The Alabaster Jar

Is Change Possible?

2012-02-01T09:50:00.002-05:00

Recently, I had a friend ask me if I thought it was possible for people to change. My response is that change is possible, but not easy and it requires cooperation with the leading of the Holy Spirit. For the believer, change is not only possible, but also a necessity to live out the life God has planned for us. In John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven we must be born again, which means that we need to change by starting over. The change that Jesus refers to is not one that comes about by our sheer will and determination, rather it is a result of the Spirit of life at work within us (John 6:63).

Change is a difficult task and that is why many times we are reluctant to make real changes in our lives. Change involves moving beyond what is comfortable and known into the realm of the unknown and uncomfortable. Jesus’ teaching that we are to be born again involves a radical realignment of our worldview, priorities, and understanding. The radical nature of Jesus’ teachings lead us many times to compromise and combine our old ways with the new ways. In Matthew 9:17, Jesus tells us that you cannot pour new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the old wineskins will burst. The principle that is conveyed is that for real change to take place it requires that we completely lay aside the old to embrace the new. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” In fact, the necessity of being a new creation is so important for Paul that he states in Galatians 6:15 that our religious practices do not mean anything in God’s eyes if it is not part of being a new creation.

Becoming a new creation in Christ involves a decision on our part to choose to change by surrendering to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Apart from the power of the Holy Spirit, we are unable to truly change because real and lasting change comes from a new heart. Ezekiel 36:26 states, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” It is God who gives us a new heart, but we have to be willing to give Him our old one. The wonderful thing about the Christian life is that change does not involve a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts on our part; rather, it is about surrendering and submitting to God and He does the changing within us. Ephesians 2:10 states that we are God’s workmanship, which means that He is working in us “to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

Once our hearts begin to change, our lives will begin to show it. In Matthew 7, Jesus tells us that the fruit of our lives demonstrate the state of our hearts. When we keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25), we will begin seeing the following fruits in our lives “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, means that we need to realign our thinking and understanding. We do this by making a decision to die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). Dying to self involves: a) recognizing Jesus as the only master of our lives (Matthew 6:24); b) changing our thinking by immersing ourselves in the word of God (Romans 12:2); and c) constantly leaning on God and not our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Change involves embracing the new, but also letting go of the old. 1 Corinthians 13:11 states, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” We cannot be a new creation if we are doing the same thing that we did yesterday. In Ephesians 4, Paul tells us to take off the old self and put on Christ. Whatever is in our lives that does not line up with the character of Jesus has to go! When we release the old, we are free to embrace the new. If our hands are clinched to the old things, then we will never be able to receive the new life in Christ waiting for us.

Change is not only possible, but it is a requirement for the life of the believer. The change for the believer happens when we allow ourselves to be clay in the hands of the master. Isaiah 64:8 states, “We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” The question is: are we allowing God to be the potter of our lives? If we do allow Him to mold us, He promises something beautiful!

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus || Spoken Word

2012-01-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

Why Spending Time with God and Going to Church is Important

2012-01-10T09:02:00.002-05:00

²⁴ And letus consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, butencouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.–Hebrews 10:24-25

Asa pastor, I find it interesting how many Christians forgo regular Churchattendance. There are many excusesthat people have for why they are not regularly in Church and many times theseexcuses appear legitimate from the surface. People have work commitments,sporting events for their children, vacations, family events, and so forth andall of these things are valid excuses in the world—but are they really valid inthe eyes of God?

InExodus 31:14 it states, “Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyonewho desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day mustbe cut off from his people.” God commandsthat we have one day and set it apart for God and for rest in him. The result of failing this command is death. Now, thisdoes not mean that God is going to strike us down. However, it does mean thatif we are not serious about setting time aside for God and for His rest—then wewill suffer consequences in our lives. Obedience brings about blessing and disobediencebrings forth consequences. Many of us are walking around stressed out,exhausted, and so busy that we feel that we feel like we are a chicken with itshead cut off. This is NOT how Godintends for us to live; rather it is a consequence of our disobedience.

InJohn 10:10 Jesus tells us: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The devil wantsto rob us of the great life that God has for us. He does this by distracting uswith the things of this world so that we get our eyes off of Jesus. When Petergets out to walk on the water, He only begins to sink when his eyes are off ofJesus and onto the waves. Likewise, the Devil knows if he can get usdistracted, then He can destroy us. In 1 Peter 5:8 it states, “Your enemy thedevil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” If thesheep wanders from the flock—it makes it easy for the wolf to kill the sheep. Thereis strength in numbers. When we are distracted then we are prone to wander.

Isaiah53:6 tells us that we are all prone to wander from the fold. This is somethinginherent in our human condition, but if we want to survive and thrive then weneed to overcome our natural tendencies. The life that Jesus wants for us will only come about when we put Himfirst. If Church and regular time with God is not the priority of ourlives, then we are not putting Him first. Matthew 6:33 tells us that if we seekGod first and foremost then He will gives us everything else. In other words,we can try to seek after the hundreds of things on our to-do list and exhaustourselves OR we can just seek Him and then He will take care of the rest. Thechoice seems pretty obvious. Psalm 37:4 states, “Delight yourself in the LORDand he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Butwhat about all the things, which seem so important that take us from Church(such as work, family, etc.)? In Malachi 3, God talks about our need to tithe(give 10% of our income to Him). This is God’s reply to our worry: “Test me inthis,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgatesof heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough tostore it” (3:10). If we would do what He tells us to do then we can have theblessings in store for us. We cannothave the best without putting God first. If commitments are taking us fromspending time with God—then we will be doing those things without the power ofHis anointing. However, if we place Him first in our life then He will blesswhatever we are doing so that we will have enough time to do what needs to bedone (plus more) AND He will provide for all of our needs.

Itis time that we get serious about our commitment to Christ. If our life is amess, it is a pretty sure thing that our priorities are messed up. A wife thatis faithful 80% of the time is not faithful at all. If we are not faithful toChrist—then do we really love Him with our whole being? If your life seems tobe spinning out of control, then ask yourself—“Am I loving God enough by puttingHim first?” God is faithful; we just need to do our part!

Do You Have A Spiritually Poor Mentality?

2011-12-07T11:27:00.001-05:00

In Proverbs 23:7, the Bible tells us that as we think in our heart, so we shall become. As I was meditating on this verse today, I was remembering a sociological study conducted in the early 1980s which found that when windows are broken in urban neighborhoods and left in their broken condition, the neighborhood conditions will continue to deteriorate. However, if windows are repaired in a prompt fashion, it will minimize the likelihood of other windows being broken and the neighborhoods condition will be less likely to decline as well. This study parallels the revelation of the writer of Proverbs that we have a tendency to allow ourselves to be defined by the problems in our lives, rather than relying upon what God’s word has to say about us. We can allow the broken windows of our lives, ruin the masterpiece that God wants to build within you!

I have noticed that some people can get into a “poverty mentality” when it comes to their finances. Because they have made mistakes and perhaps have allowed themselves to become so overwhelmed with debt that they now allow their errors to define who they are. The problem with this is that it makes it very difficult for people to overcome their situations because they will be likely to continue the same patterns of behavior as their habits have become ingrained into their identity. If you have a poverty mentality you will most likely first become depressed about your situation and feel overwhelmed about your circumstances. Then, as a means of self-survival, you will convince yourself that this your lot in life- settle into your environment- lose a sense of self pride- and ultimately perpetuate the disastrous pattern of behavior in your life. The thinking goes, “Well, if I already have $1000 worth of debt, what is a $1000 more going to do to m?” The initial $1000 of debt can easily become larger and larger if we allow ourselves to become comfortable with the idea of debt. Likewise, if we allow ourselves to become comfortable with the “pig pen” of our lives, we will never have a better life, not because God does not want us to have it, but because we will not be able to do what is necessary to attain it. Ultimately, what you think about yourself will determine what you become.

Utilizing these two examples of urban plight and a poverty mentality, it is easy to see how people allow themselves to get off-course in their lives and settle for less than God’s best. Simply put, we get off course by thinking that our past and present circumstances will direct our future. If you have ever found yourself thinking something along these lines: “Well, there is nothing better out there for me” or “I guess this is the best it is going to be” – then you probably have a spiritually poor mentality. The dangers of this type of mentality cannot be overstated. This type of mentality will have disastrous effects on your self-image, your future, and the future of those around you.

The good news found in the Bible is that our past and present do not have to determine our circumstances; rather, we can allow God to write the story of our future. The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has a great plan for our lives— a life full of hope and promise! If we want God’s best then there are some steps that we need to be taking:

1. Set your mind on things above, and not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). When we “set our minds” we recognize that what we choose to think on is our responsibility. We need to start thinking on the good things that God says to us in His word. Paul reflects this in Philippians 4:8 when states, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

2. We also need to let go of our past. We need to learn lessons from the past- but we need to stop living in it. Paul states that there is one thing he does and that is to forget what lies behind and reach toward what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13). We cannot have a great future until we let go of the bad stuff.

3. Don’t settle for anything less than God’s best. Settling is a form of compromise. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the Devil tempted him by offer Jesus compromises to the Father’s plan. The Devil offered Jesus the easy way out. Because Jesus decided not to compromise, the Bible tells us that God gave Him the name above every other name and exalted Jesus above all powers (Philippians 2). Likewise, if we refuse to settle and compromise, while the path may be hard, God will be faithful in giving us His very best.

Galatians 6 tells us that we reap what we sow. If we want a great a life then we need to sow faithfulness, righteousness, and love. Don’t give up! Give God the pen and allow Him to write the beautiful story of your life. He is always at work doing something good! Isaiah 43:19 states, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

Ready or Not? Christmas Comes

2011-11-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). –Matthew 1:23

As many of you know, Christmas is my most favorite time of year. I love the sights and sounds of this season, but what I appreciate most about this season is the reminder that we are not alone because God is with us! This is our source of perpetual hope in the midst of the chaos of life. Within the Christmas story, God enters into our humanity in a very unexpected way, demonstrating that His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8) and His timing is not our timing. If we are not careful to watch and listen, we can miss out on God’s miraculous entry into the mundane like the countless people who missed out on the birth of Jesus in the lowly cattle stall over 2000 years ago.

Christmas comes the same time every year; whether we are having a good year or bad year- it still comes! It is interesting that Christmas does not occur when we are ready for it; rather we have to be prepared because it is coming no matter what is going on in our lives. How should we prepare for the coming Christ? We need to evaluate whether or not we have truly made room for Christ in our lives. The scripture tells us that Mary gave birth to Jesus even when “there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 1:27). We allow ourselves to become so preoccupied with things that are not important that we miss out on what truly matters. This is why the Psalmist tells us to “Be still, and know that I am God” (46:10). We need to follow the law of first things and recognize that Jesus should have the first place in our lives, so that everything else will flow properly (Matthew 6:33). If you find yourself in a place of confusion, turmoil, and unrest, then the remedy is clear- be still and seek God.

The interesting thing about God is that He truly desires a relationship with us, which is why Jesus came as an ordinary man. Jeremiah 29:13 states, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” This is an incredible promise that God wants to be found by us- but we need to seek Him with all of our hearts. What does it mean to seek God with all of your heart? 1 Chronicles 22:19 states, “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God…" To devote ourselves to the Lord means that, not only do we give Christ first place in our lives, but that we also make ourselves into the sanctuary of the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul tells us that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. For God does not dwell in our buildings (Acts 7:48), but in our hearts. So, what is the state of your heart? To assess the state of your heart, look at the fruit of your life (Luke 6:45). Is your life filled with the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) or the acts of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)? While we can do pretty well at fooling people with our phony religiosity, the Bible states that God is looking at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). Is God truly the desire and strength of your heart?

Whatever the state of our hearts and lives, it is truly a miraculous gift of grace that Jesus still desires to enter into the manger of our hearts. The Bible tells us that God is not only with us in Christ but that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39)! Additionally, God is also for us! Now, does this mean that God will give us what we want—no! God will give us what we need. The people of Israel wanted a conquering king who would overthrow Rome, but what God gave them was a suffering servant who would set them free from sin. Sometimes God has to discipline us (Hebrews 12:7) and oppose us (James 4:6), so that we will finally submit to His ways, which are the best ways. God wants us to have the best and not settle for less; this means we need to do it His way and not our way.

His ways are mysterious. After all, what is stranger than God in a manger? Who would have thought that from a manger to a cross would come our redemption? But it did! This Christmas, let God be God. Stop trying to figure everything out—just trust and believe as we worship the coming King.

The truth about God, Sex, and Love

2011-11-05T17:43:00.000-04:00

The Truth About God, Sex, and Love- LISTEN NOW

Be Right or Do Right? Stubbornness and the Will of God

2011-11-01T15:54:00.002-04:00

“What good is it forsomeone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” –Mark 8:36

Whenmy sister and I were younger, we would often play checkers in the evening. Iwas ten years older than my sister, yet she would many times beat me at thisgame of strategy. We would be playing the game, and I would think that I wasreally making progress taking a couple of her pieces at a time, when suddenly Iwould realize (much too late) that my younger sister had set me up for amassive quadruple jump which led to my inevitable demise. I would get sofrustrated thinking that I was supposed to be older and wiser and should beable to anticipate what would happen next. However, my sister understoodsomething that we must all realize—sometimes you have to lose a couple ofbattles to win the war.

Manytimes in life we are so stubborn and set on being right that we do not do what is right. Jesus tells us in Mark8:36 that we could end up getting what we want and lose out getting what wetruly need. What stands between the life we have and the great life that Godwants for us (Jeremiah 29:11) is us—we simply cannot get out of our own way.The Bible frequently tells us that God will not push us out of our own way. Infact, God will allow us to face the consequences of our stubbornness (Psalm81:12). In Jeremiah 7:23-24, it tells us what God expects from us and what theconsequences are for our stubborn disobedience:

“…but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and youwill be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go wellwith you. ²⁴ But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, theyfollowed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward andnot forward.”

God wants us to obey Him and acknowledge that He is right,and we are probably wrong. The result is that things “will go well with you.”However, if we are stubborn and obey our hearts, then our lives will takestrides backward, rather than moving forward in a positive direction. In theChristian life you are either moving forward or moving backwards—there is nosuch thing as standing still on the journey of faith. So, in what direction areyou headed?

Thepassage in Jeremiah reveals to us that our stubbornness emerges from the stateof our heart. The Bible states that our heart, apart from Christ, is “deceitfulabove all things and beyond cure” (Jeremiah 17:9). In its natural state, theheart thinks itself wise (Proverbs 26:12), and is many times directed byfeelings, which are not rooted in the fruits of the spirit but the works of theflesh. Following our flesh may seem right to our natural inclinations, but thewriter of Proverbs warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in theend it leads to death” (16:25). So, what are the fruits of your life? Galatians6:7 tells us, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what hesows.” If we are operating under the attitudes of the flesh, then we will reapdeath and destruction. But if we operate under the spirit, we will reap life.

So,how can we get out of our own way? First, we have to decide that it is asimportant to be right as it is to do what is right. In Matthew 16:25,Jesus teaches the paradoxical principles of the Kingdom of God—if we want towin the war, we must lose some battles: “For whoever wants to save his lifewill lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” Secondly, wemust recognize that there can only be one King of our life, and that needs tobe Jesus (Matthew 6:24). Therefore, we must do all that He requires of uswithout question or hesitation. Thirdly, we must humble myself in the sight ofGod and others. This is a tough pill to swallow because we always want to beright. However, I am beginning to realize that being right is overrated. Iwould much rather have God’s best for my life than what I consider to be best.It states in James, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift youup” (4:10). The result of learning from Jesus how to be gentle and humble inheart is that we will “find rest for [our] souls” (Matthew 11:29). Lastly, inorder to do all of this, we need to ask God to give us a new heart. Doing itour way rather than God’s way will lead to developing a hard heart. Ezekiel36:26 states, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I willremove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” The heartthat God gives us is inclined and strengthened by His Spirit and will not fail(Psalm 73:26).

Hereis the question: are we so busy trying to be right that we are exhaustingourselves fighting and living with the consequences of our choices? The Bibletells us that the life of the spirit is righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17). If we are not experiencing thesecharacteristics of the Christian life, it is not because God’s promises areinsufficient, but our character is underdeveloped. We need to place our livesin the hands of Christ, so that He can form within us the character to have thelife He has planned for us!

Are you living in Fact or Ficition?

2011-10-12T17:40:00.000-04:00

Mark 8 recounts the healing of a blind man by Jesus at Bethsaida. There are various miracles described throughout the scriptures, but what is particularly interesting is the stages in which this man received his sight from Jesus. Jesus could have instantly healed him, but Jesus does not do so. First Jesus spits on the man’s eyes and then put His hands on him (v. 23). When his sight is first restored, His vision was not clear as he states, “I see people; they look like trees walking around” (v. 24). Jesus had to touch his eyes one more time for him to see clearly (v. 25).

I find this passage particularly insightful as I ponder how we are able to discern fact and fiction in our lives. Have you ever noticed that some people seem to live in a “bubble world” which has very little resemblance to reality? A bubble world is created when we do not want to face the reality of the world around us. Rather than facing the truth, it is much easier to create an alternate “truth.” Christians are not immune from the “bubble world” behavior; however, it is very important that we are able to discern fact from fiction.

The man in the story is touched by Jesus, but is still not able to discern the truth. As Christians, we have been touched by Jesus and received spiritual healing. Like the man in the story we need to receive another touch that will allow us to see the truth more clearly. In 1 Corinthians 13 it tells us that we see through a glass darkly, but one day we will see clearly. The closer we get to Jesus—the better that we will be able to see (John 9). Jesus said that He is the truth (John 14:6) and that His truth will set us free (John 8:32). We all want to be set free, but many times we do not want to face the truth that will bring about liberty because of what it might reveal about our true nature. In John 3:19 Jesus states, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” The truth reveals what we do not want to see about the brokenness of our humanity and the poor choices we have made.

It is quite possible that we have received one touch from God bringing about salvation in our lives, without asking Christ for the second touch for revelation into our lives and the world around us. Revelation can be hard to deal with at first, but it is the only way to true liberty. It is time to pop the bubble, ask for revelation, embrace the truth, and revel in the freedom it brings.

Who Jesus Picks to Be Part of His Team...

2011-09-13T06:39:00.002-04:00

Management Consultants
To: Jesus, son of Joseph
Woodcrafter,
Carpenter shop,
Nazareth.
From Jordan Management Consultants
Dear Sir
Thank you for submitting resumes of the 12 men you have picked for management positions in your new organization. All of them have now taken our battery of tests; we not only ran the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant. It is our opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education, and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. They do not have the team concept. We would recommend that you continue your search for persons of experience in managerial ability and proven capability.
SIMON PETER is unstable and given to fits of temper.
ANDREW has absolutely no qualities of leadership.
The two brothers, JAMES AND JOHN, the sons of Zebedee, place personal interest above company loyalty.
THOMAS demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale.
We feel it is our duty to tell you that MATTHEW has been blacklisted by the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau.
JAMES, the son of Alpheus, and THADDEUS definitely have radical leanings, and they registered a high score on the manic depressive scale.
SIMON THE ZEALOT, having pronounced terrorist leanings, would blow apart the harmony of the team.
One of the candidates however, shows great potential. He is a man of great ability, and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind, and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. We recommend JUDAS ISCARIOT as your controller and right hand man. All of the other profiles are self-explanatory.
We wish you every success in your new venture.
Sincerely yours
JORDAN MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Equipped to Go and Serve

2011-09-03T11:10:00.000-04:00

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Before Jesus ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father, He gave his followers an important charge to GO into the world and make disciples of the nations. This important charge is the last word from our Commander until He returns. However, before He left us this charge, He gave us the tools and guidance on how to fulfill the Great Commission through the Great Commandments and the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has not sent us into the world ill-equipped to handle the problems that confront us; rather, He gives us His very name to protect us (John 17:11).

Before starting any project, it is important to have the right tools and to know how to use them. Jesus tells us how to use the tools He has equipped us with in Mark 12 when He instructs the teachers of the law on the two greatest commandments. The first commandment is to love God with everything we are and all that we have, and the second commandment is linked to the first and involves loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. 1 John 4:20 emphasizes the connection between the two commandments stating, “If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” When we love in the way that Jesus instructs, we are able to understand and appropriately apply the word of God and use it to share the love of Jesus (Matthew 22:40; Galatians 5:14). Love is the more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31) and is how we are to express our faith (Galatians 5:6).

We are to use love as we go and use the tools that Jesus gives us for His service. The Bible tells us that God has given us His word, so we “may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is our job to study, meditate, and proclaim the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 1:2; 2 Timothy 4:2). If we do our job, then the Spirit will instruct us in the ways of truth (John 16:13) and will give us the words to say on account of God (Matthew 10:19). If we do what the Bible tells us to do, then we “will be prosperous and successful.”

The Holy Spirit is a powerful gift that God has imparted to His people because it is His supernatural presence in our natural lives. The Holy Spirit equips us with specific gifts (preaching, teaching, etc.) for the work of building God’s Kingdom (1 Corinthians 12). These gifts are meant to be used in the context of Christian community, working together as one body in Christ. The Spirit not only empowers us with the gifts needed to build the Kingdom, the Spirit also imparts the qualities of Kingdom living in our lives, which are the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit imparts to the believer all that we need to fulfill the Great Commission and Great Commandments; it is the believer’s responsibility to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) by continually leaning on God’s direction for our lives (Proverbs 3:5-6).

In John 20:21, Jesus tells us that we share His mission. We are not called to die for the sins of the world, but we are called to lay down our lives for the sake of the cross. This does not necessarily mean a physical sacrifice of our lives, but it does mean that we must be willing to follow wherever the Savior leads. Following Jesus comes at a cost, but the rewards outweigh the sacrifices. In his letter to the Church in Rome, the Apostle Paul writes, “If we have been united with [Christ] like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection” (Romans 6:5 NIV). Imagine what it would be like if the Church was willing to lose everything in order to gain the life God has in plan for us?

What keeps us from full commitment to Christ? I think it boils down to two things: pride and fear. Pride wants us to have things our way and fear has us panicked with the “what-ifs.” In 1 Peter 5:6, we are told that if we humble ourselves before God He will then lift us up in due time. Throughout the Bible we are told 365 times (one for each day of the year) to not be afraid. What is the source of a Christian’s ability to overcome fear? It is our assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Jesus. And it is our assurance that in Him we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39)!

It is my prayer that the Church of God would go boldly into this world to share the Good News of Jesus Christ by demonstrating the love of God through word and deed!

Loving God Through Service to Others

2011-08-10T11:13:00.000-04:00

Jesus tells us that the two greatest commandments are to love God with everything that we are and with all that we have and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Mark 12). The love that Jesus commands of us is a love that was reflective in his earthly ministry. Romans 5:8 states that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In other words, God showed His love for us by sending Jesus to die for us even though we did not deserve it. Likewise, we are to show our love for others by giving of ourselves in service, even if they do not deserve it.

In James 2, he teaches us that if we are to claim to have faith without works it is dead. We cannot claim to love God and not love our neighbor. Likewise, we cannot claim to have love without expressing it in service. Faith is expressed in love in action, which is known as compassion. The way we express compassion is not merely in words, but in our actions. Jesus washed the disciples feet to give us an example of what real love is all about. He tells us, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15).

When we express our love for one another it glorifies God and shows the world what He is like (Matthew 5:16). It defines us a child of God (Romans 12, 1 John 3:10). Our deeds, when rooted in faith and love, are so powerful that it can lead others to repentance. Our loving service to one another will bless us in return with a great reward (Luke 6) if we recognize that we are doing it all for Jesus (Matthew 25).

What is the great reward? In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus tells us that when we serve the “least of these” we will receive an inheritance which is “the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” and hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21). Let us resolve ourselves to express our love to one another in service recognizing that it is really Christ that we serve!

Living Free From Worry

2011-07-27T08:46:00.000-04:00

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”- Galatians 5:1

This past month we celebrated the Fourth of July, commemorating our nation’s declaration of independence from Britain. Our nation was founded on independence leading to personal liberty. Our faith, however, is based on dependence leading to true and lasting freedom. While our society and everything within us seeks independence and a “have it our way” mentality, the Bible tells us that the best life is one that is dependent on God. A life dependent on God is free from the penalty of sin, the restriction of the law, and the burden of worry.

In America, our ancestors fought the Revolutionary War to win our freedom from Britain. In Christendom, our freedom was secured through the death and resurrection of Jesus upon the cross. Hebrews 3:14-15 tells us that Jesus fought this fight so that “he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Paul tells us in Romans 6:23 that the “wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Without Christ, we need to be afraid because we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and therefore are all deserving of death, but because of Christ we have life to the full (John 10:10). While we have this freedom, we must ensure that we are living in Him (Colossians 2:6), which also means living like Him.

The government of the United States of America is based upon the constitution. The framers of the constitution set out to put together a document that would “form a more perfect union.” Our union has been a struggle as we have sought to interpret this constitution. One of the pivotal moments in our history was the civil war, which was fought over the principal of slavery. Different interpretations of the constitution based on ideology and deeply held beliefs led to brother fighting brother. Our faith tradition has seen these same struggles over the interpretation of the law (the Bible). The Word of God has been used to destroy—but Paul tells us that the word is LIFE (Philippians 2:16). Without Jesus and the gift of grace, we all stand condemned by the law (Romans 3:20) and our sinful nature perverts the spirit of the law (Romans 7:8). The law reminds us of our sinful nature and points us to the grace of Jesus (Romans 7:7). The grace of Jesus fulfills the law and releases us to “serve in the new way of the Spirit” (Romans 7:6), which is written upon hearts “not with ink but with the Spirit of the living” (2 Corinthians 3:3) who will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). We need to depend on Christ and not on rules and philosophy (Colossians 3:8), for He is the way, truth, and the life (John 14:16).

Since 9/11, we have increasingly become a society that is burdened by worry. There is terrible violence happening in our world and in our communities. Threats are not just coming from outside of our nation, but also from within. Not only are we burdened by the worry of violence, but also of the economy, environment, etc. Jesus tells us that all these things will take place and these do not mark an ending for the believer, but are “the beginning of birth pains” (Mark 13:7-8). The Bible tells us 365 times to not be afraid, and Jesus commands us not to worry (Matthew 6) – which is the twin brother of fear. We will face hardship, but we need to remember the words of Joseph: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). We serve an awesome God. If He is for you, no one can be against you (Romans 8:31) and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). We will face death all the day long, but “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Christ came so that you can be free from the tyranny of sin, the abuse of the law, and the paralyzing affects of anxiety. True freedom is not found in our nation’s laws or in our goals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Rather, true freedom is found by coming to Jesus (Matthew 11:28) and seeking first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). The end result will be a life of “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

Be the Feather

2011-07-12T11:49:00.000-04:00

BE THE FEATHER

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” –John 3:8

During last week’s sermon, I stated that I have a new outlook on approaching life and that is to BE THE FEATHER. The idea behind this outlook was inspired by the movie “Forrest Gump.” Many of us are familiar with this movie about a simple man who did extraordinary things in his life, not through planning or fighting, but by simply going with the flow through life. The theme of the movie is summed up in the beginning and ending of the movie with a feather floating through the air. The wind takes the feather through many different situations—and sometimes the weather gets rough—but no matter what the feather keeps moving gently and safely lands at its final destination.

As I have thought about the feather in this movie and the extraordinary life of the fictional character of Forrest Gump, I am reminded that Jesus tells us that those who are born of the Spirit are moved like the wind (John 3:8). As believers we do not necessarily know where life is taking us but, if we are led by the Spirit, we know that we will arrive at our destination. Many times we are unable to be the feather and allow ourselves to move with the Spirit because we are burdened by anxiety/worry/fear and/or we insist on going and doing the things we want.

St. Francis of Assisi tells us that we should “Wear the world like a loose garment.” This world should not weigh us down with burden; we should be ready and willing to let go of the things of this world at anytime. In Matthew 6, Jesus commands us not to worry because the Father has all things handled. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6 that we should not be “anxious about anything”; in 1 Peter 5:7 it tells us that we are able to cast all our anxiety on Jesus because “he cares for you.” It is natural to experience fear/worry/anxiety, but our response to these feelings needs to be to lift it up to the one who said “my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Living in this way does not make us irresponsible; rather, it places all things in perspective that God loves us, has a plan, is in control, and will make sure we land safely.

In addition to our feelings weighing us down, our wills also get in the way of being the feather. Jesus tells us to pray in Matthew 6:10 for God’s will to be done. When we truly pray in this way, we need to surrender our expectations and desires regarding a given situation. The focus of all our prayers and desires should be centered on one thing: that Christ would be glorified. In Philippians 1, Paul writes: “²⁰ I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” What Paul is stating is that he is content in all circumstances because he has a fellowship with Christ and knows that Christ will use all his earthly circumstances for an eternal good. Many times we cannot choose our circumstances, but we can choose our attitude. We can either fight the wind, or we can turn our sails to it—recognizing that it is God who ultimately controls the wind.

Weather is very unpredictable. We can be experiencing a beautiful day when a storm arises out of nowhere. Here is a beautiful saying that I saw recently: LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS, IT'S LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN. A feather in the wind looks like it is dancing; the one who controls the wind is leading the dance. We can choose to fight the wind and be burdened by frustration, or we can dance and enjoy the ride knowing that Christ has it all figured out.

How to Kill Your Church

2011-07-06T10:15:00.002-04:00

How to Kill the Church

Author: Anonymous

-Don’t come.
-If you come, come late.
-When you come to church, do so with a grumble.
-At every service ask yourself, “What do I get out of this?’
-Never accept an assigned task. It’s better to stay outside and criticize.
-Visit other churches about half the time to show your own congregation that you aren’t tied down.
-Let the preacher earn his money; let him do all the work.
-Sit pretty well back and never sing. If you have to sing, sing out of tune and behind everyone else.
-Never contribute in advance, especially to the church. Wait till you get your money’s worth, and then wait a little longer.
-It is good to tell your preacher’s failings to any stranger that may happen in; the stranger might be a long time in finding them out.
-If there happen to be a few zealous workers in the church, make a protest against the church being run by a clique.
-If the church is harmonious, call it apathy or indifference.

Operating in the Spirit of Truth or the Deception of the Flesh?

2011-06-30T11:39:00.000-04:00

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. -2 Timothy 4:3

In the passion account as recorded in John’s Gospel, Pilate asks Jesus: “What is truth” (18:38)? This is a critical question that consistently beckons an answer in our personal lives, as well as our communities, churches, and nation. Frequently, the argument is that truth is relative, meaning that you can believe one thing to be true and it is thus true for you, but it does not have to be true to me. This type of thinking has led us down a slippery slope of moral decay in our society and our churches. Jesus counters this type of thinking with a very clear, but for some, a very difficult answer: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). The words that Jesus speaks to us are the very words of the Father (John 14:10), and they are full of “spirit and life” (John 6:63). However, many are often tempted to pervert the truth to suit their own understanding and desires, which leaves their faith fruitless and their religious efforts futile.

Accepting Jesus’ words as truth is a difficult task because they run contrary to the works of the flesh (John 6:63). In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul tells us that sin will distort the word of God because of the desires within us (verse 8). The book of James tells us that fights and problems arise because of the “desires that battle” within us (James 4:1). The desires within us stem from the flesh, which is “governed by death” (Romans 8:6), and bring about the acts of the flesh: “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (Galatians 5:19-21). Paul warns us in Galatians that if we act in this way, we “will not inherit the kingdom of God” (5:21).

We have a choice to live in the spirit or operate in the flesh, but we cannot do both. Living in the spirit means that we accept God’s word as the unalterable truth for our lives. This means that we will come face to face with our sinful nature and the deceptions that we have bought into in our lives. What Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:3 is that we want to alter the teachings of the word of God to suit our behaviors, rather than submitting to God’s way and alter our behavior to His teaching. Our flesh would prefer to allow truth be something that we can alter; however, Jesus tells us that His truth is something that changes us from within!

In John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that we must be born again into a new spirit-minded and spirit-filled nature. The Spirit-filled mind is full of “life and peace” (Romans 8:6) because it places ultimate authority on the words of Jesus (John 14:26) and desires the things that Jesus wants for us (Romans 8:5). The wisdom of the flesh will bring about destruction, though it may seem right to our carnal minds (Proverbs 14:12). The wisdom of the spirit will bring about life, though it will run contrary to our carnal minds.

How do you know if you are operating under the spirit or the flesh? Jesus tells us that we need to look at the fruit produces by our lives (Matthew 12:33). Is your life characterized by “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23)? If so, then you are operating in the spirit. Is your life is filled with the acts of the flesh, as outlined above (Galatians 5:19-21), and filled with confusion, disorder, fear, and stress (1 Corinthians 14:33, 2 Timothy 1:7)? If so, then you are operating in the flesh.

If you are operating in the flesh and drowning in your own mess, then I have good news for you—Jesus wants to help you! The book of James tells us that God opposes the proud (4:6) because we insist on doing it our way. God will not bless your mess! But, if you will choose to humble yourself in the sight of God, then He will lift you up (James 4:10)! This means we need to cry out to God, repent of our ways, and start following after Jesus. If we will do this, we may still have to suffer for a time, but God will “restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

The choice is clear- we can accept Jesus as the truth or we can continue to reject it, distort it, and manipulate it. Accepting Jesus as the truth, brings about the abundant life and denying him brings about destruction (John 10:10).

Holding on to Hope!

2011-06-11T12:40:00.000-04:00

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. - Luke 2:19

Sometimes we have experiences in our lives that make us question what we believe God has spoke to our hearts. In the birth narrative of Jesus, there is poignant phrase that arises when the wise men come to offer gifts to the newborn King. The Bible recounts that Mary was watching everything and “treasured” them in her heart. Even from the very beginning the Holy Spirit was preparing Mary to watch her Son be crucified and publicly scorned. She would have to go through an unimaginable thing as a mother to watch her baby die before her eyes and that is why it was so important for her to begin treasuring up things in her heart for the trying times which would lay ahead.

When God speaks to our hearts, it can be scary to trust that it is really God. But if our hearts are tuned into the Lord, I believe that we will be able to recognize when God is speaking. When we are in the mountain-top experiences it is easy to recognize and believe the voice of God; however, when we have to go back to the valley experiences of our lives, we can question the validity of the word of God that we received.

In Luke 8, Jesus tells the parable of the sower who is planting seed, which is the Word of God. In verse 12 it states, “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” We need to recognize that the Devil comes to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). He wants to rob us of the peace that God has given to us and the joy made complete within us. He will use circumstances to rob us of these things. It is during these times in which we need to remember what we have treasured in our hearts and know that God’s faithfulness is GREAT (Lamentations 3:23). We need to sit back, wait, and believe with simple child-like faith in the promises of God. Jesus reminds us in John 11:40, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" Accordingly, as Paul exhorts us in Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing

2011-06-09T09:47:00.000-04:00

I remember from my youth a cola commercial in which Ray Charles sang, “Ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby!” The song, while trying to sell a sugary drink to the masses, did bring forth a truth that should guide our lives and the choices we make. Many times we are tempted to settle for the fake things, rather than waiting on God for the real thing. The fake thing may satisfy our fleeting desires in the moment, but it is unable to quench the desires of our heart and will always leave us wanting more.

In Luke 4:1-13, Jesus is led into the desert to be tempted by Satan before Jesus begins His formal ministry. Satan comes to Jesus in His weakest moment after fasting forty days and tempts Jesus to avoid the path of the cross by choosing an imitation glory. The Bible tells us that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), and lies are a distortion and manipulation of the truth. Satan did not tempt Jesus with radical lies, but with subtle distortions; he even used the word of God to do it! Satan does not have the power to create, but he can deceive us and blind us from the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan is like a lion who seeks to devour us as our weakest point (1 Peter 5:8), and if we are not careful we might choose the path that God had not intended.

The Father intended to glorify Jesus through the path of the cross (Philippians 2:6-11). It would be natural for us to be tempted to bypass the way of suffering for the way of immediate satisfaction. However, compromise may seem pleasant for a time, but there is nothing like the real thing. We need to be able to develop a discerning mind and spirit so that we can stand up to the temptation to accept the imitation, rather than waiting for the real thing.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. –Romans 12:2

The Bible tells us that if want to be able to discern God’s will for our lives, then we need to “renew our minds.” We are able to renew our minds by:

1. Setting our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). We do this by choosing think on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8). We need to take “captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

2. Colossians 3:16 tells us that we need to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” This means we need to read God’s word, study it, meditate on it, and live it. When Satan tempted Jesus with God’s word, Jesus was able to rebuff Satan because He knew the true meaning of God’s word. If we do not know God’s word, we can easily be deceived.

3. We need to submit to God (James 4:7), knowing that if we trust and follow Him in all things He will make our path straight (Proverbs 3) and give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4) in due time (Galatians 6:9). Submitting to God means obeying Him, even when it hurts and/or does not make any sense. We need to remember that God works in mysterious ways, but His timing is always perfect.

The enemy of great is good. This means we may be tempted to choose something that looks good, when God has in store something great. However, the great things normally take time and require us to wait upon the Lord. The Bible tells us that if we wait upon God, we will not regret the result. But if we compromise by doing it our way—then we will reap what we sow.

God in the Mirror?

2011-05-11T22:20:00.000-04:00

You can tell that you have created God in your own image
when He happens to hate all the same people and behaviors that you do.
- Paraphrase from Anne Lamott

I came across this quote the other day which started me thinking on how we can discern God’s will apart from our own will. Often times I hear people state that they want to live their lives according to God’s will and yet many times, as an outside observer, it does not appear that they are in God’s will. I know that they may claim that they pray and occasionally read some scripture; however, it seems as though their version of God looks eerily similar to their reflection in the mirror. The quote above by Anne Lamott reminds us that we have a tendency of creating God in our image. When we state that we want God’s will for our lives, are we asking for His will to be done or expecting a blessing upon our will and our plans?

This is not a new problem for human kind because it started in the garden with Adam and Eve’s desire to be like God. Since they ate the fruit, humankind did not become like God, but we have certainly acted as though we are on the same playing field with God. When God told Abraham and Sarah that they would have a baby in their old age—they believed God in part and decided to take matters into their own hands and help God in fulfilling His will by having Abraham lay with Sarah’s maidservant (Genesis 16). The result of Abraham and Sarah’s flawed attempt in interpreting God’s will for their lives led to the birth of Ishmael. The birth of Ishmael brought about dissension in Abraham’s community and began the great divide between the Jewish (Isaac the father of Judaism) and Muslim (Ishmael the father of Islam) nations. Isaac was the promised child to whom God would grant the covenant and Abraham’s decision to act independent of God’s will did not alter God’s decision to carry out the covenant through Isaac (Genesis 17). We see within this story the devastating consequences of acting outside of God’s will for our lives and how it affects more than just us.

The Bible does tell us that God has a great plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11)! However, this plan can only be accomplished through a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ! Apart from a personal relationship with Jesus, we cannot be in God’s will and do anything with God’s power and blessing in our lives (John 15:5). It amazes me the number of people who claim to have a relationship with someone who they seldom spend time to talking and listening to, and fellowshipping and worshipping with (Matthew 7:21-23). The only way to know if you are in God’s will is to get in a relationship with Him and you cannot have a relationship without seeking it out. God promises that if we seek Him with all of our heart—then we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

In order to seek God with all of our heart, it means that we need to tear down the idols that we have built in our lives (Exodus 34:14). The idols that we build up include our pride, our need to be right, our dreams, etc. Nothing is to before our relationship with God! We must be willing to leave everything behind before God can lead us into the great plan He has for our life (Matthew 10:39; 16:24). This means we must- LET GOD BE GOD! When we do this, we are able to enter into a fellowship in which God begins to reveal His ways to us through His word, His spirit, and the fellowship of Christian community.

So, if we are pursuing an active relationship with God, how can we be sure we are operating in His will? First, we need to understand that if we are fully trusting in Him and relying on His guidance in our lives—He will direct our path (even if we sometimes make a wrong turn) (Proverbs 3:5-6). Additionally, we need to ask the following questions about our actions, dreams, and desires:

1. Does the proposed action or what I am doing glorify God?
2. Does the proposed action or what I am doing make me look/act/and think more like Jesus (Is this something Jesus would do)? [When in doubt- go to the Red stuff (the red words of Jesus in the Gospels)]
To know if something would make me look more like Jesus--it would have to be in line with His character--LOVE--1 Corinthians 13.
3. Does the proposed action produce fruits of the spirit in my life and the life of those around me: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5) in me and others?

If the answer to any of the questions is NO--then you are probably not acting in accordance with God’s will for you life and you might have created God in your own image.

Leaving the City of Regret

2011-05-09T07:04:00.000-04:00

Leaving the City of Regret
by: Larry Harp, Heartwarmers4u

I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. I'm talking about my annual "Guilt Trip."

I got tickets to fly there on Wish I Had airlines. It was an extremely short flight. I got my baggage, which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the way. It was weighted down with a thousand memories of what might have been. No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport. I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town.

As I checked into the Last Resort Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event, the Annual Pity Party. I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the towns leading citizens would be there.

First, there would be the Done family, you know, Should Have, Would Have and Could Have. Then came the I Had family. You probably know ol' Wish and his clan. Of course, the Opportunities would be present, Missed and Lost. The biggest family would be the Yesterday's. There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share.

Then Shattered Dreams would surely make and appearance. And It's Their Fault would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in his life, and each story would be loudly applauded by Don't Blame Me and I Couldn't Help It.

Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing party knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and subsequent "pity party" could be cancelled by ME! I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there. I didn't have to be depressed. One thing kept going through my mind, I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY. I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging. Knowing this, I left the City of Regret immediately and left no forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES! But there is no physical way to undo them.

So, if you're planning a trip back to the City of Regret, please cancel all your reservations now. Instead, take a trip to a place called, Starting Again. I liked it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence there. My neighbors, the I Forgive Myselfs and the New Starts are so very helpful. By the way, you don't have to carry around heavy baggage, because the load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. God bless you in finding this great town. If you can find it -- it's in your own heart -- please look me up. I live on I Can Do It street.

You are welcome at Bethany!

2011-05-07T19:59:00.002-04:00

Fight the Wind or Adjust Your Sails

2011-04-26T12:58:00.000-04:00

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. - John 3:8

There are many things in this life that are beyond our control: other people, circumstances, world events, etc. All of us do not like when these adjustments happen in our lives because we like to believe that we are in control of our own destinies. We have our own dreams and desires, and sometimes we will work very diligently for our will to be done. However, as hard as we may try, life has a way bringing about the unexpected. God uses these moments to show us that He is God, and we are not.

In John 3:8, Jesus tells us that, as followers of God, we are to be led, not by our own desires or will, but by the Spirit of God. Jesus compares the leading of the Spirit to that of the wind. The wind is not something that cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. However, we can see the results of the wind. The wind is truly a force that can be felt! The comparison of the wind to the Spirit of God indicates that the Spirit is a real, compelling force in the life of the believer that brings about tangible results. Living by the spirit brings about true life (John 6:63) characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17). However, in order to have this kind of life, we need to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).

Jesus tells the disciples after His resurrection to go to Jerusalem and wait for the spirit, which will clothe them with “power from on high” (Luke 24:49). As believers we have the Spirit of God within us, but we do need to seek direction from the Spirit and wait on the Spirit to give direction before stepping out in our own will. Otherwise we are operating in our own power, rather than the power from on high. The Spirit will guide us “into all truth” and will bring glory to Jesus (John 16:13-14). However, it is up to us whether we will lean on the spirit’s direction or rely on our own wisdom and power. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us that when we rely on God’s wisdom, power, and direction for our lives, then “he will make our paths straight.”

When our lives get off course, it is generally because we have taken our eyes off of Jesus and decided to rely upon our own understanding. Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Generally, the way seems right because our minds are “set on what the flesh desires”, which produces “death” in our lives (Romans 8:5-6). What we desire may be a good thing, but the Spirit wants to lead us to the best things- good is the enemy of great. Paul tells us that we are to set our minds on “what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5) by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) and submitting to God’s word (James 4:7). Fully submitting our lives to God will bring about peace with Him and “prosperity will come to you” (Job 22:21).

Many times we refuse to submit our lives to God because we are stubborn in our ways (Psalm 81:12). We will choose to fight against God’s will for our lives and try to convince ourselves that our way is the right way. C.S. Lewis reminds us, “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’” Our way may seem right for a time, but in the end it will lead us to a pig pen of a life (Hebrews 11:25, Luke 15:17). We have a choice to fight the wind or adjust our sails. If we adjust our sails to the direction of God’s spirit, He does not guarantee an easy journey, but He does promise that it will be a good one (Jeremiah 29:11)!

If our lives are miserable—then someone has gone astray. Isaiah 53:6 states, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way.” The good news is that there is a way back to the life that God wants for you! God knows what you truly desire and need, and He will give it to us once we find our delight in Him alone (Psalm 37:4). Jesus tells us that we must lose our life if we are to find the true life that we always wanted (Matthew 10:39). I pray that we all learn to adjust our sails, so that God can lead us to the best life possible!

It's Friday, but Sunday's Coming!

2011-04-23T10:49:00.002-04:00

Leaving the City of Regret

2011-04-21T19:07:00.000-04:00

Leaving the City of Regret
by: Larry Harp

Trickle Down Theory of Unconditional Love

2011-04-21T07:14:00.000-04:00

Author: Anonymous

God loves me, this I know.

He loves me unconditionally.

Therefore: His love for me is based on who HE is.

Therefore: I have not earned His love, nor can I earn His love.

Therefore: I cannot be separated from His love.

When I obey Him, He will bless me.

When I disobey Him, there will be consequences for my behavior.

He may not like my behavior, but He always loves me.

Therefore: Since I have experienced Gods love, I know I am loveable.

Therefore, since I know that God loves me,

I am able to believe that there are people who could love me too.

Therefore, I am able to trust people who genuinely love me.

Therefore I am able to accept the love that those people give to me.

Therefore, since my most basic need for love & a sense of self-worth have been

met by God, I dont need to be fixed by other people.

Therefore, although I have needs that I look to other people to meet,

I believe those needs are balanced & God-given (companionship, affection, fun).

I try to be honest in assessing those needs & in asking for what I need.

Therefore, I expect others to be honest with me.

I can handle criticism or confrontation if it is done with love.

Therefore, since I know that I am Gods special & unique creation,

I know that the love I have to give is valuable.

Therefore, I dont feel that I have to perform for other people.

They will either love me for who I am or they wont.

Its important to me to be loved for who I am.

Therefore, I am able to get my mind off what others are thinking ABOUT ME

& focus on other people & THEIR NEEDS

Therefore: I am able to sustain a healthy, loving & lasting relationship.

Trickle Down Theory of Conditional Love

2011-04-20T07:08:00.000-04:00

I found this...the author is Anonymous. I pray that this Easter you might experience the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE of GOD!

God loves me, but .. He loves me conditionally.

Therefore His love is based on my performance.

Therefore I have to earn His love by pleasing Him.

Therefore, When I please Him, I feel loved.
When I don't please Him, I feel rejected.

Therefore, if God who is "all-loving" does not always love, accept and value me,
how can I be expected to believe that I am valuable & lovable?

Therefore, I don't believe that I am basically a lovable, valuable person.

Therefore, I am not able to trust other people who say they love me.
I suspect their motives or figure that they just don't know the "real" me yet.

Therefore, I can't accept love from other people.
I deflect it, I try to prove that I am right - that I am NOT lovable,
& that they will eventually reject me.

Therefore, they usually do

Therefore, I use the world's standards (money, status, clothes, etc) to prove
to myself & others that I am VALUABLE
I need strokes & feedback from other people to prove myself
& to others that I am LOVEABLE

Therefore I need a "fresh fix" of strokes every day
just to get through the day feeling good about myself.

Therefore, I look to others to give me something
that only God can give me - a sense of my own SELF-WORTH

Therefore I place impossible demands on people who love me.
I frustrate them. I am never satisfied with what they are giving me.
I don't allow them to be honest with me or confront me.
I'm focused on me & I expect them to be focused on me too.

Therefore since I don't love who I AM
I don't expect others will love me either.
Why would anyone want something that is of no real value?

Therefore I try to earn their love by what I DO. I don't give out of a desire to love,
but to BE LOVED. Most of what I do is tied up in "self", so the people
I profess to love don't really feel loved. They feel manipulated.
I'm trying to avoid rejection rather than trying to build a loving relationship.

Therefore I am not able to sustain a healthy, loving & lasting relationship.

A Letter to Single Moms

2011-04-13T16:46:00.000-04:00

Dear Pastor Robin:

I am a single mother trying my best to raise a child on my own. My family and my Church support me, but I have to admit that I feel very alone. I have tried to go out on dates and get them involved with my children—but it always seems to end badly, especially for my child. I just want a “normal” family so bad and feel that I am struggling with doing this parenting thing on my own. I miss having a husband and I think that my daughter could really use a dad. I just don’t want to make the wrong choice. Please Help! Warmly, Lonely in the City

Dear Lonely in the City,

Thank you so much for your letter and I hope that my response to you might give you some encouragement and guidance in your situation. I am not a single mom, but my mother was in your situation for a number of years. As a child, I watched my mother struggle to make ends meet and deal with feeling alone. You are in a tough situation, but I want you to know that you are not alone. God is always with you (Deuteronomy 31:6) to love (Romans 8:39) and comfort you (2 Corinthians 1:3). Let me address some of your concerns:

1. It is natural to want to have a husband and father for your child. In Genesis 2:18, God states that “it is not good for man to be alone.” We all have a desire to be loved by others, but we were created first for a love relationship with God. The Bible tells us that we are to love God with everything that we are and all that we have (Matthew 22:37). If we truly love Him in this way, then our delight will be in Him! The Psalmist tells us that when we delight in the Lord, he will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). Delighting in the Lord means that we diligently seek after Him and His kingdom priorities (Hebrews 11:6). When we seek God first in our lives, He promises that He will meet our needs (Matthew 6:33). Many times we are so desperately trying to find love in another’s arms that we reject the all-sufficient love of our Father in Heaven. When we take our eyes off of Jesus, then we are prone to make a foolish decision. We make think that we are making the right decision, but Proverbs 14:12 warns us: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” It is better to be with nobody than the wrong somebody.

2. As you already know, your child is your first priority. In Mark 10:16, Jesus demonstrates His great love for children. In fact, the Psalmist tells us that children are from the Lord (127:3-5) because every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). God is the Father of all; He has chosen to entrust a child to you, but we have to recognize that the child is His and not ours. Jesus tells us, “if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck” (Mark 9:42). God wants parents to lovingly watch over and protect their children. The implication is that, while you may have a desire to bring the men you date around your child, it is not in your child’s best interest to do so. A revolving door into your child’s home is not good for your child because: a) the relationship might end and the child may have bonded with the man; b) you may not really know the character of the man that you are bringing around your child. It is difficult for children to be in single parent households, but it is even more difficult when there is a lack of stability and consistency—or worse, the wrong person in their lives. The home should be a safe harbor for children, and bringing strangers into their home is not a good practice. It is okay to date, just leave your kid with a babysitter.

3. Many times single women, in particular, feel that they need a man because they want a hero to rescue them from their loneliness and problems. The fact is that, as a single mom, you are a hero to your child! My mother did amazing things, and I know that she did it with God’s help. Psalm 46:1 states, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Let God be your hero! We don’t need anyone but Jesus in our lives. Paul’s desire for the Church is that we may be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19), which means that God fills all the empty voids in our lives. The Bible states that God is a “father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (Psalm 68:5), and this means that you may feel alone, but you are not…God will meet whatever need you or your child has. People will always let us down, but God never will.

I know many people who are single parents, and I have seen how hard this can be for them. But, I have also seen that God’s grace is sufficient for all things (2 Corinthians 12:9). The important thing to remember is that God knows what you truly need, and He will supply it, but you need to wait upon Him (Psalm 27:14). When we take matters into our own hands, we can create a mess that can have lasting implications on our children.

One more note before I sign off: please make sure you take some time to heal before engaging in another relationship. If you do not heal properly, you will transfer the baggage from the old relationship into the new. Additionally, you will be more apt to repeat the same patterns and pick the same type of people (which may not be so good). The Bible tells us to “be still” (Psalm 46:10) in God’s presence and allow His word (the Bible), through prayer and study, to transform you “by the renewing of your mind” so that you “will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). When we go through bad things in life it can really mess up our thinking and we need to allow God to fix it.

I am so glad that you sent me this email. I pray that you, along with all of the single moms out there, might come to understand “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” for you and your child (Ephesians 3:18). While it may be tough for a while, the Bible reminds that God will “restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

“⁵Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Blessings to You,

Pastor Robin

P.s. Here are some resources for you:

Beauty for Ashes: Discovering God's Healing Grace for Broken Hearts

The Importance of a Healthy Self Image

Waiting Upon the Lord

The Crucifixion and Resurrection Changes Everything

2011-04-11T15:55:00.000-04:00

“The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." (Matthew 28:5-7)

The crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the most important event in human history. Jesus died on the cross to pay our sin debt in full and He was raised to new life demonstrating that He is the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS (Philippians 2). If Jesus was not raised from the dead, then our faith is useless (1 Corinthians 15:11-14), but because He has indeed been raised—we are then raised to new life (Romans 6:5, Philippians 3:11). This is good news and it is what we are commanded to share with the world: Jesus lives and you can live too!

Jesus came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17) by completing God’s redemptive plan for humanity! He came so that we could have life in Him that would be full and complete (John 10:10). This was only made possible through the shedding of His blood for us (Hebrews 9:22). He did this because God loves us (John 3:16). If we put our “faith and hope” in God (1 Peter 1:21) we are then clothed with the righteousness of Christ (Romans 3:22) and adopted as God’s children (Romans 8:15).

Because of Jesus’ conquest over death and now that we are children of God, we are told “do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:5). In fact, the Bible tells us 365 times to not be afraid. Jesus has established Himself as the authority over life and death (Acts 4:12) and if He is for you, who can be against you (Romans 8:31)? Nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:28-39). We are more than conquerors in Him (Romans 8:37) because Jesus is “greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33) and through faith we too are able to overcome it (1 John 5:4).

We are to enter into this world to tell the good news. The angel told the women to go and tell that “He has risen.” The word gospel means “good news”—our good news is all about JESUS: teachings, death, and resurrection! We engage this world unafraid because Jesus is with us “always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) and confident that the Holy Spirit will tell us what to say (Luke 12:12), just as the angel told the women what to say. When we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we will have “sufficient courage.”

Considering the hope that we have in Christ, Paul exhorts us to be bold (2 Corinthians 3:12). Know that God will never leave you, nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5) and He will give you the strength you need (Psalm 18:32) to accomplish the goal of telling the entire world that- HE HAS RISEN INDEED!

Lenten Series: The Suffering Servant

2011-04-02T09:08:00.000-04:00

“⁴Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted. ⁵But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” –Isaiah 53:4-5

We are in the midst of the Lenten season, in which we remember the journey of our Lord to Calvary’s cross. Jesus knew that He came into this world to die for our sins, and He resolved Himself to head to Jerusalem where He knew the fate that awaited Him. When Jesus entered into Jerusalem on what we now call Palm Sunday, He was hailed as a King. A few days later, He was betrayed, despised, mocked, and crucified with thieves. The prophet Isaiah paints the image of the messiah as a servant who would overcome this world through suffering, which would lead to freedom for all who would believe in Him.

In Mark 8:31, Jesus tells the disciples that the “Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.” This was a difficult concept for the disciples to grasp as to why Jesus had to suffer. Isaiah tells us that Jesus suffered “for our transgressions.” The Apostle Paul states in Romans 6:23 that the “wages of sin is death” and in Hebrews 9:22 we are told that that there can be no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. Our sins deserve our death, but Jesus took on that penalty for us. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 we are told that “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus came into this world not to be served by us, but to serve us by offering Himself as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (Matthew 20:28; 1 John 4:10).

The Jewish people were looking for a conquering King as their messiah because they thought the freedom they needed was to be free from the oppression of Rome. Instead, God sent the people a suffering servant because the freedom they needed was from the bondage of sin. Today, we still miss the point many times. We think that we need a lot of things: money, fame, success, spouses, etc. However, at the core of our human existence is our need for a relationship with our creator. This need can only be met through Jesus who is “the way” to the Father (John 14:6).

If we want to experience this intimate relationship with our creator, we must follow in the way of Jesus. Jesus tells us that we must follow the path of the cross (Luke 9:23), which is the path of being a servant (Matthew 20:26). The concept of being a servant lacks the same appeal today as it did back when Jesus uttered these words. We are afraid that if we are a servant, then we will be taken advantage of, scorned, ridiculed, and rejected—and this may be the case (for a time). We need to remember that it was Jesus’ willingness to humble himself by taking the very nature of a servant which unleashed God’s power and resurrected Him from the dead, exalted him to the highest place, and gave Him the name that is above every name (Philippians 2:6-11). Hebrews 12:2-3 exhorts us to consider Jesus when we go through these trials for because of “the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (v. 2). If we follow the pattern of Jesus as a servant, God will not only be our vindicator (Psalm 17), but He will restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10) and make our “righteousness shine like the dawn” (Psalm 37:6). On Friday, the devil thought He had Jesus beat as a wimpy suffering servant, but on Sunday God declared him Christus Victor- Christ the Victor. You may think that this world may have you beat—but your Sunday is coming! Just keep pressing on with your eyes focused on Jesus, and in due time He will lift you up (James 4:10).

It is my prayer that this Lenten Season and Resurrection Sunday you might come to know that Jesus is our Victor and because He lives, so shall we also live (John 14:19). The victory of Christ on that Resurrection Sunday is a victory that we can experience every day, if we are willing to share in the sufferings of Christ (Romans 8:17). May the Easter experience not only free you from the bondage of sin, but of despair as well! He has risen indeed!

Don't Panic- Be Still!

2011-03-23T09:03:00.000-04:00

“Be still, and know that I am God”- Psalm 46:10a

What is your first reaction to problems and turmoil? If you are like me, you may have a host of varied reactions including: panic, fear, anger, and anxiety. While these may be natural reactions to the problems we encounter, the Bible tells us that as children of God we are to have a different reaction. Rather than getting stressed out regarding a problem, the Bible tells us to do two things: 1) Be still and 2) Know that He IS GOD! If we will follow the Bible’s instructions, we will find that we will be able to experience the “peace that transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

In Matthew 8:23-27, the Gospel writer describes a storm that comes upon the disciples which causes them to panic while Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat. The disciples panicked because they thought they were going to drown. So they awake Jesus who gets up and settles the storm. He asks the disciples, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (v. 26), and I believe that Jesus continues to ask us the same question. Jesus was asleep in the boat even in the midst of the storm because He was able to rest in the assurance that He and the disciples were in the Father’s hands and that was the safest place to be, even if it appeared to the contrary. Jesus invites us to this same rest and assurance, but we need to BE STILL and not allow the storms of life to rock us! We need to go to Jesus first and trust that He will do what is best. To BE STILL does not imply inactivity, but we are to be active in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) which includes thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), and obeying His word in ALL things (Hebrews 4:12).

If at first we are to BE STILL, secondly we are to KNOW THAT HE IS GOD. Worry is a sin because Jesus commands us to not worry (Matthew 6:25). Worry translates into believing that 1) God is not real; 2) God does not care; or 3) God is incapable of handling the problem. Anyone of the core reasons for worry goes against God’s word. He wants us to remember that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31), and in Him we are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). We need to always remember that God is “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). As big and bad as our troubles may appear, God is bigger than them all, and He has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). However if we doubt, it substantially limits what God will do in our lives (Matthew 6:4-5). Yet the faith of a mustard seed can move the mountains in our lives (Matthew 17:20).

Rather than viewing problems as something to be rid of in our lives, we should

view them as opportunities. They are opportunities for us to demonstrate our faith, for God to demonstrate His power, and for us to learn a lesson. The Apostle Paul had a problem which he referred to as a “thorn in my flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). He asks God to remove it three times, and God does not. I think we have all experienced a problem that would not go away even when we did everything right. Paul tells us that God allowed the thorn to “keep [him] from becoming conceited” and to teach him that God’s “grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). God allows problems in our lives to keep us kneeling in humility before Him, so that He can lift us up (James 4:10) and demonstrate that it is “not by might nor by power, but by [His] Spirit” that we are able to survive the storms of life.

Let us then go forth in confidence that Jesus knows no defeat and we can rest securely in His promise that He is with us always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20). May God’s will be done!

A Lazarus-type Miracle

2011-03-16T09:26:00.000-04:00

“So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘ Lord, the one you love is sick.’ When he heard this, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” - John 11:3-4 (NIV)

The scripture quoted above refers to the death of Lazarus as recounted in John 11. This passage has frequently come to mind when I think of the many times that our prayers are not answered in the time and manner that we believe is appropriate and/or correct. We see devastation, heartache, and terrible things happening in our own lives and in the lives of those around us and sometimes we wonder how a loving and caring God could allow this to continue.

The message that is found in the story of Lazarus is that God knows and cares about the problems in your life. In fact, John recounts that Jesus wept (v. 35). So why did Jesus allow Lazarus to die when he could have simply spoken healing words and Lazarus would have been healed. The answer Jesus says is so that God would be glorified. In other words, healing is a miracle, but resurrection is a GLORIOUS MIRACLE! When our prayers are not answered the way we want them to be it is not because God does not care, but because he is putting together something bigger than you and I could imagine. That being said, on this side of eternity we may not know what it is or why, but that is why we have faith!

God performs miracles everyday and we simply need to trust and obey. Let us join together in Christian service because we serve an awesome God and we know that He who has started a good work is faithful to complete it!

Here is a great oldie song from Tammy Faye Baker that really speaks to the heart of this.

The Path of the Christian

2011-03-08T12:53:00.001-05:00

In his letter to the Church in Rome the Apostle Paul writes, “If we have been united with [Christ] like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection” (Romans 6:5 NIV). During the Lenten season it is important to remember that the path of the cross that Jesus follows is the path that every Christian is called to follow. The cross is not just the means of liberation from sin, but it is the pathway to experience the abundant victorious Christian life. If we share in the crucifixion of Christ we will also be able to share in His resurrection power.

Jesus clearly states that if we are to follow him we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23-26). Taking up our cross entails a daily choosing of God’s will and not our own. Jesus demonstrates this in the garden of Gethsemane when He prays, “yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39 NIV). Jesus knew that the Father’s way was the best and while He must suffer many things, the Father would be faithful in His promise of resurrection.

The New Testament description of the Christian life is not described as one of ease and comfort; rather, the Christian life is marked by persecution and hardships. Jesus states that a servant is no greater than his master (John 13:16 NIV) and that in this world we will have trouble, but He has overcome the world (John 16:33 NIV). Because Christ has overcome the world, if we follow Him in the midst of the trials of life we will not only survive the circumstances but we too will overcome them (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV).

Troubles will befall us whether we are a Christian or not. Jesus states in Matthew 5:45, “[God] causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” The difference between a Christian and a non-believer when troubles come is that we know that Jesus is the “resurrection and the life” (John 11:25 NIV). This means that those things intended for our destruction will be used for our eternal benefit to make us more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29).

Like Jesus, while we are going through the path of the cross we need to keep our eyes on the prize. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV). May you experience the power of the resurrection this Easter and every day of your life.

The Life You Always Wanted

2011-03-02T07:22:00.000-05:00

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). - John 10:10 (Amplified)

Jesus tells us in John 14:6 that He is the way and the life for all of us. The life that Jesus has to offer us is one that is full and that we can enjoy (John 10:10). Jesus died, so we can have eternal life and enjoy our earthly life as well. Far too often, believers are unable to enjoy the kind of life that Jesus has to offer because they are entangled by sin (Hebrews 12:1), which keeps them from walking in the spirit (Galatians 5:16). Accordingly, if we want to truly enjoy the life that God wants for us, we need to submit to His ways and He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6).

The Apostle Paul tells us that life in the Kingdom of God is characterized by “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). These three characteristics of kingdom living can be cultivated in our lives through the following steps:

Live Wisely. In Matthew 10:16 (NKJV), Jesus tells us to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Wisdom is a gift from God. He is willing to give it to us, but we have to ask Him for it (James 1:5). The characteristics of God’s wisdom are markedly different from that of worldly wisdom. James 3:17 (ESV) states, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” If you are living in Godly wisdom, your life will produce Godly fruit (Galatians 5:22). The wisdom of God is based upon His word and not our ideas (1 Cor. 1:18, 20).

Live Lovingly. We need to combine wisdom with sincere love. Paul tells us that we can understand great ideas—but without love it is useless. Love is the more excellent way to live because sacrificial love combined with Godly wisdom produces discernment within us. In Philippians 1:9 Paul writes, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ”. In other words, as our love grows together with wisdom, we will be able to accurately distinguish right from wrong and choose the better path.

Live Graciously. Paul, in dealing with a thorn in his flesh, states that, after praying to God to remove his obstacles, the Father replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Living graciously means that we live our lives utterly and completely dependent upon the strength that comes from God. We need to acknowledge our need for Him, knowing that IN CHRIST we can do ALL things (Philippians 4:13). This is where submitting to God comes in to play. We need more than to just know what to do—we need to do it (James 1:22-25) through and by His grace.

Live Generously. Jesus frequently tells us that we need to lose our lives to truly find them (Matthew 10:39). Likewise, Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 8:7, “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” God’s grace empowers us to fully let go of this world and to give it away for the sake of His kingdom. A Gaither Vocal Band song that I enjoy states, “if you want more happy than your heart can hold/ if you want to stand stronger if the truth were told/ take whatever you have and give it away.”

Living in a way characterized by these four steps will produce righteousness, peace, and joy. The great news is that it is all made possible through the strength of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16); we just need to rely on God (1 John 4:16) and not ourselves. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has a great plan for our lives that is full of hope! If we want a life of hope, then we need to do what it states in verses 12 and 13 of the same chapter: “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Cultivating a Spirit of Patience

2011-02-17T11:09:00.000-05:00

Patience is a virtue, which I believe is uncommon among many of us (myself included). While patience may not come naturally, the Bible does indicate that it is something that we need to develop in our lives. Proverbs 19:11 tells us that patience is a byproduct of wisdom and Galatians 5:22 states that it is a fruit of the Spirit. As a fruit of the Spirit it does not need to come naturally to us, but it is supernaturally imparted to us through the Holy Spirit. However, like every fruit—it needs to be cultivated so that it can thrive.

Patience is a very important virtue because it allows us to keep in step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25). When we are impatient, we are more likely to bypass God’s best for our lives because we believe that we know what is best. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that our hearts can deceive us because the way may seem right, “but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12). Rather than being directed by our impulses and our own understanding, Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “trust in the LORD with all your heart…and in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” This requires faith expressed in waiting patiently for God. Corazon Aquino, president of the Philippines (1986-1992) said: “Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.” We have a hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5) when we put our hope in God (Psalm 42:5) and so we can confidently wait for the Lord knowing that “he is our help and our shield” (Psalm 33:20).

Patience is not only something that we need to cultivate in walking with God, but also in walking with one another. Paul tells us, “¹²Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12-13). It is not easy to show patience with others—but this is exactly what God has done for us (1 Timothy 1:16). Therefore, as we work with and encourage one another, we must remember Paul’s charge to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:2): “²Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” Patience is a hallmark of Christian community and an essential element in proclaiming the Gospel.

When we are tempted to act out of impatience, we need to remember that God has a good plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11) and for the lives of those around us. We must remain confident that “he who began a good work…will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Our only task is to seek God, wait on Him, and serve one another in love.

Your Way or God's Way?

2011-02-15T16:45:00.001-05:00

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)

One of the things that I am really good at is planning. My family and friends have often commented that I always seemed to have my life planned out and then I take the necessary steps to accomplish my plan. However, over the past couple of years the Lord has been working in me and developing the discipline of waiting for HIS plans, rather than me making His plan “fit” my plans. I have learned that if I wait upon the Lord, I will not be disappointed because His plan is the very best.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Many times we are worried about what God’s plans are for us if we completely surrender our lives and our dreams over to him. However, God tells us that He has a wonderful plan for our lives beyond our wildest imagination. The question is whether or not we will give God the time to show us His plans for our lives or will we take matters into our own hands.

The psalmist indicates that waiting for the Lord is hard as he writes “be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14). It is hard to wait on God because it is a matter of trust. Trust is difficult because it requires vulnerability. We have all been let down by ourselves and other people in our lives. However, God will never let us down if we lean not on our own understanding and in all of our ways, dreams, hopes, and fears acknowledge Him—He WILL make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5). When we feel that God has let us down, we must ask ourselves are we praying that our will be done or His will be done? We need to surrender our expectations before God can accomplish the very best in our lives.

As we wait for the Lord, we can be strong and take heart that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He will not let our foot slip (Psalm 121:3) if we have built our hope upon the rock that is greater than ourselves (Psalm 61:2). We must always remember that God is faithful to deliver on His promises in His time and in His way. So, do not worry about tomorrow—God has is all figured out...just trust Him!

The Defining Characteristic of Christians: LOVE

2011-02-09T16:45:00.000-05:00

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

- John 13:34-35 (NIV)

What is the defining characteristic of Christians as found in the passage quoted above? Love! Love supersedes all other characteristics that Jesus could have used to define this new community that he was establishing on earth. While Jesus uses the word “love,” He does not define it in the context that we are used to in the world, rather He states that this love must reflect the love that He has shown to us. So, what does the love of Jesus look like?

First, He loved us before we loved Him (1 John 4:10). The love that Jesus wants us to reflect is not dependent upon the other person and how they make us feel. Rather, the love of Christ that must be reflected in us accepts the person just as they are recognizing that we do not change people, Christ does!

Second, He loved us even when we were His enemies (Romans 5:18-10). Jesus gives us a command to not just love one another and our neighbor, but we also need to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). How do we love our enemies? Jesus states that we are to do good to them, bless them, and pray for them!

How is this version of love possible? The Answer: Surrender to the Holy Spirit. In Romans 5:5-8 it states that “the love of God has been poured in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” This type of love is not like the world where it is conditioned by how I feel; rather, this love comes from heaven and is dependent upon who I know, Jesus.

As a Church, we must always remember that our mission is love one another. By truly loving, we will show this world who Christ is and that will make the difference. The great things we may do is no match to the witness of the great love that we express...love changes the world! Let us continually strive to surrender to the love of the Holy Spirit in how we deal with one another and the world around us.

Wisdom & Innocence as Protection from the Wolves Among the Sheep

2011-02-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:16, “I am sending you out like sheep among the wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” This passage serves as a clear warning to the followers of Jesus Christ that there are many people that may look like us, act like us, or even talk like us, but they are wolves among the sheep. In this world we will have trouble, Jesus tells his followers, and the Psalmist states that for God’s sake “we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered” (Psalm 44:22). The Bible is clear that as God’s sheep we will face persecution and hardships.

While we will face trouble and hardships in this world, the Bible also indicates that we are “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37) and that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28). In order to experience the victory that God offers us amidst the wolves of this life we must be certain that we are heeding the words of Christ to be both shrewd and innocent.

Another word for shrewd is wisdom. The Bible is the source of wisdom for the believer and it is our play book on how we are to navigate through this race of the faith. We can try to substitute the wisdom of the Bible for the wisdom of the world and we will always come up short. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:19, “the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” Philosophers and teachers come and go, but God’s word remains forever true. Wisdom begins with acknowledging that God is God and I am not (Proverbs 1:7) , which leads us to follow His commands as found in the Bible. When we follow God’s commands, we will find that it will save us “from the ways of wicked men” (Proverbs 2:12).

Jesus also tells us to be innocent. Peter states that we are to “live at harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9). We need to make sure that our lives are reflecting Jesus in all of our thoughts, words, and actions. Continually we need to ensure that we have a clear conscience before God through prayer, repentance, and right living.

While we will face trouble, we are able to emerge victorious. Remember the words of 1 Peter 5:10, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” Jesus, our great shepherd, is our vindicator!

Why I am part of the Church?

2011-02-04T16:45:00.000-05:00

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

Going to Church and being part of a Church can be a difficult task for many people. I must confess that when Sunday morning comes there is a part of me that would rather roll over, sleep in, and take it easy. Additionally, I have found being part of the Church comes with some frustrations: cranky and judgmental people, denominations more interested in maintaining their institution than with proclaiming the gospel to advance God’s kingdom, petty disputes, as well as just being let down by leaders and people that should know better. It is no wonder why I, like many others, find myself not particularly liking Church, but the question then arises as to why I am part of the Church?

While I do not like Church, I do love THE CHURCH. The true Church is not the institutions or the buildings, rather it is the people drawn together as one body in Christ. Those who make up the body of Christ have been called according to God’s purpose (Romans 8:15) to love one another as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35). Jesus never gives up on us and we should never give up on Him or in what He is doing in our life and in the lives of others. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” As God’s workmanship, we need to recognize that we are all works in progress and under construction for His glory. Acknowledging that God is working, even when we do not see it, we need to “bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:13).

While Churches may be flawed, they are still the assembly of God’s people. Going to Church does not make you a Christian but it is hard to maintain the Christian life without being part of a faith community. Being part of a vibrant Christian faith community that is grounded in the word of God and committed to proclaiming the good news of Jesus will: be a source of encouragement (Hebrews 10:25), help us strengthen our faith (Proverbs 27:17), and give us a family to help share our burdens (Galatians 6:2).

So, while I may not like Church, I do love THE CHURCH. I am committed to the Church, for better and for worst, because it bears the name that is above every name: Jesus Christ. My hope is in Christ, not in people and what they say or do. We cannot claim to love God and not love people (1 John 4), which includes His Church. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

Who's to blame?

2011-02-01T16:45:00.001-05:00

⁷Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:7-9

I think we give the devil too much credit for wreaking havoc in our lives. The Bible does indicate the devil is our adversary and he is seeking to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8). However, the Bible also tells us that we can cause problems in our own lives, without the help of the devil, through our choices and our attitudes toward our circumstances. Paul’s letter to the Galatians indicates that we will reap what we sow, and in Galatians 5 he tells us that we can sow according to the fruits of the spirit or to the desires of the flesh. When we choose to follow the ways of the flesh, we will reap destruction; however, if we keep in step with the Spirit, we will reap abundant life.

If we want God’s favor in our lives, then it is vitally important that we seek His will in every circumstance. Psalm 111:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” When the Psalmist is telling us to fear the Lord it means that we are to have a reverential respect for the Lord and to regard His ways above all earthly understanding. Many times we think that we can figure out a situation using our own wisdom and understanding; however, Proverbs 14:12 tells us, “There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.” Our wisdom and understanding are based on our flesh, which is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9) because it is corrupted by sin. Sin produces death in our lives, but God’s wisdom produces life (Proverbs 10:16). Rather than relying on our human understanding, we need to fully rely on God’s wisdom and grace in dealing with our circumstances (2 Corinthians 1:12).

So, now the question is: How do we fully rely on God’s wisdom and grace in every aspect of our lives? Proverbs 3:5 tells us that this process starts with trusting in God “with all of [our] heart[s]” which means that we are to develop an unshakable belief that God is in control and His ways are best. Additionally, we need to cultivate an intimate relationship with God by seeking Him with all of our heart and soul (Deuteronomy 4:29); this means that we are to be relentless in our pursuit of not just knowing about God, but in experiencing God. The more that we move our lives closer to God, the more He will move closer to us (James 4:8), and we will be able to discern His direction for our lives. We draw closer to God by: praising and thanking Him in all circumstances (Psalm 100:4; Ephesians 5:20), praying at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and studying and meditating on the Word of God (Joshua 1:7).

Lastly, if we want God’s best in our lives, we must choose to obey Him at all times. God’s desire is not for our sacrifices; He wants our obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). If we choose to submit to His ways, then “he will make [our] paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6); however, if we choose to stubbornly follow our own path, then we will have to suffer with the consequences of our decisions. God will always forgive us when we are genuinely repentant of our sins, but He will not always rescue us from the consequences of our disobedient actions.

When we approach a troubling circumstance in our lives, we must first ask ourselves if we are the problem rather than blaming the devil or others in our lives (Matthew 7:5). Ask God to reveal to you the desires and attitudes of your heart to ensure that they are in alignment with the fruits of the Spirit (Psalm 139:23-24). The circumstances you may find yourself in may be a result of your choices. Accordingly, we must always “be alert and of sober mind” (1 Peter 5:8), so that we do not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41) and become entangled in sin’s web (2 Peter 2:20).

Love's Prerequisite: Vulnerability

2011-01-18T15:54:00.001-05:00

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. ¹⁶ And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; ¹⁷ but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”- Genesis 2

Have you ever wondered why a sovereign, all-knowing God would deliberately put a tree in the garden which was off limits to His children? If God knows everything, then He knew that Adam and Eve would eat of the tree that He said was off limits. The reason that God placed the tree in the garden is that He wanted Adam and Eve to CHOOSE to love Him through their obedience. 1 John 5:3 tells us that love for God is expressed in our obedience to Him. God did not want us to be robots to be programmed to love Him, rather He gave us a will to choose to love Him, but this means that there is also the choice NOT to love Him. In the beginning of all creation, God is already instructing His children about love.

1 John 4:8 tells us that God IS love. Love is not just something God does, it is who He is and by knowing Him better—we learn to truly love better. As we learn from our Creator, love requires vulnerability and by placing the tree in the garden, He gave Adam and Eve the opportunity to hurt Him through their disobedience or to love Him through their obedience. What transpires is that they disobeyed God and hurt Him—just as we continue to do so today. However, God has not changed in His way of making Himself vulnerable.

God’s vulnerability is ultimately seen in Jesus. Jesus made Himself nothing (Philippians 2) and took on the nature of a servant. He came to love us and show us the way and rather than revering Him and giving Him the glory He deserved—we crucified Him. Again, this was no surprise to God and He still chose to make Himself vulnerable because God knew that love would overcome the odds—even death itself! It is that amazing love that continues to transform the world and the hearts of men and women.

Here is a movie scene from "Somethings Gotta Give"--Go to 3:20 in the time elapse to see the dialogue between mother and daughter...

The lesson for each of us is this: that true love requires vulnerability. As much as we hate the idea of getting hurt—it will happen. We then have a choice to walk away and build barriers to intimacy or persist in love just as God did and continues to do today. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…Love never fails.” The world may say we are a fool to love in this way—and we need to remember that they said the same thing about Jesus. While Jesus was crucified with our hate—He was resurrected by His love. You may have been hurt by the hate of this world—but His love is able to resurrect you if you continue to walk in love—no matter the cost remembering that LOVE NEVER FAILS. Don’t let the dysfunction of others dictate how you will live your life. Rather, allow the love of the Father to redefine you and transform you as you live and walk in that love.

There can be no true love without true vulnerability—but God has your back (Romans 8) and He is the victor!

¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.- Philippians 3

Breaking Spiritual Strongholds

2011-01-13T11:02:00.000-05:00

Check out this great article...

Breaking Spiritual Strongholds

By Dr. Dale A. Robbins

All believers are in a war - a war with their adversary, the Devil (1 Pet. 5:8), and his evil spiritual forces which he dispatches and assigns to perpetrate his wickedness throughout the world. The scripture says that we "wrestle... against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12).

We are well aware of the evil characteristics of Satan, that he "kills, steals, and destroys" (John 10:10). But beyond his routine harassments, temptations or hit-and-run attacks, the Devil's forces seek territory to establish long-term strongholds in which they may dominate and hold captive. Satanic forces search for people, cities, and nations in which they are not resisted and where they may flourish.

"Strongholds" could be actual "demon possession," but can merely be a "strong" influence or grip, persistent oppression, obsessions, hindrances or harassment. Believers cannot be demon possessed, but many Christians are the victims of Satan's strongholds.

Getting to the Root of the Problem

The devil's primary strategy is to disguise his activities so that it appears that someone or something else is to blame. He wants us to get our attention on his surrogates, his instruments, his hindrances and "wrestle" with them, so that our battle will be directed against the "symptoms" instead of the "real source."

We all know that a decongestant will help relieve a stuffy nose, but it will not cure a cold. Likewise, you can fight with the symptoms of the Devil, but you will not end the problems until you deal with the source and bind the "strong man."

Remember when Peter resisted Jesus' decision to return to Jerusalem, knowing that He would be crucified there? Jesus did not rebuke Peter, but turned to Peter and rebuked Satan. "Get behind me Satan" (Matt. 16:23). Peter wasn't demon possessed, and probably didn't intend to be an offense. However, the Devil inspired Peter's statement, and Jesus went after the real source.

Paul said that our battle is not with "flesh and blood" but with spiritual adversaries (Eph. 6:12). How important it is that we understand what the real root of the problem is -- "who" our real enemy is. It is Satan, not flesh and blood, not our brethren, not our family, not our children, not husbands and wives, not employers, nor our government! The Devil is the enemy!

Binding the Strong Man

One time, after Jesus had cast out a devil and healed a deaf and mute boy, Jesus explained that in order to overturn the works and activity of the Devil, we must bind him first. "Or else how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house" (Matt. 12:29). In order to neutralize the Devil's works, we must go and deal directly with the source and bind up the devil so that his hands are tied. Then we'll be able to take back what he's stolen and bring a halt to his actions.

I've preached in many cities that have been strongholds for the Devil. The symptoms of this are many. Often the local churches suffer senseless conflicts or unexplained problems. The congregations experience little growth, and the preaching of the Word is not easily proclaimed or well received by the community. These are the symptoms, but behind the scene Satan is the culprit. In such cases, those spiritual strongholds must be dealt with and bound for the ministry to be effective.

All Believers have Authority over the Devil

All Christians must be aware that God has equipped them to overcome Satan's power. The Apostle Paul said that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of a fleshly or earthly nature), but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds" (2 Cor. 10:4).

You may recall the time when the seventy disciples returned to the Lord rejoicing about the results of their ministry. They remarked, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name" (Luke 10:17). But then Jesus pointed out that the great marvel of this was that the devils were subject to them because their names were "written in heaven." In other words, because they were saved -- because of their relationship with Christ, they had authority over the Devil in the name of Jesus.

Jesus has given all His followers -- all those who know Jesus personally as their Lord and Savior -- the authority to use His name to expel the forces of evil. To all believers, Jesus said, "In My name they will cast out demons..." (Mark 16:17).

How to Break Strongholds and keep them Broken!

1. AUTHORITY -- Every believer has the right to use the authority of Jesus' name to bind and take authority over Satan's activities. "No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house" (Mark 3:27). Issue a spoken command to the devil that he is bound and he must leave the stronghold! Exercising authority in the name of Jesus will expel the Devil's influence. "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues..." (Mark 16:17).

2. INTERCESSION -- Come together with other believers to pray and intercede against strongholds until you get results. There is intensified power in the gathering of more believers. Prayer with fasting intensifies faith, and faith will break strongholds. "Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast him out? However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:19,21).

3. DISPLACEMENT -- Establish the presence of God. Where Satan has been commanded to leave, fill it up with God's presence. Where the presence of the Lord is, the Devil isn't! Satan doesn't want to hang around where people are lifting up Jesus in worship, in singing and prayer. The presence of the Lord displaces the Devil. "For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

4. RESISTANCE -- Submit yourselves and draw close to God. The Bible says this is how we resist Satan and he will flee. The Devil runs from submitted, yielded Christians. He runs from your life, and will run away from where you go. "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

5. OCCUPATION -- Give no place or vacancy to the Devil. With Satan departed, fill the void with God. Let righteousness be the standard rule and behavior. Provide no pocket of rebellion, corruption or immorality in which Satan can find refuge to rebuild his influence or strength. The scripture says to not "give place to the devil" (Eph. 4:27).

6. FORTIFICATION -- Clothe yourself with God's armor. Take upon you daily, the full array of God's spiritual equipment that you may maintain battle-ready status. With the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit (God's Word) and the other links of armor (Eph. 6:13-17), you will be ready to resist any satanic assault, and will be ready to engage the strongholds in others. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11).

NAE: Theology of Sex

2011-01-06T19:33:00.000-05:00

(From: http://www.naegeneration.com/resources/17-theology-of-sex)

“Sex” is a word often heard on the airwaves, in advertisements and in society at large. However, is it a word heard much in our churches?

Sex, that most intimate of human actions, is one of the most difficult and sensitive subjects to discuss. Many evangelicals, particularly those serving in pastoral roles, struggle with how to address the topic of human sexuality and the many real-life situations connected to the subject.

To provide some assistance, the NAE recently published a Bible-based “Theology of Sex.” The “Theology of Sex” is a brief booklet, but its content is robust. The NAE carefully organized a strong drafting team of distinguished evangelical scholars from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Bethel University, Calvin College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, George Fox University, Wheaton College and the NAE Board of Directors.

The end product is a positive and powerful examination of God’s good gift of sex for us and how we can appropriately honor that gift. Ultimately, we hope this resource will aid Christians in properly understanding and cherishing human sexuality, building strong families, respecting human dignity and celebrating the precious gift of life.

To view "Theology of Sex" CLICK HERE

January Newsletter- Death By A Thousand Cuts: The Power of Words

2011-01-06T07:36:00.000-05:00

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26

Happy New Year! During the month of January, we will be studying the power of our words during the Sunday worship services. The book of James reminds us that our words are a powerful indicator of whether we are outwardly religious or inwardly faithful. James’ admonishment of those who do not watch their words carefully reflects the importance that Jesus himself places on the values of words because they are an indicator of the condition of our hearts (Luke 6:45). If our hearts are not in a right condition, then we will experience the effects in all of our relationships (Matthew 15:19) and in the direction of our lives (Proverbs 4:23).

Death by a thousand cuts is a phrase which refers to a form of torture and execution originating from Imperial China. This form of torture involved using a knife to remove portions of the body over an extended period of time. Our words can have the same impact in our friendships, families, Church, and community if we are not careful with what we say. Many times, the devastation caused by our words occurs over time. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that words have the power of life and death; this is why, in James 3, it states that the tongue is a fire that can destroy a great forest with a small spark. Our words can be used to build up others (Ephesians 4:29), or it can destroy others (James 3:9-12), and the choice is up to us!

The Bible tells us that, as Christians, we have the spirit of self-control; this means that we no longer need to be led by our natural impulses, feelings, and inclinations (Galatians 5:23). Rather, as Christians our actions should be directed by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25). In order to keep in step with the Spirit, we are to pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18) and speak the words the Spirit gives us (John 8:28), which will always align with the word of God. Jesus sums up the overarching principle of God’s word as love (Matthew 22:40), and the Apostle Paul reminds us that “love does no harm to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10). Accordingly, the Holy Spirit will only direct us to speak in love to one another, which will build up not tear down another person (both in-person or privately).

We need to master the love walk in every aspect of our lives—including our words. If we want our faith to have any influence over our circumstances and those around us, then we need to combine with love (Galatians 5:6). Without love, our words are at best noise (1 Corinthians 13:1) and at worst a means of great devastation and destruction. With love, our words and actions have the ability to make a positive impact. So, before the next time we speak, we should ask the Holy Spirit to guard our thoughts and speech so that it will please God and help someone in love to be the best they can be in Christ.

The Importance of True Forgiveness

2011-01-05T16:43:00.000-05:00

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

One of the most important defining characteristics of the Christian life is forgiveness. As Christians we acknowledge our sinfulness and receive Christ’s forgiveness (Romans 5:11). Additionally, as Christ’s ambassadors we are to dispense forgiveness to others (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). There is a distinction between the terms ‘forgiveness’ and ‘reconciliation.’ Forgiveness requires one party to make a choice to overlook an offense; while reconciliation involves both parties lovingly confessing the truth to restore the relationship which was adversely affected by the offense. As Christians we are to be involved in both forgiveness and reconciliation.

Forgiveness is so important that Jesus tells us that our ability to receive forgiveness from God is connected to our ability to forgive others (Matthew 6:12, 14-15). Forgiveness does not just involve accepting an apology, but it involves letting go of the offense “from your heart” (Matthew 18:35). God is our model for forgiveness (Colossians 3:13) and He chooses to “remember…sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12). This does not mean that we do not learn a lesson from the offense, but it does mean that we will not let the offense “cling” to us (Psalm 101:3) and affect our behavior. By not forgiving we allow the actions of others to determine our behavior, when God is the one who is to direct our steps (Jeremiah 10:23).

Reconciliation requires forgiveness and involves facing the offender and both parties addressing the offense in truth. Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, “We cannot be facile and say bygones will be bygones, because they will not be bygones and will return to haunt us. True reconciliation is never cheap, for it is based on forgiveness which is costly.” Jesus tells us to not only forgive, but to be “reconciled to your brother” (Matthew 5:24). Reconciliation is only possible if the offender is repentant and the victim has forgiven.

Jesus states “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Truth can hurt, but it is what leads to freedom and growth. Forgiveness and reconciliation involve embracing the truth about God, ourselves, and others. When we realize that we have received amazing grace, it is easier to be dispensers of grace. We offer forgiveness and engage in reconciliation not because the offender deserves it, but because we did not deserve God’s grace and He gave it anyway. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We should always forgive and be ready and willing to reconcile.

We should love our enemies by praying for them and doing good to them (Luke 6:35). This does several things: 1) It sets us free from being defined by their offense, 2) it leads them to repentance (Romans 12:20) and, 3) it brings glory to God (Matthew 5:16). We need to love others deeply and from the heart (1 Peter 1:22), which means we need to look beyond their offense to see the image of God in their lives. Out of God’s great love for us, He has shown us grace. Out of our love for God, ourselves, and others—let us show grace!

Let Us Go To Bethlehem

2010-12-15T07:53:00.000-05:00

“Let us go to Bethlehem to see this thing that has happened.” Luke 2:15

I love Christmas time! I admit it—I begin listening to Christmas music in September and crave the season all throughout the year. A couple of weeks ago, a colleague of mine passed by my office and overheard the gentle joyous sounds of Christmas music and stated that it was “too early for Christmas...we need to get through Thanksgiving first!” I replied that it is never too early for Christmas because it is a state of mind, not just another holiday. You see, I still believe in the promise of Christmas because it inspires hope, joy, and a satisfying love knowing that no matter what happens in this temporary life—Christmas still comes.

The angels heralded the message of the birth of the King to the shepherds and they decided to “go to Bethlehem to see this thing that has happened” (Luke 2:15). At Bethlehem, they discovered the miracle of amazing love when the Father sent his Son as a tiny baby sleeping in a humble manger. As children we know that there is something miraculous about Christmas, but as adults we seem to lose the child-like awe of this thing that has happened in Bethlehem. But it is at Bethlehem, where our hope and joy began and it is there we need to return!

Jesus was born in a time, not much different than our own. Violence was occurring in the world, while people labored hard to make ends meet. He came at the right time into our world to live among us and die for our sins (Romans 5:6). God did not wait for us; rather, He made the first move towards us so that we can become His children through faith (Romans 8:15). Because of what Jesus did two thousand years of ago, we have been set free from the burdens of this world and our past. We can have a new life in Christ if we will daily make the trip to Bethlehem and cherish Him, like the wise men and shepherds.

This is the fifth Christmas since my Grandmother’s passing and the seventh since my Grandfather’s and I truly miss them. I was present at the passing of both of them and for awhile I struggled with why I was there to witness two people that I loved dearly pass from this world. What God revealed to me is that I was there to learn to cherish life and to not only seize the day, but celebrate it as well. Life is too short to be consumed with what is temporary, rather we need to set our sights on what is unseen for that is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). Christmas is about celebrating the promise of the Christ-child because in Him our eternal hope is secure!

Life is precious and Christmas reminds us all to cherish every moment in Christ. Let us celebrate Christmas everyday! It is my prayer for each of you that you remember that no matter where you are in this life, whether rich or poor, healthy or sick, happy or sad, you are not that far from Bethlehem where our hope and joy began. Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened! Merry Christmas!

My Heart, Christ's Home

2010-12-10T16:45:00.001-05:00

One evening I invited Jesus Christ into my heart. What an entrance He made! It was not a spectacular, emotional thing, but very real. Something happened at the very center of my life. He came into the darkness of my heart and turned on the light.

He built a fire on the hearth and banished the chill. He started music where there had been stillness, and He filled the emptiness with His own loving, wonderful fellowship. I have never regretted opening the door to Christ and I never will.

In the joy of this new relationship I said to Jesus Christ, "Lord, I want this heart of mine to be Yours. I want to have You settle down here and be perfectly at home. Everything I have belongs to You. Let me show You around."

The Study

The first room was the study--the library. In my home this room of the mind is a very small room with very thick walls. But it is a very important room. In a sense, it is the control room of the house.

He entered with me and looked around at the books in the bookcase, the magazines upon the table, the pictures on the walls. As I followed His gaze I became uncomfortable. Strangely, I had not felt self-conscious about this before, but now that He was there looking at these things I was embarrassed.

Some books were there that His eyes were too pure to behold. On the table were a few magazines that a Christian had no business reading. As for the pictures on the walls--the imaginations and thoughts of the mind--some of these were shameful.

Red-faced, I turned to Him and said, "Master, I know that this room needs to be cleaned up and made over.
Will You help me make it what it ought to be?" "Certainly!" He said. "I'm glad to help you. First of all, take all the things that you are reading and looking at which are not helpful, pure, good and true, and throw them out!"

Now put on the empty shelves the Books of the Bible. Fill the library with Scripture and meditate on it day and night. As for the pictures on the walls, you will have difficulty controlling these images,
but I have something that will help."

He gave me a full-size portrait of Himself. "Hang this centrally," He said, "on the wall of the mind."
I did, and I have discovered through the years that
when my thoughts are centered upon Christ Himself,
His purity and power cause impure thoughts to back away.
So He has helped me to bring my thoughts under His control.

The Dining Room

From the study we went into the dining room, the room of appetites and desires.
I spent a lot of time and hard work here trying to satisfy my wants.
I said to Him, "This is a favorite room. I am quite sure You will be pleased with what we serve."

He seated Himself at the table with me and asked, "What is on the menu for dinner?"
"Well," I said, "my favorite dishes: money, academic degrees and stocks,
with newspaper articles of fame and fortune as side dishes."
These were the things I liked--secular fare.

When the food was placed before Him, He said nothing, but I observed that He did not eat it.
I said to Him, "Master, don't You care for this food? What is the trouble?"

He answered, "I have food to eat that you do not know of.
If you want food that really satisfies you, do the will of the Father.
Stop seeking your own pleasures, desires, and satisfaction.
Seek to please Him. That food will satisfy you."

There at the table He gave me a taste of the joy of doing God's will.
What flavor! There is no food like it in all the world.

The Living Room
From the dining room we walked into the living room. This room was intimate and comfortable.
I liked it. It had a fireplace, overstuffed chairs, a sofa, and a quiet atmosphere.
He said, "This is indeed a delightful room. Let us come here often. It is secluded and quiet,
and we can fellowship together."

Well, as a young Christian I was thrilled.
I couldn't think of anything I would rather do than have a few minutes with Christ
in close companionship. He promised, "I will be here early every morning.
Meet me here, and we will start the day together."

So morning after morning, I would come downstairs to the living room.
He would take a book of the Bible from the case.
We would open it and read together. He would unfold to me the wonder of God's saving truths.
My heart sang as He shared the love and the grace He had toward me
These were wonderful times.

However, little by little, under the pressure of many responsibilities, this time began to be shortened.
Why, I'm not sure. I thought I was too busy to spend regular time with Christ.
This was not intentional, you nderstand. It just happened that way.
Finally, not only was the time shortened, but I began to miss days now and then.
Urgent matters would crowd out the quiet times of conversation with Jesus.

I remember one morning rushing downstairs, eager to be on my way.
I passed the living room and noticed that the door was open.
Looking in, I saw a fire in the fireplace and Jesus was sitting there.
Suddenly in dismay I thought to myself, "He is my guest.

I invited Him into my heart! He has come as my Savior and Friend,
I stopped, turned and hesitantly went in. With downcast glance, I said, "Master, forgive me.
Have You been here all these mornings?"

"Yes," He said, "I told you I would be here every morning to meet with you.
Remember, I love you. I have redeemed you at great cost.I value your fellowship.
Even if you cannot keep the quiet time for your own sake, do it for mine."

The truth that Christ desires my companionship, that He wants me to be with Him and waits for me,
has done more to transform my quiet time with God than any other single fact.
Don't let Christ wait alone in the living room of your heart,
but every day find time when, with your Bible and in prayer, you may be together with Him.

The Workroom

Before long, He asked, "Do you have a workroom in your home?"
Out in the garage of the home of my heart I had a workbench and some equipment,
but I was not doing much with it.
Once in a while I would play around with a few little gadgets,
but I wasn't producing anything substantial.

I led Him out there. He looked over the workbench and said, "Well, this is quite well furnished.
What are you producing with your life for the Kingdom of God?"
He looked at one or two little toys that I had thrown together on the bench and held one up to me.
"Is this the sort of thing you are doing for others in your Christian life?"

"Well," I said, "Lord, I know it isn't much, and I really want to do more, but after all,
I don't seem to have strength or skill to do more."
"Would you like to do better?" He asked. "Certainly," I replied.

"All right. Let me have your hands. Now relax in me and let my Spirit work through you.
I know that you are unskilled, clumsy and awkward, but the Holy Spirit is the Master Workman,
and if He controls your hands and your heart, He will work through you."

Stepping around behind me and putting His great, strong hands under mine,
He held the tools in His skilled fingers and began to work through me.
The more I relaxed and trusted Him, the more He was able to do with my life.

The Rec Room

He asked me if I had a rec room where I went for fun and fellowship.
I was hoping He would not ask about that.
There were certain associations and activities that I wanted to keep for myself.

One evening when I was on my way out with some of my buddies,
He stopped me with a glance and asked, "Are you going out?"
I replied, "Yes." "Good," He said, "I would like to go with you."

"Oh," I answered rather awkwardly.
"I don't think, Lord Jesus, that You would really enjoy where we are going.
Let's go out together tomorrow night.
Tomorrow night we will go to a Bible class at church,
but tonight I have another appointment."

"I'm sorry," He said. "I thought that when I came into your home,
we were going to do everything together, to be close companions.
I just want you to know that I am willing to go with you."
"Well," I mumbled, slipping out the door, "We will go someplace together tomorrow night."

That evening I spent some miserable hours.... I felt rotten.
What kind of friend was I to Jesus, deliberately leaving Him out of my life,
doing things and going places that I knew very well He would not enjoy?

When I returned that evening, there was a light in His room, and I went up to talk it over with Him.
I said, "Lord, I have learned my lesson. I know now that I can't have a good time without You.
From now on, we will do everything together."

Then we went down into the rec room of the house. He transformed it.
He brought new friends, new excitement, new joys.
Laughter and music have been ringing through the house ever since.

The Hall Closet

One day I found Him waiting for me at the door. An arresting look was in His eye.
As I entered, He said to me, "There is a peculiar odor in the house.
Something must be dead around here. It's upstairs. I think it is in the hall closet."

As soon as He said this, I knew what He was talking about.
There was a small closet up there on the hall landing, just a few feet square.
In that closet, behind lock and key, I had one or two little personal things that
I did not want anyone to know about. Certainly, I did not want Christ to see them.

I knew they were dead and rotting things left over from the old life.
I wanted them so for myself that I was afraid to admit they were there.
Reluctantly, I went up with Him, and as we mounted the stairs the odor
became stronger and stronger. He pointed to the door.

I was angry. That's the only way I can put it.
I had given Him access to the library, the dining room, the living room, the workroom,
the rec room, and now He was asking me about a little two-by-four closet.
I said to myself, "This is too much. I am not going to give Him the key."

"Well," He said, reading my thoughts, "If you think I'm going to stay up here on the
second floor with this smell, you are mistaken. I will go out on the porch."
Then I saw Him start down the stairs.

When one comes to know and love Christ, the worst thing that can happen
is to sense Him withdrawing His fellowship. I had to give in.
"I'll give You the key," I said sadly, "But You will have to open the closet and clean it out.
I haven't the strength to do it." "Just give me the key."
He said. "Authorize me to take care of that closet and I will."

With trembling fingers I passed the key to Him.
He took it, walked over to the door, opened it, entered, took out all the putrefying stuff that
was rotting there, and threw it away.
Then He cleaned the closet and painted it.
It was done in a moment's time.
Oh, what victory and release to have that dead thing out of my life!

Transferring the Title

A thought came to me. "Lord, is there any chance that You would take over the management
of the whole house and operate it for me as You did that closet?
Would You take the responsibility to keep my life what it ought to be?"

His face lit up as He replied, "I'd love to! That is what I want to do.
You cannot be a victorious Christian in your own strength.
authority to proceed, since the property is not mine."

Dropping to my knees, I said, "Lord, You have been a guest
and I have been the host. From now on I am going to be the servant.
You are going to be the owner and Master."

Running as fast as I could to the strongbox, I took out the title deed to the house
describing its assets and liabilities, location and situation.
I eagerly signed the house over to Him alone for time and eternity.
"Here," I said. "Here it is, all that I am and have, forever.

Now You run the house.
I'll just remain with You as a servant and friend."
Things are different since Jesus Christ
has settled down and made His home in my heart.

~by Robert Boyd Munger~

The Manger of My Heart

2010-12-07T18:29:00.000-05:00

Found this on a friend's blog and wanted to share it with you!

The Manger of My Heart
This Christmas, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.
Fill me with your presence, from the very start.
As I prepare for the holidays, and gifts to be given,
Remind me of the gift You gave,
when you sent Your Son from Heaven.

The first Christmas gift, the greatest gift ever,
You came as a baby born in a manger.
Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree,
Waiting to be opened, to reveal Your love to me.

This Christmas, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.
Search me and know the most intimate parts.
Reveal to me if I have ever hung a sign within,
Claiming it off limits, implying “no room at the Inn.”

Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus’ birth,
when He left the riches of Heaven
and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.
Emmanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.
As angels announced, “Into your darkness,
God brings His Light.”

“Do not be afraid,” they said, to shepherds in the field.
Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.
Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to your call.
Casting distractions and worries aside,
to You I surrender them all.

Surround me with Your presence, Lord,
I long to hear your voice.
Clear my mind of concerns and all the holiday noise.
Slow me down this Christmas, let me not be in a rush.
In the midst of parties and planning,
I want to feel Your hush.

This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.
Invade my soul like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.
Dwell within and around me,
as I unwrap Your presence each day.
Keep me close to You, Jesus.
It’s in your wonderful Name I pray.

© 2010, Renee Swope ~ www.ReneeSwope.com

Get Rid of All Bitterness

2010-12-06T16:45:00.001-05:00

In Ephesians 4:31, Paul writes: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” In this month’s newsletter article, I want to focus on the danger of a bitter heart. The Bible outlines an array of difficulties that emerge in our walk with the Lord and with others as a result of a bitter heart. Proverbs 4:23 states, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” This scripture reminds us that the state of our hearts will determine the quality of our lives. So, with that in mind let us examine how bitterness affects our hearts and lives.

Bitterness develops when we allow anger and hurt to fester in our lives. Ephesians 4:26 tells us that we should not “let the sun go down while you are still angry” because it gives the devil the ability to take an offense and make our hearts bitter. The longer we let an offense dwell within us, the more bitter our hearts will become—and the more devastating the consequence. This is why Proverbs 17:9 states, “He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” If we do not let go of the anger, we end up repeating the offense over and over in our minds, which in turn makes our hearts bitter and makes all of our relationships suffer.

When our hearts are full of bitterness, our minds are filled with confusion, our words are full of gossip (Psalm 64:3)/slander (Heb. 12:15)/complaining (Job 7:11), and sinful actions (Job 21:25). Jeremiah 2:19 tells us that bitterness is an indication of a fragmented life in both our relationship to God and our relationship to others. Proverbs 14:10 states, “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy” (NLT), which means that we are alienated from genuine relationships because no one wants to be around you! At the end of the day, bitterness leads to misery for you and misery for those who surround you.

So, how do you deal with bitterness in your life? Well, consider the principle: if you don’t feed something, it will die. In keeping with this principle, stop feeding your heart with evil thoughts (Matthew 9:4) and anger and bitterness will die. Most people are surprised by this statement, but it is your choice to be bitter or to be better. Paul says in Ephesians 4:32 that instead of being bitter you should “be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” If you allow someone’s offense to take hold in your life—you give him or her power and the devil a foothold. However, when you choose to do what God tells us to do, it keeps the dysfunction of your offender from becoming your dysfunction and the devil has to flee from you (James 4:7). Turn every offense into a prayer—every persecution into a praise—every test into a testimony—and you will enjoy the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Lastly, how do you deal with those who have bitter hearts? First, pray for them (Luke 6:27-28). When you pray for them it accesses God’s amazing power to change hearts and it guards your own heart from becoming bitter (bitterness is contagious). Second, love them. No one likes being around bitter people, but Jesus tells us that it is the sick that need a doctor (Matthew 9:12) and when you love them it can plant a seed for repentance (Romans 12:20). Third, “speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19)…in other words, make sure your words build up and not tear down (Ephesians 4:29). Lastly, always remember that God “has called us to live in peace” (1 Cor. 7:15) so guard your own heart (Proverbs 4:23) and don’t let their dysfunction become your own.

Life is too short

2010-12-03T15:25:00.001-05:00

¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:13-17

Earlier this week I stood by the hospital bed of one of our long time members as she prepares for her Heavenly homecoming and I once again was struck with how short our lives are and how we tend the waste the time we have on trivial matters. Before I left her room, she told me that I should “enjoy my life while I am young” and I believe that this is a message that each of us needs to remember—no matter how old we are.

Life is precious and life is fleeting. The book of James reminds us that tomorrow is not a guarantee; rather, all we have is TODAY to be enjoy. Jesus tells us in John 10:10, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it ^[a]overflows).” It is God’s will that we ENJOY our lives. However, many times we do not enjoy our lives because we are either focused on the REGRETS of the PAST or the ANXIETY about the FUTURE.

In Luke 9:62, Jesus states “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” We all need to deal with our past, but we should not let the mistakes of the past rob us of joy in the present. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that in Christ we are a NEW CREATION and ALL THINGS are made NEW. This is why Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” We need to keep moving forward and celebrate the life that God has given us to live.

Jesus tells us in regards to the future not to worry about it! In Matthew 6:34 Jesus says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Jesus is giving us a command not to worry because He knows that worry robs us of the ability to serve God fully today. As James reminds us—we are like a mist upon this Earth and it is up to us if we are going to use up our time worrying about things of which we have no control over. Rather, we have but one purpose—to trust God with all of our heart. If we trust that He is in control—what is there to worry about it?

In conclusion, why do we continue to put off until tomorrow what should be done today? We put off making a commitment to Christ, reconciling with a loved one, getting the help and healing we need, or diving into true love because we haven’t dealt with our past or we think that there is always tomorrow. While there will be a tomorrow, there may not be one for us. God has given us the precious gift of life to enjoy it and to live fully TODAY! We need to not put off until tomorrow what should be done today. Life is precious!

Christmas Can Change Your Life

2010-12-01T07:04:00.000-05:00

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^[^b^] the Son of God. ³⁶ Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. ³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.”

Luke 1:35-37

It is amazing to me how time flies by and that we are now in the midst of our Advent Celebrations, preparing for the birthday of the KING OF KINGS. So many things have happened this past year for all of us, and no matter where life has us now—CHRISTMAS IS STILL COMING! While we may wish to delay the stresses of the Christmas season, we cannot stop the coming of the King. In fact, just as in that first Christmas, we desperately need Jesus to come to us and be our Emmanuel, “God with us.”

There were approximately 400 “silent years” between the Old Testament and the New Testament. While it is true that no new prophecies were written down and perhaps there were no significant movements of God, it would be wrong for us to believe that God was not active during that time. The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 5:6 tells us that God waited for the “right time” for Christ to come and die for the ungodly. We need to always remember that God’s timing is perfect and He moves in mysterious ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) to make all things beautiful “in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

This Christmas season we may feel that God is silent in our lives. We need to remember that God will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5), and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). If we cry out to Jesus, He will come to us in the midst of our ordinary lives—just as He did that first Christmas. When He comes, His power will “overshadow you” (Luke 1:35) no matter the circumstances occurring in your life. When we wait upon Him, He will lift us up (Psalm 40:1-3). The story of Christmas reminds us that God does impossible things with regular people (Luke 18:27), for the word of God will never fail (Luke 1:37).

This Christmas could be revolutionary for all of us—if we, like the wise men, will seek out Jesus and lay our treasures at His feet. The Bible promises that, if we seek God with all of our heart, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13)! God is not interested in our outward expressions of celebration this Christmas, but He wants our entire heart! However, for most of us there are some treasures that hold us back from giving Him our entire hearts. Jesus tells us that “where you treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Treasures in the human heart can be money, sex, guilt, shame, unresolved sin, pride, etc. He wants you to be willing to lose all these things, so that you can have the life He has planned for you (Matthew 10:39).

For His birthday, Jesus does not want decorations—He wants you fully surrendered and submissive to Him! When we do that, we will be able to experience the freedom found in Christ (Galatians 5:1) and enjoy this life that He has given to you (John 10:10). In fact, the party He is waiting to hold is your Homecoming to Him!!! May the true spirit of Christmas touch your heart in a new and dynamic way during this Christmas season, and may you once again (or for the first time) invite the Christ-child into the cattle stall of your life and experience the miracle of Christmas in your heart!

The Good Shepherd Breaks Their Legs

2010-11-27T11:41:00.000-05:00

Heard this story today and wanted to pass this on to you...Blessings, Pastor Robin

This is a blog entry from (http://deacondel.wordpress.com/2010/09/07/break-a-leg/):
My Dad says he didn’t do it. He was raised on a sheep ranch in Eastern Montana. The story I asked him about is one I have heard several times. It involves shepherds and how they discipline wayward sheep.

According to the story, if a lamb has a tendency to wander off, the shepherd will actually break one of its legs. He then tends the broken leg – puts a splint on it and binds it up. Then while the leg is mending, he carries it on his shoulder. According to the anecdote, once the sheep heals, it will follow the shepherd, close at his side, the rest of its life. Never again go astray [because now it knows the voice and guidance of its shepherd].

Now, breaking a sheep’s leg seems harsh. Brutal even! But the shepherd knows it is better for the sheep to suffer temporary pain than to wander off in the wilderness. That’s when the wily coyote begins to smile. Leg of lamb for supper and a new wool sweater for winter.
But, this story is not in the Bible, you say. Well there is a verse that runs parallel:

How enviable is the man whom God corrects. Oh, do not despise the chastening of the Lord when you sin. For though he wounds, he binds and heals once again. Job 5:17,18

God will chasten and correct us if we stray. You say yep, I could write the book? Been there, done that? But it is for our good. And trust me, the pain is better than the alternative – becoming lamb chops on Satan’s dinner table.

Which brings me back to my Dad on the ranch. Nope. He didn’t break their leg. He just got out the 22, and that night they had mutton stew. “Dad! How could you???”

Remember, when the Lord wounds, he binds and heals again. He will not leave us broken or bruised. And when we have healed, we will never stray again. “How enviable is the man whom God corrects!”

[AC] Advent Conspiracy 2009 Promo Video

2010-11-26T15:32:00.000-05:00

LeAnn Rimes: Are You Ready For A Miracle?

2010-11-23T20:17:00.000-05:00

Thankful that we can always come home!

2010-11-23T18:44:00.000-05:00

In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the parable of the lost son. This is a beautiful story which demonstrates God's grace and mercy that He freely bestows on each of us. In this parable there are two sons--one who is hard working and the younger son wants to get his inheritance NOW and go off into the world. The father gave his sons their share of the inheritance and the younger son went out on his own way and squandered his inheritance.

Not only did the younger son lose everything, the Bible tells us that because of a severe famine in the distant country in which he was residing, the son began to be in want. His want was so bad that he went and worked among pigs and even desired what they had to eat. This is a major point because for a Jewish person, living among pigs is living among the unclean and this would be a detestable situation.

Many times in our own lives we can be like this "lost son." Somewhere along the line we have squandered all the good things that God has given us and we are living in the pig pen. If you are unhappy with your life and find yourself in need of love, joy, and peace--then it is a pretty sure bet you are living in a pig pen. How do we end up in the pig pen...here are some reasons:

1. Proverbs 16:25- "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." When we insist on doing things our way, rather than God's way! Sometimes we are so stubborn and C.S. Lewis reminds us there are two types of people in this world: one says to God "thy will be done" and the other God says to them "fine, have it your way." When we do not do things God's way--we will suffer from the consequences of our rebellious spirit. Sin always has consequences.

2. James 4- That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."- When we are rebellious we are demonstrating pride in our lives rather than submitting to God's perfect will for our lives. Accordingly, God will "oppose" us and frustrate our plans so that we will become humbled and then He will lift us up! He can only lift us up if we first bow down.

3. 1 Corinthians 15:33- Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Sometimes we end up in the pig pen because we surround ourselves with the wrong type of people. The old saying goes you can't lay with dogs without picking up flees. The poor morality of those we surround ourselves will make affect us and in turn affect our ability to make Godly decisions. Our character and our actions are linked and if our character is corrupted, so will go our actions.

These are three broad categories on how we end up in the pig pen. So, what do we do now if we find ourselves in the pig pen? Well, the parable of the lost son ends with the son "coming to his senses" and returning home to his father with the intent of becoming his father's servant. However, the son got a much different reaction then what he anticipated. Jesus tells us that the father was looking out for his son and when he saw him--he ran to him, embraced him, and restored him as his son. In fact, the father was so excited--he threw a party!

This parable demonstrates how God responds to us. How often we squander what God has given us and we choose poorly? But, God is always inviting us to come home! And, when we come home we are not put down--but we are celebrated! The Father is looking out for you, but it is up to you to take the first step to Him and then He will run to you. My prayer for all those this Thanksgiving who are living in the pig pen of their lives is that they might open their eyes, come to their senses, and run to the Father. How great is the amazing grace that the Father has lavished upon us!

This Thanksgiving--come home, the Father is waiting to celebrate with you!