Do you believe in ghosts? I don't, never have. I don't say that to infer anything at all but to let you know I DO believe in spirits that can easily be confused with ghosts.
The Bible speaks repeatedly about spirits that troubled people and it is that form of spirit I refer to. In recent days I have been "haunted" by a couple of spirits. The first is super common and it is the spirit of regret. Now if you're a person who says "I never regret anything" then I say you either didn't try or didn't set your goals high enough. Me, I have a LOT of regrets. I regret I didn't marry my awesome wife earlier. I regret I allowed friends to come between me and family. I regret not moving away from my home town at an earlier age. I regret not keeping some of the awesome "junk" my parents gave me and on and on the list could go but you get the idea.
Regret isn't a ghost but it is most assuredly a spirit that haunts us. Our enemy is very good at bringing back memories of what "could have been" or what "should have been". He reminds us constantly of our mistakes and in a form haunts our mind.
Another spirit that I bring to your attention is the spirit of pride. This first cousin to regret is an ugly one because it often stares us in the face and we've given it such justification we can't see it. I say pride is related to regret because one morning as I was praying away the first ghost the second began whispering in my ear how justified I was in not doing anything to overcome those things. That troubled me. See if this sounds familiar to you...
"Oh I hate that my relationship with my children has become what it is, BUT I did everything I could to keep it from becoming this way!" Did you now? Isn't it amazing how often a big ol' BUT gets in the way? These ghosts work hand in hand to keep us from living victorious and fulfilled lives.
These thoughts were born in me when I was reading Matthew 5:23-25. It was there Jesus said "If then you are making an offering at the altar and there it comes to your mind that your brother has something against you, (24) While your offering is still before the altar, first go and make peace with your brother, then come and make your offering. (25) Come to an agreement quickly with him who has a cause against you at law, while you are with him on the way, for fear that he may give you up to the judge and the judge may give you to the police and you may be put into prison." Now you probably don't have any regret that could lead to prison but the idea is still sound.
"If you are at the altar and remember that your BROTHER has something against you..." (paraphrasing) Do you get the sadness of that concept? It's your brother and there is a rift between you and he, that's a tragedy my friend. It doesn't say you are guilty or that he is justified but there is something wrong between your brother and you, that's Jesus call to action that we should work for reconciliation.
Yet regret mixed with pride says "I can't go back. It'll just blow up like it did before and I don't want that." Is your fear of what might happen, your pride of how you might look as you try to reconcile, are those things so powerful you'd rather live with regret?
Having a true brother is a rare thing. In my entire life I've had two, maybe three brothers. These men wouldn't ever turn their back on me and I feel the same way about them. We rarely see each other but when we do it's comfortable and it seems like time and the distance doesn't exist. I believe that is because we have a love deep enough to overcome regret and powerful enough that pride won't stop us from preserving what God has given us.
Are you haunted? I could have easily added the ghosts of fear, worry, and anger but they all apply to your need for reconciliation. A family split remains a family whether it be flesh or a church body. Why not pray right now and when the Spirit of God speaks to you get up from that altar and reach out to your brother or sister? I know things could go wrong but let hope arise and just imagine if they don't and you get that loved one back! Chase those ghosts away and go for it.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, "YOU ARE LOVED!"
Simply Beautiful
Every night has a New Day Coming
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Posts to Come
My apologies for you few who view this blog and have told me you look forward to my posts here. I have several that will appear in the next week as I have been writing my ideas on paper, in a notebook so I wouldn't post anything too hastily. See you soon!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Recalling What You Forgot
For the last couple of months I have been rooted in the book of Proverbs. I read one a day and study it carefully as I take notes and copy the verses that seem to "pop" out at me. I've read them all probably a dozen times over but today as I read Proverbs 6 I began to weep as the Spirit spoke to my heart.
"There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven that are disgusting to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, a mind devising wicked plans, feet that are quick to do wrong, a dishonest witness spitting out lies, and a person who spreads conflict among relatives."
- Proverbs 6:16-19 (God's Word Translation)
I don't know how many times I've studied this passage, even preached on it more than a few. Yet when I read it this time (I love the GWT I'm currently using for study) I could see examples of all seven so vividly. It was almost like a movie flashback with the images that were before my mind's eye.
What I've preached on before is how the Word says these are things God "HATES", things that are "detestable" to Him. We all have things we dislike but make no mistake this list are six things the Father hates and seven He finds totally detestable. The word detestable is defined as deserving to be detested; abominable; hateful" Those are some very strong words.
What drew me here was the wording the GWT used, how clear they triggered a heart sickened understanding as I realized some of these were me. I have done or been things that the Lord hates and finds disgusting. What a punch in the gut this realization was.
I've had arrogant eyes. There have been plenty of times when I just KNEW I was right about something and in that arrogance I disobeyed the commands of the Lord. I would not forgive, I would not listen. I decided to throw people away because I was RIGHT no matter what others may say and in my eyes others were just misunderstanding of what I was saying or doing. That realization hurt.
In my life I've possessed a lying tongue. To keep from hurting people as an adult or to get out of trouble as a child I would compromise what I KNEW was the truth and no matter the reason or excuse a lie remains a lie and a lie is sin. Those memories caused my throat to hurt.
Thankfully I've never killed anyone. I happened to live in a time where my nation never called me to war and I've never known any emotion strong enough to motivate me to such an act. But as I prayed and studied I wondered if I have ever done something that killed someone inside. Intention doesn't matter when there is a death. If you do it on purpose it is murder, on accident it remains manslaughter. Such an act cannot be disregarded. Just the worry made me repent.
With a grin I knew I was guilty of a mind that devised wicked plans. I had been a boy, a teen, and as always a McElhannon! Mischief and orneriness are almost a family trait. I could not remember (and I pray that is because it did not happen) a time when I had ever intentionally hurt or caused someone harm. Being a Christian since childhood I walked a pretty good line yet sometimes we give into the flesh without conscious thought. The very idea made me shudder.
Another area in which I give praise and hopefully I am not wrong is when I tell you I haven't had feet that were quick to do wrong. I've always had an strong conscience. My parent who were in their fifties at my birth knew when I was a teen that the threat of a "spanking" no longer held any sway over me as by that time I was much bigger than either of them and couldn't really be hurt. They were creative however and dad could guilt me into anything he needed done. Because of that I can write this having never done tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, or anything illegal. I was no saint but I was a good boy and that brings me comfort.
The next detestable behavior the Lord hates emphasizes His loathing of liars. First He hated a lying tongue but He also has a special dislike of those who use their lies to give a false witness of others. There's a lot of people in this world who think they can look better by making others look worse. They attempt to climb the social or economic ladder by standing on the people they're around. That really bothers the Lord. I feel strongly that I've never done this but if I have wronged anyone who reads this I pray you'll forgive me for it would never have been intentional. The lack of certainty on this point makes me nervous.
The last one is the one that almost screamed at me as I have been wounded in this area and still today the pain remains. The GREATEST treasure we have other than salvation is family. God established marriage and the family before He started the church. When we have someone who works to drive a wedge in the family we know through the suffering that kind of attack can only come from the devil himself. I praise the Lord that in the day when my family came under attack I didn't return the favor upon my attacker. Not that I can glorify myself (I have no right) but know the Lord stayed my hand and my mouth. In this area I praise the Lord.
This often remembered but not heeded passage has the heading "Avoid Disaster" in this particular translation and it seems appropriate. Although the Bible doesn't say these seven things will send you to hell it remains clear these behaviors will separate you from God and sin IS separation from God. How can someone be in sin or separate from God and enter in to heaven? I could sit here and quote a dozen or more scriptures in this regard but what we must always do is check our hearts and Recall what we have forgotten, the simple truth of scripture. If we know God hates it shouldn't we strive with all our might and His anointing to ensure these things are not in our lives?
It is my prayer that as you read this you will do a spiritual self check. Do not allow pride or the deception of our enemy to see yourself dimly as we will one day see clearly what we refused to see today. Avoid disaster and repent today. Repent is NOT a dirty word and it doesn't mean you've become some heathen bad person, it means your are still "working out your salvation", striving for the high mark that our heavenly Father has called us to. Repentance on a daily level can lift us up higher than the weight of false religious pride can bring us low.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
"There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven that are disgusting to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, a mind devising wicked plans, feet that are quick to do wrong, a dishonest witness spitting out lies, and a person who spreads conflict among relatives."
- Proverbs 6:16-19 (God's Word Translation)
I don't know how many times I've studied this passage, even preached on it more than a few. Yet when I read it this time (I love the GWT I'm currently using for study) I could see examples of all seven so vividly. It was almost like a movie flashback with the images that were before my mind's eye.
What I've preached on before is how the Word says these are things God "HATES", things that are "detestable" to Him. We all have things we dislike but make no mistake this list are six things the Father hates and seven He finds totally detestable. The word detestable is defined as deserving to be detested; abominable; hateful" Those are some very strong words.
What drew me here was the wording the GWT used, how clear they triggered a heart sickened understanding as I realized some of these were me. I have done or been things that the Lord hates and finds disgusting. What a punch in the gut this realization was.
I've had arrogant eyes. There have been plenty of times when I just KNEW I was right about something and in that arrogance I disobeyed the commands of the Lord. I would not forgive, I would not listen. I decided to throw people away because I was RIGHT no matter what others may say and in my eyes others were just misunderstanding of what I was saying or doing. That realization hurt.
In my life I've possessed a lying tongue. To keep from hurting people as an adult or to get out of trouble as a child I would compromise what I KNEW was the truth and no matter the reason or excuse a lie remains a lie and a lie is sin. Those memories caused my throat to hurt.
Thankfully I've never killed anyone. I happened to live in a time where my nation never called me to war and I've never known any emotion strong enough to motivate me to such an act. But as I prayed and studied I wondered if I have ever done something that killed someone inside. Intention doesn't matter when there is a death. If you do it on purpose it is murder, on accident it remains manslaughter. Such an act cannot be disregarded. Just the worry made me repent.
With a grin I knew I was guilty of a mind that devised wicked plans. I had been a boy, a teen, and as always a McElhannon! Mischief and orneriness are almost a family trait. I could not remember (and I pray that is because it did not happen) a time when I had ever intentionally hurt or caused someone harm. Being a Christian since childhood I walked a pretty good line yet sometimes we give into the flesh without conscious thought. The very idea made me shudder.
Another area in which I give praise and hopefully I am not wrong is when I tell you I haven't had feet that were quick to do wrong. I've always had an strong conscience. My parent who were in their fifties at my birth knew when I was a teen that the threat of a "spanking" no longer held any sway over me as by that time I was much bigger than either of them and couldn't really be hurt. They were creative however and dad could guilt me into anything he needed done. Because of that I can write this having never done tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, or anything illegal. I was no saint but I was a good boy and that brings me comfort.
The next detestable behavior the Lord hates emphasizes His loathing of liars. First He hated a lying tongue but He also has a special dislike of those who use their lies to give a false witness of others. There's a lot of people in this world who think they can look better by making others look worse. They attempt to climb the social or economic ladder by standing on the people they're around. That really bothers the Lord. I feel strongly that I've never done this but if I have wronged anyone who reads this I pray you'll forgive me for it would never have been intentional. The lack of certainty on this point makes me nervous.
The last one is the one that almost screamed at me as I have been wounded in this area and still today the pain remains. The GREATEST treasure we have other than salvation is family. God established marriage and the family before He started the church. When we have someone who works to drive a wedge in the family we know through the suffering that kind of attack can only come from the devil himself. I praise the Lord that in the day when my family came under attack I didn't return the favor upon my attacker. Not that I can glorify myself (I have no right) but know the Lord stayed my hand and my mouth. In this area I praise the Lord.
This often remembered but not heeded passage has the heading "Avoid Disaster" in this particular translation and it seems appropriate. Although the Bible doesn't say these seven things will send you to hell it remains clear these behaviors will separate you from God and sin IS separation from God. How can someone be in sin or separate from God and enter in to heaven? I could sit here and quote a dozen or more scriptures in this regard but what we must always do is check our hearts and Recall what we have forgotten, the simple truth of scripture. If we know God hates it shouldn't we strive with all our might and His anointing to ensure these things are not in our lives?
It is my prayer that as you read this you will do a spiritual self check. Do not allow pride or the deception of our enemy to see yourself dimly as we will one day see clearly what we refused to see today. Avoid disaster and repent today. Repent is NOT a dirty word and it doesn't mean you've become some heathen bad person, it means your are still "working out your salvation", striving for the high mark that our heavenly Father has called us to. Repentance on a daily level can lift us up higher than the weight of false religious pride can bring us low.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
A Blessing Before Me
It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord can drop a blessing into my life at the most unexpected time and usually in the most surprising package. This morning I ran to the grocery store to pick up a few quick things for a recipe I wanted to make for my family's lunch. Don't be surprised, I've always been a big guy and big guys need to know how to cook or they have to eat out a lot.
As I was exiting the store, goodies in hand, an elderly gentleman was coming in the exit doors so I had to pause. He was walking with the much needed aid of a walker at a very slow and labored pace. I noticed to my right and his left were the shopping buggies most stores provide for their disabled customers and since it was obvious he needed one I didn't mind waiting, not even one little bit.
My wait gave me the time to look at the gentleman and I mean REALLY look at him. How often do we go through life without taking the time to truly notice the people right beside us as they travel down their paths intersecting with ours?
He was wearing a ball cap that told me he was a veteran and I guessed his age to be somewhere in his eighties. Up and down both of his short sleeved arms he had bruises. I remembered the same kind on my dad; just the slightest touch would leave its mark. He also wore very large sunglasses, the type patients wear to go over their prescription glasses and protect them from the glare of the sun.
At this point I guess he noticed me looking at him and thought I stared because I had to wait on him to exit. He said in the kindest apologetic voice "I'm sorry, I came in the wrong door." Not wanting him to think he was any inconvenience I replied "Oh, no problem sir! You take your time I'm in nooo hurry." He smiled and started to get in one of the shopping motorized carts.
Making small talk I said "How are you doing today?" He just smiled as he continued to get settled and said "Pretty good today. It's a really good day!" That's when the blessing struck.
I walked out to my truck just talking to the Lord. "Sir" (That's one of the ways I refer to Him) "Forgive me for all the times I complain about aches or pains." Then I went on "And thank you for that man who you sent to testify."
A wise man once said "I wept because I had no shoes until I met the man with no feet." Someone always has it worse than us yet how often do we peer out from behind the shutter of our self pity to notice? I know you have problem but we all do. I know you're tired but we're all tired. We need to quit makes excuses and start praising the Lord!
Look around and know the many blessings of the Lord. In Acts chapter 20 Paul said "And see, now I go bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Did you catch that? Paul knew he was headed to trouble as he preached the message of Jesus because the Spirit had warned him but he just wanted to finish this race with joy. He had decided that even if it was going to be painful he was going to keep his joy in the Lord. That was his choice.
Everyday we have a choice to make, what will it be? Will you count your blessings or complain about the momentary discomforts - even when they don't feel momentary? You will always have to run the course of this life but what will be your attitude as you strain and strive to reach the goal?
There will be times of pain but in the good days you've GOT to be ready to testify "Pretty good today. It's a really good day!"
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
As I was exiting the store, goodies in hand, an elderly gentleman was coming in the exit doors so I had to pause. He was walking with the much needed aid of a walker at a very slow and labored pace. I noticed to my right and his left were the shopping buggies most stores provide for their disabled customers and since it was obvious he needed one I didn't mind waiting, not even one little bit.
My wait gave me the time to look at the gentleman and I mean REALLY look at him. How often do we go through life without taking the time to truly notice the people right beside us as they travel down their paths intersecting with ours?
He was wearing a ball cap that told me he was a veteran and I guessed his age to be somewhere in his eighties. Up and down both of his short sleeved arms he had bruises. I remembered the same kind on my dad; just the slightest touch would leave its mark. He also wore very large sunglasses, the type patients wear to go over their prescription glasses and protect them from the glare of the sun.
At this point I guess he noticed me looking at him and thought I stared because I had to wait on him to exit. He said in the kindest apologetic voice "I'm sorry, I came in the wrong door." Not wanting him to think he was any inconvenience I replied "Oh, no problem sir! You take your time I'm in nooo hurry." He smiled and started to get in one of the shopping motorized carts.
Making small talk I said "How are you doing today?" He just smiled as he continued to get settled and said "Pretty good today. It's a really good day!" That's when the blessing struck.
I walked out to my truck just talking to the Lord. "Sir" (That's one of the ways I refer to Him) "Forgive me for all the times I complain about aches or pains." Then I went on "And thank you for that man who you sent to testify."
A wise man once said "I wept because I had no shoes until I met the man with no feet." Someone always has it worse than us yet how often do we peer out from behind the shutter of our self pity to notice? I know you have problem but we all do. I know you're tired but we're all tired. We need to quit makes excuses and start praising the Lord!
Look around and know the many blessings of the Lord. In Acts chapter 20 Paul said "And see, now I go bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Did you catch that? Paul knew he was headed to trouble as he preached the message of Jesus because the Spirit had warned him but he just wanted to finish this race with joy. He had decided that even if it was going to be painful he was going to keep his joy in the Lord. That was his choice.
Everyday we have a choice to make, what will it be? Will you count your blessings or complain about the momentary discomforts - even when they don't feel momentary? You will always have to run the course of this life but what will be your attitude as you strain and strive to reach the goal?
There will be times of pain but in the good days you've GOT to be ready to testify "Pretty good today. It's a really good day!"
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Pastoral Notes
For the last three years I've been trying to practice a rule I heard Jesse Duplantis share which is; "Don't preach what you're going through but what you've been delivered from!" I liked that so much I made it a ministry rule for myself.
Today I came across some notes as I was cleaning my desk that I thought I'd share with any who might like a view from inside the ministry because they were written at a time I was going THROUGH something. I'm reminded of a passage from Micah 7:8 where it says "Do not rejoice over me, my enemy. When I fall, I will rise." You see what you're going through is just for this season. The only way it can have permanent victory over you is if you allow it to change you.
Now that said, sometimes it's a good thing to change so you do not make the same foolish choices again. No one likes being burnt over and over. Yet far too often bad experiences cause us to pull back from something that was good and it's in this vein I want to share these notes to any young ministers who read this blog. There will be hurts and there will be betrayals but how you respond will make all the difference. It is my hope that in reading this you will be better prepped to recover from the injuries of ministry.
#1 - In church it seems "Peripheral people are the ones most easily offended." You know these folks. They come every now and then, never get truly involved and almost never work in any serious sense, yet it is these people who throw a fit over the smallest misunderstandings. You say something from the pulpit (or these days on the Internet) and they take it personal when you never even thought about them. How could you, you never see them. These folks are always going from one church to another and they are usually very loud critics of where they've come from.
Don't be surprised. You can best depend on those who will believe the best of others because they will believe the best of you. Build on folks who do not live on the edges but get in and work even when you don't do things the way they want.
#2 - The uncommitted demand the most commitment. As a follow up to number one, you need to be aware that the people who serve God on the edges will be the ones who want you for every need they have. Phone calls, Juniors ball games, hospital visits for their neighbors third cousin (and I'm not making that up) they demand you be there for any need or support they desire. If you're not, Katie bar the door!
You see such folks are looking for a reason to be unhappy, find fault, and leave your church. I sadly tell you, let them. Too often we spend so much of our time of the troubled folks we forget the people who truly have troubles. We have a hungry world to win and how can we do it if we're constantly feeding the babies who refuse to grow up?
Now before I get to my last two points I want to say something sad. Ministers, you are going to have seasons of betrayal. Pastor Randy Valimont recently spoke at the Louisiana Assembly of God District Council and he did a great job of ministry. One message was about a book that he will soon publish called "Dealing with Betrayal; Judas is that you?" In this he talked about how every minister will deal with some form of betrayal on some level and when he gave his altar call for preachers who had been wounded the altar area was FILLED from wall to wall by ministers.
It's going to happen so the best thing you can do is be prepared to let it grow you and not kill you.
#3 - You don't know who's on your side until most are against you. In those times of struggle you might be surprised to see who is at your side. Those you thought would never leave you sometimes do and the people you think just don't care fight tooth and nail in your support. This is a Biblical truth we can see in the lives of Moses, David, Peter, and of course Jesus. Your eyes must always be on the Lord. He and He alone will never leave you nor forsake you. The people you minister to are just flesh and blood and you can no more expect them to be perfect that you expect yourself to be. Love everybody and if it's hard to do love them even more. When you go through the seasons of struggle look around and see how God will rally to your side the most unexpected allies and take strength in who you have not who you've lost.
An awesome side note; almost everyone who loved you before they left you wants to see the relationship restored when the battles over. It's up to you preacher on whether they will or not.
#4 - The depth of the cut matters less than the hand holding the knife. This is the area of betrayal that can be devastating. Invariably in church you are going to have people you just "click" with. Your personalities, likes and dislikes will create a bond making you closer to some than others. This can create jealousies if you have folks who do not understand this so be careful. No matter how hard you try to love everyone the same it's just not always possible. That said, what do you do when betrayal or just hurt feelings comes from those closest to you?
We had a family one time that sat in our home and told us "You know, if you ever leave you better get two moving vans because we're going with you." That was one of the greatest things I had ever been told. Now we almost never speak to them. Just over a year after that statement we were told (for months) that they were unhappy with us and were going to leave, and then they did. I was SO crushed by the thought of losing these folks I decided I needed to leave that church and now looking back I know I didn't consult the Lord it was just my feelings. I know there are more direct betrayals and I've even had people under me want my job but it didn't hurt as much.
I don't have perfect advice for this but let me share with you how I survived. I MADE myself get back to the work of the kingdom and I believe this will work for a lot of ministers. We must always be reminded of WHO we work for. It's not the local church, the people who make up that body, or even our dearest friends, we work for Jesus. In my pain I studied more and more (and fully admit for a long time my sermons were stained with my hurt). I began to reach out to others who I wasn't close to and suddenly I had a new church and new friends.
What is done to you may be minor to some and painful to you but what you have been called to do and by who is the important thing to remember. Romans 11:29 says "God never changes His mind about the people He calls and the things He gives them." You've got to keep going and trust in that call.
Whew! I feel like I just preached a camp meeting. I hope these simple words help and if you don't agree that's fine, we all deal with life differently. One thing I promise you no matter what you're going through, tomorrow is coming and the Lord wants you to hang on. These notes may seem depressing but I don't mean them that way. With all I've been through and seen in ministry I can honestly say I feel better about what I'm doing now than ever before. I believe life is better today than any days gone by. I survived my season and I'm better prepared for the seasons ahead. I hope you are too.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Today I came across some notes as I was cleaning my desk that I thought I'd share with any who might like a view from inside the ministry because they were written at a time I was going THROUGH something. I'm reminded of a passage from Micah 7:8 where it says "Do not rejoice over me, my enemy. When I fall, I will rise." You see what you're going through is just for this season. The only way it can have permanent victory over you is if you allow it to change you.
Now that said, sometimes it's a good thing to change so you do not make the same foolish choices again. No one likes being burnt over and over. Yet far too often bad experiences cause us to pull back from something that was good and it's in this vein I want to share these notes to any young ministers who read this blog. There will be hurts and there will be betrayals but how you respond will make all the difference. It is my hope that in reading this you will be better prepped to recover from the injuries of ministry.
#1 - In church it seems "Peripheral people are the ones most easily offended." You know these folks. They come every now and then, never get truly involved and almost never work in any serious sense, yet it is these people who throw a fit over the smallest misunderstandings. You say something from the pulpit (or these days on the Internet) and they take it personal when you never even thought about them. How could you, you never see them. These folks are always going from one church to another and they are usually very loud critics of where they've come from.
Don't be surprised. You can best depend on those who will believe the best of others because they will believe the best of you. Build on folks who do not live on the edges but get in and work even when you don't do things the way they want.
#2 - The uncommitted demand the most commitment. As a follow up to number one, you need to be aware that the people who serve God on the edges will be the ones who want you for every need they have. Phone calls, Juniors ball games, hospital visits for their neighbors third cousin (and I'm not making that up) they demand you be there for any need or support they desire. If you're not, Katie bar the door!
You see such folks are looking for a reason to be unhappy, find fault, and leave your church. I sadly tell you, let them. Too often we spend so much of our time of the troubled folks we forget the people who truly have troubles. We have a hungry world to win and how can we do it if we're constantly feeding the babies who refuse to grow up?
Now before I get to my last two points I want to say something sad. Ministers, you are going to have seasons of betrayal. Pastor Randy Valimont recently spoke at the Louisiana Assembly of God District Council and he did a great job of ministry. One message was about a book that he will soon publish called "Dealing with Betrayal; Judas is that you?" In this he talked about how every minister will deal with some form of betrayal on some level and when he gave his altar call for preachers who had been wounded the altar area was FILLED from wall to wall by ministers.
It's going to happen so the best thing you can do is be prepared to let it grow you and not kill you.
#3 - You don't know who's on your side until most are against you. In those times of struggle you might be surprised to see who is at your side. Those you thought would never leave you sometimes do and the people you think just don't care fight tooth and nail in your support. This is a Biblical truth we can see in the lives of Moses, David, Peter, and of course Jesus. Your eyes must always be on the Lord. He and He alone will never leave you nor forsake you. The people you minister to are just flesh and blood and you can no more expect them to be perfect that you expect yourself to be. Love everybody and if it's hard to do love them even more. When you go through the seasons of struggle look around and see how God will rally to your side the most unexpected allies and take strength in who you have not who you've lost.
An awesome side note; almost everyone who loved you before they left you wants to see the relationship restored when the battles over. It's up to you preacher on whether they will or not.
#4 - The depth of the cut matters less than the hand holding the knife. This is the area of betrayal that can be devastating. Invariably in church you are going to have people you just "click" with. Your personalities, likes and dislikes will create a bond making you closer to some than others. This can create jealousies if you have folks who do not understand this so be careful. No matter how hard you try to love everyone the same it's just not always possible. That said, what do you do when betrayal or just hurt feelings comes from those closest to you?
We had a family one time that sat in our home and told us "You know, if you ever leave you better get two moving vans because we're going with you." That was one of the greatest things I had ever been told. Now we almost never speak to them. Just over a year after that statement we were told (for months) that they were unhappy with us and were going to leave, and then they did. I was SO crushed by the thought of losing these folks I decided I needed to leave that church and now looking back I know I didn't consult the Lord it was just my feelings. I know there are more direct betrayals and I've even had people under me want my job but it didn't hurt as much.
I don't have perfect advice for this but let me share with you how I survived. I MADE myself get back to the work of the kingdom and I believe this will work for a lot of ministers. We must always be reminded of WHO we work for. It's not the local church, the people who make up that body, or even our dearest friends, we work for Jesus. In my pain I studied more and more (and fully admit for a long time my sermons were stained with my hurt). I began to reach out to others who I wasn't close to and suddenly I had a new church and new friends.
What is done to you may be minor to some and painful to you but what you have been called to do and by who is the important thing to remember. Romans 11:29 says "God never changes His mind about the people He calls and the things He gives them." You've got to keep going and trust in that call.
Whew! I feel like I just preached a camp meeting. I hope these simple words help and if you don't agree that's fine, we all deal with life differently. One thing I promise you no matter what you're going through, tomorrow is coming and the Lord wants you to hang on. These notes may seem depressing but I don't mean them that way. With all I've been through and seen in ministry I can honestly say I feel better about what I'm doing now than ever before. I believe life is better today than any days gone by. I survived my season and I'm better prepared for the seasons ahead. I hope you are too.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
The Sin of Racism
I've been saddened by the outbreak of anger over the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman tragedy and though I know less than nothing about the legality of the situation and the controversial Florida law, as a pastor I do know sin when it lifts it's ugly head. You see young Trayvon Martin is dead because he was black and in that Mr. Zimmerman has possibly ruined his life as well. That's why I call this blog "the Sin of Racism".
I've heard and read many stories where people have tried to turn this into a black versus white thing and that's simply not the case. George Zimmerman is the son of a Peruvian mother and a white father. This birth has given him the physical appearance of being Hispanic and you're fooling yourself if you think the jury saw him as anything else.
In the American culture we are very visual on our judgments. As mixed race relationships become more and more common some of the old walls are being torn down but they are far, far, far (!) from gone. Whereas it was once so simple to see who was this or that by their skin tone the mixing of relationships have begun to change the visual as outward appearance no longer tells you the whole story. The mother of a mixed relationship will usually present the strongest factors in skin appearance for a child but make no mistake the father will be there as well. In Mr. Zimmerman's case on first glance you see a Hispanic-American.
Now we don't know all that went on in that courtroom and everything that the jury heard, but they had to make their decision on the information given them and in regards to a dangerous local law. By the laws of Florida George Zimmerman was found innocent and it doesn't matter what you or I think about it. It didn't matter what we thought when OJ Simpson was found innocent in California and I promise you it won't matter when the next sensational cross race story hits the news either.
What I do believe is that the jury which was made up of all women from mixed racial backgrounds did their best. Reports tell us that some cried when the verdict was read. I further believe and have no way of proving or being disproven that when they sat in that courtroom they didn't see black versus white but a black teenage boy versus a young Hispanic man. In those two images come the danger of a new and dangerous stereotype.
I heard a black preacher (after the verdict) say it is our society's perception of young black men that lead to this tragedy and I said "Amen" without thought. That's what Zimmerman saw. He saw this teenage black boy walking through a neighborhood that was not predominantly black and he made up his mind that that kid was up to no good. I've heard many people of all races and ages that think that same way about young black men these days. Zimmerman followed him and made Trayvon nervous enough that it led to confrontation and tragedy.
Here's where I say this whole thing started from sin (or sins!). When Zimmerman saw Martin he judged him without knowing him. I could preach here about the sin of judgment but you probably already know it's wrong so I'll move on. Another way I see this as sin is how Zimmerman would have had to determine Martin was potentially dangerous. Not knowing him he would have had to go by outward appearance only and friend that is most definitely of the flesh.
In 1st Samuel 16:7 we learn that God does not look on the outside of a man but judges him by what's in his heart. ANYTIME we go by the appearance we are making judgments in the ability of the flesh and not as the Father would. A sad side effect of this verdict is how it has stirred up some hearts and brought to the surface that we, and I do mean every race in these United States still have some growing up to do because we still have problems with one another. We are still looking only at the wrapper and not what is insider the person as the Lord would. God help us.
I do believe justice will eventually be done. Zimmerman is guilty of racial profiling. The only reason he followed Martin was because he was black and that's simply wrong. I believe as this now becomes a Civil Rights case peace will return but until we all quit seeing the outside we will never get beyond our sin.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
I've heard and read many stories where people have tried to turn this into a black versus white thing and that's simply not the case. George Zimmerman is the son of a Peruvian mother and a white father. This birth has given him the physical appearance of being Hispanic and you're fooling yourself if you think the jury saw him as anything else.
In the American culture we are very visual on our judgments. As mixed race relationships become more and more common some of the old walls are being torn down but they are far, far, far (!) from gone. Whereas it was once so simple to see who was this or that by their skin tone the mixing of relationships have begun to change the visual as outward appearance no longer tells you the whole story. The mother of a mixed relationship will usually present the strongest factors in skin appearance for a child but make no mistake the father will be there as well. In Mr. Zimmerman's case on first glance you see a Hispanic-American.
Now we don't know all that went on in that courtroom and everything that the jury heard, but they had to make their decision on the information given them and in regards to a dangerous local law. By the laws of Florida George Zimmerman was found innocent and it doesn't matter what you or I think about it. It didn't matter what we thought when OJ Simpson was found innocent in California and I promise you it won't matter when the next sensational cross race story hits the news either.
What I do believe is that the jury which was made up of all women from mixed racial backgrounds did their best. Reports tell us that some cried when the verdict was read. I further believe and have no way of proving or being disproven that when they sat in that courtroom they didn't see black versus white but a black teenage boy versus a young Hispanic man. In those two images come the danger of a new and dangerous stereotype.
I heard a black preacher (after the verdict) say it is our society's perception of young black men that lead to this tragedy and I said "Amen" without thought. That's what Zimmerman saw. He saw this teenage black boy walking through a neighborhood that was not predominantly black and he made up his mind that that kid was up to no good. I've heard many people of all races and ages that think that same way about young black men these days. Zimmerman followed him and made Trayvon nervous enough that it led to confrontation and tragedy.
Here's where I say this whole thing started from sin (or sins!). When Zimmerman saw Martin he judged him without knowing him. I could preach here about the sin of judgment but you probably already know it's wrong so I'll move on. Another way I see this as sin is how Zimmerman would have had to determine Martin was potentially dangerous. Not knowing him he would have had to go by outward appearance only and friend that is most definitely of the flesh.
In 1st Samuel 16:7 we learn that God does not look on the outside of a man but judges him by what's in his heart. ANYTIME we go by the appearance we are making judgments in the ability of the flesh and not as the Father would. A sad side effect of this verdict is how it has stirred up some hearts and brought to the surface that we, and I do mean every race in these United States still have some growing up to do because we still have problems with one another. We are still looking only at the wrapper and not what is insider the person as the Lord would. God help us.
I do believe justice will eventually be done. Zimmerman is guilty of racial profiling. The only reason he followed Martin was because he was black and that's simply wrong. I believe as this now becomes a Civil Rights case peace will return but until we all quit seeing the outside we will never get beyond our sin.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Before the Fact
I haven't written a blog in a while but I had something burning on my heart today and considering the subject matter I thought I'd better post these ideas before the fact.
Tonight at my church we begin a revival with my friend Evangelist Mark Purkey. Mark is one of a dying breed, the full-time evangelist. I say dying as there are so few who are full-time anymore due to of the lack of support for revival meetings. Across the United States are churches who hold fewer and fewer meetings based on the laziness or lack of desire of a society of believers who just don't consider it important to go anymore.
There is a multitude of excuses such as:
* I'm SO busy. Folks we're all busy. It's amazing how we make time for all the things that are important to us such as shopping, golf, etc. The truth is church just doesn't weigh on our hearts like getting that trophy Bass or getting our nails pretty.
* I don't feel well. Sickness is a real problem for some. My awesome mother in law went to heaven a few years ago after a lengthy battle with cancer. In her last months she would force herself, almost drag her weary body to church where she would even watch the nursery. I would say to her "You know someone else can do this. If you have to stay home please do." Her response still inspires me. She would reply "I want to be here now because I know there will be a time when I can't." If you aren't so sick you have to stay home from work or the store why not go to a place where you can hear the word to nurture your soul and have people actually lay hands on you and pray. My wife use to tell me "Are you going to feel any better staying home?" and in the truth of my heart I knew it was time to get up and go to church.
* I don't have to be in church to be close to God. No you don't. You don't have to leave home to be on vacation. You don't have to go to college to get a job. You don't have to see a doctor to recover from sickness. You don't HAVE to do any of these things but we know they all help. Now I know I've way oversimplified this but you get the point. People in prison have church services but I guarantee they'd rather be able to attend the church you forsake all too often.
* I was hurt/offended in church. Some folks have a bad experience in a house of worship and swear off all churches. I sure hope these folks don't get a bad order at McDonalds for with their logic they could never eat out again! Unless you've NEVER hurt or offended someone you need to quit whining and get back to the Lord's house.
* I worked all day and I'm tired. I can think of few better ways to tell God how little you appreciate the job He provided for you. Most folks who go to church get to just sit. I know the pastor is paid but few others are and yet they are faithful to attend simply because they don't want to miss the possibility something great could happen. And don't you know the best services always seem to happen when you miss?
Some churches have done away with Sunday evening services because they have two or even three services on Sunday morning. This would leave folks tired, but if you have that size of congregation surely there are some folks who could take the evening shift. If there are still people who are unsaved, still folks who see Sunday as the "church" day and they come to your doors to find them locked I think we are missing an opportunity to make a difference. I've even been praying about adding more services to our church where I'm sure some would think "You're not even packing out the ones you're having yet!" The point is if even a few might come isn't it a tragedy we've denied them the opportunity because of our many excuses?
I hope you don't find this mean because that isn't the spirit in which it was written. Our country is no longer "One nation under God" simply because the church doesn't seem to be under God either. We're under deadlines, peer pressure, debt, over scheduling and on and on the list goes. We need to get back to the place we run to whenever we're in trouble. We need to make the Lord first not only in our hearts but over our lives. I'm going to get ready for church and I hope to see you there.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog, and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
Tonight at my church we begin a revival with my friend Evangelist Mark Purkey. Mark is one of a dying breed, the full-time evangelist. I say dying as there are so few who are full-time anymore due to of the lack of support for revival meetings. Across the United States are churches who hold fewer and fewer meetings based on the laziness or lack of desire of a society of believers who just don't consider it important to go anymore.
There is a multitude of excuses such as:
* I'm SO busy. Folks we're all busy. It's amazing how we make time for all the things that are important to us such as shopping, golf, etc. The truth is church just doesn't weigh on our hearts like getting that trophy Bass or getting our nails pretty.
* I don't feel well. Sickness is a real problem for some. My awesome mother in law went to heaven a few years ago after a lengthy battle with cancer. In her last months she would force herself, almost drag her weary body to church where she would even watch the nursery. I would say to her "You know someone else can do this. If you have to stay home please do." Her response still inspires me. She would reply "I want to be here now because I know there will be a time when I can't." If you aren't so sick you have to stay home from work or the store why not go to a place where you can hear the word to nurture your soul and have people actually lay hands on you and pray. My wife use to tell me "Are you going to feel any better staying home?" and in the truth of my heart I knew it was time to get up and go to church.
* I don't have to be in church to be close to God. No you don't. You don't have to leave home to be on vacation. You don't have to go to college to get a job. You don't have to see a doctor to recover from sickness. You don't HAVE to do any of these things but we know they all help. Now I know I've way oversimplified this but you get the point. People in prison have church services but I guarantee they'd rather be able to attend the church you forsake all too often.
* I was hurt/offended in church. Some folks have a bad experience in a house of worship and swear off all churches. I sure hope these folks don't get a bad order at McDonalds for with their logic they could never eat out again! Unless you've NEVER hurt or offended someone you need to quit whining and get back to the Lord's house.
* I worked all day and I'm tired. I can think of few better ways to tell God how little you appreciate the job He provided for you. Most folks who go to church get to just sit. I know the pastor is paid but few others are and yet they are faithful to attend simply because they don't want to miss the possibility something great could happen. And don't you know the best services always seem to happen when you miss?
Some churches have done away with Sunday evening services because they have two or even three services on Sunday morning. This would leave folks tired, but if you have that size of congregation surely there are some folks who could take the evening shift. If there are still people who are unsaved, still folks who see Sunday as the "church" day and they come to your doors to find them locked I think we are missing an opportunity to make a difference. I've even been praying about adding more services to our church where I'm sure some would think "You're not even packing out the ones you're having yet!" The point is if even a few might come isn't it a tragedy we've denied them the opportunity because of our many excuses?
I hope you don't find this mean because that isn't the spirit in which it was written. Our country is no longer "One nation under God" simply because the church doesn't seem to be under God either. We're under deadlines, peer pressure, debt, over scheduling and on and on the list goes. We need to get back to the place we run to whenever we're in trouble. We need to make the Lord first not only in our hearts but over our lives. I'm going to get ready for church and I hope to see you there.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog, and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
"My soul follows hard after thee"
I'm on a wonderful journey right now. I have come to a place in my life where I'm not happy and no longer satisfied with my current relationship with God. For the first time in over 20 years I feel a drawing, almost as if the Lord is saying to me "Come up higher" and I am doing all I can to do just that. I do not have a set pattern or plan but my ears are open to His voice and I'm following the pull of my heart.
The next few (?) entries of this blog will be reflections and insights about this journey as I share with you all He is doing, how I am doing, and where He is taking me. I hope these entries do you some good.
#1) Last week I made me a list - I'm a very list oriented person - of things I believe I need to do on a daily basis if I'm going to see more of God in my life and be in His ultimate will. On the list I placed the following:
* Start the day with my devotion
* Spend at least 20 minutes in devoted prayer. (This means 20 minutes of just me and my Father. Not prayer requests given to me as a pastor or even needs in my own life or body, 20 minutes just talking to God as a friend)
* Read one chapter of Proverbs a day. (Recently I was taught that is there's ANY book of the Bible that is a "Man's" book in the Word of God it is Proverbs. It provides directions for daily living so it is my foundation for daily reading.)
* Read one chapter from each of two books I have owned for some time yet never had the time to read. (I have the standard pastor's library but I believe the Spirit of God directed me towards these two for my current needs.)
* Be in bed by 11PM. (I've always been a night owl. I love to watch TV once the kids are I bed and my wife is asleep as this means no interruptions and I can pay attention to my program. God opened my eyes to the absolute necessity of rest. I may not go right to sleep but once I get in bed slumber usually catches me pretty quick.)
These are MY list. Now yours may be completely different but this one is mine and I'm seeing some powerful effects. Do you see anything I am missing? When you read these things is there a glaring absence you believe would be even more effective? I hope I don't sound rude, but I do not want your recommendations as I'm listening to the voice of the Lord. When you see something missing or a practice you believe is unnecessary it might be that you need to make a list of your own. If like me you have become unsatisfied with things as they are, then why not do something about it?
The next few (?) entries of this blog will be reflections and insights about this journey as I share with you all He is doing, how I am doing, and where He is taking me. I hope these entries do you some good.
#1) Last week I made me a list - I'm a very list oriented person - of things I believe I need to do on a daily basis if I'm going to see more of God in my life and be in His ultimate will. On the list I placed the following:
* Start the day with my devotion
* Spend at least 20 minutes in devoted prayer. (This means 20 minutes of just me and my Father. Not prayer requests given to me as a pastor or even needs in my own life or body, 20 minutes just talking to God as a friend)
* Read one chapter of Proverbs a day. (Recently I was taught that is there's ANY book of the Bible that is a "Man's" book in the Word of God it is Proverbs. It provides directions for daily living so it is my foundation for daily reading.)
* Read one chapter from each of two books I have owned for some time yet never had the time to read. (I have the standard pastor's library but I believe the Spirit of God directed me towards these two for my current needs.)
* Be in bed by 11PM. (I've always been a night owl. I love to watch TV once the kids are I bed and my wife is asleep as this means no interruptions and I can pay attention to my program. God opened my eyes to the absolute necessity of rest. I may not go right to sleep but once I get in bed slumber usually catches me pretty quick.)
These are MY list. Now yours may be completely different but this one is mine and I'm seeing some powerful effects. Do you see anything I am missing? When you read these things is there a glaring absence you believe would be even more effective? I hope I don't sound rude, but I do not want your recommendations as I'm listening to the voice of the Lord. When you see something missing or a practice you believe is unnecessary it might be that you need to make a list of your own. If like me you have become unsatisfied with things as they are, then why not do something about it?
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Where Everybody Knows Your Name...
What a great day it has been. Although it is about three hours before my usual bed time I'm tired and ready to hit the hay. You see we had a work day at our church today. Several people arrived at 8 AM and worked until after 1 taking care of special cleaning and maintenance needs. I myself worked on the lights and kind of oversaw a few other things when people came to ask the "pastor" questions (I love to preach but the being in charge stuff is often a drag!).
After I left the church I came home and the family and I worked in our yard until dark with mowing, raking, planting in our garden and I don't know how many other needed tasks. Now, after a wonderful buffet of leftovers (the Saturday night leftover buffet was SO enjoyed it might become a family tradition) everyone is resting, reading, watching TV and my wife is even exercising with a favorite video. I'm exhausted, but very happy and content.
Why am I so happy when my body feels as though it has been run over? It's the joy of being in a church family. Not only attending a church and knowing everybody, but working beside brothers and sisters because we share a common goal of making our church clean and inviting. Leaders aren't always those out front. Leaders are often the ones who just show up and ask "What can I do to help?" Some came on their only day off. Some are not as young as they use to be and they work harder than anyone else. Side by side they labor and when the day is done they smile at one another knowing that together they accomplished something.
You see a family works together. A family sweats, grunts, strains, aggravates one another in their labors and continues to struggle together until the goal is reached. I love my church because I see the concern and effort they are willing to give one another. Like that original church in Acts they help one another out when they recognize a need. Since becoming the pastor of this outstanding group I have seen them invest in one another. They give their concern, finances, goods and most importantly their TIME to help their brothers and sisters.
One of the reasons we worked so hard today is because Easter is coming soon. For many people the only time they attend a house of God is Christmas or Easter (and sometimes even both!). I expect to have a great crowd on the upcoming holy day and if anyone is impressed with our facilities or made to feel more comfortable because it sparkles a little more than usual and this helps them to come to that decision of paramount importance and make Jesus Lord of their life... well, then all who helped will have a part in a heavenly reward for using their gift of helps.
I hope and pray you are part of a church family. Not just a church where you attend or lead a ministry but a place where you really, REALLY belong. If you're not then thankfully it's not too late to join in. You don't need to change churches just priorities. Get to work, work hard, and take the time to truly look at the one who works beside you. Are you doing all you can to be a brother/sister to them? Join the family and find out who they are and what they need. Sacrifice, share, and who knows before you even realize it you've stepped into a new level of relationship with your church and your God who cherishes His people.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and never forget that YOU ARE LOVED! (Jer. 31:3)
After I left the church I came home and the family and I worked in our yard until dark with mowing, raking, planting in our garden and I don't know how many other needed tasks. Now, after a wonderful buffet of leftovers (the Saturday night leftover buffet was SO enjoyed it might become a family tradition) everyone is resting, reading, watching TV and my wife is even exercising with a favorite video. I'm exhausted, but very happy and content.
Why am I so happy when my body feels as though it has been run over? It's the joy of being in a church family. Not only attending a church and knowing everybody, but working beside brothers and sisters because we share a common goal of making our church clean and inviting. Leaders aren't always those out front. Leaders are often the ones who just show up and ask "What can I do to help?" Some came on their only day off. Some are not as young as they use to be and they work harder than anyone else. Side by side they labor and when the day is done they smile at one another knowing that together they accomplished something.
You see a family works together. A family sweats, grunts, strains, aggravates one another in their labors and continues to struggle together until the goal is reached. I love my church because I see the concern and effort they are willing to give one another. Like that original church in Acts they help one another out when they recognize a need. Since becoming the pastor of this outstanding group I have seen them invest in one another. They give their concern, finances, goods and most importantly their TIME to help their brothers and sisters.
One of the reasons we worked so hard today is because Easter is coming soon. For many people the only time they attend a house of God is Christmas or Easter (and sometimes even both!). I expect to have a great crowd on the upcoming holy day and if anyone is impressed with our facilities or made to feel more comfortable because it sparkles a little more than usual and this helps them to come to that decision of paramount importance and make Jesus Lord of their life... well, then all who helped will have a part in a heavenly reward for using their gift of helps.
I hope and pray you are part of a church family. Not just a church where you attend or lead a ministry but a place where you really, REALLY belong. If you're not then thankfully it's not too late to join in. You don't need to change churches just priorities. Get to work, work hard, and take the time to truly look at the one who works beside you. Are you doing all you can to be a brother/sister to them? Join the family and find out who they are and what they need. Sacrifice, share, and who knows before you even realize it you've stepped into a new level of relationship with your church and your God who cherishes His people.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and never forget that YOU ARE LOVED! (Jer. 31:3)
Monday, January 21, 2013
It'll All Pan Out
I'm proud to say I didn't watch a minute of yesterday's NFL playoff games or a second of today's presidential inauguration. Please don't misunderstand I'm not against either of those things (in fact I love football and pray for the president often) it's just been a wonderfully busy couple of days. To our society both are of paramount importance but just how important should they be to a Christian?
I've been seeing a lot of people ranting and raving about a great number of things on Facebook, TV, websites and the list goes on. They're all so passionate about worthwhile causes I think they lose sight of the MOST important thing, obeying the Lord!
Jesus didn't spend His time complaining about the Roman Government. Paul used sports as a metaphor but he wasn't obsessed with it. Some blast the church endlessly for the watered down preaching and the seeker friendly formats and although the Gospels did address this in part it was a very small part of the message.
In Mark the tenth chapter Jesus was met by a man who wanted top know what he could do to inherit eternal life. The Lord gave him the short list of stereotyped good behavior and when the man heard those things he said "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a boy." the Word of God says "Jesus looked at him and loved him. He told him 'You're still missing one thing. Sell everything you have. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!'"
The one thing he lacked wasn't a heart for the poor. I believe he didn't have his heart centered on doing what the Father wanted him to. He was religious while being distracted with wealth in the same way I believe so many are distracted with their worthy causes today.
Sam Austin, one of my all time favorite evangelists made a valid point I will use for an example. A lot of Christians argue their view of the tribulation., Some say the church will be raptured out before so they are pre-tribulationists. Others say the rapture will happen after so they are post-tribulationists. Sam says is such an argument he is a pan-tribulationist because he believes it will all "pan out."
We are too distracted by our fears for this nations future. We make idols of sports and athletes. We complain about the church so much we lose the effectiveness we still possess. We need people who love and believe in God so much they trust Him and obey as He leads without making a sideshow of all the other things in our lives. I often say I don't know what tomorrow holds but I know who holds tomorrow. It's more than a cliche it's a pronouncement of FAITH!
I'm not worried about the president, gun control, or even the persecution of the church I believe God is in control and I will serve Him no matter what politicians say or what is considered popular. Sports are fun but they are just games the same as we play at home or with friends. Instead of bashing the church publicly and weakening it's witness even more why don't we obey the word and fix it from the inside?
I know some would say I'm burying my head in the sand about these issues and I would reply you must not have heard me preach recently. I do not back away from these issues but I also would rather praise the light than curse the darkness. How many people have all the griping and complaining, the doom and the gloom rants on the web brought to the cross of Jesus Christ? Very few I'd bet. I believe we need to show the way.
I could quote you a ton of scriptures here about why such behaviors are foolish and you probably already know them so I instead will close with a favorite of faith.
Philippians 1:3-6 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;"
The Lord started us on this journey and if we will not get distracted we can lift up the name of Jesus so that all men can be drawn to Him. That's hard to do when our words are full of bile. Lift HIM up friends and watch how He will take care of the issues.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
I've been seeing a lot of people ranting and raving about a great number of things on Facebook, TV, websites and the list goes on. They're all so passionate about worthwhile causes I think they lose sight of the MOST important thing, obeying the Lord!
Jesus didn't spend His time complaining about the Roman Government. Paul used sports as a metaphor but he wasn't obsessed with it. Some blast the church endlessly for the watered down preaching and the seeker friendly formats and although the Gospels did address this in part it was a very small part of the message.
In Mark the tenth chapter Jesus was met by a man who wanted top know what he could do to inherit eternal life. The Lord gave him the short list of stereotyped good behavior and when the man heard those things he said "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a boy." the Word of God says "Jesus looked at him and loved him. He told him 'You're still missing one thing. Sell everything you have. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!'"
The one thing he lacked wasn't a heart for the poor. I believe he didn't have his heart centered on doing what the Father wanted him to. He was religious while being distracted with wealth in the same way I believe so many are distracted with their worthy causes today.
Sam Austin, one of my all time favorite evangelists made a valid point I will use for an example. A lot of Christians argue their view of the tribulation., Some say the church will be raptured out before so they are pre-tribulationists. Others say the rapture will happen after so they are post-tribulationists. Sam says is such an argument he is a pan-tribulationist because he believes it will all "pan out."
We are too distracted by our fears for this nations future. We make idols of sports and athletes. We complain about the church so much we lose the effectiveness we still possess. We need people who love and believe in God so much they trust Him and obey as He leads without making a sideshow of all the other things in our lives. I often say I don't know what tomorrow holds but I know who holds tomorrow. It's more than a cliche it's a pronouncement of FAITH!
I'm not worried about the president, gun control, or even the persecution of the church I believe God is in control and I will serve Him no matter what politicians say or what is considered popular. Sports are fun but they are just games the same as we play at home or with friends. Instead of bashing the church publicly and weakening it's witness even more why don't we obey the word and fix it from the inside?
I know some would say I'm burying my head in the sand about these issues and I would reply you must not have heard me preach recently. I do not back away from these issues but I also would rather praise the light than curse the darkness. How many people have all the griping and complaining, the doom and the gloom rants on the web brought to the cross of Jesus Christ? Very few I'd bet. I believe we need to show the way.
I could quote you a ton of scriptures here about why such behaviors are foolish and you probably already know them so I instead will close with a favorite of faith.
Philippians 1:3-6 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;"
The Lord started us on this journey and if we will not get distracted we can lift up the name of Jesus so that all men can be drawn to Him. That's hard to do when our words are full of bile. Lift HIM up friends and watch how He will take care of the issues.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Absolutely NO Point to this one
Tonight, for the first time in about 15 years I played real basketball. At our church (Rocky Branch Assembly of God in Farmerville, LA) we started a 40+ Basketball league. For this first get together it was more of a fellowship as we had just a handful of men show up. The target group is men who are over the age of 40 or have a waist of over 40 and needing exercise. WHAT was I thinking?!? We played just two games, split the outcome, and worked up a good sweat with multiple breaks. It was fun but since I'm already sore I fear what the next day or two might bring. "Groooooaaaan"
My son recently bought a pint size, individual ice cream maker. In less than 10 minutes you can have authentic home made ice cream - whatever flavor you desire. I think the devil created this machine.
I'm SO crazy about my wife, SO very proud of my kids, and love, love, love our home cooked meals around the dining table. Recently one of the wonderful couples in our awesome church gave us a lot of fresh deer meat and we are enjoying this flavorful, steroid-less and hormone free food. I've never been a hunter but I was also raised that hunting was a-ok. Thank you Lord for this blessing to our home!
As my first Louisiana winter is half over I have come to the conclusion that it's a cupcake. Wimp.
I'm very thankful I've never been tempted by alcohol. My (admittedly limited) experience with people who are intoxicated is it seems to magnify the worst parts of their personality. Considering this and how I'm rarely happy with myself I fear I'd be a real jerk.
Soon they're coming out with Iron man 3, Thor 2, and there's another Captain America movie in the works. I say "So what? Bring on the green guy, I want more of the Incredible Hulk!"
One last rambling. I am one of those rare men who has a wife for his best friend. There is no one I'd rather spend my time with than my wonderful bride of almost 18 years. I remember our first date, where we first held hands, where we first kissed and my greatest regret is that I didn't marry her sooner. I said there was no point to this blog entry but here's one for free: To lie down each night with the first person you want to see when you wake up is a blessing so wonderful it had to be from God. Whatever you have to do, work to make your relationship with your spouse like that. Because I love her and know she loves me I can trust her, I cherish her prayers above all others, and I would give my life to protect her. My point is I am aware of how the Lord must love me to send this wonderful girl into my life. I pray you have someone like that.
Now I'm going to go eat some ice cream to chill the burning sensation in my arms and legs from basketball. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
My son recently bought a pint size, individual ice cream maker. In less than 10 minutes you can have authentic home made ice cream - whatever flavor you desire. I think the devil created this machine.
I'm SO crazy about my wife, SO very proud of my kids, and love, love, love our home cooked meals around the dining table. Recently one of the wonderful couples in our awesome church gave us a lot of fresh deer meat and we are enjoying this flavorful, steroid-less and hormone free food. I've never been a hunter but I was also raised that hunting was a-ok. Thank you Lord for this blessing to our home!
As my first Louisiana winter is half over I have come to the conclusion that it's a cupcake. Wimp.
I'm very thankful I've never been tempted by alcohol. My (admittedly limited) experience with people who are intoxicated is it seems to magnify the worst parts of their personality. Considering this and how I'm rarely happy with myself I fear I'd be a real jerk.
Soon they're coming out with Iron man 3, Thor 2, and there's another Captain America movie in the works. I say "So what? Bring on the green guy, I want more of the Incredible Hulk!"
One last rambling. I am one of those rare men who has a wife for his best friend. There is no one I'd rather spend my time with than my wonderful bride of almost 18 years. I remember our first date, where we first held hands, where we first kissed and my greatest regret is that I didn't marry her sooner. I said there was no point to this blog entry but here's one for free: To lie down each night with the first person you want to see when you wake up is a blessing so wonderful it had to be from God. Whatever you have to do, work to make your relationship with your spouse like that. Because I love her and know she loves me I can trust her, I cherish her prayers above all others, and I would give my life to protect her. My point is I am aware of how the Lord must love me to send this wonderful girl into my life. I pray you have someone like that.
Now I'm going to go eat some ice cream to chill the burning sensation in my arms and legs from basketball. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember YOU ARE LOVED!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Use a Broom to Clean, Not to Sleep
I want to share with you something I borrowed from a friend on Facebook.
Interesting conversation with God.
Me: God, can I ask you a question?
God: Sure.
...
Me: Promise you won't get mad?
God: I promise.
Me: Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do you mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late.
God: Yes.
Me: My car took forever to start.
God: Okay.
Me: At lunch they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait.
God: Hmmm.
Me: On the way home my phone went dead just as I picked up a call.
God: Okay.
Me: And on top of all that, when I got home I just wanted to soak my feet in my new foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
God: Well, let me see. The Death Angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.
Me: (humbled): OH...
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The person who made your first sandwich today was sick and I didn't want you to catch what he has.
I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me: (embarrassed): Ok...
** Remember this next line **God: Your phone went dead because the person who was calling was going to give false witness about what you said during that call. I didn't even let you talk to them so that you would be covered.
Me: (softly) I see, God.
God: Oh, and that foot massager had a short that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm sorry God.
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me in all things, the good and the bad.
Me: I will trust you.
God: And don't doubt that MY plan for your day is always better than your plan.
Me: I won't, God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today.
God: You're welcome, child. It was just another day being your God, and I love looking after my children.
The line from God that said "Your phone went dead because the person who was calling was going to give false witness about what you said during that call. I didn't even let you talk to them so that you would be covered." When I read that today for the first time something weird happened. My tears just burst forth on my face.
If you've ever been the victim of a false witness you know how painful that can be. I have been and my reaction to those words told me something I didn't like, I'm not over it yet. I THOUGHT I was, but obviously I'm not.
I went through a place in my life where terrible things were said about me. Things that when I heard them I thought "That's crazy! Who would believe that?!?" annnnnd it turned out many did. Dang. The hurt was SO devastating I resigned my church, pulled myself and my family out of everything we were doing and like Elijah went running to the desert. By the way, the desert is hot and inhospitable. It's a place where you may want to lie down and die - don't go there!
In the desert I discovered far more was said and far more was believed. Things that were misquotes, taken out of context, and flat out lies were easily taken as the truth and I was looking for that broom tree. That's a bad place to dwell and just when I thought I was getting out of the desert I went back and looked at my blog history and couldn't believe the recent track in my writings and it was easy to see I need a healing to move forward.
So let me take this in a COMPLETELY different direction, what do YOU battle that is hard to get over? What event or relationship has left you scarred in a manner that just when you think you're over it there it comes again? I think most of us have something. Here in just a few minutes I'm going to get off my computer and I'm going to go write down the most devastating hurts I've had in my life. I'm going to include the names of people who've hurt me and when I'm done, down at the bottom of the page I'm going to write Habakkuk 2:1 which says "I will take my position and be on watch, placing myself on my tower, looking out to see what he will say to me, and what answer he will give to my protest."
Habakkuk was a minor prophet who like his contemporary Jeremiah had to prophesy things people didn't want to hear. However, Habakkuk asked God questions on "Why would bad people succeed and the righteous suffer?" That's me sometimes. I wonder why folks I know aren't living as they should appear blessed and those I know love the Lord struggle.
That's why that scripture will be at the bottom of my list. Habakkuk didn't know but in 2:1 he proclaims it doesn't matter, I will do my job and one day I will hear His answers to my complaints. I want to serve the Lord like that.
I may never get over my hurt. Somethings don't go away just ask Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7). We must love the Lord enough to go on even when we are hurting, even when we don't understand. I will burn my list as a symbol to my physical mind and remind the enemy those things are consumed by my dedication to the Lord.
False witnesses, liars, adulterers, heartache, abuse, abandonment and on and on the list can go. We all have hurts and problems but we can all have Jesus as well. Turn to him whenever those feelings come and like Habakkuk you (and I) can do what He needs us to do.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Interesting conversation with God.
Me: God, can I ask you a question?
God: Sure.
...
Me: Promise you won't get mad?
God: I promise.
Me: Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do you mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late.
God: Yes.
Me: My car took forever to start.
God: Okay.
Me: At lunch they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait.
God: Hmmm.
Me: On the way home my phone went dead just as I picked up a call.
God: Okay.
Me: And on top of all that, when I got home I just wanted to soak my feet in my new foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
God: Well, let me see. The Death Angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.
Me: (humbled): OH...
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The person who made your first sandwich today was sick and I didn't want you to catch what he has.
I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me: (embarrassed): Ok...
** Remember this next line **God: Your phone went dead because the person who was calling was going to give false witness about what you said during that call. I didn't even let you talk to them so that you would be covered.
Me: (softly) I see, God.
God: Oh, and that foot massager had a short that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm sorry God.
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me in all things, the good and the bad.
Me: I will trust you.
God: And don't doubt that MY plan for your day is always better than your plan.
Me: I won't, God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today.
God: You're welcome, child. It was just another day being your God, and I love looking after my children.
The line from God that said "Your phone went dead because the person who was calling was going to give false witness about what you said during that call. I didn't even let you talk to them so that you would be covered." When I read that today for the first time something weird happened. My tears just burst forth on my face.
If you've ever been the victim of a false witness you know how painful that can be. I have been and my reaction to those words told me something I didn't like, I'm not over it yet. I THOUGHT I was, but obviously I'm not.
I went through a place in my life where terrible things were said about me. Things that when I heard them I thought "That's crazy! Who would believe that?!?" annnnnd it turned out many did. Dang. The hurt was SO devastating I resigned my church, pulled myself and my family out of everything we were doing and like Elijah went running to the desert. By the way, the desert is hot and inhospitable. It's a place where you may want to lie down and die - don't go there!
In the desert I discovered far more was said and far more was believed. Things that were misquotes, taken out of context, and flat out lies were easily taken as the truth and I was looking for that broom tree. That's a bad place to dwell and just when I thought I was getting out of the desert I went back and looked at my blog history and couldn't believe the recent track in my writings and it was easy to see I need a healing to move forward.
So let me take this in a COMPLETELY different direction, what do YOU battle that is hard to get over? What event or relationship has left you scarred in a manner that just when you think you're over it there it comes again? I think most of us have something. Here in just a few minutes I'm going to get off my computer and I'm going to go write down the most devastating hurts I've had in my life. I'm going to include the names of people who've hurt me and when I'm done, down at the bottom of the page I'm going to write Habakkuk 2:1 which says "I will take my position and be on watch, placing myself on my tower, looking out to see what he will say to me, and what answer he will give to my protest."
Habakkuk was a minor prophet who like his contemporary Jeremiah had to prophesy things people didn't want to hear. However, Habakkuk asked God questions on "Why would bad people succeed and the righteous suffer?" That's me sometimes. I wonder why folks I know aren't living as they should appear blessed and those I know love the Lord struggle.
That's why that scripture will be at the bottom of my list. Habakkuk didn't know but in 2:1 he proclaims it doesn't matter, I will do my job and one day I will hear His answers to my complaints. I want to serve the Lord like that.
I may never get over my hurt. Somethings don't go away just ask Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7). We must love the Lord enough to go on even when we are hurting, even when we don't understand. I will burn my list as a symbol to my physical mind and remind the enemy those things are consumed by my dedication to the Lord.
False witnesses, liars, adulterers, heartache, abuse, abandonment and on and on the list can go. We all have hurts and problems but we can all have Jesus as well. Turn to him whenever those feelings come and like Habakkuk you (and I) can do what He needs us to do.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
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