true!
Matt Reagan is an elder at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, and Campus Outreach director at the University of Minnesota.
More from Matt Reagan:
More from Matt Reagan:
March Madness, Athletic Achievement, and Christians in Competitive Sports
Overcoming the Denial of Death
I wake up lost every morning. At least that’s what it feels like. Perhaps something similar is true of you.
Somehow during the night I’ve forgotten the big realities about God and the universe and myself and the gospel. I desperately need to steady myself with biblical truth rather than stumbling forward to live from unbelief.
I tend to forget the big realities during the day as well. I regularly catch myself living on the idiotic assumption that I will constantly remember the things that really matter — and that I will act in line with them. I assume that the realm of the seen and touched will not overwhelm the realm of the unseen and hoped for.
But in reality, whether it’s night or day, I don’t stay awake to what’s truly important for very long. I am like that college kid who sits in church on Sunday morning trying to keep his eyes open after an irresponsibly late Saturday night. My eyelids droop by default, and my mind wanders from the glories of the Bible to superfluous, naturalistic daydreams (that may or may not end with an embarrassing full-body twitch that snaps me awake again).
So I’ve learned over time to put structures in place that remind me of those unseen things, especially during my bleary-eyed, half-conscious mornings.
One effort is this list of ten truths. I hung it up next to our dining room rocking chair (my preferred spot for study and contemplation). It’s developed over the years as a list of the daily reminders I need most. Many of them overlap substantially, but a double reminder only reinforces the original purpose.
I’ve added a short commentary for each in hopes that something here might help you in your pursuit of remembering the biggest truths that we can be prone to assume and forget.
1) God exists. (Exodus 3:14; John 8:58)
It seems so simple, so basic, but I tend to wake up a naturalist, and a narcissistic one at that. I assume that all there is in the world is what is in front of my face. My bed, my wife, my kids, and most importantly myself. The simple yet ultimate existence of God immediately clears my lens, makes me small, and infuses meaning into every step. God exists — and that changes everything.
2) God loves you. (Romans 5:8; John 16:27; Jeremiah 32:40–41)
Another massive biblical reality, this immediately counters my hesitation to embrace God’s ultimate authority, reminding me that he has set his affections on this little speck of a person. He is far from indifferent toward me.
3) Jesus died for you, and the Father has now bound himself to give you only good things. (Romans 8:28; Romans 8:32)
This draws me quickly to the central reality of all history: the cross. It is an objective truth set in time and space, so it immediately draws my gaze away from my own capacity to garner acceptance from God through my efforts. Furthermore, the outworkings of the cross make clear that even the harshest trials will come to me as blessing, for my ultimate good, no matter how bad I feel at the time.
4) God sees you as perfect. (Hebrews 10:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
My self-absorption, anxiety, and self-pity know no bounds. They must be beaten into submission by the beauty of imputed righteousness. The question, “How am I doing?” is met head-on with the answer, “Perfect.” In that regard, every day is a good day.
5) That is because of Jesus’s perfection, not yours. You deserve hell. (Romans 3:10; 1 Timothy 1:15)
There are two main purposes here: first, to counterpunch when my flesh looks for a way to subtly claim credit for the perfection that is mine only in Jesus; second, to maintain a sense of trembling gratitude for my salvation. While I enjoy the glory of the gospel, there should always be an awestruck voice in the back of my mind that is whispering, “I shouldn’t be here.”
6) You will die. (James 4:14, Hebrews 9:27)
Nothing brings clarity to me like this simple and straightforward reminder. How quickly I assume my earthly immortality, and how often I need to think of myself as a terminal cancer patient.
7) You will live forever in the new heavens and new earth. (Romans 8:18, Hebrews 10:34)
I don’t want to be a clear-headed fearer of death, like some atheistic poet. I want to glory in the guarantee of indescribable bliss that is just around the corner. And I want to live like it’s real — because it is.
8) For now, you are an exile on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13–16)
This keeps me from feeling at home when I’m not at home (especially in my own home). It prepares me for not fitting in, for weird looks when I speak with conviction about Jesus, and for holding loosely to every bit of earthly life.
9) Nothing on earth is truly worth putting your hope in. (Jeremiah 2:13; Galatians 6:14)
This is a practical specification of #8. It is right for me to remember that I will inevitably be disappointed by every earthly pursuit or relationship or emotional experience. It runs me back to my true Home and the true Bridegroom.
10) You have no right to be unhappy. (Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:8–9)
This is a summarizing application of all the previous reminders, but it merits its own slot. How quick I am to become “blah” when there is a treasure trove of happy reality at my disposal! I must beat this into my discontent little brain. I can be plenty unhappy, but I have no right to be.
These reminders flee from my mind like stray socks in an armful of laundry. Every time I pick one up, another falls. By the time I read #10, #1 is beckoning again. What a grace that #4 is still true!
Matt Reagan is an elder at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, and Campus Outreach director at the University of Minnesota.
More from Matt Reagan:
More from Matt Reagan:
March Madness, Athletic Achievement, and Christians in Competitive Sports
Overcoming the Denial of Death
Friday, April 12, 2013
Walking Purposefully.
I ran across the following quote from Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback, this week:
'It's human nature to get distracted by minor issues....Without a clear purpose, you will keep changing directions, jobs, relationships, churches, or other externals - hoping each change will settle the confusion or fill the emptiness in your heart. You think, maybe this time it will be different, but it doesn't solve your real problem - a lack of focus and purpose. The Bible says, 'Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants (Ephesians 5:17 MSG).'
When I get pulled into the rat race of life and get ruled by the tyranny of the urgent rather than live for what's important, I have that feeling of walking around carelessly and unthinkingly. When I finally pause for more than 10 seconds I start to feel a wave of emptiness and restlessness come over me and I panic. As Rick alludes to, I immediately start to think that if I just simply change my diet, or start exercising, or get a new hobby or drop a new hobby, then I will remedy that restless feeling. While some of these things could definitely help, they don't get to the real issue....my failure to walk daily and moment by moment with a confidence and clarity regarding God' purpose for my life.
One of the great gifts Pastor Rick Warren has brought to the church over the last 20 years is a heightened awareness of our purpose as Christians. I thought it might be good to let these sink in again in our hearts today so that we know what we're to be about...
We're to be about worship.....loving God and honoring Him in our life above all else
We're to be about fellowship....doing life with other believers and learning how to love like Jesus does
We're to be about ministry....using our gifts, abilites and experiences to make a difference for God
We're to be about discipleship....growing daily through reading God's Word and living it out
We're to be about evangelism....praying for those who don't know God and loving them towards Christ.
Let's walk purposefully today!
in Christ,
Brian
'It's human nature to get distracted by minor issues....Without a clear purpose, you will keep changing directions, jobs, relationships, churches, or other externals - hoping each change will settle the confusion or fill the emptiness in your heart. You think, maybe this time it will be different, but it doesn't solve your real problem - a lack of focus and purpose. The Bible says, 'Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants (Ephesians 5:17 MSG).'
When I get pulled into the rat race of life and get ruled by the tyranny of the urgent rather than live for what's important, I have that feeling of walking around carelessly and unthinkingly. When I finally pause for more than 10 seconds I start to feel a wave of emptiness and restlessness come over me and I panic. As Rick alludes to, I immediately start to think that if I just simply change my diet, or start exercising, or get a new hobby or drop a new hobby, then I will remedy that restless feeling. While some of these things could definitely help, they don't get to the real issue....my failure to walk daily and moment by moment with a confidence and clarity regarding God' purpose for my life.
One of the great gifts Pastor Rick Warren has brought to the church over the last 20 years is a heightened awareness of our purpose as Christians. I thought it might be good to let these sink in again in our hearts today so that we know what we're to be about...
We're to be about worship.....loving God and honoring Him in our life above all else
We're to be about fellowship....doing life with other believers and learning how to love like Jesus does
We're to be about ministry....using our gifts, abilites and experiences to make a difference for God
We're to be about discipleship....growing daily through reading God's Word and living it out
We're to be about evangelism....praying for those who don't know God and loving them towards Christ.
Let's walk purposefully today!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Savior To Me.
This week we are going to hear a song that beautifully articulates the endlessness of God and the wonder that He would choose to be our Savior.
He would choose to create the world and all its wonders, to hang the stars in the sky and perform miracles...and He would choose to save us, an undeserving people.
This song touches on the vastness of God and appreciates how could we ever sing a song that truly captures all that He is and all the thanks and praise we could possibly give?
I cannot articulate any better what this song means so I will let the lyrics speak for themselves because even without music, without a tune, they reverberate within my heart.
Before the break of that first dawn
You wrote the secrets of the world
and filled the ancient skies
with Your voice and light
Before the world began to spin
You knew the heart of broken men
and how to save our lives
with Your perfect sacrifice
What words could tell
What song could sing
and bring
Glory to the God above
full of truth and endless love
He who is and was
and always will be
I surrender to the One
gentle and most powerful
of all the things You are
You've chosen to be
a Savior to me
You have made Your light to shine
through the darkness of all time
and that light was life
in the face of Jesus Christ
You've caused a dawn within my soul
my heart no longer is my own
I want to praise You now
with every breath that You allow
What words could tell
What song could sing
and bring
Glory to the God above
full of truth and endless love
He who is and was
and always will be
I surrender to the One
gentle and most powerful
of all the things You are
You've chosen to be
a Savior to me
and I sing glory
to God almighty
Click Here to Watch The Video
Singing glory,
Hailey
He would choose to create the world and all its wonders, to hang the stars in the sky and perform miracles...and He would choose to save us, an undeserving people.
This song touches on the vastness of God and appreciates how could we ever sing a song that truly captures all that He is and all the thanks and praise we could possibly give?
I cannot articulate any better what this song means so I will let the lyrics speak for themselves because even without music, without a tune, they reverberate within my heart.
Before the break of that first dawn
You wrote the secrets of the world
and filled the ancient skies
with Your voice and light
Before the world began to spin
You knew the heart of broken men
and how to save our lives
with Your perfect sacrifice
What words could tell
What song could sing
and bring
Glory to the God above
full of truth and endless love
He who is and was
and always will be
I surrender to the One
gentle and most powerful
of all the things You are
You've chosen to be
a Savior to me
You have made Your light to shine
through the darkness of all time
and that light was life
in the face of Jesus Christ
You've caused a dawn within my soul
my heart no longer is my own
I want to praise You now
with every breath that You allow
What words could tell
What song could sing
and bring
Glory to the God above
full of truth and endless love
He who is and was
and always will be
I surrender to the One
gentle and most powerful
of all the things You are
You've chosen to be
a Savior to me
and I sing glory
to God almighty
Click Here to Watch The Video
Singing glory,
Hailey
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Savoring Scripture.
I like beef jerky. I like the flavor. I like the texture. I can take it with me anywhere. It doesn't spoil. It packs well, no matter where I'm going or how long I'm going to be there. It lasts a long time. When I eat it, I feel a kinship with all the great adventurers past and present. It satisfies me. I find it relaxing to break off a piece and chew for awhile.
I have found when I read one passage of scripture over and over, committing it to memory, it has many of the same kinds of benefits.
Joshua 1:8a says, "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night...." (That's kind of like chewing .....right?)
I believe that studying a portion of scripture for a season, and committing it to memory, transforms our minds, strengthens our faith and fills our souls.
God's word brings flavor to our lives.
It goes with us wherever we go.
It never spoils or is diminished in any way.
It connects us to all the great souls of the ages past, present and future.
It satisfies our deepest questions and greatest longings.
I would encourage all of us to pick a few great passages of scripture,
and savor God's word.
Joe
Here are a few to get us going. I am using NIV to memorize these days.
1 John 3:16
2 Philippians 4:6
3 Romans 12:2
4 Galatians 2:20
5 Romans 6:23
6 Romans 12:1
7 Ephesians 2:8
8 Philippians 4:7
9 Romans 8:28
10 Psalms 1:1
I have found when I read one passage of scripture over and over, committing it to memory, it has many of the same kinds of benefits.
Joshua 1:8a says, "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night...." (That's kind of like chewing .....right?)
I believe that studying a portion of scripture for a season, and committing it to memory, transforms our minds, strengthens our faith and fills our souls.
God's word brings flavor to our lives.
It goes with us wherever we go.
It never spoils or is diminished in any way.
It connects us to all the great souls of the ages past, present and future.
It satisfies our deepest questions and greatest longings.
I would encourage all of us to pick a few great passages of scripture,
and savor God's word.
Joe
Here are a few to get us going. I am using NIV to memorize these days.
1 John 3:16
2 Philippians 4:6
3 Romans 12:2
4 Galatians 2:20
5 Romans 6:23
6 Romans 12:1
7 Ephesians 2:8
8 Philippians 4:7
9 Romans 8:28
10 Psalms 1:1
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The Roaring Whisper.
In Matthew 19 there is a quick little moment that we get to view in the life of Jesus. It says, '13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.'
Yesterday, Joe baptized a young seven year old boy from our church. He shared that in his own life, his faith journey began when he was six years old. He explained that even as a young boy, he had a vibrant and wild faith, where He took Jesus at His word and believed in a powerful and child-like way.
It's awesome to see little kids come to believe in Jesus. They seem to hear God with a clarity and believe God with a sincerity that challenges us as adults. Here's an exerpt from a book called 'Dangerous Wonder' by Mike Yaconelli that speaks about children hearing God's voice:
'There is a deep voice within all of us, a voice. It speaks to us continuously, knocking on the door of our consciousness. When we are children, the voice is very loud (as it was with me), shattering our awareness with overwhelming clarity. Its loudness is not like a train or jet engine. It shouts to us with a whisper. It is like the wind breezing throug a field of daises, scattering their petals across the sky into a flower snowstorm. It is like a thousand flutes echoing in the middle of the forest. This voice of our childhood is the voice of wonder and amazement, the voice of God..... One sad day, we are aware of an absence. We can no longer hear the God-voice, and we are left with only silence - not a quiet silence but a roaring silence.
We did not want to stop hearing God's voice. Indeed, God kept on speaking. But our lives became louder. The increasing crescendo of our possessions, the ear-piercing noise of busyness, and the soul-smothering volume of endless activity drowned out the still, small voice of God.' - p14
The following word combinations are Mike Yaconelli's challenge to us to rediscover child-like faith.....it's about experiencing....Dangerous Wonder.....Risky Curiosity....Wild Abandon....Daring Playfulness....Wide-eyed Listening....Irresponsible Passion....Happy Terror....Naive Grace....Child-like Faith. May you and I reconnect with that child-like faith today and may we once again hear the whisper of God's voice!
in Christ,
Brian
Yesterday, Joe baptized a young seven year old boy from our church. He shared that in his own life, his faith journey began when he was six years old. He explained that even as a young boy, he had a vibrant and wild faith, where He took Jesus at His word and believed in a powerful and child-like way.
It's awesome to see little kids come to believe in Jesus. They seem to hear God with a clarity and believe God with a sincerity that challenges us as adults. Here's an exerpt from a book called 'Dangerous Wonder' by Mike Yaconelli that speaks about children hearing God's voice:
'There is a deep voice within all of us, a voice. It speaks to us continuously, knocking on the door of our consciousness. When we are children, the voice is very loud (as it was with me), shattering our awareness with overwhelming clarity. Its loudness is not like a train or jet engine. It shouts to us with a whisper. It is like the wind breezing throug a field of daises, scattering their petals across the sky into a flower snowstorm. It is like a thousand flutes echoing in the middle of the forest. This voice of our childhood is the voice of wonder and amazement, the voice of God..... One sad day, we are aware of an absence. We can no longer hear the God-voice, and we are left with only silence - not a quiet silence but a roaring silence.
We did not want to stop hearing God's voice. Indeed, God kept on speaking. But our lives became louder. The increasing crescendo of our possessions, the ear-piercing noise of busyness, and the soul-smothering volume of endless activity drowned out the still, small voice of God.' - p14
The following word combinations are Mike Yaconelli's challenge to us to rediscover child-like faith.....it's about experiencing....Dangerous Wonder.....Risky Curiosity....Wild Abandon....Daring Playfulness....Wide-eyed Listening....Irresponsible Passion....Happy Terror....Naive Grace....Child-like Faith. May you and I reconnect with that child-like faith today and may we once again hear the whisper of God's voice!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, April 8, 2013
Happy, Happy, Happy.
God centered, other centered or self centered.
Two of these bring a lot of joy; one brings misery.
On his twitter feed @matt_papa: states, "Seek your own happiness and you will not find it. Seek another's happiness and there is yours. O, the wisdom of God."
I believe the happiest people are those who don't spend great amounts of time thinking about whether or not they are happy.
Jesus, when teaching us the "greatest commandment,"
said that first, we should love God.
But then He said something quite interesting.
He said, "and the second is like the first."
What? Loving other people is "like" loving God.
Why? How so?
The people that are my closest friends and family. The people that love me the most, love and care about my children. They ask about how they are doing. And then, they ask about my grandchildren. (Don't get me started)
I believe God is saying, love me and if you really love me, you will love my children.
So when I struggle with happiness, it's because I've put myself in the center of the universe. And I'm somehow amazed when my world falls apart.
Let's make God the center of our thoughts and affections and serving His children
and in so doing truly find happiness.
Happy, Happy, Happy,
Joe
Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied:“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it:‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ’
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:11 NIV
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Two of these bring a lot of joy; one brings misery.
On his twitter feed @matt_papa: states, "Seek your own happiness and you will not find it. Seek another's happiness and there is yours. O, the wisdom of God."
I believe the happiest people are those who don't spend great amounts of time thinking about whether or not they are happy.
Jesus, when teaching us the "greatest commandment,"
said that first, we should love God.
But then He said something quite interesting.
He said, "and the second is like the first."
What? Loving other people is "like" loving God.
Why? How so?
The people that are my closest friends and family. The people that love me the most, love and care about my children. They ask about how they are doing. And then, they ask about my grandchildren. (Don't get me started)
I believe God is saying, love me and if you really love me, you will love my children.
So when I struggle with happiness, it's because I've put myself in the center of the universe. And I'm somehow amazed when my world falls apart.
Let's make God the center of our thoughts and affections and serving His children
and in so doing truly find happiness.
Happy, Happy, Happy,
Joe
Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied:“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it:‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ’
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:11 NIV
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Friday, April 5, 2013
A Powerful Four-Letter Word.
What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning? What is it that helps you persevere through difficult circumstances? What is it that motivates you during the week? For Christians, I believe the answer is hope. What is hope? I like John Pipers' way of defining it. He says that hope is the futuristic aspect of faith. Hope is the confident expectation in God concerning the future.
Hope is not simply wishful thinking. We trivialize hope with statements like, 'I hope it doesn't rain today' or 'I hope there isn't a lot of traffic' or 'I hope my wife doesn't realize I forgot our anniversary' (Yikes!....Hopefully that is hypothetical). Hope is being so sure in God and His character that you say things like 'I know God will be faithful' and 'I know my God will not fail' and 'I know He is good and will bring good from this somehow.'
True Christian hope allows us to see the world differently. Where others see doom and gloom and walls and dead ends, we see light and redemption and open doors and possibilities. When we walk through difficult and trying circumstances we know that 'God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.' When we start to feel paralyzed with fear of failure and we want to give up, we recall that 'He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.'
Even for us who are walking through difficult marriages, strained family relationships, and challenges with friends, we know that the gospel is all about reconciled relationships (us and God and us and others), according to 2 Corinthians 5:19. Here's a very practicial thing to do today. Think of 1-2 negative and discouraging thoughts that discourage you on a regular basis and drain your motivation. Write those thoughts down and then go to the Bible and find a verse that speaks hope over those negative thoughts. Once you've found those verses I want you to type them out and tape them on your bathroom mirror or in your car where you will constantly be reminded of God and His promises.
I'd like to sign off with this blessing from Romans 15:13 today that says, '13 So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.'
in Christ,
Brian
Hope is not simply wishful thinking. We trivialize hope with statements like, 'I hope it doesn't rain today' or 'I hope there isn't a lot of traffic' or 'I hope my wife doesn't realize I forgot our anniversary' (Yikes!....Hopefully that is hypothetical). Hope is being so sure in God and His character that you say things like 'I know God will be faithful' and 'I know my God will not fail' and 'I know He is good and will bring good from this somehow.'
True Christian hope allows us to see the world differently. Where others see doom and gloom and walls and dead ends, we see light and redemption and open doors and possibilities. When we walk through difficult and trying circumstances we know that 'God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.' When we start to feel paralyzed with fear of failure and we want to give up, we recall that 'He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.'
Even for us who are walking through difficult marriages, strained family relationships, and challenges with friends, we know that the gospel is all about reconciled relationships (us and God and us and others), according to 2 Corinthians 5:19. Here's a very practicial thing to do today. Think of 1-2 negative and discouraging thoughts that discourage you on a regular basis and drain your motivation. Write those thoughts down and then go to the Bible and find a verse that speaks hope over those negative thoughts. Once you've found those verses I want you to type them out and tape them on your bathroom mirror or in your car where you will constantly be reminded of God and His promises.
I'd like to sign off with this blessing from Romans 15:13 today that says, '13 So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.'
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Love is Patient.
1 Corinthians chapter 13 is the Love chapter. I’m sure you’re familiar with its most famous verses:
Verses 4-6
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
This is a beautiful and all-encompassing description of love. But I noticed the very first adjective is “patient” and I believe there may be a reason for that. You could say that patience is the root of it all. Love is kind even when someone makes you mad. Instead of flying off the handle you wait it out and work through it with controlled patience that exemplifies true love. When I think of someone being patient I imagine someone who is very calm because to me that is the outward expression of love.
A song just popped into my head. The words go something like this:
"But mamma said
You can't hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
It's a game of give and take"
Love isn’t easy, it takes work, and patience is the only way to effectively work through any relationship.
It’s a game of give and take ~
Hailey
Verses 4-6
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
This is a beautiful and all-encompassing description of love. But I noticed the very first adjective is “patient” and I believe there may be a reason for that. You could say that patience is the root of it all. Love is kind even when someone makes you mad. Instead of flying off the handle you wait it out and work through it with controlled patience that exemplifies true love. When I think of someone being patient I imagine someone who is very calm because to me that is the outward expression of love.
A song just popped into my head. The words go something like this:
"But mamma said
You can't hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
It's a game of give and take"
Love isn’t easy, it takes work, and patience is the only way to effectively work through any relationship.
It’s a game of give and take ~
Hailey
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
The Tomb is Just As Empty Today.
" The tomb is just as empty today as it was Sunday, so you can be just as full of hope today." @RickAtchley
Easter Sunday was amazing!!! And while we can't always live on the mountain top experience, that same power is available everyday. I believe one of the reasons Easter worship is so exhilarating is the sense of being connected to so many people world wide celebrating Jesus' rising from the dead. A standing room only mentality happens only when something very exciting is going on.
I'm reminded of an old preacher story I heard when I was a young man. The story goes like this:
"The town atheist was not a bad man, he just didn’t believe. He was not interested in church. There was only one church in the area and it was a cold and dead social club, where no decisions were being made.
One day the church building caught on fire, and the whole town ran toward it to help extinguish the flames…including the town atheist!
Someone hollered out: “Hey, this is the first time I’ve ever seen you running to church!” He shouted back, “This is the first time I’ve ever seen the church on fire!”
My prayer is that our lives will be so transformed by the renewing power of the Gospel, that many families will be drawn to see what is going on and will find the Risen Savior.
May all our gatherings be filled with eager hope and celebration of the reality of God's grace and the empty tomb.
Joe
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here
Easter Sunday was amazing!!! And while we can't always live on the mountain top experience, that same power is available everyday. I believe one of the reasons Easter worship is so exhilarating is the sense of being connected to so many people world wide celebrating Jesus' rising from the dead. A standing room only mentality happens only when something very exciting is going on.
I'm reminded of an old preacher story I heard when I was a young man. The story goes like this:
"The town atheist was not a bad man, he just didn’t believe. He was not interested in church. There was only one church in the area and it was a cold and dead social club, where no decisions were being made.
One day the church building caught on fire, and the whole town ran toward it to help extinguish the flames…including the town atheist!
Someone hollered out: “Hey, this is the first time I’ve ever seen you running to church!” He shouted back, “This is the first time I’ve ever seen the church on fire!”
My prayer is that our lives will be so transformed by the renewing power of the Gospel, that many families will be drawn to see what is going on and will find the Risen Savior.
May all our gatherings be filled with eager hope and celebration of the reality of God's grace and the empty tomb.
Joe
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Go & Tell.
The Resurrection of Jesus was like a shock wave that began in Jerusalem in AD 33 and we are feeling its effects all over the globe almost 2000 years later. He appeared to the women who came to His tomb early that first Easter morning. He then appeared to the disciples and eventually to more than 500 eye witnesses. How is an event that happened so long still talked about, sung about, and celebrated throughout the nations of the earth? Because when you encounter the resurrected and living Jesus, you can't shut up about it.
'Go and tell' is the instruction that Jesus gives His followers before He ascends to heaven. In Matthew He tells them to 'go therefore and make disciples...' In Mark He tells them to 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation...' In Luke He tells them that 'repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.' The gospel of John ends with Jesus, once again, calling Peter to lay down his fishing nets and to go and be a fisher of men and a shepherd to the early church.
So now, for us as Christ followers in this generation, this amazing 'good news' rests with us. The passion that led many of the early church Christians to die a martyrs came from the fact that they had witnessed and encountered the Resurrected Christ first-hand. Likewise, our passion for sharing the gospel is completely dependent on us daily encountering our Resurrected Savior in a fresh way. I love the Great Commission in Matthew because it begins by reminding us that we go in Jesus' authority and power and it ends by reminding us that Jesus is always with us.
If you and me will daily stop and draw near to Jesus, it will change the course of our day. I believe that we will see our world differently. I believe that there will be a new purpose to our lives and a new excitement knowing that we are on mission with Christ. I believe that the presence of Christ will make us fully alive and His love will shine through us and people will notice. I believe that people will be drawn to the 'Light of the World' who lives in us and they will want to hear about the One who overcame the grave. Are we ready? Let's step out there and spread this incredible news!
in Christ,
Brian
'Go and tell' is the instruction that Jesus gives His followers before He ascends to heaven. In Matthew He tells them to 'go therefore and make disciples...' In Mark He tells them to 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation...' In Luke He tells them that 'repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.' The gospel of John ends with Jesus, once again, calling Peter to lay down his fishing nets and to go and be a fisher of men and a shepherd to the early church.
So now, for us as Christ followers in this generation, this amazing 'good news' rests with us. The passion that led many of the early church Christians to die a martyrs came from the fact that they had witnessed and encountered the Resurrected Christ first-hand. Likewise, our passion for sharing the gospel is completely dependent on us daily encountering our Resurrected Savior in a fresh way. I love the Great Commission in Matthew because it begins by reminding us that we go in Jesus' authority and power and it ends by reminding us that Jesus is always with us.
If you and me will daily stop and draw near to Jesus, it will change the course of our day. I believe that we will see our world differently. I believe that there will be a new purpose to our lives and a new excitement knowing that we are on mission with Christ. I believe that the presence of Christ will make us fully alive and His love will shine through us and people will notice. I believe that people will be drawn to the 'Light of the World' who lives in us and they will want to hear about the One who overcame the grave. Are we ready? Let's step out there and spread this incredible news!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, April 1, 2013
That's My King by S.M. Lockridge.
Here are the words from that famous sermon “Seven Way King” (aka That’s My King) as spoken by Dr. S.M. Lockridge (Detroit, 1976).
My King was born King. The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King. He’s the King of the Jews - that’s an Ethnic King. He’s the King of Israel - that’s a National King. He’s the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of glory. He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that’s my King.
Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s saviour. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s honest. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. He’s the grandest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He’s the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He’s the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That’s my King.
Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.
His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He’s indescribable. That’s my King. He’s incomprehensible, He’s invincible, and He is irresistible.
I’m coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can’t contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King.
He always has been and He always will be. I’m talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King! That’s my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God’s power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? Forever and ever and ever and ever. . . And when you get through with all of the ever’s, then . . .Amen!
My King was born King. The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King. He’s the King of the Jews - that’s an Ethnic King. He’s the King of Israel - that’s a National King. He’s the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of glory. He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that’s my King.
Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s saviour. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s honest. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. He’s the grandest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He’s the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He’s the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That’s my King.
Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.
His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He’s indescribable. That’s my King. He’s incomprehensible, He’s invincible, and He is irresistible.
I’m coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can’t contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King.
He always has been and He always will be. I’m talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King! That’s my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God’s power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? Forever and ever and ever and ever. . . And when you get through with all of the ever’s, then . . .Amen!
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