I awoke to a tumultuous world filled with pain,
Like driving right into a pouring pounding rain,
Blinded by cascading troubles and trials my way,
Drowning out much of what my Master has to say,
The trials pass like an hour glass filled with sands,
But in it all I'm safely held in My Father's hands,
He comforts in sorrows and wipes off all the tears,
He calms my mind and He drives away all the fears,
He guards my heart and mind with His perfect peace,
He causes my troubling anxieties silently to cease,
He shelters me in the storms He my only hiding place,
Where I am safe and protected while seeking His face,
I don't know what God purposely designed or planned,
In all I'm safely supported and held in His loving hands.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
You Have Not Because You Ask Not
James 4:2 (NKJV)
2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
I thought I was being smart. Our local association of churches sends out an email newsletter every Wednesday. Heritage just did some remodeling to update our children and nursery areas. In the process we are updating some things like baby crib, baby diaper changing table, toys, etc. So I thought I would communicate the need through the newsletter and see what God might do. I thought pretty resourceful.
This past week they posted the need on their newsletter but we did not get any response. So they were prepared to keep the request in there again and as long as we still had a need.
In prayer today I became deeply convicted. I'd asked other churches to help meet those needs but never led the church to take those requests to God privately or corporately in prayer asking for God's provision. We have not because we ask not. I am ashamed. I am supposed to be a man of faith and yet it never crossed my mind to ask God to meet those needs before asking others to do it. I know God is powerful enough. I know we have a need. Our crib is held together with zip ties.
It reminds me of another story. I served a church raising money for a playground years ago. A family donated seed money after their child died to get it started. They moved away and enthusiasm for the project waned. Years went by and the money still had not been raised. The church was embarrassed when that family came back to town years later and still no playground.
I came to that church not long after that embarrassing incident. One day God convicted me that in the months I had been in that church not one time had I heard anyone pray about God supplying the money for the rest of that project. So on a Sunday morning I challenged the church to pray with me about that project. We paused there in the service and lifted the request before God.
I received a phone call from the chairperson of that committee later that afternoon. She was giddy. She called to inform me that God heard and answered those prayers. Someone brought the remaining money needed for that playground to her housethe same day we prayed for it. You have not because you ask not.
We are guilty of not praying until we are really in a bind. Let's be honest. Playgrounds and baby cribs are not the biggest things on God's agenda. They are stepping stones of faith to strengthen us to believe for even greater things. Things like paying off the remaining $84,000 debt we owe on our building. This is something we at Heritage have all prayed about and sacrificed to accomplish. In the past several months we have seen a great reduction. But I have not asked for a great reduction. I have asked for paying off the debt! All of it down to the last penny. This is not the time to be satisfied with progress. We have not because we ask not and do not keep on asking. Luke 18:1 informs we should always pray and not lose heart.
In my office at Heritage I have two bookshelves. My office is not large but it is more than adequate. Still I do not even have half of my library there. Just the other day I noticed a place I could put two short bookshelves under a window to get more of my book out of boxes. I also have a folding table for a desk. I had a large bulky desk in there but moved it to the secretary's office to make a little more room. I have wanted another desk but did not have the money to buy one. You have not because you ask not.
So if I am going to ask God for a baby crib and changing table it is nothing more to ask Him for an executive desk with drawers and two short bookcases. I am not going to fall guilty of having not because I asked not. I am going to ask.
I realize some of you reading this have asked and asked and asked some more and still not received. I feel your pain. I have been praying for God to provide my wife with a car for several years now but He has not done so yet.
The challenge in Matt 7:7-8 is to keep on asking, to keep on seeking and to keep on knocking. How often do we give up when we really need to persevere? In those instances we lose heart and quit we have not because we ask not.
God is mysterious and the ways He works through prayer are mysterious. In one instance God hears and answers immediately. In another instance He delays sending the answer for years. He chooses to heal quickly sometimes and chooses not to heal at other times. He provides abundantly on some occasions and withholds provision on others. I do not have it figured out.
I recall a sermon I heard Louie Giglio preach several years ago on prayer. He made this statement I have not forgotten, "If we make one mistake in prayer let it be this. Let is be that we ask God for too much. That we believe Him for too much." Don't we often do just the opposite. We ask and believe for too little.
So here are just a few of the things I am asking God for today. I am asking God for a matching white baby crib and white changing table for our nursery. I am asking for an executive desk with drawers and two small bookcases. I am asking for all of the $84,000 debt to be paid off at Heritage. I am asking God to supply Brenda with another vehicle. Let it not be said I have not because I asked not. I hope you will do the same.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
The Joy Of Heaven
We huddle in our masses to sing, study and serve. We get cozy on comfy chairs with coffee mugs surrounded by the already convinced. We labor long to offer the best in programs and cutting edge technology. We sing our anthems, hear our truth and hug one another afterward.
Yet God finds more joy, more delight, more pleasure, more satisfaction in one sinner coming to repentance than all our religious gatherings of the already convinced.
Luke 15:3-7 (ESV)
3 So he told them this parable:
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’
7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
In the parable the man left the 99 sheep to go find the one lost one. The church has it backward today. We coddle the 99 and neglect the lost sheep. They drive by our cathedrals unimpressed and uninterested. They live in the shadow of our steeples sleeping through our Sunday gatherings.
O but if they could meet Jesus. If they could hear of His love, His power to transform, His ability to heal internal wounds and His strength to break chains of bondage they could be free. But they don't hear. They struggle through life. They have no sure foundation. They have built their lives on the shifting sands of current philosophy and cultural trends. It is all empty.
Yet the already convinced love our holy huddles. We create more of them. We insulate ourselves from the outside world. We sing and read about taking Jesus to the lost. It used to sting a little when we did not do so. Now we have become callused and it doesn't phase us or those we huddle with.
Jesus looks for the lost. That is His mission. One He entrusted to us. Let us not be so quick to pat ourselves on the back for how great our gatherings are. Jesus finds more joy in the gutters, in the crack houses, in the bars and other rough places where people turn from sin and embrace Jesus for salvation. All of Heaven gets fired up about this. God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, angels, and the saved over on that other side rejoice. They cannot contain their enthusiasm when another one is rescued and redeemed. It's time for the church to see more of these celebrations happen. That is one of the joys of Heaven.
Yet God finds more joy, more delight, more pleasure, more satisfaction in one sinner coming to repentance than all our religious gatherings of the already convinced.
Luke 15:3-7 (ESV)
3 So he told them this parable:
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’
7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
In the parable the man left the 99 sheep to go find the one lost one. The church has it backward today. We coddle the 99 and neglect the lost sheep. They drive by our cathedrals unimpressed and uninterested. They live in the shadow of our steeples sleeping through our Sunday gatherings.
O but if they could meet Jesus. If they could hear of His love, His power to transform, His ability to heal internal wounds and His strength to break chains of bondage they could be free. But they don't hear. They struggle through life. They have no sure foundation. They have built their lives on the shifting sands of current philosophy and cultural trends. It is all empty.
Yet the already convinced love our holy huddles. We create more of them. We insulate ourselves from the outside world. We sing and read about taking Jesus to the lost. It used to sting a little when we did not do so. Now we have become callused and it doesn't phase us or those we huddle with.
Jesus looks for the lost. That is His mission. One He entrusted to us. Let us not be so quick to pat ourselves on the back for how great our gatherings are. Jesus finds more joy in the gutters, in the crack houses, in the bars and other rough places where people turn from sin and embrace Jesus for salvation. All of Heaven gets fired up about this. God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, angels, and the saved over on that other side rejoice. They cannot contain their enthusiasm when another one is rescued and redeemed. It's time for the church to see more of these celebrations happen. That is one of the joys of Heaven.
Blow Wind Blow
Holy Spirit we ask You to blow on our sails,
Empowering fresh testimonies we'll love to tell,
Holy wind of God we ask You blow wind blow,
Lead us where You will and where we don't know,
O Comforter we lean on You for fresh power now,
Show how to serve for we've proven know not how,
Anoint the church empowered to do kingdom work,
Let us linger long in the secret place where You lurk,
Fill us with passion and courage looking others to tell,
Of the impending judgment and wrath awaiting in hell,
Grant us boldness - currently we confess we don't know,
I beg Holy Spirit - once more to blow fresh wind blow.
Empowering fresh testimonies we'll love to tell,
Holy wind of God we ask You blow wind blow,
Lead us where You will and where we don't know,
O Comforter we lean on You for fresh power now,
Show how to serve for we've proven know not how,
Anoint the church empowered to do kingdom work,
Let us linger long in the secret place where You lurk,
Fill us with passion and courage looking others to tell,
Of the impending judgment and wrath awaiting in hell,
Grant us boldness - currently we confess we don't know,
I beg Holy Spirit - once more to blow fresh wind blow.
Hoist The Sails
When those massive sailing ships would get away from the docks and head into the open waters those large sails would be hoisted and unfurled to catch the winds. The wind became the driving force to move those huge ships from port to port. It is amazing how much power is in the wind. It is also amazing what can happen when you harness that power.
A new wind is blowing at Heritage Baptist Church. A fresh touch of the Holy Spirit. I see it in the lives of different ones as they grow in their relationship with God. I see a new hunger for God. I see a greater commitment to private devotion.
I also see a new move of God in our worship gatherings. A sweet unity among the people. A hunger for worship in spirit and truth. I yearning for the word of God to nourish our hungry souls. I see a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to reach out and be the church outside the walls Jesus has called us to be. I see more faith building. I see God drawing the right people and putting them in key positions as we move forward.
Heritage hoist your sails. The wind of the Holy Spirit is blowing in our midst. He is at work. He is reviving our hearts. He is reigniting passion for the work of building God's kingdom. He is empowering our ministries. He is uniting our hearts around a vision to reach Parker County. He is pushing us outside the safe holy huddles through doors into a broken hurting world.
Hoist your sails in your personal devotions. He is kindling a passion like you have never known. He is leading you to where He is working so you can join Him. He is teaching life changing truth. He is taking us where we have never been before. He is breaking chains. He is transforming us.
Let the wind of God through His Spirit catch our sails and drive us fully into His will. Let us chart our course to follow His leadership. Where He blows may we follow. This is an exciting time. This is a time of great opportunity. There is a fresh wind blowing and Heritage we want to hoist our sails and catch it. He is leading us on a grand kingdom adventure. My sails are hoisted and my will is surrendered to whatever He wants to do and wherever He wants to take us. I hope you will do the same.
A new wind is blowing at Heritage Baptist Church. A fresh touch of the Holy Spirit. I see it in the lives of different ones as they grow in their relationship with God. I see a new hunger for God. I see a greater commitment to private devotion.
I also see a new move of God in our worship gatherings. A sweet unity among the people. A hunger for worship in spirit and truth. I yearning for the word of God to nourish our hungry souls. I see a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to reach out and be the church outside the walls Jesus has called us to be. I see more faith building. I see God drawing the right people and putting them in key positions as we move forward.
Heritage hoist your sails. The wind of the Holy Spirit is blowing in our midst. He is at work. He is reviving our hearts. He is reigniting passion for the work of building God's kingdom. He is empowering our ministries. He is uniting our hearts around a vision to reach Parker County. He is pushing us outside the safe holy huddles through doors into a broken hurting world.
Hoist your sails in your personal devotions. He is kindling a passion like you have never known. He is leading you to where He is working so you can join Him. He is teaching life changing truth. He is taking us where we have never been before. He is breaking chains. He is transforming us.
Let the wind of God through His Spirit catch our sails and drive us fully into His will. Let us chart our course to follow His leadership. Where He blows may we follow. This is an exciting time. This is a time of great opportunity. There is a fresh wind blowing and Heritage we want to hoist our sails and catch it. He is leading us on a grand kingdom adventure. My sails are hoisted and my will is surrendered to whatever He wants to do and wherever He wants to take us. I hope you will do the same.
Monday, February 25, 2019
A Special Touch
I was exhausted. So exhausted I fell asleep around 7:30 p.m. Saturday night. I could not keep my eyes open. Worse, I had no idea what God wanted me to preach the following morning. I awoke around 11:00 p.m. and from then until well after 3:00 a.m. I prayed and pleaded with God to give me direction about a message. I mulled over scripture after Scripture but none seemed right.
I had been preaching through the book of Philippians verse by verse for weeks but somehow knew God wanted me to preach something different. I did not have a clue. I had multiple thoughts rumbling in my head but nothing seemed like a clear word from God. Over and over I asked God what He wanted to say to His people. Nothing came clear.
Somewhere after 3:00 a.m. I drifted back to sleep. When I awoke it was 6:30 a.m. which sent my mind spiraling about what I was to preach all over again. Then something settled. Actually multiple verses settled. I hurriedly jotted down some notes and then busied myself showering and dressing.
The message would not cause me to be popular. Most hard hitting messages don't. This one would really put me out there. I had prayed it through and felt convicted it was the message I was supposed to share. That did not make it any easier to deliver.
Brenda said it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop in our gathering. She heard a few faint "amens" and so forth. God had me so engrossed in the message I did not even hear them. During the invitation I knelt to pray at the eighth chair on the front row. Soon afterward I felt a hand touch my shoulder. My prayer got interrupted with thoughts about who had come to pray for me.
When I heard that voice interceding for me I started to weep. I could not choke back the tears. My youngest son, Tuner, had left the sound booth where he serves each week to come pray for his burdened dad. I just taught his Sunday school class. I challenged him and the others to willingly listen for Jesus' leadership in the service and to obey Him without hesitation or excuses. Turner felt Jesus prompt him to come and pray for me. Something I do not recall him ever doing in a worship gathering before.
To experience my youngest son maturing in his faith and going from receiving ministry to actually giving ministry touched me more deeply than I can put into words. Since our tenure at Heritage began I have seen Him grow by leaps and bounds in his relationship with Jesus. I don't know what God has planned for him but I sure know God used him in a special way to touch me yesterday morning. I am humbled and honored to be his dad.
His special touch helped me. God brought me peace. I renewed my resolve. I encountered God through the special touch of my fifteen year old son. O Jesus, please do it again.
I had been preaching through the book of Philippians verse by verse for weeks but somehow knew God wanted me to preach something different. I did not have a clue. I had multiple thoughts rumbling in my head but nothing seemed like a clear word from God. Over and over I asked God what He wanted to say to His people. Nothing came clear.
Somewhere after 3:00 a.m. I drifted back to sleep. When I awoke it was 6:30 a.m. which sent my mind spiraling about what I was to preach all over again. Then something settled. Actually multiple verses settled. I hurriedly jotted down some notes and then busied myself showering and dressing.
The message would not cause me to be popular. Most hard hitting messages don't. This one would really put me out there. I had prayed it through and felt convicted it was the message I was supposed to share. That did not make it any easier to deliver.
Brenda said it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop in our gathering. She heard a few faint "amens" and so forth. God had me so engrossed in the message I did not even hear them. During the invitation I knelt to pray at the eighth chair on the front row. Soon afterward I felt a hand touch my shoulder. My prayer got interrupted with thoughts about who had come to pray for me.
When I heard that voice interceding for me I started to weep. I could not choke back the tears. My youngest son, Tuner, had left the sound booth where he serves each week to come pray for his burdened dad. I just taught his Sunday school class. I challenged him and the others to willingly listen for Jesus' leadership in the service and to obey Him without hesitation or excuses. Turner felt Jesus prompt him to come and pray for me. Something I do not recall him ever doing in a worship gathering before.
To experience my youngest son maturing in his faith and going from receiving ministry to actually giving ministry touched me more deeply than I can put into words. Since our tenure at Heritage began I have seen Him grow by leaps and bounds in his relationship with Jesus. I don't know what God has planned for him but I sure know God used him in a special way to touch me yesterday morning. I am humbled and honored to be his dad.
His special touch helped me. God brought me peace. I renewed my resolve. I encountered God through the special touch of my fifteen year old son. O Jesus, please do it again.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Don't Compromise
I just finished preaching one of the most heartfelt messages I have preached recently. One lady commented afterwards, "I knew when you got up to preach you looked different and I thought this is going to be good." God laid a message on my heart with several scriptures and one where I would be very transparent in my testimony. I had a burden. I barely slept last night. A message I prayed diligently about delivering and how to deliver it in love but sincerity. A message that called me to take a stand.
God gave me liberty and fresh oil to communicate His truth. I felt Him working.
After the service ended a guest lay preacher stopped to talk to me in the foyer. This is what he said, "Good preaching brother. Let me give you a word of warning. Don't compromise." He went on to explain what he meant. DON'T WATER DOWN THE WORD IN THE PREACHING! That is something I never intend to do. Hard truth is just as needed as edifying truth. It is all God's word.
I appreciated this brother's words of counsel. It is easy to lose focus and drift off course. I actually told the preacher, "I pray God strike me down dead should I ever do that."
It is His word people need to hear. We may not always want to hear it but we need to hear it. Preachers need to preach it. The church needs to hunger for it and settle for nothing less. That means no sidestepping the harder truths because they are offensive. That means speaking the truth in love. That means no drive by sermons that last only fifteen minutes. It also means no group therapy group hugs sermons based more on pop psychology than the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV)
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
We are not going to water it down. We certainly do not ever want to compromise God's word. Thank you preacher for a word of warning I take to heart.
God gave me liberty and fresh oil to communicate His truth. I felt Him working.
After the service ended a guest lay preacher stopped to talk to me in the foyer. This is what he said, "Good preaching brother. Let me give you a word of warning. Don't compromise." He went on to explain what he meant. DON'T WATER DOWN THE WORD IN THE PREACHING! That is something I never intend to do. Hard truth is just as needed as edifying truth. It is all God's word.
I appreciated this brother's words of counsel. It is easy to lose focus and drift off course. I actually told the preacher, "I pray God strike me down dead should I ever do that."
It is His word people need to hear. We may not always want to hear it but we need to hear it. Preachers need to preach it. The church needs to hunger for it and settle for nothing less. That means no sidestepping the harder truths because they are offensive. That means speaking the truth in love. That means no drive by sermons that last only fifteen minutes. It also means no group therapy group hugs sermons based more on pop psychology than the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV)
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
We are not going to water it down. We certainly do not ever want to compromise God's word. Thank you preacher for a word of warning I take to heart.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Church Revitalization
It had been a busy week. Several early mornings and late nights stringed together. On that Friday afternoon I glanced at my watch and saw it time to pack up for the day and head home. Suddenly I heard a knock on my outside door. I opened the door to find another pastor standing there. He was in the area and wanted to stop by for a visit. Not exactly what I planned but a divine appointment.
We visited about the church for a bit and then he mentioned the words "church revitalization." He wanted to get me in touch with a guy to help me. He assured me that man would be in contact with me in a few days.
Sure enough the next week I heard from that pastor. My spirit immediately bore witness with his spirit. He told me the testimony of what God had done in his ministry growing a church from 15 to 1,200 over the span of 28 years. I was mesmerized. We talked about church revitalization. Our meeting lasted for two hours mostly talking about God stuff. He assured me God could do the same thing at Heritage if I stayed and trusted God for the miracles.
I drove back to my office with head swimming. Wondering what God was doing. Inside my office I prayed and read scripture. Then I saw it. The previous Wednesday night mail got delivered on my desk I had not looked through. At the bottom of the stack sat a magazine. I rummaged through the pile and pulled the magazine out. I was not prepared for what I saw. God invaded time and space and settled in that little office through the front cover of the magazine and two words in bold red print. "Church Revitalization."
In less than a week I heard those two words three times. Last Thursday I heard or saw them twice in the span of there hours. I knew this was not a coincidence. God was speaking to me. After some prayer I began reading Mark Batterson's All In book. The first thing I saw on the page was the scripture Luke 9:23.
Luke 9:23 (ESV)
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Then I read about drawing a line in the sand and life defining moments. I knew such a moment engulfed me. God had my undivided attention.
The rest of that encounter with God can be read on my post titled "The Eighth Chair."
I have been following Jesus one day at a time for weeks now and watching to see what He is doing. Do you expect me to believe that a pastor would stop by my office just as I was about to leave and speak the words "church revitalization" to me. If he had showed up even three minutes later I would have been gone. Do you expect me to believe he would connect me with another pastor who spoke to me from practical experience about "church revitalization." Do expect me to believe that second pastor would take time to meet with me for breakfast a complete stranger. Do you expect me to believe God did not use him to ignite something in me. And furthermore, do you expect me to believe by random chance that magazine just happened to end up on my desk in that moment and that I just happened to read the front cover at that precise moment.
I am convinced God spoke to me. He spoke in dramatic fashion. I recorded it all in my journal and now on the printed page for others to see a written account of my encounter with God. God has a plan He does not want me to miss out on. He has gone to some out of the ordinary lengths to reveal a part of that plan to me. Now, I must respond in faith.
Heritage, we have much to believe God for. The work is not easy before us nor for the faint of heart. The mountains before us are still massive. God is mightier. I believe God wants to revitalize Heritage. It will not happen overnight. It will require a great deal of faith. It will take hard work. It will also necessitate change. A word many churches hate.
God spoke to me in a way I cannot deny or ignore. I don't know all that is ahead but I am trusting God to revitalize Heritage Baptist Church. I hope you will go ALL IN with me on this. You have my heart.
We visited about the church for a bit and then he mentioned the words "church revitalization." He wanted to get me in touch with a guy to help me. He assured me that man would be in contact with me in a few days.
Sure enough the next week I heard from that pastor. My spirit immediately bore witness with his spirit. He told me the testimony of what God had done in his ministry growing a church from 15 to 1,200 over the span of 28 years. I was mesmerized. We talked about church revitalization. Our meeting lasted for two hours mostly talking about God stuff. He assured me God could do the same thing at Heritage if I stayed and trusted God for the miracles.
I drove back to my office with head swimming. Wondering what God was doing. Inside my office I prayed and read scripture. Then I saw it. The previous Wednesday night mail got delivered on my desk I had not looked through. At the bottom of the stack sat a magazine. I rummaged through the pile and pulled the magazine out. I was not prepared for what I saw. God invaded time and space and settled in that little office through the front cover of the magazine and two words in bold red print. "Church Revitalization."
In less than a week I heard those two words three times. Last Thursday I heard or saw them twice in the span of there hours. I knew this was not a coincidence. God was speaking to me. After some prayer I began reading Mark Batterson's All In book. The first thing I saw on the page was the scripture Luke 9:23.
Luke 9:23 (ESV)
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Then I read about drawing a line in the sand and life defining moments. I knew such a moment engulfed me. God had my undivided attention.
The rest of that encounter with God can be read on my post titled "The Eighth Chair."
I have been following Jesus one day at a time for weeks now and watching to see what He is doing. Do you expect me to believe that a pastor would stop by my office just as I was about to leave and speak the words "church revitalization" to me. If he had showed up even three minutes later I would have been gone. Do you expect me to believe he would connect me with another pastor who spoke to me from practical experience about "church revitalization." Do expect me to believe that second pastor would take time to meet with me for breakfast a complete stranger. Do you expect me to believe God did not use him to ignite something in me. And furthermore, do you expect me to believe by random chance that magazine just happened to end up on my desk in that moment and that I just happened to read the front cover at that precise moment.
I am convinced God spoke to me. He spoke in dramatic fashion. I recorded it all in my journal and now on the printed page for others to see a written account of my encounter with God. God has a plan He does not want me to miss out on. He has gone to some out of the ordinary lengths to reveal a part of that plan to me. Now, I must respond in faith.
Heritage, we have much to believe God for. The work is not easy before us nor for the faint of heart. The mountains before us are still massive. God is mightier. I believe God wants to revitalize Heritage. It will not happen overnight. It will require a great deal of faith. It will take hard work. It will also necessitate change. A word many churches hate.
God spoke to me in a way I cannot deny or ignore. I don't know all that is ahead but I am trusting God to revitalize Heritage Baptist Church. I hope you will go ALL IN with me on this. You have my heart.
The Eighth Chair
The weight of God's word fell heavy on me that summer night. The truth penetrated my mind and heart. I carried an extra burden that night before preaching. I knew God was about to move in a powerful way. I did not know that it would be in me primarily. I felt a burning in my soul to deliver His message. His truth felt like molten lava and my mouth like a volcano about to erupt.
Trusting God for His fresh anointing I preached with everything in me. God welled up intense passion, a tender compassion, bold courage, and laser like focus to deliver God's intended message. The longer I preached the more the truth began impacting me. It felt like I was preaching to myself. Yet I could see God's truth melting the hearts of others too.
When I challenged the listeners to respond to God at the end of the message I walked off to my left to the furtherest seat on the left front row. I sat there under conviction wrestling with a huge decision. Time seemed suspended. All that mattered in that moment was meeting with God. God dealt with me about living what I preached. So I asked God what He wanted and then I did something I have done hundreds of times before.
I laid my life down on His altar. I surrendered my will, my life, my family and my ministry before Him. I offered Him my all based on the message that night. That was the point of the message that night.
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
When God led me to step away from a church plant Brenda and I gave six years of our lives to building in the summer of 2017 I did not know what would be next. I missed a few Sundays preaching but God began to open doors. I traveled all over preaching. Then I got a phone call from a man I had no contact with for decades. He heard I was available to preach and his pastor had just resigned. They needed someone to fill the pulpit at Heritage Baptist Church in Weatherford, TX.
We talked about the church and I agreed to come fill the pulpit. The people were friendly, loving and warm. They asked me to come back a second time and then a third. During that time I was asked several times if I would consider being the pastor. I had no inclination to do so. In fact we had another church lined up in South Texas who extended a call for us to be their pastor and we accepted.
I agreed to fill the Heritage pulpit on Sundays and Wednesdays for several consecutive weeks and then we officially left Heritage to accept our new assignment. A month into our new assignment Brenda and I both felt we had missed God. We lacked peace. We discovered issues that would not allow us to serve in that church. In a most difficult decision I resigned the new position after a month. We never even moved there but commuted the fourteen hour round trip.
We did not know what would happen next. I applied for several jobs. Teaching Bible and coaching at a Christian school. Working at a grocery store, a public library, a hotel, a hardware store, a fitness club, as a security guard at a hospital, at a funeral home. I even got a few interviews. Every door shut.
Then my friend from Heritage Baptist Church called me again. He heard we resigned our position and was available. He asked if I would consider coming back to help them as they could not find a pastor. I emphatically told him I would come be their interim pastor but not their pastor. I had several reasons why I did not think I was a good fit for them or they for us. They called me to be their interim pastor and we went to work. All the while we trusted God to open a door for a permanent position.
Weeks turned into months. We settled into the work but I remained adamant about not becoming the permanent pastor. Finally another church called. We drove to west Texas to interview. In a few days they called extending an invitation for us to come be formally voted on to be their pastor. I informed Heritage and we made our plans to move.
Back to the summer night and the message from Romans 12:1. When I sat in that eighth chair under the convition of the Holy Spirit I asked God, "Do you want me to stay at Heritage. If You are calling me to stay at Heritage then I surrender. I give You my yes. If this is Your will I lay my life down on Your altar."
I had one of those encounters with God you cannot shake. A life altering encounter. The next week I flew to Panama Beach, FL to preach a youth camp. God met me again at that camp. I called Brenda to tell her what I was sensing. She agreed. We turned down the west Texas church and agreed to become the permanent pastor of Heritage Baptist Church. Turner told us he had been praying for that all the time. Heritage prayed the same thing. Twice we were out the door at Heriage and they prayed us back in.
The going was hard. There were numerous things to be done. Things to sort out, procedures to organize and a huge mountain of debt to pay off. Problems to solve. Somewhere along the way I lost heart. The challenges seemed too big. The mountains too high. The odds felt stacked against us. I started praying for God to move us. I pleaded with God to move us to an easier assignment.
God met me in a profound way this past Thursday as I sat in my office. I had the kind of encounter with God that you can't shake or forget. God spoke from His word and then through a circumstance stranger than fiction to confirm what He spoke through His word. I could not have missed what He said even if I had wanted to. I sat in my office stunned.
Seated there I went back in time to that summer night in the eighth chair. I felt compelled to get up and go into the sanctuary and sit in that same chair to give my response. God made it clear I was to stay at Heritage. Seated in that sacred eighth chair I again laid my life on God's altar. I surrendered my life to shepherd that flock and prayerfully build a church that glorifies Him.
The challenges have not changed. The mountains are still just as high. The call of God persisted and triumphed dwarfing the challenges and mountains. I committed to be all in. I drew my line in the sand and crossed over. I am humbled, honored and unworthy to be the pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Weatherford, TX.
In those moments vision exploded in my mind and heart for the future. Vision that would take a lifetime to pursue. Vision that only God could bring to pass. Vision that would require more faith and prayer than I've ever had or given. That eighth chair holds a special place in my heart. Each time I see that chair I'm reminded about two life altering God encounters. It is a sacred spot. Holy ground. An altar. Where I encountered and experienced God.
I am sure you have an eighth chair. A sacred place you encountered God or continue to encounter Him. A place where you made significant commitments to God. I have many. Abe Martin Football Stadium in Lufkin, TX where I met Jesus as my Savior. Pineywoods Baptist Encampment in Woodlake, TX where God called me to preach. Gordon Wood Stadium in Brownwood, TX where I asked Brenda to marry me. FBC Hurst, TX where Brenda and I married. An old prayer room converted into my office at Denman Avenue Baptist Church in Lufkin, TX. My living room floor at 4128 Evans Gann Road in Hudson, TX where I met God profoundly. A wood cabin in Tennessee Colony, TX where I prayer retreat. An organ in Seminole, TX where God called me pastor the FBC there. Now, the eighth chair on the front row to my left looking down from the pulpit in the sanctuary at Heritage Baptist Church in Weatherford, TX.
Each of those places represents a place where I met God in a significant way. Some might call them spiritual marker.s All I know is God met me in a profound way in that eighth chair and I am humbled and grateful. I hope He does the same for you. I thank God for the eighth chair.
Trusting God for His fresh anointing I preached with everything in me. God welled up intense passion, a tender compassion, bold courage, and laser like focus to deliver God's intended message. The longer I preached the more the truth began impacting me. It felt like I was preaching to myself. Yet I could see God's truth melting the hearts of others too.
When I challenged the listeners to respond to God at the end of the message I walked off to my left to the furtherest seat on the left front row. I sat there under conviction wrestling with a huge decision. Time seemed suspended. All that mattered in that moment was meeting with God. God dealt with me about living what I preached. So I asked God what He wanted and then I did something I have done hundreds of times before.
I laid my life down on His altar. I surrendered my will, my life, my family and my ministry before Him. I offered Him my all based on the message that night. That was the point of the message that night.
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
When God led me to step away from a church plant Brenda and I gave six years of our lives to building in the summer of 2017 I did not know what would be next. I missed a few Sundays preaching but God began to open doors. I traveled all over preaching. Then I got a phone call from a man I had no contact with for decades. He heard I was available to preach and his pastor had just resigned. They needed someone to fill the pulpit at Heritage Baptist Church in Weatherford, TX.
We talked about the church and I agreed to come fill the pulpit. The people were friendly, loving and warm. They asked me to come back a second time and then a third. During that time I was asked several times if I would consider being the pastor. I had no inclination to do so. In fact we had another church lined up in South Texas who extended a call for us to be their pastor and we accepted.
I agreed to fill the Heritage pulpit on Sundays and Wednesdays for several consecutive weeks and then we officially left Heritage to accept our new assignment. A month into our new assignment Brenda and I both felt we had missed God. We lacked peace. We discovered issues that would not allow us to serve in that church. In a most difficult decision I resigned the new position after a month. We never even moved there but commuted the fourteen hour round trip.
We did not know what would happen next. I applied for several jobs. Teaching Bible and coaching at a Christian school. Working at a grocery store, a public library, a hotel, a hardware store, a fitness club, as a security guard at a hospital, at a funeral home. I even got a few interviews. Every door shut.
Then my friend from Heritage Baptist Church called me again. He heard we resigned our position and was available. He asked if I would consider coming back to help them as they could not find a pastor. I emphatically told him I would come be their interim pastor but not their pastor. I had several reasons why I did not think I was a good fit for them or they for us. They called me to be their interim pastor and we went to work. All the while we trusted God to open a door for a permanent position.
Weeks turned into months. We settled into the work but I remained adamant about not becoming the permanent pastor. Finally another church called. We drove to west Texas to interview. In a few days they called extending an invitation for us to come be formally voted on to be their pastor. I informed Heritage and we made our plans to move.
Back to the summer night and the message from Romans 12:1. When I sat in that eighth chair under the convition of the Holy Spirit I asked God, "Do you want me to stay at Heritage. If You are calling me to stay at Heritage then I surrender. I give You my yes. If this is Your will I lay my life down on Your altar."
I had one of those encounters with God you cannot shake. A life altering encounter. The next week I flew to Panama Beach, FL to preach a youth camp. God met me again at that camp. I called Brenda to tell her what I was sensing. She agreed. We turned down the west Texas church and agreed to become the permanent pastor of Heritage Baptist Church. Turner told us he had been praying for that all the time. Heritage prayed the same thing. Twice we were out the door at Heriage and they prayed us back in.
The going was hard. There were numerous things to be done. Things to sort out, procedures to organize and a huge mountain of debt to pay off. Problems to solve. Somewhere along the way I lost heart. The challenges seemed too big. The mountains too high. The odds felt stacked against us. I started praying for God to move us. I pleaded with God to move us to an easier assignment.
God met me in a profound way this past Thursday as I sat in my office. I had the kind of encounter with God that you can't shake or forget. God spoke from His word and then through a circumstance stranger than fiction to confirm what He spoke through His word. I could not have missed what He said even if I had wanted to. I sat in my office stunned.
Seated there I went back in time to that summer night in the eighth chair. I felt compelled to get up and go into the sanctuary and sit in that same chair to give my response. God made it clear I was to stay at Heritage. Seated in that sacred eighth chair I again laid my life on God's altar. I surrendered my life to shepherd that flock and prayerfully build a church that glorifies Him.
The challenges have not changed. The mountains are still just as high. The call of God persisted and triumphed dwarfing the challenges and mountains. I committed to be all in. I drew my line in the sand and crossed over. I am humbled, honored and unworthy to be the pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Weatherford, TX.
In those moments vision exploded in my mind and heart for the future. Vision that would take a lifetime to pursue. Vision that only God could bring to pass. Vision that would require more faith and prayer than I've ever had or given. That eighth chair holds a special place in my heart. Each time I see that chair I'm reminded about two life altering God encounters. It is a sacred spot. Holy ground. An altar. Where I encountered and experienced God.
I am sure you have an eighth chair. A sacred place you encountered God or continue to encounter Him. A place where you made significant commitments to God. I have many. Abe Martin Football Stadium in Lufkin, TX where I met Jesus as my Savior. Pineywoods Baptist Encampment in Woodlake, TX where God called me to preach. Gordon Wood Stadium in Brownwood, TX where I asked Brenda to marry me. FBC Hurst, TX where Brenda and I married. An old prayer room converted into my office at Denman Avenue Baptist Church in Lufkin, TX. My living room floor at 4128 Evans Gann Road in Hudson, TX where I met God profoundly. A wood cabin in Tennessee Colony, TX where I prayer retreat. An organ in Seminole, TX where God called me pastor the FBC there. Now, the eighth chair on the front row to my left looking down from the pulpit in the sanctuary at Heritage Baptist Church in Weatherford, TX.
Each of those places represents a place where I met God in a significant way. Some might call them spiritual marker.s All I know is God met me in a profound way in that eighth chair and I am humbled and grateful. I hope He does the same for you. I thank God for the eighth chair.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
He Said
He said, "Go",
I said, "No."
He said, "Follow Me",
I said, "No not me",
He said, "Fish for men",
I said, "Fish for Brim",
He said, "Give it all to Me",
I said, "I'd be working for free",
He said, " I'm faithful to provide",
I said, "The request is denied",
He said, "If not I am not your Lord",
I said, "The cost is too high to afford",
He said, "I want every bit of you",
I said, "Because the cross it's what's due,"
He said, "I love you my stubborn son",
I said, "I repent - please say well done".
I said, "No."
He said, "Follow Me",
I said, "No not me",
He said, "Fish for men",
I said, "Fish for Brim",
He said, "Give it all to Me",
I said, "I'd be working for free",
He said, " I'm faithful to provide",
I said, "The request is denied",
He said, "If not I am not your Lord",
I said, "The cost is too high to afford",
He said, "I want every bit of you",
I said, "Because the cross it's what's due,"
He said, "I love you my stubborn son",
I said, "I repent - please say well done".
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Do We Care?
Out my window I see a world engrossed in transgressions,
Ignorant of damnation unwilling to make their confessions,
They indulge in multiple hedonistic temporary pleasures,
Blind to the truth that knowing Jesus is ultimate treasure,
On and on they go down a path spiraling to damnation,
Some never hearing a loving gospel witness presentation,
They eat, they dance, they make merry and repeat the routine,
Not knowing their lives Jesus finds offensive and obscene,
Worshippers gather in their varied cozy religious assemblies,
Unburdened for the perishing - sad gospel witness anomalies,
Don't we care, don't we care, millions condemned for eternity,
Each child born with a sin nature while in hospital maternity,
The wrath, the fury the justice of a holy God always ascends,
Apart from salvation in Jesus by grace their hell won't suspend,
Do we care, do we shed a tear, does the burden ever penetrate,
Our hard hearts get in and in our shallow minds reverberate,
Do we care, preacher making another speech to congregants,
Does the burden for souls ever convict become an irritant,
Or does the church just play act our parts in hypocrisy,
Refusing the truth and reality of a holy sacred Theocracy,
Do we care, compassionate enough choosing to get involved,
Or will we drift back in stupor choosing to stay unresolved.
Ignorant of damnation unwilling to make their confessions,
They indulge in multiple hedonistic temporary pleasures,
Blind to the truth that knowing Jesus is ultimate treasure,
On and on they go down a path spiraling to damnation,
Some never hearing a loving gospel witness presentation,
They eat, they dance, they make merry and repeat the routine,
Not knowing their lives Jesus finds offensive and obscene,
Worshippers gather in their varied cozy religious assemblies,
Unburdened for the perishing - sad gospel witness anomalies,
Don't we care, don't we care, millions condemned for eternity,
Each child born with a sin nature while in hospital maternity,
The wrath, the fury the justice of a holy God always ascends,
Apart from salvation in Jesus by grace their hell won't suspend,
Do we care, do we shed a tear, does the burden ever penetrate,
Our hard hearts get in and in our shallow minds reverberate,
Do we care, preacher making another speech to congregants,
Does the burden for souls ever convict become an irritant,
Or does the church just play act our parts in hypocrisy,
Refusing the truth and reality of a holy sacred Theocracy,
Do we care, compassionate enough choosing to get involved,
Or will we drift back in stupor choosing to stay unresolved.
Enter In
Paul was on the move. He went through Amphipolis and Apollonia before settling down for a spell in Thessalonica. He and Silas had not been out of prison long before this. You would think they would take it easy. Take some time off. Rest and relax. Recuperate.
No sooner than Paul settled in he went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Acts 17:2 (ESV)
2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
He went in. He deliberately and willfully entered into the Jewish synagogue. He had an agenda. He was a man on a mission and with a message. A message about Jesus whom the Jews hated and rejected. Paul went into a hostile environment to speak a controversial message that he knew would be divisive. The Jews had Paul stoned nearly to death in Acts 14. He knew what to expect.
Still he entered in. He chose to engage the Jews for not just one week but for three consecutive weeks reasoning with them from the scriptures. He discussed, made them think and probably asked tough questions making them consider Jesus as Messiah.
Paul entering in had two consequences. Many turned to Jesus for salvation.Great. Some others got ticked off and created a mob who started a riot. Not so great. Paul knew the risks before he ever set foot in that synagogue. He had seen hostility manifest itself into fury and brutality before. He still chose to enter in.
We have that same choice. Maybe it is a conversation with a loved one, neighbor, co-worker or acquaintance. The conversation is going along and then you feel prompted by the Holy Spirit to speak a word of witness about Jesus. You know to enter into this line of talk could get uncomfortable. What do you choose to do?
You feel prompted to talk to a Muslim about Jesus. You know they will not agree with. you. You know the conversation may even turn into anger. You face the risk of losing a friend or possibly being persecuted in retaliation. What do you choose? Will you enter in?
God stirs your heart in a meaningful worship gathering. You feel called to become a missionary. After weeks of prayerfully seeking where God wants you to go He reveals His will is for you to go to an openly hostile country to Christians. Fearfully you make preparations. People try to talk you out of it because of the dangers. You listen and are nearly persuaded but the call of God persists and triumphs. You finally board a plane and land in a hostile land. You are immediately looked at with suspicion and hatred. You willingly chose to enter in. Eventually you will have to enter into spiritual conversations pointing people to Jesus. This will not bring favor and good will. Still you know you will have to enter in.
True followers of Jesus are often called to enter into uncomfortable situations. What will we choose? What will we do? Run toward the risk or flee to safety? How I pray God gives us the courage to enter in like Paul.
No sooner than Paul settled in he went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Acts 17:2 (ESV)
2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
He went in. He deliberately and willfully entered into the Jewish synagogue. He had an agenda. He was a man on a mission and with a message. A message about Jesus whom the Jews hated and rejected. Paul went into a hostile environment to speak a controversial message that he knew would be divisive. The Jews had Paul stoned nearly to death in Acts 14. He knew what to expect.
Still he entered in. He chose to engage the Jews for not just one week but for three consecutive weeks reasoning with them from the scriptures. He discussed, made them think and probably asked tough questions making them consider Jesus as Messiah.
Paul entering in had two consequences. Many turned to Jesus for salvation.Great. Some others got ticked off and created a mob who started a riot. Not so great. Paul knew the risks before he ever set foot in that synagogue. He had seen hostility manifest itself into fury and brutality before. He still chose to enter in.
We have that same choice. Maybe it is a conversation with a loved one, neighbor, co-worker or acquaintance. The conversation is going along and then you feel prompted by the Holy Spirit to speak a word of witness about Jesus. You know to enter into this line of talk could get uncomfortable. What do you choose to do?
You feel prompted to talk to a Muslim about Jesus. You know they will not agree with. you. You know the conversation may even turn into anger. You face the risk of losing a friend or possibly being persecuted in retaliation. What do you choose? Will you enter in?
God stirs your heart in a meaningful worship gathering. You feel called to become a missionary. After weeks of prayerfully seeking where God wants you to go He reveals His will is for you to go to an openly hostile country to Christians. Fearfully you make preparations. People try to talk you out of it because of the dangers. You listen and are nearly persuaded but the call of God persists and triumphs. You finally board a plane and land in a hostile land. You are immediately looked at with suspicion and hatred. You willingly chose to enter in. Eventually you will have to enter into spiritual conversations pointing people to Jesus. This will not bring favor and good will. Still you know you will have to enter in.
True followers of Jesus are often called to enter into uncomfortable situations. What will we choose? What will we do? Run toward the risk or flee to safety? How I pray God gives us the courage to enter in like Paul.
Soon And Very Soon
I am amazed when I read the headlines. It appears the world is falling apart at the seams. Injustice triumphs. Hatred increases. Division escalates. Violence abounds. Lawlessness is on the rise. Corruption has invaded every level of government. The weather patterns are bizarre with nasty wild fires, devastating earthquakes, floods and hurricanes.
Studies show in this connected world of social media people feel more lonely than ever. Outside of family some have nobody to talk to about their deepest problems. Others are forgotten and neglected. Estranged from family or enduring days and nights of weeping because of grief over the loss of a spouse or child.
I think most would agree we are living in the end times. The signs all point to it. History is racing toward the climatic end. The Bible has clearly laid out the end time events. You can see things falling into place. We are headed toward a one world government. We are headed toward a one world currency and the mark of the Beast. One day there will be one world leader the Bible identifies as the anti-Christ. He will usher in days of intense persecution. Christian martyrs will give their lives rather than renounce faith in Jesus.
I look around at political policies and see where we are headed. I look at preparations being made for the end times such as FEMA camps and massive purchase of ammunition by the government. There are even some reports about tens of thousands of guillotines being stored in waiting for a hostile takeover. I have heard about plans to slowly take away independence from people such as the purchase of vehicles, internet, cell phone service, and food supplies. Sounds far fetched. Like something out of a Hollywood movie.
All of these things are alarming. While each piece of the puzzle falls into place most people live without any regard to the end. They do not concern themselves with the second coming of Jesus, the great tribulation, the anti-Christ or any other end time prophecy. That does not alter the fact that history is barreling right on course with these long ago predicted outcomes. It is sobering.
Things that seem to matter so much now will be meaningless when the tribulation hits. There will be chaos like the world has never seen. People will live in terror. The words of gospel preachers will echo. It will be survival of the fittest each looking out for themselves and their families. Neighbors will turn on one another. The majority will turn on Christians. They will be hunted and executed.
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King Jesus. Not everyone. Those who have repented of sin, put their faith in the substitutionary atonement of Jesus, and believed Him for salvation will. Not much longer before Jesus will call His own home. On that glad day we will fly away into glory. We will forever be with the Lord. I for one am looking forward to that day with great anticipation. Like John I can only say, "Come, Lord Jesus."
Revelation 22:20 (ESV)
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Studies show in this connected world of social media people feel more lonely than ever. Outside of family some have nobody to talk to about their deepest problems. Others are forgotten and neglected. Estranged from family or enduring days and nights of weeping because of grief over the loss of a spouse or child.
I think most would agree we are living in the end times. The signs all point to it. History is racing toward the climatic end. The Bible has clearly laid out the end time events. You can see things falling into place. We are headed toward a one world government. We are headed toward a one world currency and the mark of the Beast. One day there will be one world leader the Bible identifies as the anti-Christ. He will usher in days of intense persecution. Christian martyrs will give their lives rather than renounce faith in Jesus.
I look around at political policies and see where we are headed. I look at preparations being made for the end times such as FEMA camps and massive purchase of ammunition by the government. There are even some reports about tens of thousands of guillotines being stored in waiting for a hostile takeover. I have heard about plans to slowly take away independence from people such as the purchase of vehicles, internet, cell phone service, and food supplies. Sounds far fetched. Like something out of a Hollywood movie.
All of these things are alarming. While each piece of the puzzle falls into place most people live without any regard to the end. They do not concern themselves with the second coming of Jesus, the great tribulation, the anti-Christ or any other end time prophecy. That does not alter the fact that history is barreling right on course with these long ago predicted outcomes. It is sobering.
Things that seem to matter so much now will be meaningless when the tribulation hits. There will be chaos like the world has never seen. People will live in terror. The words of gospel preachers will echo. It will be survival of the fittest each looking out for themselves and their families. Neighbors will turn on one another. The majority will turn on Christians. They will be hunted and executed.
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King Jesus. Not everyone. Those who have repented of sin, put their faith in the substitutionary atonement of Jesus, and believed Him for salvation will. Not much longer before Jesus will call His own home. On that glad day we will fly away into glory. We will forever be with the Lord. I for one am looking forward to that day with great anticipation. Like John I can only say, "Come, Lord Jesus."
Revelation 22:20 (ESV)
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Ministry Mule
It was cold when they stepped outside. The kind of cold when you can see your breath in the air. The kind of weather when you dress in layers to keep warm and would probably prefer to be inside a warm building. Ministry assignment for the day called for some men to be outside doing old fashioned hard manual labor. They cut and trimmed trees.
Four men got to be mules. What I mean is they drug, carried and hauled limbs, tree trunks, branches and vines to a burn pile. They started with nothing on the ground. By the end of the day they built a burn pile some fifteen to twenty feet in the air and just as largein diameter.
Even as cold as it was outside sweat soaked through undershirts and hats. Their muscles burned. Some branches were heavier than others. Their feet ached. Their backs grew sore. Their biceps burned. For hours they cut, hauled, drug and trimmed to spruce up the HBC campus.
I can look back on my ministry training in college and seminary. I did not take one class on serving as a ministry mule. Yet over the years I have found ministry lead to places where service needed to be done. Once while preaching a revival meeting I had to help the pastor haul hay, move to a new residence, followed by another revival meeting the next week where we helped a new pastor move into his home. I did not have blue jeans packed. I had slacks and shorts. I wore shorts. A mistake I learned from. Ministry last summer meant a trip to south Texas to help with relief efforts with Hurricane Harvey victims. Sometimes ministry calls for grunt work. Old fashioned get your hands dirty work.
It means setting up and tearing down equipment. I remember vividly moving 250 chairs from a building out under a tent in July one west Texas afternoon before a revival meeting. The sweat poured freely. That is what ministry called for that day.
I am thankful for ministry mules. Men like Richard, Eric, Wes and Turner. Men who know how to serve. Men who sacrifice time and effort for Kingdom causes. I am thankful for women who performed ministry mule work of cleaning and painting. I am thankful for the ministry mules who cook and serve the food at fellowship meals. I am thankful for the ministry mules who stay late to clean up after some event or who show up early to get it all set up. I am thankful for those who open their homes to entertain. I am thankful for ministry mules who work diligently to do jobs most never notice.
The kingdom of God is made up of many ministry mules. They look for opportunities to serve. They do not look to be served. They give their lives away. They are willing to do the hard work of a ministry mule. They may not get much attention. Most prefer it that way. Today I salute such people. They are a blessing. The church is better because of them.
Four men got to be mules. What I mean is they drug, carried and hauled limbs, tree trunks, branches and vines to a burn pile. They started with nothing on the ground. By the end of the day they built a burn pile some fifteen to twenty feet in the air and just as largein diameter.
Even as cold as it was outside sweat soaked through undershirts and hats. Their muscles burned. Some branches were heavier than others. Their feet ached. Their backs grew sore. Their biceps burned. For hours they cut, hauled, drug and trimmed to spruce up the HBC campus.
I can look back on my ministry training in college and seminary. I did not take one class on serving as a ministry mule. Yet over the years I have found ministry lead to places where service needed to be done. Once while preaching a revival meeting I had to help the pastor haul hay, move to a new residence, followed by another revival meeting the next week where we helped a new pastor move into his home. I did not have blue jeans packed. I had slacks and shorts. I wore shorts. A mistake I learned from. Ministry last summer meant a trip to south Texas to help with relief efforts with Hurricane Harvey victims. Sometimes ministry calls for grunt work. Old fashioned get your hands dirty work.
It means setting up and tearing down equipment. I remember vividly moving 250 chairs from a building out under a tent in July one west Texas afternoon before a revival meeting. The sweat poured freely. That is what ministry called for that day.
I am thankful for ministry mules. Men like Richard, Eric, Wes and Turner. Men who know how to serve. Men who sacrifice time and effort for Kingdom causes. I am thankful for women who performed ministry mule work of cleaning and painting. I am thankful for the ministry mules who cook and serve the food at fellowship meals. I am thankful for the ministry mules who stay late to clean up after some event or who show up early to get it all set up. I am thankful for those who open their homes to entertain. I am thankful for ministry mules who work diligently to do jobs most never notice.
The kingdom of God is made up of many ministry mules. They look for opportunities to serve. They do not look to be served. They give their lives away. They are willing to do the hard work of a ministry mule. They may not get much attention. Most prefer it that way. Today I salute such people. They are a blessing. The church is better because of them.
Monday, February 18, 2019
2.3 Seconds
How many people do you meet who really impact your life? By impact I mean God uses them to transform your life? What about complete strangers?
Do you believe a complete stranger could approach you, not hand you anything, but totally change your life in 2.3 seconds. That sounds impossible but later I will show you proof that it actually happened.
Before that I can tell you God used a complete stranger to change my life. His name is Eli Bernard. He bounced into my hometown and made quite a splash. He certainly did in my life. In October of 1983 Eli went to a Lufkin Panthers junior varsity football game. He did not have football on his mind. He had sharing the gospel and winning souls burning in his heart. I did not know it at the time but God had me in His crosshairs and Eli was the instrument He would use to change my life.
Eli, a total stranger, approached me during the game. After some very short small talk he got to the point about where I would spend eternity. He clearly laid out the gospel message. I know I heard it before but it never clicked. That night it felt like the scales fell off my eyes and I saw the love of Jesus for me the very first time. He wonderfully and gloriously saved me that night.
I did not know it at the time but I would live with Eli on two different occasions during the summer months while in college so he could train me in ministry. He taught me how to evangelize. He taught me how to teach the Bible. He taught me ideas and philosophy about youth ministry. He taught me about managing money. He also taught me about planning events.
I was deeply saddened when he told me he was leaving my home church to accept a position in Lutz, FL. God used Eli to not only lead me to faith in Christ but also to disciple me. A treasure. I am still in contact with Eli to this day.
God also used another complete stranger to impact my life. His name is Charles Roberts. He is my pastor. Still actively preaching and pastoring a small church. He told me recently he accepted the call to a small church after his retirement because they were just about to close the doors and he did not want to see that happen.
God used Brother Charles to baptize me. He taught me how to be a pastor. He recommended books to me, gave me ministry opportunities, mentored me and counseled me. He also taught me about expository preaching, shepherding a flock, saying thank you, loving people and endurance in ministry.
Two complete strangers. Two men God used to transform my life. Back to the title. Eli and Brother Charles impacted my life over the course of years. It took a lot longer than 2.3 seconds.
There is a real story where in 2.3 seconds a complete stranger transformed the lives of some people he happened upon one day. He did not give them any money. He did not give them any possessions as a matter of fact. He did not offer them jobs with perks and powerful job titles. In just 2.3 seconds this stranger changed the trajectory of some lives. You can read about this event in history. I did so just this week.
Matthew 4:18-20 (ESV)
18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Go ahead. Read what Jesus said to these two brothers out loud and time yourself. I did it a couple of days ago. It took me 2.3 seconds to read the words of Jesus to Simon and Andrew. Their worlds, their lives, their purpose, their mission all changed in 2.3 seconds.
That night back in October of 1983 my world and life changed in the time it took me to ask for Jesus' forgiveness and salvation and amen. In those brief seconds everything changed. All I have good in my life: Brenda, Taylor, Tanner, Tucker, Turner, close brothers and sisters in Christ, friends, purpose, passion and provision all changed in the seconds when I met Jesus and followed Him. Pretty amazing what Jesus can do.
My mom could not tame me in 17 years though she tried. Principals could not change me. Teachers could not tame me. Coaches could not transform me. Nor distant relatives. What they could not do in years Jesus did in seconds. He still chasing me to this day. He still does that today for others all over the world. I am humbled and honored to be one of those He transformed in just seconds. I am happy to follow Him. I hope you are too.
Do you believe a complete stranger could approach you, not hand you anything, but totally change your life in 2.3 seconds. That sounds impossible but later I will show you proof that it actually happened.
Before that I can tell you God used a complete stranger to change my life. His name is Eli Bernard. He bounced into my hometown and made quite a splash. He certainly did in my life. In October of 1983 Eli went to a Lufkin Panthers junior varsity football game. He did not have football on his mind. He had sharing the gospel and winning souls burning in his heart. I did not know it at the time but God had me in His crosshairs and Eli was the instrument He would use to change my life.
Eli, a total stranger, approached me during the game. After some very short small talk he got to the point about where I would spend eternity. He clearly laid out the gospel message. I know I heard it before but it never clicked. That night it felt like the scales fell off my eyes and I saw the love of Jesus for me the very first time. He wonderfully and gloriously saved me that night.
I did not know it at the time but I would live with Eli on two different occasions during the summer months while in college so he could train me in ministry. He taught me how to evangelize. He taught me how to teach the Bible. He taught me ideas and philosophy about youth ministry. He taught me about managing money. He also taught me about planning events.
I was deeply saddened when he told me he was leaving my home church to accept a position in Lutz, FL. God used Eli to not only lead me to faith in Christ but also to disciple me. A treasure. I am still in contact with Eli to this day.
God also used another complete stranger to impact my life. His name is Charles Roberts. He is my pastor. Still actively preaching and pastoring a small church. He told me recently he accepted the call to a small church after his retirement because they were just about to close the doors and he did not want to see that happen.
God used Brother Charles to baptize me. He taught me how to be a pastor. He recommended books to me, gave me ministry opportunities, mentored me and counseled me. He also taught me about expository preaching, shepherding a flock, saying thank you, loving people and endurance in ministry.
Two complete strangers. Two men God used to transform my life. Back to the title. Eli and Brother Charles impacted my life over the course of years. It took a lot longer than 2.3 seconds.
There is a real story where in 2.3 seconds a complete stranger transformed the lives of some people he happened upon one day. He did not give them any money. He did not give them any possessions as a matter of fact. He did not offer them jobs with perks and powerful job titles. In just 2.3 seconds this stranger changed the trajectory of some lives. You can read about this event in history. I did so just this week.
Matthew 4:18-20 (ESV)
18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Go ahead. Read what Jesus said to these two brothers out loud and time yourself. I did it a couple of days ago. It took me 2.3 seconds to read the words of Jesus to Simon and Andrew. Their worlds, their lives, their purpose, their mission all changed in 2.3 seconds.
That night back in October of 1983 my world and life changed in the time it took me to ask for Jesus' forgiveness and salvation and amen. In those brief seconds everything changed. All I have good in my life: Brenda, Taylor, Tanner, Tucker, Turner, close brothers and sisters in Christ, friends, purpose, passion and provision all changed in the seconds when I met Jesus and followed Him. Pretty amazing what Jesus can do.
My mom could not tame me in 17 years though she tried. Principals could not change me. Teachers could not tame me. Coaches could not transform me. Nor distant relatives. What they could not do in years Jesus did in seconds. He still chasing me to this day. He still does that today for others all over the world. I am humbled and honored to be one of those He transformed in just seconds. I am happy to follow Him. I hope you are too.
Friday, February 15, 2019
Tough Questions
In my readings this past week several times I have been posed with difficult questions. Philosophical questions that make you pause and ponder. Questions that often do not have easy answers. Questions that make me look at life and ministry from God's perspective.
Some I do not have answers. Others I do not like the answers I give based on life and ministry at this stage in my life. This is a season of stripping. God is filleting my heart in little strips as he strips away the things that do not please Him. He is also challenging my thinking on many things. It is a time of deep reflection and sometimes I don't like the truth of what I discover.
It's easy to coast through life drifting off course ever so slightly at first and then more so over time. It is easy to lose sight of what is really important. What are those things? Very simple.
Matthew 22:36-40 (ESV)
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
38 This is the great and first commandment.
39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
What is the great commandment? Answer; love God and love people.
What should our priority be?
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Seek first His Kingdom. The expansion of the rule and reign of God on this planet. What does that look like? How is that lived out in life and ministry? Tough questions may not have easy answers.
It's really not that contemplated. I am supposed to love God first and most. I am also supposed to love other people. Then I am to be about seeking to expand His Kingdom. This may or may not include leading religious gatherings. Assuredly sometimes it means rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty as you serve others and meet their needs. Sometimes it means following Jesus into some dark irreligious places to shine the light of the gospel.
I will not bore you with a list of questions I've been pondering. You might not like them and probably will not like the answers you come up with. I will leave you with just one more. What difference is your life and mine making in the Kingdom of God? I am not asking about your attendance at religious gatherings. I am not asking about your job, the money you make or the perks you enjoy.
What difference are we making? That is a question that we all must face and a question we will be held accountable for in eternity. Sadly we might find that in light of judgment we wasted much of our lives on things that held no eternal value. A abhor the thought of that and shudder to think how easily we can waste our lives, all the while convincing ourselves we have done good.
We only live this life once. We do not get a second chance. So let us devote ourselves to loving God most, loving others and seeking His kingdom first. Those things really matter.
Some I do not have answers. Others I do not like the answers I give based on life and ministry at this stage in my life. This is a season of stripping. God is filleting my heart in little strips as he strips away the things that do not please Him. He is also challenging my thinking on many things. It is a time of deep reflection and sometimes I don't like the truth of what I discover.
It's easy to coast through life drifting off course ever so slightly at first and then more so over time. It is easy to lose sight of what is really important. What are those things? Very simple.
Matthew 22:36-40 (ESV)
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
38 This is the great and first commandment.
39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
What is the great commandment? Answer; love God and love people.
What should our priority be?
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Seek first His Kingdom. The expansion of the rule and reign of God on this planet. What does that look like? How is that lived out in life and ministry? Tough questions may not have easy answers.
It's really not that contemplated. I am supposed to love God first and most. I am also supposed to love other people. Then I am to be about seeking to expand His Kingdom. This may or may not include leading religious gatherings. Assuredly sometimes it means rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty as you serve others and meet their needs. Sometimes it means following Jesus into some dark irreligious places to shine the light of the gospel.
I will not bore you with a list of questions I've been pondering. You might not like them and probably will not like the answers you come up with. I will leave you with just one more. What difference is your life and mine making in the Kingdom of God? I am not asking about your attendance at religious gatherings. I am not asking about your job, the money you make or the perks you enjoy.
What difference are we making? That is a question that we all must face and a question we will be held accountable for in eternity. Sadly we might find that in light of judgment we wasted much of our lives on things that held no eternal value. A abhor the thought of that and shudder to think how easily we can waste our lives, all the while convincing ourselves we have done good.
We only live this life once. We do not get a second chance. So let us devote ourselves to loving God most, loving others and seeking His kingdom first. Those things really matter.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
A Neglected Ministry
Ministries abound in churches all over the world and among the people of God. There are preaching and teaching ministries. There are evangelism ministries. There are discipleship ministries. There are missions ministries. There are ministries to feed the homeless and to help the battered and abused. There are ministries for substance addiction. There are ministries to families, to men, to women, to students and to children. There are ministries to college students, singles, those regrouping from divorce and coping with grief. There are Senior Adult ministries. There are ministries of music. There are church planting and church revitalization ministries. I have been involved in or known many of these through reading.
There is a neglected ministry. It still exists but it is harder and harder to spot. This ministry will never be promoted on center stage. Most of the people involved in this almost forgotten service prefer to be left behind the scenes anyway. They do not want to draw attention to themselves. They prefer the attention to be given to others. Yet these faithful servants and their ministry is vital to the church. That is why it is so sad that it is increasingly becoming a neglected ministry.
What ministry am I talking about? THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT. When is the last time you received such ministry from someone? I hope it has been pretty recent. I am betting on the truth for many it has been awhile.
Now, let me flip the question. When is the last time you encouraged someone? I hope it has not been too long. We are surrounded by people who need to be encouraged. If we ask God to open our hearts and our spirit to be in tune with Him I believe He will show us people who need the ministry of encouragement. Let's do it today.
It is easy in the busyness of life not to take the time or make the effort to encourage people. Right now someone around your life is having a hard time. Just a little word from you could make a world of difference. The ministry of encouragement should no longer be a neglected ministry. May God resurrect it to flourish among His people once again.
There is a neglected ministry. It still exists but it is harder and harder to spot. This ministry will never be promoted on center stage. Most of the people involved in this almost forgotten service prefer to be left behind the scenes anyway. They do not want to draw attention to themselves. They prefer the attention to be given to others. Yet these faithful servants and their ministry is vital to the church. That is why it is so sad that it is increasingly becoming a neglected ministry.
What ministry am I talking about? THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT. When is the last time you received such ministry from someone? I hope it has been pretty recent. I am betting on the truth for many it has been awhile.
Now, let me flip the question. When is the last time you encouraged someone? I hope it has not been too long. We are surrounded by people who need to be encouraged. If we ask God to open our hearts and our spirit to be in tune with Him I believe He will show us people who need the ministry of encouragement. Let's do it today.
It is easy in the busyness of life not to take the time or make the effort to encourage people. Right now someone around your life is having a hard time. Just a little word from you could make a world of difference. The ministry of encouragement should no longer be a neglected ministry. May God resurrect it to flourish among His people once again.
Praise At Midnight
They sat bloodied and bruised at first sight,
Even in pain the praise lifted about midnight,
Incarcerated for a strong stand for King Jesus,
Who knows, is acquainted and always sees us,
In the inner prison feet fastened in cold chains,
Could not stop the prayer and praise refrains,
Their chorus echoed through the prison cells,
A foreign sound for wretched ears in their hell,
Suddenly a shaking, rumble and quaking ensued,
The prison opened and the chains were subdued,
A distraught jailer thought all prisoners escaped,
All remained when he surveyed the landscape,
A short Jesus sermon Paul fearlessly proclaimed,
The jailer's life saved and powerfully sustained,
His house soon met Jesus too - His new Savior ,
A new creation followed with brand new behavior,
All were baptized by the soft glow of the moonlight,
All because Paul and Silas praised about midnight.
Even in pain the praise lifted about midnight,
Incarcerated for a strong stand for King Jesus,
Who knows, is acquainted and always sees us,
In the inner prison feet fastened in cold chains,
Could not stop the prayer and praise refrains,
Their chorus echoed through the prison cells,
A foreign sound for wretched ears in their hell,
Suddenly a shaking, rumble and quaking ensued,
The prison opened and the chains were subdued,
A distraught jailer thought all prisoners escaped,
All remained when he surveyed the landscape,
A short Jesus sermon Paul fearlessly proclaimed,
The jailer's life saved and powerfully sustained,
His house soon met Jesus too - His new Savior ,
A new creation followed with brand new behavior,
All were baptized by the soft glow of the moonlight,
All because Paul and Silas praised about midnight.
The Man In The Mirror
I did not like what I saw in the light,
The man in the mirror I still fight,
The man inside prone to wander,
The man I cannot put asunder,
The man of flesh and carnal nature,
The man of small spiritual stature,
I do not like the man I see reflected,
Convicted when Holy Ghost inspected,
It is that man that I am still fighting,
That sinful man can be frightening,
To Christ I look in full expectation,
Who loves without condemnation,
Who deals mercy and lavish grace,
Who invites me to seek His face,
He my flesh can totally crucify,
He also able to fully sanctify,
Able to transform the likes of me,
Change the man in the mirror I see.
The man in the mirror I still fight,
The man inside prone to wander,
The man I cannot put asunder,
The man of flesh and carnal nature,
The man of small spiritual stature,
I do not like the man I see reflected,
Convicted when Holy Ghost inspected,
It is that man that I am still fighting,
That sinful man can be frightening,
To Christ I look in full expectation,
Who loves without condemnation,
Who deals mercy and lavish grace,
Who invites me to seek His face,
He my flesh can totally crucify,
He also able to fully sanctify,
Able to transform the likes of me,
Change the man in the mirror I see.
What Would It Take To Make You Happy
What would it take to make you happy? I was asked that question recently. I pondered for a moment and began making a mental list of things. I mulled it over for awhile and then realized all my answers fell short. None of those things really had the ability to make me happy.
Then I remembered this verse.
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Then I remembered this verse.
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
In God's presence is fullness of joy. To put it another way, in God's presence is exceeding and abounding gladness. It does not say in riches. It does not say in adverse free circumstances. It does not say fullness of joy comes from any source but from God and being near Him.
How easily we get fooled into thinking this long sought after happiness or joy will come from some other source. We try. We try in vain to find our lasting happiness in things like entertainment, accumulating more stuff, relationships, job promotions, education, having a family. None can produce true and lasting happiness.
Remaining with God is key. Yet, how many reading this would say your relationship with God has not produced fullness of joy. How many would testify that you have sought Him and are no more happy today than you were before you came to know Him. Worse, how many fake happiness as followers of Jesus but have no real joy.
Happiness should not be our pursuit. Happiness depends so much on circumstances. Joy comes from something deeper. True joy can overcome adversity. Jesus joyfully went to the cross. [Heb 12:2]
I am going to turn that question around asked me. Not what would it take to me happy? Rather what it would take to make me joyful? Surrendering to the Holy Spirit. [Gal 5:22] Taking the time to enjoy God and not use Him as a genie in a magic lamp to grant me my wishes. To walk with Him until His joy bubbles up inside me.
One last thing. In God's right hand are pleasures. That word means desires and delights. Here is the truth. God Himself is the ultimate desire and delight. Many never discover this and spend their lives vainly chasing things they think will produce forever pleasures. Like Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes that is like chasing after the wind.
This world tantalizes. It draws us in. It dazzles with shiny things that promise lasting joy, fulfillment and pleasure. Those things never satisfy. God does. I've been deceived and subtly drawn in. Enticed with things that never live up to the promise. Seduced by the greed to always have more. I am no happier for the effort and experiences.
Today my eyes are opened. Fullness of joy is found in God. Pleasure is found in God. So if I want to be happier, or more joyful, I need more of Him. To know Him. Not know about Him. To really know Him. Even in the fellowship of His sufferings and the power of His resurrection. [Phil 3:10] Not more of anything this world has to offer.
Monday, February 11, 2019
Resolve With Joy
I just finished my workout for the day. Even working out in my make shift gym in the garage I worked up a sweat on this cold drizzly day. I did bench press, butterflys, military press, hammer curls, biceps curls both standing and seated, shoulder shrugs, push ups, and yoga stretches plus a 300 repetition abdominal work out.
I got tired. The muscles ached. They burned with the fire of fatigue. Four sets of every exercise for anywhere from 45-30 seconds per set. At times I could actually feel the fibers in my muscles strain to get another rep up. When I knew I was entering my last round I determined to get one more rep than I did the last time. That is when I really felt the strain as those muscles tensed and strained to hoist the weight. I didn't feel like doing one more rep. I just wanted to be done. The competitor in me wanted to step up the challenge. I resolved to do so.
You see, the workouts are just as much mental as they are physical. You have to push beyond fatigue barriers. You have to go past pain. You have to resolve not to quit.
It is the same thing in life. When Monday mornings roll around after an all too short weekend you have to will yourself out of bed when the alarm goes off. You have to push through the mental fatigue of starting the work grind all over again. Punching the work clock can feel a lot like doing time. Many hate their work but endure it for the paycheck. They do not endure joyfully.
We also need the resolve not just to get through another work week but to do so joyfully. You may argue that I do not understand your adverse working conditions and your poor compensation. You know what I would reply. You don't understand the adversity of what Jesus endured on the cross. He did so joyfully.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Going to the cross was not pleasant. Jesus resolved to embrace it and endure it. He also finished it. It is so easy in life to give up. People give up on all sorts of things. Jesus set the example for finishing.
Jesus also set the example of enduring suffering joyfully. Paul followed His example. Just read through the book of Philippians.
I know many are discouraged. Many feel like giving up. Some might even contemplate suicide because the pain and adversity are so deep. Resolve to think about Jesus. When you get weary of the same old routine think about His resolve to finish. When you get discouraged think about Jesus completely surrendering to the will of God joyfully. He is our example. May we all resolve to finish and to endure joyfully whatever is in front of us. Doing so will glorify Jesus. Let's ask Him for more resolve and joy.
I got tired. The muscles ached. They burned with the fire of fatigue. Four sets of every exercise for anywhere from 45-30 seconds per set. At times I could actually feel the fibers in my muscles strain to get another rep up. When I knew I was entering my last round I determined to get one more rep than I did the last time. That is when I really felt the strain as those muscles tensed and strained to hoist the weight. I didn't feel like doing one more rep. I just wanted to be done. The competitor in me wanted to step up the challenge. I resolved to do so.
You see, the workouts are just as much mental as they are physical. You have to push beyond fatigue barriers. You have to go past pain. You have to resolve not to quit.
It is the same thing in life. When Monday mornings roll around after an all too short weekend you have to will yourself out of bed when the alarm goes off. You have to push through the mental fatigue of starting the work grind all over again. Punching the work clock can feel a lot like doing time. Many hate their work but endure it for the paycheck. They do not endure joyfully.
We also need the resolve not just to get through another work week but to do so joyfully. You may argue that I do not understand your adverse working conditions and your poor compensation. You know what I would reply. You don't understand the adversity of what Jesus endured on the cross. He did so joyfully.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Going to the cross was not pleasant. Jesus resolved to embrace it and endure it. He also finished it. It is so easy in life to give up. People give up on all sorts of things. Jesus set the example for finishing.
Jesus also set the example of enduring suffering joyfully. Paul followed His example. Just read through the book of Philippians.
I know many are discouraged. Many feel like giving up. Some might even contemplate suicide because the pain and adversity are so deep. Resolve to think about Jesus. When you get weary of the same old routine think about His resolve to finish. When you get discouraged think about Jesus completely surrendering to the will of God joyfully. He is our example. May we all resolve to finish and to endure joyfully whatever is in front of us. Doing so will glorify Jesus. Let's ask Him for more resolve and joy.
The Plan
I am thankful that God has a plan. He always has. Not just for your life and mine. A plan for the whole world. A plan stretching back to before there was a planet Earth. A plan that has encompassed thousands of years and billions of people. A plan all the way up to the very end. He has accounted for everything. Faith, obedience, doubt, rebellion. All factors are equated into His plan.
In God's plan He has used righteous people as well as unrighteous people to carry out His purposes. Look at Moses and Pharaoh for example. He has also used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things with His help.
Do you consider yourself to be ordinary? Do you think of yourself being pretty average? If you have committed your life to Jesus you are a prime candidate to be a vessel He works through to do extraordinary things.
When Jesus began His ministry and recruited those who would eventually found and lead the New Testament church He chose ordinary fishermen. He did not choose scholars. He did not choose rich and powerful men. He did not opt for the well connected social influencers of the day. He chose common laborers. Look what God did though them. Many of those men wrote books in the New Testament. Many became influential leaders in the church. Many died violent deaths for the sake of Jesus. All left a legacy of faith. They followed the plan.
I do not pretend to know the fullness of God's plan. You will note that I did not say I do not know the plan for your life. Your life isn't the most important factor nor mine. God is the most important factor. His plan is most important. How do we discover His plan.
We use four tings. Prayer for His will and plan to be revealed. We read and study Scripture trusting God to reveal His plan. We wait patiently until He does reveal His plan and we anticipate His peace to reassure us of the direction we are supposed to follow.
None of those four things comes naturally. It is more natural for us to use logic and reason to determine the best course of action or direction for life. Many do this and have made grave errors. God's ways are not our ways. [Is 55:8-9] We are supposed to pray and ask for God to reveal His plan. Then we go to His word. Sometimes God speaks very clearly from His word. Other times we read page after page without any clear direction. We read truth but on occasion His truth does not appear to apply to our desire to know His plan. Then we wait. We keep patiently reading the word of God day after day and week after week until we get some light. When that light of revelation comes we need to wait for His peace to guard our hearts and minds. [Phil 4:6-7] Once all of these things are in alignment we assuredly move into God's plan even if we are ordinary.
Some may think, "God can't use me because I am so ordinary." Do not try and shrink God down to your thinking. God can do anything He pleases through anyone He pleases. That includes us if we are yielded to Him. Read these words. May they both comfort and challenge us in the days ahead.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (NKJV)
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--
31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
The world tells us to do anything significant we need more. More talent. More education. More experience. More connections. You do not need more of anything else for God to use you in His plan. All you need to do is be yielded to Him and wait on His revelation of how He wants to use you. Be yielded and obedient by faith. The pages of the Bible and history books are filled with the names of ordinary people God used to fulfill His extraordinary plans. He can just as easily use you to carry out His plan. Do you believe this? If so pray, study, wait and in peace discover that plan and get in on it.
In God's plan He has used righteous people as well as unrighteous people to carry out His purposes. Look at Moses and Pharaoh for example. He has also used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things with His help.
Do you consider yourself to be ordinary? Do you think of yourself being pretty average? If you have committed your life to Jesus you are a prime candidate to be a vessel He works through to do extraordinary things.
When Jesus began His ministry and recruited those who would eventually found and lead the New Testament church He chose ordinary fishermen. He did not choose scholars. He did not choose rich and powerful men. He did not opt for the well connected social influencers of the day. He chose common laborers. Look what God did though them. Many of those men wrote books in the New Testament. Many became influential leaders in the church. Many died violent deaths for the sake of Jesus. All left a legacy of faith. They followed the plan.
I do not pretend to know the fullness of God's plan. You will note that I did not say I do not know the plan for your life. Your life isn't the most important factor nor mine. God is the most important factor. His plan is most important. How do we discover His plan.
We use four tings. Prayer for His will and plan to be revealed. We read and study Scripture trusting God to reveal His plan. We wait patiently until He does reveal His plan and we anticipate His peace to reassure us of the direction we are supposed to follow.
None of those four things comes naturally. It is more natural for us to use logic and reason to determine the best course of action or direction for life. Many do this and have made grave errors. God's ways are not our ways. [Is 55:8-9] We are supposed to pray and ask for God to reveal His plan. Then we go to His word. Sometimes God speaks very clearly from His word. Other times we read page after page without any clear direction. We read truth but on occasion His truth does not appear to apply to our desire to know His plan. Then we wait. We keep patiently reading the word of God day after day and week after week until we get some light. When that light of revelation comes we need to wait for His peace to guard our hearts and minds. [Phil 4:6-7] Once all of these things are in alignment we assuredly move into God's plan even if we are ordinary.
Some may think, "God can't use me because I am so ordinary." Do not try and shrink God down to your thinking. God can do anything He pleases through anyone He pleases. That includes us if we are yielded to Him. Read these words. May they both comfort and challenge us in the days ahead.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (NKJV)
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--
31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
The world tells us to do anything significant we need more. More talent. More education. More experience. More connections. You do not need more of anything else for God to use you in His plan. All you need to do is be yielded to Him and wait on His revelation of how He wants to use you. Be yielded and obedient by faith. The pages of the Bible and history books are filled with the names of ordinary people God used to fulfill His extraordinary plans. He can just as easily use you to carry out His plan. Do you believe this? If so pray, study, wait and in peace discover that plan and get in on it.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
My Dream
In 1991 I was a less than motivated seminary student. I sat in classes but my heart longed to be doing the work of ministry and not doing more preparation for it, especially since my undergraduate degree was in Bible. Often I sat in classes day dreaming or reading my Bible. While professors droned on about Old Testament history, Systematic Theology, Evangelism, Preaching, and so forth God planted a dream in my heart. A huge audacious gigantic dream that has consumed my life for the past 28 years.
The dream has required God. Brenda and I have labored. We have worked hard. We have sacrificed to see this dream come true. We have prayed much. I'm looking at my old Bible to a passage that has fueled this dream. I have read, reread, preached and taught on this passage so often the pages have yellowed from my thumbprints. Well marked notes I wrote in the margins have become smudged and faded with time. It seems I have circled most words and if not words then phrases in those verses. They are as familiar to me as driving home.
Why do I bring this up? I read a question this week in a Bible study that immediately made me think about those verses and the dream planted in my heart so long ago. Here is the question. "What are you doing in your life personally that you know cannot be accomplished unless God intervenes?" - Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God, pp. 19.
How would you answer that question? What impossible thing has God called you to believe Him for? What grand dream has God planted in your heart? What are you trying to accomplish that will never be done unless God does it? Sadly some people will live their whole lives and never have an answer to those questions.
For me the answer is simple. Those who know me best will be able to guess my answer. I live to build the Acts 2 church today. To be more specific I labor, pray, serve, sacrifice, preach, teach and to a great extent write so that I may live out and experience [Acts 2:42-47]. Read it and dream with me.
Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
For Noah it was to build an ark. For Abraham it was to be the father of a great nation. For Moses it was to deliver Israel from bondage to Egypt. For Joshua it was to possess the promised land. For Gideon it was to deliver Israel from the Midians. For David it was to slay Goliath. For the disciples it was to fulfill the Great Commission and establish the New Testament Church.
For 28 long years I have carried this cherished impossible dream. I have seen wonderful moves of God during that time. I cannot say we ever got to see [Acts 2:42-47] fully lived out in our midst in any of the places we served. I know now I never will unless God does it. It will not be me doing it, building it or organizing it.
My dream is the one God has given me. What has He given you? To build a herd. To create wealth to be lavishly given to Kingdom of God causes? To start a new ministry or possibly a new church? O how I hope we prayerfully devote ourselves and pursue God given dreams with all our might for His glory.
John 15:7-8 (NKJV)
7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
The dream has required God. Brenda and I have labored. We have worked hard. We have sacrificed to see this dream come true. We have prayed much. I'm looking at my old Bible to a passage that has fueled this dream. I have read, reread, preached and taught on this passage so often the pages have yellowed from my thumbprints. Well marked notes I wrote in the margins have become smudged and faded with time. It seems I have circled most words and if not words then phrases in those verses. They are as familiar to me as driving home.
Why do I bring this up? I read a question this week in a Bible study that immediately made me think about those verses and the dream planted in my heart so long ago. Here is the question. "What are you doing in your life personally that you know cannot be accomplished unless God intervenes?" - Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God, pp. 19.
How would you answer that question? What impossible thing has God called you to believe Him for? What grand dream has God planted in your heart? What are you trying to accomplish that will never be done unless God does it? Sadly some people will live their whole lives and never have an answer to those questions.
For me the answer is simple. Those who know me best will be able to guess my answer. I live to build the Acts 2 church today. To be more specific I labor, pray, serve, sacrifice, preach, teach and to a great extent write so that I may live out and experience [Acts 2:42-47]. Read it and dream with me.
Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
For Noah it was to build an ark. For Abraham it was to be the father of a great nation. For Moses it was to deliver Israel from bondage to Egypt. For Joshua it was to possess the promised land. For Gideon it was to deliver Israel from the Midians. For David it was to slay Goliath. For the disciples it was to fulfill the Great Commission and establish the New Testament Church.
For 28 long years I have carried this cherished impossible dream. I have seen wonderful moves of God during that time. I cannot say we ever got to see [Acts 2:42-47] fully lived out in our midst in any of the places we served. I know now I never will unless God does it. It will not be me doing it, building it or organizing it.
My dream is the one God has given me. What has He given you? To build a herd. To create wealth to be lavishly given to Kingdom of God causes? To start a new ministry or possibly a new church? O how I hope we prayerfully devote ourselves and pursue God given dreams with all our might for His glory.
John 15:7-8 (NKJV)
7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Worthwhile Labor
Life is filled with toil. People spend a great deal of their lives laboring. They cook, clean, launder, maintain, repair, punch a computer, weld, enforce the law, collect the garbage, construct, manage wealth, provide healthcare and so forth. Most do this to collect a wage. How much of those labors will matter in eternity.
Jonathan Edwards, famous theologian, pastor and author, made an interesting comment about labor. In fact, labor was not even the focal point of his comment. It is worth sharing today. "Labor to get a sense of the vanity of this world." Read that again and let it sink in.
Edwards challenges us to labor or toil in our minds to remember this truth; everything in this world is temporary. It is vanity. It is empty. It will not last. Nothing in this world can ever produce never-ending joy. Don't believe that statement. Try it. Try love for instance. Even among the greatest love stories one of two things happen or most likely both. First, the love so promised at the wedding altar can be taken for granted, lost or suspended in fits of anger. Second, even if those things never happen love turns into grief when one of the spouses die. The surviving spouse may never quit loving but it will never be the same. Such love is temporary in nature. We make the same arguments with money, possessions, positions, accomplishments and so forth. All temporary.
And yet look at how we strive, toil and labor to get more of this world that never satisfies. Still we fiercely fight to get more and more of world all in vain. I know a couple that worked hard for decades. They were just about to retire and move to Florida to enjoy leisurely life when the wife was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She moved to heaven before the move to Florida. The husband moved but it was not the same. He still lives there with a hole in his heart.
It takes disciplined thinking, scripture reading and meditation to constantly remind ourselves this world is temporary. Chasing the elusive dream of superstar athlete kids playing select leagues is vanity. Still people spend enormous amounts of money and time in pursuit of this vain dream. I have seen athletes graduate with no greater purpose than what they accomplished athletically. Such people live their lives looking backward. They try to hang onto former glory.
We do the same thing with possessions. We work, save, sacrifice to get some long desired possession. In time it will rust, break, and end up on a scrap heap somewhere. It might decades but nothing lasts forever here. Don't believe me. Try this little experiment. As you drive around pay attention to houses or buildings dilapidated and in disrepair. Remind yourself that at some point those houses and buildings were brand new. They Brought joy. Now they are rubbish. Temporary.
Edwards made another short comment about labor. "Labor to become much acquainted with heaven."
Does this happen among Christians? Are we drawn to a higher world, an eternal world filled with glory, majesty and where the mystery of God is revealed to us? Let's be honest. Aren't many people's concept of heaven more shaped by Hollywood and playing harps floating on clouds than the Bible. We cannot fathom what awaits us in heaven.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
You would think followers of Jesus would devote more mental labor to becoming better acquainted with that place we will spend eternity. To focus on the next world requires intentional disciplined thinking. This present world wars incessantly to get us to forget about the next world. Every so often we are reminded of the temporary nature of this life when we attend a funeral, see a funeral procession pass by or read about someone famous dying. All reminders of the vanity of this world. May we labor to become better acquainted with the next world where the citizenship for the redeemed is recorded.
Jonathan Edwards, famous theologian, pastor and author, made an interesting comment about labor. In fact, labor was not even the focal point of his comment. It is worth sharing today. "Labor to get a sense of the vanity of this world." Read that again and let it sink in.
Edwards challenges us to labor or toil in our minds to remember this truth; everything in this world is temporary. It is vanity. It is empty. It will not last. Nothing in this world can ever produce never-ending joy. Don't believe that statement. Try it. Try love for instance. Even among the greatest love stories one of two things happen or most likely both. First, the love so promised at the wedding altar can be taken for granted, lost or suspended in fits of anger. Second, even if those things never happen love turns into grief when one of the spouses die. The surviving spouse may never quit loving but it will never be the same. Such love is temporary in nature. We make the same arguments with money, possessions, positions, accomplishments and so forth. All temporary.
And yet look at how we strive, toil and labor to get more of this world that never satisfies. Still we fiercely fight to get more and more of world all in vain. I know a couple that worked hard for decades. They were just about to retire and move to Florida to enjoy leisurely life when the wife was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She moved to heaven before the move to Florida. The husband moved but it was not the same. He still lives there with a hole in his heart.
It takes disciplined thinking, scripture reading and meditation to constantly remind ourselves this world is temporary. Chasing the elusive dream of superstar athlete kids playing select leagues is vanity. Still people spend enormous amounts of money and time in pursuit of this vain dream. I have seen athletes graduate with no greater purpose than what they accomplished athletically. Such people live their lives looking backward. They try to hang onto former glory.
We do the same thing with possessions. We work, save, sacrifice to get some long desired possession. In time it will rust, break, and end up on a scrap heap somewhere. It might decades but nothing lasts forever here. Don't believe me. Try this little experiment. As you drive around pay attention to houses or buildings dilapidated and in disrepair. Remind yourself that at some point those houses and buildings were brand new. They Brought joy. Now they are rubbish. Temporary.
Edwards made another short comment about labor. "Labor to become much acquainted with heaven."
Does this happen among Christians? Are we drawn to a higher world, an eternal world filled with glory, majesty and where the mystery of God is revealed to us? Let's be honest. Aren't many people's concept of heaven more shaped by Hollywood and playing harps floating on clouds than the Bible. We cannot fathom what awaits us in heaven.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
You would think followers of Jesus would devote more mental labor to becoming better acquainted with that place we will spend eternity. To focus on the next world requires intentional disciplined thinking. This present world wars incessantly to get us to forget about the next world. Every so often we are reminded of the temporary nature of this life when we attend a funeral, see a funeral procession pass by or read about someone famous dying. All reminders of the vanity of this world. May we labor to become better acquainted with the next world where the citizenship for the redeemed is recorded.
Friday, February 8, 2019
Out Of Touch
I fiend of mine recently ended up at a retreat attended by pastors though he is not a pastor. He told me how burdened he grew listening to those pastors talk. They talked theology, church strategies, books they had written or read and so forth. He told me the longer he listened the more it seemed those pastors were out of touch.
Out of touch with the families struggling to make financial ends meet each month. Out of touch with the distraught parents at their wits end with rebellious children. Out of touch with those battling health issues who cannot find relief. Out of touch with those struggling with real life addictions and temptations. Out of touch with the overworked and stressed out parents who can barely find time for sleep much less reading and studying the Bible. Out of touch with the real world and real people in it.
Jesus was certainly not out of touch. He walked among the people. He talked with them. He touched them. He listened to their cares. He loved them. He taught things that made a difference to them and He comforted them in their distress.
How easy it is for the pastor, the church member, the Christian to lose touch with people. To get locked behind a prison of religious people, carefully crafted routines and holy huddles so much and often that you can lose touch with lost people. You can lose touch with their hurts, snuggles, point of views and priorities. Right now can you name the name of a lost person you are know and are actively trying to lead to Jesus?
Shouldn't we all desire to follow the model of Jesus in connecting with all kinds of people and willingly speak truth to them. If we do not model Jesus' example we and our local body of believers can very easily lose touch with the very communities we live in. We can lose touch with the very people Jesus died to save. May that not happen.
Out of touch with the families struggling to make financial ends meet each month. Out of touch with the distraught parents at their wits end with rebellious children. Out of touch with those battling health issues who cannot find relief. Out of touch with those struggling with real life addictions and temptations. Out of touch with the overworked and stressed out parents who can barely find time for sleep much less reading and studying the Bible. Out of touch with the real world and real people in it.
Jesus was certainly not out of touch. He walked among the people. He talked with them. He touched them. He listened to their cares. He loved them. He taught things that made a difference to them and He comforted them in their distress.
How easy it is for the pastor, the church member, the Christian to lose touch with people. To get locked behind a prison of religious people, carefully crafted routines and holy huddles so much and often that you can lose touch with lost people. You can lose touch with their hurts, snuggles, point of views and priorities. Right now can you name the name of a lost person you are know and are actively trying to lead to Jesus?
Shouldn't we all desire to follow the model of Jesus in connecting with all kinds of people and willingly speak truth to them. If we do not model Jesus' example we and our local body of believers can very easily lose touch with the very communities we live in. We can lose touch with the very people Jesus died to save. May that not happen.
Friday Night Musings
A study was done with disheartening findings. A group of people went to a very religious city in the United States. They counted the number of churches of all denominations in that city. Then they looked at things like suicide, drug addiction, divorce and other social problems. They measured the impact of all those local churches against the problems of that city. What they discovered is all the churches combined had relatively little impact on their city. Why?
That disturbs me. It defines more than many of us want to admit. It very well could define my entire ministry. Here is a good question to muse tonight. What real impact is your local church having on your community? How many are getting saved? How many are being discipled? How many families are being healed and marriages saved? How many social evils are corrected? How many true followers, dedicated evangelists, and marketplace missionaries are sent out into the local community week after week?
I do not have the answers. These days I have more questions than answers but asking the questions is a good place to start. God has the answers. I want to be a part of an effective church, a powerful church, a missional church, a kingdom of God minded church. I believe these things are possible. It may not be easy to get there but it is possible when God is in it. Nothing is impossible with Him.
Matthew 19:26 (ESV)
26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
That disturbs me. It defines more than many of us want to admit. It very well could define my entire ministry. Here is a good question to muse tonight. What real impact is your local church having on your community? How many are getting saved? How many are being discipled? How many families are being healed and marriages saved? How many social evils are corrected? How many true followers, dedicated evangelists, and marketplace missionaries are sent out into the local community week after week?
I do not have the answers. These days I have more questions than answers but asking the questions is a good place to start. God has the answers. I want to be a part of an effective church, a powerful church, a missional church, a kingdom of God minded church. I believe these things are possible. It may not be easy to get there but it is possible when God is in it. Nothing is impossible with Him.
Matthew 19:26 (ESV)
26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Paradigm Shift
Things are changing. Things are not so simple anymore. As a child we did not have cable television. We had four channels. ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS. Cartoons played after school and on Saturday mornings. We ate cooked from scratch meals. We went on picnics. It was a VERY SPECIAL TREAT TO EVER GO OUT AND EAT. I can remember when McDonald's came to my hometown. It took some convincing to get my grandmother to take me and my brother there. Let's say she was not impressed.
And then there was church. The old downtown First Nazarene Church with Brother Fowler. He drove me to children's camp. I went and liked the stories about Jesus from time to time. I did not understand salvation though they got me to the front to pray over me. I had no idea what they were doing. They also had an Easter egg hunt. It was an outreach. They had me hook line and sinker when they told me about a prized egg. My competitive juices kicked in and I determined to find that prized egg. My heart sunk when it turned out to be a chocolate covered bunny after finding it. I thought, "What a rip off."
I never dreamed that one day I would be a pastor leading a local congregation. Much has changed. Many times chairs have replaced hard pews. Screens and television monitors have replaced hymnals. Electronic devices have replaced leather bound Bibles. Praise teams have largely replaced choirs. Televisions have replaced flannel graph boards and puppets. Things are much different in church today. Guitars and drums have replaced pianos and organs.
Some changes are easier to embrace than others. I have found it hard to stomach the change in preaching. Feel good, tickle the ear, group therapy, self help messages are abundant. In an effort to be more relevant to reach more people somewhere along the way some forsook the very word God uses to transform lives. The word of God began to take a backseat to other elements of worship.
New paradigms abound in churches everywhere. Some never meet in a church building. They start in schools, hotel conference rooms, civic buildings and even in homes. They are every bit as much a church, and in some cases more so, than congregations that meet in elaborate worship cathedrals.
Brenda and I know about church planning. We too have met in homes, rented spaces and school cafeterias to start churches. Let me state this. BUILDINGS DO NOT MAKE CHURCHES CHRIST HONORING OR EFFECTIVE NECESSARILY. Buildings are just tools that take a lot of overhead to build and maintain.
How do we measure success in church? Typically it's measured by the attendance, the offerings, the baptisms and the facilities. Do these things always mean success? Not if God is measuring. Great crowds can assemble but not truly worship, not live holy lives and not be devoted disciples. Millions of dollars can be spent on buildings that are used just a few hours each week. The rest of the time they sit vacant. Churches get enslaved to debt and lenders to build such facilities.
I have spent a good portion of this week prayerfully seeking God about how He wants to build, use and work through a local church. I'm asking some difficult questions. Looking at long held traditions in relation to scripture and wondering why so many churches are so largely ineffective when God has so much power. Not easy questions. Not easy answers.
I have no interest in spending the rest of my days content to remain in holy huddles ministering only to the already convinced. Not when hundreds of thousands all around me perish because they have never met Jesus. No when families are falling apart. Not when teenagers and children have so little hope. They will seldom if ever attend a worship gathering. I do not want to be at ease about this. I do not want to be satisfied with meager ministry efforts and results. Not when God is able to do so much more. Not when the gospel is still the power of salvation.
Romans 1:16 (ESV)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
The new paradigm would actually be a church where people share the gospel, where they love people and minister to them for as long as it takes until Jesus saves them. A church where baptisms are frequent and joy abounds. A church where people are not afraid to try new methods and approaches. Maybe meeting in warehouses, school cafeterias, living rooms or in worship centers of all shapes and sizes. All the while God getting glory from churches that really impact a community.
I have carried one dream in my heart for the local church since 1991. I dreamed of it. Prayed for it. Preached on it, Taught on it. Wept over it. Stayed up late at night thinking about it. This is my paradigm shift.
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
And then there was church. The old downtown First Nazarene Church with Brother Fowler. He drove me to children's camp. I went and liked the stories about Jesus from time to time. I did not understand salvation though they got me to the front to pray over me. I had no idea what they were doing. They also had an Easter egg hunt. It was an outreach. They had me hook line and sinker when they told me about a prized egg. My competitive juices kicked in and I determined to find that prized egg. My heart sunk when it turned out to be a chocolate covered bunny after finding it. I thought, "What a rip off."
I never dreamed that one day I would be a pastor leading a local congregation. Much has changed. Many times chairs have replaced hard pews. Screens and television monitors have replaced hymnals. Electronic devices have replaced leather bound Bibles. Praise teams have largely replaced choirs. Televisions have replaced flannel graph boards and puppets. Things are much different in church today. Guitars and drums have replaced pianos and organs.
Some changes are easier to embrace than others. I have found it hard to stomach the change in preaching. Feel good, tickle the ear, group therapy, self help messages are abundant. In an effort to be more relevant to reach more people somewhere along the way some forsook the very word God uses to transform lives. The word of God began to take a backseat to other elements of worship.
New paradigms abound in churches everywhere. Some never meet in a church building. They start in schools, hotel conference rooms, civic buildings and even in homes. They are every bit as much a church, and in some cases more so, than congregations that meet in elaborate worship cathedrals.
Brenda and I know about church planning. We too have met in homes, rented spaces and school cafeterias to start churches. Let me state this. BUILDINGS DO NOT MAKE CHURCHES CHRIST HONORING OR EFFECTIVE NECESSARILY. Buildings are just tools that take a lot of overhead to build and maintain.
How do we measure success in church? Typically it's measured by the attendance, the offerings, the baptisms and the facilities. Do these things always mean success? Not if God is measuring. Great crowds can assemble but not truly worship, not live holy lives and not be devoted disciples. Millions of dollars can be spent on buildings that are used just a few hours each week. The rest of the time they sit vacant. Churches get enslaved to debt and lenders to build such facilities.
I have spent a good portion of this week prayerfully seeking God about how He wants to build, use and work through a local church. I'm asking some difficult questions. Looking at long held traditions in relation to scripture and wondering why so many churches are so largely ineffective when God has so much power. Not easy questions. Not easy answers.
I have no interest in spending the rest of my days content to remain in holy huddles ministering only to the already convinced. Not when hundreds of thousands all around me perish because they have never met Jesus. No when families are falling apart. Not when teenagers and children have so little hope. They will seldom if ever attend a worship gathering. I do not want to be at ease about this. I do not want to be satisfied with meager ministry efforts and results. Not when God is able to do so much more. Not when the gospel is still the power of salvation.
Romans 1:16 (ESV)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
The new paradigm would actually be a church where people share the gospel, where they love people and minister to them for as long as it takes until Jesus saves them. A church where baptisms are frequent and joy abounds. A church where people are not afraid to try new methods and approaches. Maybe meeting in warehouses, school cafeterias, living rooms or in worship centers of all shapes and sizes. All the while God getting glory from churches that really impact a community.
I have carried one dream in my heart for the local church since 1991. I dreamed of it. Prayed for it. Preached on it, Taught on it. Wept over it. Stayed up late at night thinking about it. This is my paradigm shift.
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Immediately
Matthew 4:18-22 (ESV)
18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
In this passage we looked at earlier another word jumps out at me. It is the word immediately. "Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." "Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him."
immediately | iˈmēdēətlē |
adverb
1 at once; instantly: I called immediately for an ambulance.
Are we really to believe that Jesus approached these complete strangers and spoke the words, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men," and those strangers instantly followed? No hesitation? No time to think about it? Are we really to believe they promptly obeyed?
According to these verses and that word immediately they did not take time to pray about it. They did not take time to talk it over with their families. They did not take time to weigh the pros and cons. Jesus invited them to follow. He commanded them to follow. And they immediately, at once, instantly did so.
That is not the way the church does things now days. There are countless meetings to plan. There are often votes where the majority rules. There are endless studies. It was so simple back in Matthew 4. Jesus spoke. The soon to be disciples heard. They responded immediately. We complicate things with our man made systems and problematic procedures.
That word immediately has really grabbed me. I am challenged and perplexed by the response of the disciples immediately. They did not know Jesus. They may have heard about Him. They did not know Him. They certainly did not know His mission was to die on the cross as the Savior of the world. They could not have possibly foreseen the resurrection or the release of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. There were so many unknowns and still they obeyed immediately.
Why are we so prone to make excuses for our disobedience or reluctant and delayed obedience? We can cover it all up with words like reason, logistics, planning, administration and a host of other things. We frown on impulsive people in the kingdom of God. Admittedly impulsive people get it wrong some times. I know I sure have. Yet doesn't God expect us to be impulsive when it comes to obeying and following Him. Isaiah sounded impulsive in [Is 6:8] "Here and I send me."
I think not to respond to God's call immediately is nothing short of unbelief and disobedience. Both sins. Now I realize that God may call a person to something long before He actually allows that person to actually do what He called. Case in point. God called me to preach on July 4, 1985. I did not become a youth pastor until 1988. I did not become a pastor until 1993 and I was ill equipped to do so even then. Even though I got experience and went to Bible school I was not really ready. I had and still have so much to learn. I immediately followed His call on my life on July 4, 1985. I did not preach my first sermon, if you could call it that, until the following summer. I only preached sporadically over the next three years. I yearned to preach. God called me to preach. He was preparing me to preach. Yet I obeyed immediately. I followed Him down that road at once.
Hudson Taylor felt God's call to be a missionary in China as a teenager. Many years would pass before he actually set foot in China. Hudson Taylor responded to God's call immediately. Even as a young man he began preparing himself for God's call immediately. God took the time to prepare for the work though.
What if we accepted the challenge to obey Jesus' invitation to follow Him immediately. No strings attached. No holding back. 100% commitment to immediate obedience. Whether that be reaching in the wallet to give your last funds for a worthy kingdom cause. Whether that be accepting the call to go on a short term mission trip by getting your passport. Perhaps that means accepting a ministry or starting a ministry.
That is a frightening challenge. There are many possibilities of where Jesus might call us to follow Him. I believe He demands and expects immediate obedience. To willingly make adjustments in our lives to be available to Him. To at least take the initial steps and go as far as we can go following Him until He gives further instructions or opens necessary doors.
Immediately. At once. Instantly. I want to live like the disciples. I want to courageously follow Jesus. When I know it is Him calling I want to throw caution to the wind and step out behind Him in faith. I have done this numerous times. It makes my journey with Jesus an adventure. I never know what He will call me to next. I never know where He might lead. I never know what amazing things I will get to see Him do. You can experience the same things.
Lord, help us to follow You immediately. I ask it in Your name, amen.
Follow Me
Matthew 4:18-22 (ESV)
18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Jesus called. They followed. Pretty simple. Only today we try to complicate that. Jesus still calls. Only now days people are reluctant to follow, especially if it means following into uncertainty or sacrifice. We make our excuses. We protest. We justify our refusal to follow.
I don't see how any child of God can ever be right with Him and refuse to follow. It happens all the time in little matters as well as larger ones. Why? Why are so many so reluctant, or worse, downright defiant about following Jesus wherever He leads.
Those first disciples heard a clear simple message from Jesus. "Follow Me." I sit amazed that those simple words compelled those men to leave their profession, their families and start on a journey that would lead them into adventure and some into martyrdom. What was so compelling about those simple words, "Follow Me?" You can speak those words in less than two seconds. Each week people get up to expound the scriptures, including me, taking thirty minutes or longer and those messages do not have the same impact as Jesus two simple words. Follow Me.
What in Jesus' voice motivated these men to uproot and risk their very lives to follow Jesus. What authority did Jesus have in His call? It is the same authority Jesus still speaks with today. All over the world Jesus still calls people to follow Him. The Holy Spirit takes those words and drives them deep into the souls of people. So deep that through the ages people have followed Jesus in many ways and places. They have adjusted priorities, uprooted and moved where they lived, changed professions, sacrificed financially and some even been willing to suffer physically and die. All because of two little words. "Follow Me."
For Martin Luther it meant speaking out against the unbiblical practices of the Catholic Church and the pope. For David Brainerd it meant living in teepees alongside unbelieving Indians to share the gospel. He braved brutal winters to win Indians to faith in Jesus all while battling tuberculosis. He traveled by horseback forging creeks and streams. He lived alone. He battled depression. He also followed Jesus until his illness finally incapacitated him taking his life at age 29.
I love to read those stories of people who followed Jesus. I have shelves lined with books about such people. That is all well and good. Here is the challenge.
Jesus calls us to follow Him too. It might not be to start a reformation or live in a tent to work among Native Americans. His call on us is equally important. So you and I have a choice. We have a choice to ignore Him. We have a choice to heed His call and to get in step with Him. I choose today to follow. I resolve I will follow Him. I pray I will follow Him, not just today, but everyday for the remainder of my life. What about you? Will you devote yourself to following the One who loves you, died for you, paid your ransom while sin held you hostage, and redeemed you. Just remembering those things should motivate any believer to follow Jesus wherever He leads.
18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Jesus called. They followed. Pretty simple. Only today we try to complicate that. Jesus still calls. Only now days people are reluctant to follow, especially if it means following into uncertainty or sacrifice. We make our excuses. We protest. We justify our refusal to follow.
I don't see how any child of God can ever be right with Him and refuse to follow. It happens all the time in little matters as well as larger ones. Why? Why are so many so reluctant, or worse, downright defiant about following Jesus wherever He leads.
Those first disciples heard a clear simple message from Jesus. "Follow Me." I sit amazed that those simple words compelled those men to leave their profession, their families and start on a journey that would lead them into adventure and some into martyrdom. What was so compelling about those simple words, "Follow Me?" You can speak those words in less than two seconds. Each week people get up to expound the scriptures, including me, taking thirty minutes or longer and those messages do not have the same impact as Jesus two simple words. Follow Me.
What in Jesus' voice motivated these men to uproot and risk their very lives to follow Jesus. What authority did Jesus have in His call? It is the same authority Jesus still speaks with today. All over the world Jesus still calls people to follow Him. The Holy Spirit takes those words and drives them deep into the souls of people. So deep that through the ages people have followed Jesus in many ways and places. They have adjusted priorities, uprooted and moved where they lived, changed professions, sacrificed financially and some even been willing to suffer physically and die. All because of two little words. "Follow Me."
For Martin Luther it meant speaking out against the unbiblical practices of the Catholic Church and the pope. For David Brainerd it meant living in teepees alongside unbelieving Indians to share the gospel. He braved brutal winters to win Indians to faith in Jesus all while battling tuberculosis. He traveled by horseback forging creeks and streams. He lived alone. He battled depression. He also followed Jesus until his illness finally incapacitated him taking his life at age 29.
I love to read those stories of people who followed Jesus. I have shelves lined with books about such people. That is all well and good. Here is the challenge.
Jesus calls us to follow Him too. It might not be to start a reformation or live in a tent to work among Native Americans. His call on us is equally important. So you and I have a choice. We have a choice to ignore Him. We have a choice to heed His call and to get in step with Him. I choose today to follow. I resolve I will follow Him. I pray I will follow Him, not just today, but everyday for the remainder of my life. What about you? Will you devote yourself to following the One who loves you, died for you, paid your ransom while sin held you hostage, and redeemed you. Just remembering those things should motivate any believer to follow Jesus wherever He leads.
Monday, February 4, 2019
The Power Of One
There is power in one for both good and evil. One decision. Once choice. One determination. One resolve.
Satan uses the power of one when he tempts people to one time give into temptation. Just one flirtatious text turns into hundreds. Soon the texts are not enough. Secret rendezvous turn into affairs. Just one toke turns into a lifestyle stoned out of reality. One drink turns into another. One beer turns into two. Two turns into a six pack. Soon that turns into the hard stuff. One click on a button leads to a fantasy world of make believe. Hours are wasted away in virtual reality war games and sordid sex scenes.
Satan uses to the power of one to tempt, trap and enslave. Remember, he only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. [John 10:10] Jesus comes to set people free. [John 8:32-36] Satan never shows the shackles and chains when he entices you to give in just once or just once more. Sin never satisfies. It always leads to us wanting more.
There is the other side of the power of one. One choice to pray rather than to fantasize. One decision to flee rather than give in. One decision to worship rather than to wander into the dark shadows of secret sin. One choice to resist the devil so he must flee. [James 4:8] One good decision stacked onto another good decision. Do this along enough and those good decisions become habits. Good, God honoring, Christ exalting habits. Soon those habits become holy behavior. Soon that translates into Godly behavior.
It all starts with the power of one. So what is your one today? Where is your one leading you? Only one can rule on the throne of your life. Jesus or Satan. Which one do you yield to? It starts with the power of one.
Satan uses the power of one when he tempts people to one time give into temptation. Just one flirtatious text turns into hundreds. Soon the texts are not enough. Secret rendezvous turn into affairs. Just one toke turns into a lifestyle stoned out of reality. One drink turns into another. One beer turns into two. Two turns into a six pack. Soon that turns into the hard stuff. One click on a button leads to a fantasy world of make believe. Hours are wasted away in virtual reality war games and sordid sex scenes.
Satan uses to the power of one to tempt, trap and enslave. Remember, he only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. [John 10:10] Jesus comes to set people free. [John 8:32-36] Satan never shows the shackles and chains when he entices you to give in just once or just once more. Sin never satisfies. It always leads to us wanting more.
There is the other side of the power of one. One choice to pray rather than to fantasize. One decision to flee rather than give in. One decision to worship rather than to wander into the dark shadows of secret sin. One choice to resist the devil so he must flee. [James 4:8] One good decision stacked onto another good decision. Do this along enough and those good decisions become habits. Good, God honoring, Christ exalting habits. Soon those habits become holy behavior. Soon that translates into Godly behavior.
It all starts with the power of one. So what is your one today? Where is your one leading you? Only one can rule on the throne of your life. Jesus or Satan. Which one do you yield to? It starts with the power of one.
One Day At A Time
Brenda and I have made numerous trips to Plainview, TX to watch the Wayland Baptist Pioneer football team play. We have many more trips to make. Now for the first time, we have three sons playing on the very same football team. We have seen two of our boys play on teams in the past. Never three. That is what we have to look forward this next season. Taylor, Tanner and Tucker are all playing for the Pioneers next season God willing. They are all there now working hard in the off season program. Taylor has graduated college but had one year of eligibility left. He is now working on his Maters degree. Tanner will be a senior next year and Tucker a sophomore. Turner still has two years left in high school.
From Runaway Bay there is no great way to get to Plainview. No matter how you slice it the trip is about four hours. I would say 75% of the drive is down two lane highways. Very frustrating when trying to get past slow moving traffic. At one point you leave U.S. Hwy 82 and travel down county roads carved out between cotton fields. No kidding.
On game days those trips start early and end typically around midnight. Because the games are always on Saturdays that means less sleep before preaching the following morning.
Many times on those trips I push forward in my mind and dream about pulling into the driveway and getting into bed. Then I come back to reality and realize I still have a ways to drive. One mile at a time. There are no fast forwards when traveling by vehicle. Even if you speed you still have to travel one mile at a time.
It reminds me of life. I confess I am always thinking ahead. Even in the car. I can pull out onto a road and already be thinking about what lane I need to be in for my next turn or what intersections are more difficult than others. Always looking ahead. I do this in life too. Wondering what is ahead and asking for details about the future.
I guess if a person were to go back and read my prayer journals one day they'd see much of my praying has been devoted to wanting to know the future. Asking for clarity and details. Seeking the next bend in the highway and fork in the road.
Today I was convicted. From a passage I love dearly.
Genesis 12:1 (ESV)
1 Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
Abraham did not receive one detail about the future but he followed anyway. God simply said, "Go and I will show." Another passage about this same incident gives a little more clarity.
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV)
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Abraham obeyed God by faith one day at a time. He did not know where God wanted him ultimately. So day in and day out he sought, he listened and he followed what God gave him for that day. It reminds me of another verse applicable for those of us obsessed with the future.
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
That lamp and light may only give enough illumination for the next few steps. God may only give us enough direction for the day. If we seek God's direction for all our days and follow Him fully can God get us to His desired destination. He did that for Abraham. He did that for Joseph and Moses. He did it for Joshua. He did it for Samuel and David. He did it for Elijah.
If we focus on seeking God daily, remaining sensitive to His leadership and then obey what God directs us to do I am confident we will all end up where God intended us to be. When I look back at the decades of frustrated praying trying to discern things God was not ready to reveal I am saddened and ashamed. I think many times I convinced myself of God's intended future without His revealing it to me. He just wanted me to follow Him that day. How many things did I miss because my mind stayed preoccupied on the future?
There is a freedom in not knowing the future and following God one day at a time. It takes off the pressure off to make sure we get things right. All we have to do is seek God daily. When He speaks we obey and follow. One day at a time sweet Jesus. That is what He desires and all we need. One day at a time.
From Runaway Bay there is no great way to get to Plainview. No matter how you slice it the trip is about four hours. I would say 75% of the drive is down two lane highways. Very frustrating when trying to get past slow moving traffic. At one point you leave U.S. Hwy 82 and travel down county roads carved out between cotton fields. No kidding.
On game days those trips start early and end typically around midnight. Because the games are always on Saturdays that means less sleep before preaching the following morning.
Many times on those trips I push forward in my mind and dream about pulling into the driveway and getting into bed. Then I come back to reality and realize I still have a ways to drive. One mile at a time. There are no fast forwards when traveling by vehicle. Even if you speed you still have to travel one mile at a time.
It reminds me of life. I confess I am always thinking ahead. Even in the car. I can pull out onto a road and already be thinking about what lane I need to be in for my next turn or what intersections are more difficult than others. Always looking ahead. I do this in life too. Wondering what is ahead and asking for details about the future.
I guess if a person were to go back and read my prayer journals one day they'd see much of my praying has been devoted to wanting to know the future. Asking for clarity and details. Seeking the next bend in the highway and fork in the road.
Today I was convicted. From a passage I love dearly.
Genesis 12:1 (ESV)
1 Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
Abraham did not receive one detail about the future but he followed anyway. God simply said, "Go and I will show." Another passage about this same incident gives a little more clarity.
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV)
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Abraham obeyed God by faith one day at a time. He did not know where God wanted him ultimately. So day in and day out he sought, he listened and he followed what God gave him for that day. It reminds me of another verse applicable for those of us obsessed with the future.
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
That lamp and light may only give enough illumination for the next few steps. God may only give us enough direction for the day. If we seek God's direction for all our days and follow Him fully can God get us to His desired destination. He did that for Abraham. He did that for Joseph and Moses. He did it for Joshua. He did it for Samuel and David. He did it for Elijah.
If we focus on seeking God daily, remaining sensitive to His leadership and then obey what God directs us to do I am confident we will all end up where God intended us to be. When I look back at the decades of frustrated praying trying to discern things God was not ready to reveal I am saddened and ashamed. I think many times I convinced myself of God's intended future without His revealing it to me. He just wanted me to follow Him that day. How many things did I miss because my mind stayed preoccupied on the future?
There is a freedom in not knowing the future and following God one day at a time. It takes off the pressure off to make sure we get things right. All we have to do is seek God daily. When He speaks we obey and follow. One day at a time sweet Jesus. That is what He desires and all we need. One day at a time.
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