4-1-2010
As one grows in a relationship with Christ, so does their level of faith. As a youth minister, we used to have a group of kids do “trust falls”. One person stands on a table or something fairly high off of the ground with his/her back to the group, while the rest of the group creates a stable “landing area” by interlocking their arms. The person on the table crosses their arms, closes their eyes, and literally falls backwards off of the table into the groups arms. This experience can be used to teach many life lessons, and faith is a key lesson. As one falls backwards, you are literally having faith that the group will catch your fall. The question I have for you is simple: how many of us have really surrendered everything we have to our maker? How many of us would drop everything and fall blindly into the arms of Christ?
In James 1:5-8 we are taught a few essential musts to being a fully devoted Christ follower. First, we must use wisdom to make the proper choices in difficult situations, and our source of wisdom comes from God. Remember, there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. You can gather knowledge, but only God can give you true wisdom. I pray every day that God will bless me with wisdom that surpasses all understanding. As you pray for wisdom, do not doubt that God will answer, and don’t doubt His answers.
For those of you that have heard me speak or been around me at all, you will hear me say repeatedly, “documentation beats conversation”. I am all about proving it, so don’t tell me, show me. With this mindset, having faith in God could seem difficult because we believe in something we cannot see. To have a genuine faith in Christ, the mind cannot waver. If your faith wavers, you don’t completely understand Christ. I want to encourage you to submit your life to Christ wholeheartedly, and you will see “documentation”. By letting go of your life, and allowing God to take over, you will truly die to self and live to serve.
Your faith journey is like any journey you’ve ever embarked on, and they all involve nourishment. It is extremely important to understand the key to growing in your faith, read God’s word. If you are reading God’s word, you will find every answer you will ever need to live a faithful and joyous life. If you seek answers from the world, you will find yourself lacking. I know because I’ve seen me do it. A life focused on God’s word is a selfless, servant-hearted lifestyle that involves pouring everything you have into serving Christ and serving others. You will have times of weakness, and we all make mistakes, but renew your mind with what is true, and your faith will grow each and every day. Ask for God’s wisdom, trust in God’s wisdom, and keep the faith!
Application:
1.Read James 1: 5-8 and Matthew 21:22
2.Are you feeding your mind with truth or worldly gossip?
3.Evaluate your faith in Christ and if there is doubt, why?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Joy and Happiness
4-1-2010
Joy and Happiness
John Maxwell was quoted as saying, “People say that wisdom comes with age. I don’t believe that’s true. Sometimes age comes alone.” This is so very true. We are going to make mistakes in life; the key is to learn from them.
As we reflect on the past, I’m sure we’ve all wondered what in the world we were thinking. I know I’ve made more mistakes than I care to think about, but I learn from them, yet some people never change. A definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. If you keep doing what you are doing, you are going to keep getting what you are getting. This message can apply to a lot of things. For instance, if you struggle with your finances, change your spending habits. If you don’t fit in your favorite pair of jeans, stop eating so much, start working out, or both. Change sounds so simple, yet very few are able to muster up the courage and stay focused to do so. Many of us live life in desperate need of change, an eternal change.
Time and time again, I speak with people that feel as if there is a void in their life, and time and time again, I try to help people understand there is only one way to fill the void, transformation. People turn to alcohol, drugs, violence, X-rated stuff, and more to try to fill the emptiness they feel inside, or to try to escape reality. Truth is you will always have a void if what you cling to is of this earth. In order to live life to the fullest, you must fill your soul with the Joy of knowing and accepting Christ into your life. Doesn’t it make sense that the very person that made you can complete you if you will give Him a chance?
It’s extremely important to understand the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is a result of your happenings. When your happenings are good, you are happy. When they aren’t good, you are unhappy, thus happiness is only temporary because it is a result of external/earthly factors. On the other hand, Joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence within us. As long as you base life on earthly circumstances, you will always have a void in your life. When you accept Christ into your life, you will be filled with Joy at all times because God will not leave you. As we spoke about last week, God is the only constant. Everything on this earth will disappear at some point, so why put your eggs in earthly baskets? That doesn’t make sense. By putting your life in God’s hands you will live a joyous life, where you will never be alone again!
Application:
1.Read Psalm 16
2.Do you understand the difference between Joy and Happiness? Relay this message to someone else that may have a void in their life that needs to be filled with the only source of eternal fulfillment, Christ.
Joy and Happiness
John Maxwell was quoted as saying, “People say that wisdom comes with age. I don’t believe that’s true. Sometimes age comes alone.” This is so very true. We are going to make mistakes in life; the key is to learn from them.
As we reflect on the past, I’m sure we’ve all wondered what in the world we were thinking. I know I’ve made more mistakes than I care to think about, but I learn from them, yet some people never change. A definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. If you keep doing what you are doing, you are going to keep getting what you are getting. This message can apply to a lot of things. For instance, if you struggle with your finances, change your spending habits. If you don’t fit in your favorite pair of jeans, stop eating so much, start working out, or both. Change sounds so simple, yet very few are able to muster up the courage and stay focused to do so. Many of us live life in desperate need of change, an eternal change.
Time and time again, I speak with people that feel as if there is a void in their life, and time and time again, I try to help people understand there is only one way to fill the void, transformation. People turn to alcohol, drugs, violence, X-rated stuff, and more to try to fill the emptiness they feel inside, or to try to escape reality. Truth is you will always have a void if what you cling to is of this earth. In order to live life to the fullest, you must fill your soul with the Joy of knowing and accepting Christ into your life. Doesn’t it make sense that the very person that made you can complete you if you will give Him a chance?
It’s extremely important to understand the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is a result of your happenings. When your happenings are good, you are happy. When they aren’t good, you are unhappy, thus happiness is only temporary because it is a result of external/earthly factors. On the other hand, Joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence within us. As long as you base life on earthly circumstances, you will always have a void in your life. When you accept Christ into your life, you will be filled with Joy at all times because God will not leave you. As we spoke about last week, God is the only constant. Everything on this earth will disappear at some point, so why put your eggs in earthly baskets? That doesn’t make sense. By putting your life in God’s hands you will live a joyous life, where you will never be alone again!
Application:
1.Read Psalm 16
2.Do you understand the difference between Joy and Happiness? Relay this message to someone else that may have a void in their life that needs to be filled with the only source of eternal fulfillment, Christ.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Salvation
3-30-2010
Salvation
My wife, Haley, and I visited another church on Sunday morning as it had come highly recommended by a couple of our friends, and we were happy we visited. The pastor at the church did an amazing job of simplifying salvation, and I will summarize in today’s devotional, as I truly believe the majority of “Christians” don’t truly understand what it means to be “saved.”
In Ephesians 2:8-10 it says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God –not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” There are a few key words that need to be addressed: grace, saved, faith, mercy, and workmanship.
Grace is the underserved love and attention of God. We are born sinners into this world, and it is through grace that we are saved. In other words, grace can be described as getting something we don’t deserve. To be saved is to be delivered from death. Faith is the bridge between believing in something and wholeheartedly trusting in something. True faith is belief plus trust. Mercy is not getting what you deserve to get. Workmanship is another way of saying masterpiece.
So, let’s put Ephesians 2:8-10 another way. It is by the complete undeserving love and attention of God that we have been delivered from death because you understood that you could believe in and wholeheartedly trust God as you yourself are nothing without Him who made you, His masterpiece to do the good works of Christ!
As a Christian, you understand that Christ walked the very earth we walk today as a sinless man. He then took the sin of the world on His shoulders and died a brutal death on the cross so that we could have life and have it abundantly. We don’t deserve grace and we cannot earn grace, it is a gift from God. It is through God’s grace that we can be saved by putting our faith and trust in Him, our maker. Our job on earth is to live a sanctified (Christ like) life where people will see God’s grace through us, and they won’t ask us who is that guy, but instead will ask, who made that guy? It is through our actions that we show the love of Christ, not win the love of Christ. Salvation in Christ cannot be earned it is a gift. God doesn’t keep tally marks for good and bad behavior. To enter the gates of Heaven, you don’t earn a “C” grade or better. You can be the nicest person in the world, but you cannot earn your way into God’s kingdom. There’s one way to heaven, accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior.
We are all sinners and we continue to make mistakes, and it is by the love and Grace of Jesus Christ that we may ask for forgiveness and be forgiven. We are all equal in the eyes of the Lord, and no matter what your past looks like, Christ will forgive you if you simply put your faith in Him and ask Him into your heart.
Application:
1.Read Ephesians chapter 2
2.Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? We are here to help.
3.Who do you know that may need to hear the message? Take action as that is the most important gift you can give someone!
Salvation
My wife, Haley, and I visited another church on Sunday morning as it had come highly recommended by a couple of our friends, and we were happy we visited. The pastor at the church did an amazing job of simplifying salvation, and I will summarize in today’s devotional, as I truly believe the majority of “Christians” don’t truly understand what it means to be “saved.”
In Ephesians 2:8-10 it says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God –not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” There are a few key words that need to be addressed: grace, saved, faith, mercy, and workmanship.
Grace is the underserved love and attention of God. We are born sinners into this world, and it is through grace that we are saved. In other words, grace can be described as getting something we don’t deserve. To be saved is to be delivered from death. Faith is the bridge between believing in something and wholeheartedly trusting in something. True faith is belief plus trust. Mercy is not getting what you deserve to get. Workmanship is another way of saying masterpiece.
So, let’s put Ephesians 2:8-10 another way. It is by the complete undeserving love and attention of God that we have been delivered from death because you understood that you could believe in and wholeheartedly trust God as you yourself are nothing without Him who made you, His masterpiece to do the good works of Christ!
As a Christian, you understand that Christ walked the very earth we walk today as a sinless man. He then took the sin of the world on His shoulders and died a brutal death on the cross so that we could have life and have it abundantly. We don’t deserve grace and we cannot earn grace, it is a gift from God. It is through God’s grace that we can be saved by putting our faith and trust in Him, our maker. Our job on earth is to live a sanctified (Christ like) life where people will see God’s grace through us, and they won’t ask us who is that guy, but instead will ask, who made that guy? It is through our actions that we show the love of Christ, not win the love of Christ. Salvation in Christ cannot be earned it is a gift. God doesn’t keep tally marks for good and bad behavior. To enter the gates of Heaven, you don’t earn a “C” grade or better. You can be the nicest person in the world, but you cannot earn your way into God’s kingdom. There’s one way to heaven, accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior.
We are all sinners and we continue to make mistakes, and it is by the love and Grace of Jesus Christ that we may ask for forgiveness and be forgiven. We are all equal in the eyes of the Lord, and no matter what your past looks like, Christ will forgive you if you simply put your faith in Him and ask Him into your heart.
Application:
1.Read Ephesians chapter 2
2.Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? We are here to help.
3.Who do you know that may need to hear the message? Take action as that is the most important gift you can give someone!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Forgiveness
3-29-2010
Forgiveness
When we are wronged by someone, we usually do the exact opposite of what we are called to do. We typically lash out, seek revenge, talk negative about them, etc. I know of friends of mine that have been wronged by family, close friends, and other loved ones. Sometimes these events occur in recent history, but sometimes they occur years earlier. Regardless of when we were wronged, or by whom we were wronged, it still hurts the same way, and there should always be the same outcome: forgiveness.
In Matthew 6:14-15 it says, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. WOW! Did you read/hear that? I don’t know about you, but I am going to side with the forgiveness idea. With all of the mistakes I make on a regular basis, I know I need forgiveness from God, friends, family, and anyone else I sin against. We as human beings are sinners. The key is to genuinely ask for forgiveness when you wrong someone, and to forgive those that wrong you. Easier said than done right?
We tend to think that we must forgive those that sin against us and continue to hang out with them. Not true. There will be times in your life where you will forgive someone that has sinned against you, but you may never speak with them again. The key is to honestly forgive them. If we don’t forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God’s forgiveness.
God calls us to, “Hate what is evil and cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9). In other words don’t hang around evil people. If they sin against you, forgive them as God forgives you, but move on! Run from negative, evil, and manipulative people. Do not allow yourself to be run over in the attempt of forgiveness. We’ve all heard the saying “forgive and forget”, and this can go another way, forgive the people that wrong you and forget about them. Do not allow other people’s problems to become your problems. We need to love them and be an example for them, but not at the expense of your health. Again, you will become who you hang around!
If you know of a believer in Christ that is sinning, be it against you or not, Christ gives us clear direction as to how to handle the situation in Matthew 18: 15-17. The idea behind these versus is to aid all believers into living a life of harmony. If you are holding on to something that keeps you from becoming all God wants you to be, let it go! Do not allow an event from the past to linger. Do not allow a negative comment from someone to mess with your head. Allow God to give you the ability to forgive all of those that have wronged you.
Application:
1.Read Ephesians 4:25-32.
2.Who do you need to forgive? What’s keeping your from doing so right now?
Forgiveness
When we are wronged by someone, we usually do the exact opposite of what we are called to do. We typically lash out, seek revenge, talk negative about them, etc. I know of friends of mine that have been wronged by family, close friends, and other loved ones. Sometimes these events occur in recent history, but sometimes they occur years earlier. Regardless of when we were wronged, or by whom we were wronged, it still hurts the same way, and there should always be the same outcome: forgiveness.
In Matthew 6:14-15 it says, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. WOW! Did you read/hear that? I don’t know about you, but I am going to side with the forgiveness idea. With all of the mistakes I make on a regular basis, I know I need forgiveness from God, friends, family, and anyone else I sin against. We as human beings are sinners. The key is to genuinely ask for forgiveness when you wrong someone, and to forgive those that wrong you. Easier said than done right?
We tend to think that we must forgive those that sin against us and continue to hang out with them. Not true. There will be times in your life where you will forgive someone that has sinned against you, but you may never speak with them again. The key is to honestly forgive them. If we don’t forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God’s forgiveness.
God calls us to, “Hate what is evil and cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9). In other words don’t hang around evil people. If they sin against you, forgive them as God forgives you, but move on! Run from negative, evil, and manipulative people. Do not allow yourself to be run over in the attempt of forgiveness. We’ve all heard the saying “forgive and forget”, and this can go another way, forgive the people that wrong you and forget about them. Do not allow other people’s problems to become your problems. We need to love them and be an example for them, but not at the expense of your health. Again, you will become who you hang around!
If you know of a believer in Christ that is sinning, be it against you or not, Christ gives us clear direction as to how to handle the situation in Matthew 18: 15-17. The idea behind these versus is to aid all believers into living a life of harmony. If you are holding on to something that keeps you from becoming all God wants you to be, let it go! Do not allow an event from the past to linger. Do not allow a negative comment from someone to mess with your head. Allow God to give you the ability to forgive all of those that have wronged you.
Application:
1.Read Ephesians 4:25-32.
2.Who do you need to forgive? What’s keeping your from doing so right now?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Be Bold
3-26-2010
The song you hear when going to www.loganstout.com is by a Christian band called Casting Crowns, and the first time I heard this song I was blown away. I felt convicted in a way. I want to encourage you to listen to the song all the way through, and really focus on the words. The message I receive is “Be the Body of Christ.” Christ called us to love one another, to have pure hearts, and to be Christ like. Here’s the problem, too many people have no idea who Christ really is. You cannot truly love something or someone without truly knowing them first. If you don’t truly know Christ, you cannot possibly love Him to the fullest.
When I was a youth minister, I recall a couple of times when people would say to me, “you just don’t seem like a youth minister.” I would of course ask the question, “What makes you say that,” knowing all along why they made the comment. “Well, you’re just…just…you have such a strong personality. When I think of a youth minister, usually I think of someone with a very nice personality and sort of passive in a way, and they are very non-confrontational. You seem so driven.” I would always sort of chuckle and then move on.
You see, the reason I chuckle when that is said, is I 100% agree. Here’s the problem I have, Christ wasn’t a typical youth minister. Christ went against the grain. He was bold, and yes, he was confrontational. Take a quick look at the first time Jesus cleared the temple in John 2: 13-17, and then again in Matthew 21:12-13. The Bible says, “Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.” Does that sound like someone with a weak personality? NO. Does that sound like someone that is passive? NO! If you read the words and actions of Christ, he was the toughest man alive! He had the strongest personality of anyone I’ve ever known or read about. He was bold for what was right, and literally overthrew tables in the temple when the merchants did wrong! Jesus is the most driven person to ever walk the earth, and YES HE WALKED THE EARTH. Jesus did not dodge confrontation and he certainly didn’t beat around the bush. He wasn’t concerned with disrupting others beliefs, He delivered the message of God both with His actions and His words. Does this sound passive, “My you never bear fruit again,” I think not. How about this one, “Have you never read in the Scriptures?” You get the point.
When I see believers of Christ, and yes many times they are the leaders of churches, act the way a “typical youth minister” is described, I immediately get concerned. We cannot change the world if we are weak and passive. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe in beating people over the head with the bible. I believe in standing up for what is right, and BEING THE BODY OF CHRIST, as the song on the website describes. Live how Christ lived. How do we know how Christ lived? Read the bible! You will be blown away at His boldness and fearlessness. Read the book of Matthew and pay close attention to Jesus’ to the point message, and his boldness. I love Matthew 26:38, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” This is Christ speaking bluntly and directly to his disciples.
I love Christ’s drive. I want to encourage you to read Jesus last words, also known as His Great Commission in Matthew 28: 18-20. He was driven to spread the message for His entire life on earth.
My message this morning could possibly lead people the wrong way, so let me clarify. Do not try to be someone you aren’t. We are all born with different demeanors, and some of us are more passive than others. Christ is the only sinless person to ever walk the earth. Christ is patient, kind, humble, and everything he did was out of love, and this has some people confused about the demeanor of Christ. Stand up for what you believe in, and stay driven to continue to spread the word of Christ, and yes, sometimes that means you are going to have to be a little confrontational. In everything you do, do it out of love, and hopefully you don’t have to overturn tables at your church.
Application:
1.Read as much of the “red letters” in the book of Matthew and notice how to the point Christ was when he spoke.
2.Do you truly understand the personality of Christ? If not, read about him in the book of Matthew.
The song you hear when going to www.loganstout.com is by a Christian band called Casting Crowns, and the first time I heard this song I was blown away. I felt convicted in a way. I want to encourage you to listen to the song all the way through, and really focus on the words. The message I receive is “Be the Body of Christ.” Christ called us to love one another, to have pure hearts, and to be Christ like. Here’s the problem, too many people have no idea who Christ really is. You cannot truly love something or someone without truly knowing them first. If you don’t truly know Christ, you cannot possibly love Him to the fullest.
When I was a youth minister, I recall a couple of times when people would say to me, “you just don’t seem like a youth minister.” I would of course ask the question, “What makes you say that,” knowing all along why they made the comment. “Well, you’re just…just…you have such a strong personality. When I think of a youth minister, usually I think of someone with a very nice personality and sort of passive in a way, and they are very non-confrontational. You seem so driven.” I would always sort of chuckle and then move on.
You see, the reason I chuckle when that is said, is I 100% agree. Here’s the problem I have, Christ wasn’t a typical youth minister. Christ went against the grain. He was bold, and yes, he was confrontational. Take a quick look at the first time Jesus cleared the temple in John 2: 13-17, and then again in Matthew 21:12-13. The Bible says, “Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.” Does that sound like someone with a weak personality? NO. Does that sound like someone that is passive? NO! If you read the words and actions of Christ, he was the toughest man alive! He had the strongest personality of anyone I’ve ever known or read about. He was bold for what was right, and literally overthrew tables in the temple when the merchants did wrong! Jesus is the most driven person to ever walk the earth, and YES HE WALKED THE EARTH. Jesus did not dodge confrontation and he certainly didn’t beat around the bush. He wasn’t concerned with disrupting others beliefs, He delivered the message of God both with His actions and His words. Does this sound passive, “My you never bear fruit again,” I think not. How about this one, “Have you never read in the Scriptures?” You get the point.
When I see believers of Christ, and yes many times they are the leaders of churches, act the way a “typical youth minister” is described, I immediately get concerned. We cannot change the world if we are weak and passive. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe in beating people over the head with the bible. I believe in standing up for what is right, and BEING THE BODY OF CHRIST, as the song on the website describes. Live how Christ lived. How do we know how Christ lived? Read the bible! You will be blown away at His boldness and fearlessness. Read the book of Matthew and pay close attention to Jesus’ to the point message, and his boldness. I love Matthew 26:38, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” This is Christ speaking bluntly and directly to his disciples.
I love Christ’s drive. I want to encourage you to read Jesus last words, also known as His Great Commission in Matthew 28: 18-20. He was driven to spread the message for His entire life on earth.
My message this morning could possibly lead people the wrong way, so let me clarify. Do not try to be someone you aren’t. We are all born with different demeanors, and some of us are more passive than others. Christ is the only sinless person to ever walk the earth. Christ is patient, kind, humble, and everything he did was out of love, and this has some people confused about the demeanor of Christ. Stand up for what you believe in, and stay driven to continue to spread the word of Christ, and yes, sometimes that means you are going to have to be a little confrontational. In everything you do, do it out of love, and hopefully you don’t have to overturn tables at your church.
Application:
1.Read as much of the “red letters” in the book of Matthew and notice how to the point Christ was when he spoke.
2.Do you truly understand the personality of Christ? If not, read about him in the book of Matthew.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Matthew 7:1-5
3-25-2010
Matthew 7:1-5
My wife and I have a few companies we own, and with companies come employees. Everyone that works for me absolutely loves my wife, because she is the one that keeps me under control. Fact of the matter is I am tough. I can’t stand falling short of excellence. Better yet, I can’t stand falling short of perfection, and when we fall short I make sure everyone is aware and expect improvement. While this is a strength, this is also a weakness. One of our employees said it best when she said, “Logan, very few people can handle your pace!” In other words, I need to lighten up a little bit and stop expecting the impossible out of people. Not only do I need to be realistic with my expectations on others, I need to understand the biblical perspective.
Matthew 7:1-5 says the following:
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.”
Though Matthew 7:1-5 speak directly to the judgmental attitude of many, I read these versus and found another important learning point. Don’t be hard on people!
A buddy of mine found himself in a similar situation and said, “we all aren’t that different, just some people know it and then we realize it,” In other words, we all have flaws and issues, and the sooner we can realize this the easier we are on others. We aren’t all the same, and we don’t all run at the same pace. We need to love people not only for who they are, but also for the way God created them. For instance, you can prod a mule all day long, but it’s still not going to win the Kentucky Derby. You have to get a horse!!!
As I read Mattew 7:1-5 I can’t help but think about how hard I can be on people. There’s a fine line between getting the best out of someone and expecting the impossible. God created all of us the way we are for a reason. That doesn’t mean we don’t have room for improvement, but what it does mean is to find the best in people and encourage them. It’s easy to find the bad in people and in situations. God desires us to find the good in all things!
Matthew 7:1-5
My wife and I have a few companies we own, and with companies come employees. Everyone that works for me absolutely loves my wife, because she is the one that keeps me under control. Fact of the matter is I am tough. I can’t stand falling short of excellence. Better yet, I can’t stand falling short of perfection, and when we fall short I make sure everyone is aware and expect improvement. While this is a strength, this is also a weakness. One of our employees said it best when she said, “Logan, very few people can handle your pace!” In other words, I need to lighten up a little bit and stop expecting the impossible out of people. Not only do I need to be realistic with my expectations on others, I need to understand the biblical perspective.
Matthew 7:1-5 says the following:
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.”
Though Matthew 7:1-5 speak directly to the judgmental attitude of many, I read these versus and found another important learning point. Don’t be hard on people!
A buddy of mine found himself in a similar situation and said, “we all aren’t that different, just some people know it and then we realize it,” In other words, we all have flaws and issues, and the sooner we can realize this the easier we are on others. We aren’t all the same, and we don’t all run at the same pace. We need to love people not only for who they are, but also for the way God created them. For instance, you can prod a mule all day long, but it’s still not going to win the Kentucky Derby. You have to get a horse!!!
As I read Mattew 7:1-5 I can’t help but think about how hard I can be on people. There’s a fine line between getting the best out of someone and expecting the impossible. God created all of us the way we are for a reason. That doesn’t mean we don’t have room for improvement, but what it does mean is to find the best in people and encourage them. It’s easy to find the bad in people and in situations. God desires us to find the good in all things!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Police Car
3-24-2010
The Police Car
Have you ever noticed your driving habits change when a police officer is right behind you? I suppose you don’t normally slam on the breaks randomly while you are driving down the highway? Do we slow down when we see a police officer and mind our manners when they are right behind us because we want to be a good driver? NO…it’s because we don’t want a ticket!
We tend to live our lives like this at times as well. Christ doesn’t want us to behave properly so we don’t get caught. He doesn’t even want us to behave because it’s the right thing to do. God wants us to WANT to do the right thing because of the transformation that takes place by accepting Christ into our lives. As a result of a transformation, we change the way we think and see the world.
Romans 12:1-2 says it best:
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer 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.”
Author, John Ortberg, sums this concept up well when he says, “God doesn’t want forced compliance. God is so immense that if he were “too visible,” people would give forced compliance without expressing their heart. So God makes it possible, in enormous love, for us to live as if he were not there.”
The last phrase of the quote is of extreme importance…”as if he were not there.” Bottom line: God sees all, so let’s stop acting like he just pulled up behind us in a squad car at random times in our lives. God wants us to be real, and in order for us to be real we must transform BACK into the person God created us to be. We are made in His image, but the world transforms us into “its” image. Let’s eat and drink to the fullest the life God has in store for us!
The Police Car
Have you ever noticed your driving habits change when a police officer is right behind you? I suppose you don’t normally slam on the breaks randomly while you are driving down the highway? Do we slow down when we see a police officer and mind our manners when they are right behind us because we want to be a good driver? NO…it’s because we don’t want a ticket!
We tend to live our lives like this at times as well. Christ doesn’t want us to behave properly so we don’t get caught. He doesn’t even want us to behave because it’s the right thing to do. God wants us to WANT to do the right thing because of the transformation that takes place by accepting Christ into our lives. As a result of a transformation, we change the way we think and see the world.
Romans 12:1-2 says it best:
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer 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.”
Author, John Ortberg, sums this concept up well when he says, “God doesn’t want forced compliance. God is so immense that if he were “too visible,” people would give forced compliance without expressing their heart. So God makes it possible, in enormous love, for us to live as if he were not there.”
The last phrase of the quote is of extreme importance…”as if he were not there.” Bottom line: God sees all, so let’s stop acting like he just pulled up behind us in a squad car at random times in our lives. God wants us to be real, and in order for us to be real we must transform BACK into the person God created us to be. We are made in His image, but the world transforms us into “its” image. Let’s eat and drink to the fullest the life God has in store for us!
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Way of Love
3-23-2010
The Way of Love
Here’s another great devotional from Wisdom Hunters!
The Way Of Love… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Follow the way of love”. 1 Corinthians 13:13, 14:1a
What is the master of your emotions? Is it fear? Is it anger? Is it insecurity? Is it greed? Is it ambition? Or, is it love? Follow the way of love and all other emotions fall into their proper places. Like good soldiers with various ranks they march together in sequence. The way of love keeps us from wandering down destructive paths, as it is relational lubricant. Love leads us to look at life with the priority of first having cared for another’s concern.
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).
Love is an effective leader, because it looks ahead with eyes of compassion. It sees a need in the near future and prepares to meet that need. Love looks away from itself, and projects a prayerful empathy for other individuals. It is a leader worth following, because love leads unselfishly: selfless in service--selfless in sacrifice--selfless in sensitivity.
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13).
Love leads you to the Lord, for “God is love” (1 John 4:16). Because He is love, you follow God when you follow love. So, where is the Lord of love leading you? Is it to forgive freely? Then forgive. Is it to give generously? Then give. Is it to go the second mile in your vows? Then go. He is your model of how to love, so love well like your Lord. He loves best in your worst of times, as His love lingers long like a loyal friend.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
Thus follow the way of love! Faith is good, hope is better, but love is best. Faith leads you to believe in God, hope leads you to rest in God, but love leads you to know God. Faith leads you to start with Christ, hope leads you to continue with Christ, but love leads you to finish with Christ. Indeed, love others well as faith and hope will freely follow.
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).
Am I motivated by love in my work, family and ministry? Who do I need to love well?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 7:9; Hosea 3:1; John 13:34; 1 John 3:23
The Way of Love
Here’s another great devotional from Wisdom Hunters!
The Way Of Love… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Follow the way of love”. 1 Corinthians 13:13, 14:1a
What is the master of your emotions? Is it fear? Is it anger? Is it insecurity? Is it greed? Is it ambition? Or, is it love? Follow the way of love and all other emotions fall into their proper places. Like good soldiers with various ranks they march together in sequence. The way of love keeps us from wandering down destructive paths, as it is relational lubricant. Love leads us to look at life with the priority of first having cared for another’s concern.
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).
Love is an effective leader, because it looks ahead with eyes of compassion. It sees a need in the near future and prepares to meet that need. Love looks away from itself, and projects a prayerful empathy for other individuals. It is a leader worth following, because love leads unselfishly: selfless in service--selfless in sacrifice--selfless in sensitivity.
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13).
Love leads you to the Lord, for “God is love” (1 John 4:16). Because He is love, you follow God when you follow love. So, where is the Lord of love leading you? Is it to forgive freely? Then forgive. Is it to give generously? Then give. Is it to go the second mile in your vows? Then go. He is your model of how to love, so love well like your Lord. He loves best in your worst of times, as His love lingers long like a loyal friend.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
Thus follow the way of love! Faith is good, hope is better, but love is best. Faith leads you to believe in God, hope leads you to rest in God, but love leads you to know God. Faith leads you to start with Christ, hope leads you to continue with Christ, but love leads you to finish with Christ. Indeed, love others well as faith and hope will freely follow.
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).
Am I motivated by love in my work, family and ministry? Who do I need to love well?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 7:9; Hosea 3:1; John 13:34; 1 John 3:23
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Leading Servant
3-22-2010
Leading Servant
The title of this devotional is “Leading Servant” for a reason. We are all leaders of people. At the very least, we are the leaders of ourselves. We aren’t always good leaders; nonetheless, we are leaders be it good or bad. On that note, to be a leader is not a choice. The only choice you have is whether or not you want to be a good or bad leader.
Matthew 20:20-28 says the following:
20Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21"What is it you want?" he asked.
She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."
22"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?"
"We can," they answered.
23Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."
24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Jesus has a clear message of leadership: be a servant to many! We aren’t called to use people; we are called to serve people. The greatest person in God’s kingdom is servant of all!
Application:
1.What kind of leader are you…Good or Bad?
2.What are your different areas of leadership?
3.Do you lead with a Servant’s hear?
Leading Servant
The title of this devotional is “Leading Servant” for a reason. We are all leaders of people. At the very least, we are the leaders of ourselves. We aren’t always good leaders; nonetheless, we are leaders be it good or bad. On that note, to be a leader is not a choice. The only choice you have is whether or not you want to be a good or bad leader.
Matthew 20:20-28 says the following:
20Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21"What is it you want?" he asked.
She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."
22"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?"
"We can," they answered.
23Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."
24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Jesus has a clear message of leadership: be a servant to many! We aren’t called to use people; we are called to serve people. The greatest person in God’s kingdom is servant of all!
Application:
1.What kind of leader are you…Good or Bad?
2.What are your different areas of leadership?
3.Do you lead with a Servant’s hear?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Laziness
4-19-2010
Laziness
My wife and I love to laugh, especially at things that don’t make sense. For example, every morning we go to the gym and get a workout. We couldn’t help but notice the cars jockeying for the closest parking spot. Think about that, people are going to the gym to get a workout in, but don’t want to have to walk too far to get to the gym for the workout? Interesting isn’t it. Here’s the best part. There are two floors at the gym. The first floor is where the pool, sauna, steam room, kid’s area, and lockers room are. The second floor is where all of the workout and cardio equipment is. Day after day we see perfectly healthy people use the elevator to get to the second floor instead of using the stairs! Are you kidding me? I literally watched someone come out of the elevator and then walk directly to a Stair Climber. That’s correct, they didn’t want to walk real stairs, so they took the elevator, and then used the Stair Climber!
This is just one example of the laziness of our world. Our spiritual walk is one area of our life that we must make a priority. It is easy to put the bible on the shelf, and it is easy to fill your mind with worldly thoughts. Laziness can be described as an unwillingness or lack of desire to work. Proverbs 10:4 reads, “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” We all have the same exact amount of time each and every day. It is how we choose to spend the time we are given that leads to success or failure. If we spend the same amount of time investing in our spiritual life as we do checking emails, looking on our social networking sites, or watching television, just imagine the world we would live in! Understand the God given gift of time. We aren’t promised another second on this earth, so spend your time wisely. Refuse to be lazy, and when you set out to do something, ask yourself if what you are doing is the best use of your time.
Proverbs 19:15 reads, “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry.” When we become stagnant it becomes harder and harder to get into action. When we are getting things done on a consistent basis, you can’t stand being lazy. Action fuels action, and laziness fuels laziness.
Application:
1.Are you maximizing the God given time you have on earth?
2.Who do you know that tends to be lazy, and how can you help?
Laziness
My wife and I love to laugh, especially at things that don’t make sense. For example, every morning we go to the gym and get a workout. We couldn’t help but notice the cars jockeying for the closest parking spot. Think about that, people are going to the gym to get a workout in, but don’t want to have to walk too far to get to the gym for the workout? Interesting isn’t it. Here’s the best part. There are two floors at the gym. The first floor is where the pool, sauna, steam room, kid’s area, and lockers room are. The second floor is where all of the workout and cardio equipment is. Day after day we see perfectly healthy people use the elevator to get to the second floor instead of using the stairs! Are you kidding me? I literally watched someone come out of the elevator and then walk directly to a Stair Climber. That’s correct, they didn’t want to walk real stairs, so they took the elevator, and then used the Stair Climber!
This is just one example of the laziness of our world. Our spiritual walk is one area of our life that we must make a priority. It is easy to put the bible on the shelf, and it is easy to fill your mind with worldly thoughts. Laziness can be described as an unwillingness or lack of desire to work. Proverbs 10:4 reads, “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” We all have the same exact amount of time each and every day. It is how we choose to spend the time we are given that leads to success or failure. If we spend the same amount of time investing in our spiritual life as we do checking emails, looking on our social networking sites, or watching television, just imagine the world we would live in! Understand the God given gift of time. We aren’t promised another second on this earth, so spend your time wisely. Refuse to be lazy, and when you set out to do something, ask yourself if what you are doing is the best use of your time.
Proverbs 19:15 reads, “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry.” When we become stagnant it becomes harder and harder to get into action. When we are getting things done on a consistent basis, you can’t stand being lazy. Action fuels action, and laziness fuels laziness.
Application:
1.Are you maximizing the God given time you have on earth?
2.Who do you know that tends to be lazy, and how can you help?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Laminin
Check out the Photo!
Shared by an anonymous doctor
________________________________________
A couple of days ago I was running (I use that term very loosely) on my treadmill, watching a DVD sermon by Louie Giglio ... And I was BLOWN AWAY! I want to share what I learned ... But I fear not being able to convey it as well as I want. I will share anyway.
He (Louie) was talking about how inconceivably BIG our God is ... How He spoke the universe into being ... Then He went on to speak of how this universe creating God ALSO knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder. At this point I am LOVING it (fascinating from a medical standpoint, you know.) ... And I was remembering how I was constantly amazed during medical school as I learned more and more about God's handiwork. I remember so many times thinking.. 'How can ANYONE deny that a Creator did all of this???'
Louie went on to talk about how we can trust that the God who created all this, also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart ... how our loving Creator is also our sustainer.
And then I lost my breath. And it wasn't because I was running my treadmill, either!!! It was because he started talking about laminin. I knew about laminin. Here is how Wikipedia describes them: 'Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue.' You see ... Laminins are what hold us together.. LITERALLY. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we would literally fall apart. And I knew all this already. But what I didn't know is what they LOOKED LIKE.
But now I do. And I have thought about it a thousand times since (already) ... Here is what the structure of laminin looks like ... AND THIS IS NOT a 'Christian portrayal' of it ... If you look up laminin in any scientific/medical piece of literature, this is what you will see ...
Now tell me that our God is not the coolest!!! Amazing. The glue that holds us together ... ALL of us ... Is in the shape of the cross. Immediately Colossians 1:15-17 comes to mind.
'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible And invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in Him all things HOLD TOGETHER. ' (Colossians 1:15-17) Call me crazy. I just think that is very, very, very cool. Thousands of years before the world knew anything about laminin, Paul penned those words. And now we see that from a very LITERAL standpoint, we are held together... One cell to another... By the cross. You would never in a quadrillion years convince me that is anything Other than the mark of a Creator who knew EXACTLY what laminin 'glue' would look like long before Adam breathed his first breath!!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Spiritual Deposits
3-17-2010
Spiritual Deposits
I think it’s safe to say we all have a bank account of some sort, and if we don’t deposit money into the account, we will eventually have a balance of zero. In order to maintain a good account, we must deposit money in the account on a regular basis in order to keep providing for ourselves and our families needs. The same principle applies to a vehicle. If you drive your car long enough, you are going to have to refuel, and if you don’t you will run on empty. At this point it’s too late! We must refuel or we will be stuck in neutral. In fact, we will actually digress due to the fact we’ve lost time and energy trying to remedy the situation.
Our spiritual journey is exactly the same as our bank account or a vehicle. We must make spiritual deposits and we must refuel if we want to keep moving in the right direction. I’ve had many times in my life where my spiritual tank’s been on empty. It’s at these moments I can’t think of a daily devotional to write. In order to feed others, we must continue to feed ourselves.
When we think of the importance of financial deposits and fuel deposits, those pale in comparison to spiritual deposits. Spiritual deposits enable us to be the person God intended us to be. Just as there is evidence of financial deposits (we have money in the account) and fuel deposits (we don’t run out of gas), we too have evidence of spiritual deposits. When we feed ourselves proper food, we treat people with love and grace. We are slow to anger, and quick to forgive. We see the good in people and avoid the sinful life that calls our names. Romans 12:1-2 says, “1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer 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.”
Spiritual deposits lead to the renewing of your mind and a transformation from the inside out. Are you making daily spiritual deposits? Just think if you made financial deposits every day…your bank account would grow like crazy. If you make spiritual deposits every day, your spiritual bank account will grow like crazy, and you will grow to be more than you could have ever imagined. Your life will be overcome with a peace and joy that surpassing understanding. Start today by making spiritual deposits on a daily basis. Have a daily devotional you read, read a Bible verse, plug into a Bible study and church. Not only are spiritual deposits the best deposits you can make, but they are also the one deposit you have control of!
Spiritual Deposits
I think it’s safe to say we all have a bank account of some sort, and if we don’t deposit money into the account, we will eventually have a balance of zero. In order to maintain a good account, we must deposit money in the account on a regular basis in order to keep providing for ourselves and our families needs. The same principle applies to a vehicle. If you drive your car long enough, you are going to have to refuel, and if you don’t you will run on empty. At this point it’s too late! We must refuel or we will be stuck in neutral. In fact, we will actually digress due to the fact we’ve lost time and energy trying to remedy the situation.
Our spiritual journey is exactly the same as our bank account or a vehicle. We must make spiritual deposits and we must refuel if we want to keep moving in the right direction. I’ve had many times in my life where my spiritual tank’s been on empty. It’s at these moments I can’t think of a daily devotional to write. In order to feed others, we must continue to feed ourselves.
When we think of the importance of financial deposits and fuel deposits, those pale in comparison to spiritual deposits. Spiritual deposits enable us to be the person God intended us to be. Just as there is evidence of financial deposits (we have money in the account) and fuel deposits (we don’t run out of gas), we too have evidence of spiritual deposits. When we feed ourselves proper food, we treat people with love and grace. We are slow to anger, and quick to forgive. We see the good in people and avoid the sinful life that calls our names. Romans 12:1-2 says, “1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer 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.”
Spiritual deposits lead to the renewing of your mind and a transformation from the inside out. Are you making daily spiritual deposits? Just think if you made financial deposits every day…your bank account would grow like crazy. If you make spiritual deposits every day, your spiritual bank account will grow like crazy, and you will grow to be more than you could have ever imagined. Your life will be overcome with a peace and joy that surpassing understanding. Start today by making spiritual deposits on a daily basis. Have a daily devotional you read, read a Bible verse, plug into a Bible study and church. Not only are spiritual deposits the best deposits you can make, but they are also the one deposit you have control of!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Timely Prayers
4-16-2009
Timely Prayers
I bet everyone reading this devotional has at some point in time made promises to God they know they couldn’t keep. You are stuck in a horrible situation and you say something like, “God, if you will bail me out here, I promise to read my bible and go to church every day. I’ll do whatever you want me to just help.” We’ve all been there, and it’s interesting how we turn to God when we are desperate.
In my line of work, I feel as if I am a professional problem preventer. Notice I didn’t say a problem solver, but a problem preventer. If you are someone always having to solve problems, may I suggest you take a more active role, and keep problems from occurring? I focus on seeking out potential problems, and doing whatever necessary so there isn’t a problem. Why don’t we do this in our prayer life?
For many, our dependence on God increases during the bad times, so we start to pray more. When life is going great, our spiritual life can tend to become stagnant, thus we aren’t praying as often. Those with a solid understanding of Christ, pray regularly no matter what’s going on in their lives. In James chapter 5: 13 is says, “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” We tend to treat God like a wishing well at times. When we need something we pray for it. Instead, speak with God daily, and you will be amazed at the result.
I start my prayers with thanks. I thank God for my family, friends, health, etc. Then I lift up those in need. I pray God will bless my family, friends, Haley and I, etc. mentally, spiritually, physically, and financially. When praying for God to bless us financially, I don’t say God give me more money! Instead, I ask that God will bless us financially so we may give abundantly. If you don’t know how to pray, simply have a conversation with God, and know that He IS LISTENING! As a Christian, the most powerful connection we have with Him is through prayer. Don’t pray as a last resort, pray first before you say or do anything, and God will guide you. Remember, don’t simply talk to God about your requests, and don’t just talk to God when you need something. God is always there, and looks forward to guiding you, but you must call on him. Moreover, make sure to listen to God, and know that your answer will come on God’s time. We think we know when we need an answered prayer, but God knows when we need an answered prayer and He knows how to deliver it. Don’t just call on God, but be a great listener.
Application:
1.God speaks to us through the bible, people, events, etc, are you listening?
2.Read James 5: 13-20
3.Start a prayer journal for your prayer requests and the prayer needs of others
Timely Prayers
I bet everyone reading this devotional has at some point in time made promises to God they know they couldn’t keep. You are stuck in a horrible situation and you say something like, “God, if you will bail me out here, I promise to read my bible and go to church every day. I’ll do whatever you want me to just help.” We’ve all been there, and it’s interesting how we turn to God when we are desperate.
In my line of work, I feel as if I am a professional problem preventer. Notice I didn’t say a problem solver, but a problem preventer. If you are someone always having to solve problems, may I suggest you take a more active role, and keep problems from occurring? I focus on seeking out potential problems, and doing whatever necessary so there isn’t a problem. Why don’t we do this in our prayer life?
For many, our dependence on God increases during the bad times, so we start to pray more. When life is going great, our spiritual life can tend to become stagnant, thus we aren’t praying as often. Those with a solid understanding of Christ, pray regularly no matter what’s going on in their lives. In James chapter 5: 13 is says, “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” We tend to treat God like a wishing well at times. When we need something we pray for it. Instead, speak with God daily, and you will be amazed at the result.
I start my prayers with thanks. I thank God for my family, friends, health, etc. Then I lift up those in need. I pray God will bless my family, friends, Haley and I, etc. mentally, spiritually, physically, and financially. When praying for God to bless us financially, I don’t say God give me more money! Instead, I ask that God will bless us financially so we may give abundantly. If you don’t know how to pray, simply have a conversation with God, and know that He IS LISTENING! As a Christian, the most powerful connection we have with Him is through prayer. Don’t pray as a last resort, pray first before you say or do anything, and God will guide you. Remember, don’t simply talk to God about your requests, and don’t just talk to God when you need something. God is always there, and looks forward to guiding you, but you must call on him. Moreover, make sure to listen to God, and know that your answer will come on God’s time. We think we know when we need an answered prayer, but God knows when we need an answered prayer and He knows how to deliver it. Don’t just call on God, but be a great listener.
Application:
1.God speaks to us through the bible, people, events, etc, are you listening?
2.Read James 5: 13-20
3.Start a prayer journal for your prayer requests and the prayer needs of others
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Misery Loves Misery
3-15-2010
Misery Loves Misery
Where there is one complainer, you will soon find another! People are incredible at grumbling over stuff that means nothing. We’ve all done it. We may have spoken about a boss we didn’t agree with, a situation we all felt could have been handled differently, or an outcome we didn’t like. The right thing to do is take responsibility for the situation that we do have control over and do our best to find the positive. Instead, we tend to sit around talking about the negative and blaming others.
In James 5: 8-9 it says, “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” Blaming others is the easy thing to do. The hard, right thing to do is take responsibility and make things better. The negative way of dealing with rough situations is destructive and sinful. The right way in dealing with negative situations creates a positive learning experience. The Lord will not allow us to shift the blame to others and get away with it in the long run.
When we speak we are to speak in truth. Avoid half-truths, lies, and omissions of the truth if you truly want to be known as a trustworthy person. James tells us, “let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No”, no, or you will be condemned “(James 5: 12). I’ve heard it said, silence cannot be misinterpreted, so if you don’t have something positive to say, don’t say anything at all and you are safe! When you do say something make sure you are telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Lastly, when you decide you want to throw a pity party, don’t be surprised when no one shows up!
Application:
1.Read James 5: 7-12
2.Focus on saying nothing but positive things by thinking nothing but positive thoughts.
3.When in a negative conversation, walk away or change the subject.
Misery Loves Misery
Where there is one complainer, you will soon find another! People are incredible at grumbling over stuff that means nothing. We’ve all done it. We may have spoken about a boss we didn’t agree with, a situation we all felt could have been handled differently, or an outcome we didn’t like. The right thing to do is take responsibility for the situation that we do have control over and do our best to find the positive. Instead, we tend to sit around talking about the negative and blaming others.
In James 5: 8-9 it says, “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” Blaming others is the easy thing to do. The hard, right thing to do is take responsibility and make things better. The negative way of dealing with rough situations is destructive and sinful. The right way in dealing with negative situations creates a positive learning experience. The Lord will not allow us to shift the blame to others and get away with it in the long run.
When we speak we are to speak in truth. Avoid half-truths, lies, and omissions of the truth if you truly want to be known as a trustworthy person. James tells us, “let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No”, no, or you will be condemned “(James 5: 12). I’ve heard it said, silence cannot be misinterpreted, so if you don’t have something positive to say, don’t say anything at all and you are safe! When you do say something make sure you are telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Lastly, when you decide you want to throw a pity party, don’t be surprised when no one shows up!
Application:
1.Read James 5: 7-12
2.Focus on saying nothing but positive things by thinking nothing but positive thoughts.
3.When in a negative conversation, walk away or change the subject.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Rick Warren Interview
3-12-2010
Rick Warren Interview
You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California.
In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said: People ask me, What is the purpose of life?
And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body -- but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.
We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness. This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.
I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems: If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.
We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her - it has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.
So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do: II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases. Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back.
It was liberating to be able to serve God for free. We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to
live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get
anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD..
Rick Warren Interview
You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California.
In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said: People ask me, What is the purpose of life?
And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body -- but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.
We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness. This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.
I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems: If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.
We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her - it has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.
So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do: II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases. Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back.
It was liberating to be able to serve God for free. We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to
live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get
anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD..
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Best Request
3-11-2010
Here's a great one from Wisdom Hunters!
The Best Request… “I will give you what you asked, I will give you a wise and discerning heart…” 1 Kings 3: 12 a
The wisdom of God goes beyond your ability to understand right and wrong. Wisdom transcends uncertainty in areas that may be unclear and murky. Wisdom asks, why do you want to do want you want to do? What is your motive? Is your drive to succeed for you, or do you strive for excellence, because it is the Lord’s expectation for you?
Wisdom sees opportunities as options to further God’s Kingdom, rather than a way to expand self-appointed power and status. The Lord is looking for other-centered people whose heart’s desire is to obey Him. Yes, books can increase your knowledge, but only God can bestow wisdom. Knowledge that just feeds pride and ego misses wisdom.
People are not impressed by what you know. They are attracted to what you do with what you know. Wisdom applies God’s perspective by transforming the human worldview. For example, you decide not to marry someone because it is not the wise thing to do. They are a nice person, intelligent; financially secure and even religious, but they lack an unselfish commitment to you and God. Wisdom waits for what’s best.
Thus, wisdom comes from God and it’s received through a heart of character. The Lord does not entrust His thoughts with someone who will prostitute His wisdom for wrong purposes. He looks for a heart of humility and honesty. A wise person prays to God and says, “I need you and I need your direction. Without your wisdom, I am lost and unclear in your ways”. Humility is the gateway to wisdom and honesty applies it well.
Your humility means you are teachable to learn from God. Your honesty means you will use God’s wisdom in an honorable way. Wisdom can be used to settle disputes between individuals or organizations. It can serve you in becoming an expert in your field. Wisdom takes knowledge, and, like paint in the hands of a gifted artist, creates beauty.
Wisdom leads you in your decision making process, so you are consistent to ask, “What is the wise thing to do?” You search the Scriptures daily and God fills your heart with wisdom. You enjoy the company of wise people; learn from their mistakes and from their wise choices. Wisdom is not microwavable, for it comes over time. Be patient. Talk to God about your need for wisdom, as He gives freely to all who ask with a humble heart.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
Am I wise to seek the Lord’s wisdom and the wisdom of His humble servants? What is the wise thing to do right now?
Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 1:11-12; Daniel 2:23; Mark 6:3; Ephesians 1:17
Here's a great one from Wisdom Hunters!
The Best Request… “I will give you what you asked, I will give you a wise and discerning heart…” 1 Kings 3: 12 a
The wisdom of God goes beyond your ability to understand right and wrong. Wisdom transcends uncertainty in areas that may be unclear and murky. Wisdom asks, why do you want to do want you want to do? What is your motive? Is your drive to succeed for you, or do you strive for excellence, because it is the Lord’s expectation for you?
Wisdom sees opportunities as options to further God’s Kingdom, rather than a way to expand self-appointed power and status. The Lord is looking for other-centered people whose heart’s desire is to obey Him. Yes, books can increase your knowledge, but only God can bestow wisdom. Knowledge that just feeds pride and ego misses wisdom.
People are not impressed by what you know. They are attracted to what you do with what you know. Wisdom applies God’s perspective by transforming the human worldview. For example, you decide not to marry someone because it is not the wise thing to do. They are a nice person, intelligent; financially secure and even religious, but they lack an unselfish commitment to you and God. Wisdom waits for what’s best.
Thus, wisdom comes from God and it’s received through a heart of character. The Lord does not entrust His thoughts with someone who will prostitute His wisdom for wrong purposes. He looks for a heart of humility and honesty. A wise person prays to God and says, “I need you and I need your direction. Without your wisdom, I am lost and unclear in your ways”. Humility is the gateway to wisdom and honesty applies it well.
Your humility means you are teachable to learn from God. Your honesty means you will use God’s wisdom in an honorable way. Wisdom can be used to settle disputes between individuals or organizations. It can serve you in becoming an expert in your field. Wisdom takes knowledge, and, like paint in the hands of a gifted artist, creates beauty.
Wisdom leads you in your decision making process, so you are consistent to ask, “What is the wise thing to do?” You search the Scriptures daily and God fills your heart with wisdom. You enjoy the company of wise people; learn from their mistakes and from their wise choices. Wisdom is not microwavable, for it comes over time. Be patient. Talk to God about your need for wisdom, as He gives freely to all who ask with a humble heart.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
Am I wise to seek the Lord’s wisdom and the wisdom of His humble servants? What is the wise thing to do right now?
Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 1:11-12; Daniel 2:23; Mark 6:3; Ephesians 1:17
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Humility
3-10-2010
Yesterday, we spoke about the confidence that comes from personal development, preparation, and the understanding of who Christ is. With confidence it is extremely important to be laced with humility. I pray every day that God will bless me with a humble confidence. I am a very blunt person, thus my confidence can be misunderstood, so I know that is one of my many weaknesses. However, I also know that I am nothing without Christ. I know that everything I have, am, and will be is a direct blessing from God.
Humility is the state of being humble; lack of pride. In 1 Peter 5:14, Peter says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” I don’t know about you, but I am in desperate need of Grace, so I better be humble! In Proverbs 11:2 it says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Time and time again pride has ruined families, relationships, jobs, and etcetera. God calls us to be humble in all that we do. I believe Christians are at fault as much as non-believers. As a believer, avoid boasting about your good deeds, or how many times you have fed the needy. In fact, Christ tells us we are called to give and serve unconditionally. In Matthew 6:5-15 we are told by Jesus how to pray: where no one can see you! Christ never boasted! He simply served.
We live in such a competitive world where people place importance on material things that mean nothing in the grand scheme of life. How you look, the amount of money you have, the type of car you drive, the places you shop, what country club you belong to means NOTHING to the only person you need to focus on impressing, God, and He sees everything so you don’t need to tell Him! I love having nice things, but stay focused on the eternal and have fun with the temporal, and not the other way around. We have been given two very specific commands that sum up the life of Christ, and they are listed in the order of importance when Jesus says in Matthew 22:27: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind”…and with humility consider others better than yourselves (Love your neighbor as yourself). God himself sent his only begotten son onto this earth as an example of humility. Jesus had the power to do anything at anytime, yet he came and went as a humble servant. He didn’t walk around beating his chest and saying look at me the King of the world. Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). Again, don’t just do as Christ says, but do as Christ did!
Application:
1.Are you staying focused on the two greatest commands of Jesus?
2.Do you allow your personal success to define you? If the answer is yes, do you realize the good Lord has given you everything and he can take it away?
3.God allows you to do everything you do, so how can you use the gifts you have been given to serve Him and others humbly?
4.What aspects of your life can you do a better job of humble leadership?
5.Read Luke 14:7-14 and Philippians 2: 1-11 (TRUST ME ON THIS ONE…READ IT)
Yesterday, we spoke about the confidence that comes from personal development, preparation, and the understanding of who Christ is. With confidence it is extremely important to be laced with humility. I pray every day that God will bless me with a humble confidence. I am a very blunt person, thus my confidence can be misunderstood, so I know that is one of my many weaknesses. However, I also know that I am nothing without Christ. I know that everything I have, am, and will be is a direct blessing from God.
Humility is the state of being humble; lack of pride. In 1 Peter 5:14, Peter says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” I don’t know about you, but I am in desperate need of Grace, so I better be humble! In Proverbs 11:2 it says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Time and time again pride has ruined families, relationships, jobs, and etcetera. God calls us to be humble in all that we do. I believe Christians are at fault as much as non-believers. As a believer, avoid boasting about your good deeds, or how many times you have fed the needy. In fact, Christ tells us we are called to give and serve unconditionally. In Matthew 6:5-15 we are told by Jesus how to pray: where no one can see you! Christ never boasted! He simply served.
We live in such a competitive world where people place importance on material things that mean nothing in the grand scheme of life. How you look, the amount of money you have, the type of car you drive, the places you shop, what country club you belong to means NOTHING to the only person you need to focus on impressing, God, and He sees everything so you don’t need to tell Him! I love having nice things, but stay focused on the eternal and have fun with the temporal, and not the other way around. We have been given two very specific commands that sum up the life of Christ, and they are listed in the order of importance when Jesus says in Matthew 22:27: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind”…and with humility consider others better than yourselves (Love your neighbor as yourself). God himself sent his only begotten son onto this earth as an example of humility. Jesus had the power to do anything at anytime, yet he came and went as a humble servant. He didn’t walk around beating his chest and saying look at me the King of the world. Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). Again, don’t just do as Christ says, but do as Christ did!
Application:
1.Are you staying focused on the two greatest commands of Jesus?
2.Do you allow your personal success to define you? If the answer is yes, do you realize the good Lord has given you everything and he can take it away?
3.God allows you to do everything you do, so how can you use the gifts you have been given to serve Him and others humbly?
4.What aspects of your life can you do a better job of humble leadership?
5.Read Luke 14:7-14 and Philippians 2: 1-11 (TRUST ME ON THIS ONE…READ IT)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Prepare For Worship
3-9-2010
Prepare For Worship
When we think of preparation, we probably find a hard time associating this with worship. We all have our views and experience on worship, so let’s focus on the importance of preparation. What are some things you prepare for on a regular basis? For me, I spend a lot of time preparing baseball players for games. We practice, learn new plays and signs, and of course evaluate the opponent before each game. Before every game, we prepare by deciding who we are going to pitch, and who’s going to play each position to give our team the best opportunity to succeed. Why is it I spend so much time preparing for a baseball game, but so little time preparing for worship?
Here’s some food for thought as you engage in your next worship experience:
1.Arrive at worship early. This enables you to find the perfect seat. I love sitting at the front. This enables me to stay focused and alert. Moreover, I love sitting in an aisle seat. I feel less distracted this way. There’s nothing worse than running late to church!2.Make sure you have a great attitude. Pray before you leave the house that God will speak into you during the service. Walk into church with an open mind and heart.
3.Have a clear head. If there’s something on your mind, turn it over to God before the service starts so you can stay focused on the sermon and worship experience. Don’t bring baggage into the service, or your mind will stray and you will miss the message.
4.Bring your Bible and a notepad. I love to take notes, as it helps me remembe what I was told, and I can look back on them when needed.
5.Remember who the audience is…GOD! We often feel as if the congregation is the audience. We should only worship Jesus Christ, not the preacher or the band.
Let’s begin treating worship with the importance it deserves. Many of us spend more time preparing for a night out on the town than we do for worship. The more you prepare for worship, the better the experience will be, and the faster transformation will occur in your life. Let’s never forget, we shouldn’t go to church to worship, we should go to church worshipping!
Prepare For Worship
When we think of preparation, we probably find a hard time associating this with worship. We all have our views and experience on worship, so let’s focus on the importance of preparation. What are some things you prepare for on a regular basis? For me, I spend a lot of time preparing baseball players for games. We practice, learn new plays and signs, and of course evaluate the opponent before each game. Before every game, we prepare by deciding who we are going to pitch, and who’s going to play each position to give our team the best opportunity to succeed. Why is it I spend so much time preparing for a baseball game, but so little time preparing for worship?
Here’s some food for thought as you engage in your next worship experience:
1.Arrive at worship early. This enables you to find the perfect seat. I love sitting at the front. This enables me to stay focused and alert. Moreover, I love sitting in an aisle seat. I feel less distracted this way. There’s nothing worse than running late to church!2.Make sure you have a great attitude. Pray before you leave the house that God will speak into you during the service. Walk into church with an open mind and heart.
3.Have a clear head. If there’s something on your mind, turn it over to God before the service starts so you can stay focused on the sermon and worship experience. Don’t bring baggage into the service, or your mind will stray and you will miss the message.
4.Bring your Bible and a notepad. I love to take notes, as it helps me remembe what I was told, and I can look back on them when needed.
5.Remember who the audience is…GOD! We often feel as if the congregation is the audience. We should only worship Jesus Christ, not the preacher or the band.
Let’s begin treating worship with the importance it deserves. Many of us spend more time preparing for a night out on the town than we do for worship. The more you prepare for worship, the better the experience will be, and the faster transformation will occur in your life. Let’s never forget, we shouldn’t go to church to worship, we should go to church worshipping!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
It's The People
3-8-2010
It’s The People
I had the privilege of visiting with an old friend of mine yesterday, and it reminded me of one of the simplest truths: it’s all about the people! People make up the church, schools, teams, businesses, and etcetera. You can have the nicest building in the world, with all of the state of the art amenities, and the greatest business and marketing plan imaginable, but if you don’t have the right people, you will fail.
When we look at the greatest churches in the world, they were founded by God inspired people. That doesn’t mean they were perfect, but the people made things happen. The first churches in the Bible were founded by people not buildings. It’s easy to view a church as the structure where the people reside, but the Bible tells us the people are the church, and where they reside is irrelevant. Who they worship is what matters.
Two of my friends are looking at starting a business, and it was my honor to give my advice about their goals. They are very excited about moving to the next chapter in their life, and had picked out the “perfect building” for their new business. While I admit the building is very nice, and they did great job picking it out, I’m not convinced it’s the answer to what they are looking for. In my opinion, I feel they can be even more successful without such an expensive piece of property. As I explained my reasoning, the simplest truth became clear. People go bankrupt buying buildings. Other people spend their time and resources on building people and the building they should acquire becomes clear.
As much as I love baseball, I feel the movie “Field of Dreams” really led some people in the wrong direction. There’s a quote in the movie that says, “If you build it they will come.” In the move Kevin Costner builds a baseball field based on this quote. The movie of course turned out good; after all it’s a MOVIE. Unfortunately, a lot of people took this approach with their financial futures and “built it” but not enough people showed up! Years later and a lot of money out the door, the life lesson was learned.
Your life is similar to a successful church or business; it’s about the people you surround yourself with. Jesus Christ utilized everyday people like you and me to change the world. He didn’t use buildings and fancy marketing techniques. He used people! As you reflect on your life, who do you live life with? Are they the type of people that make you a better person? Is it time to find some new friends? Are you plugged in to a local church community where you can build relationships with quality like-minded believers? Remember, the quality of your life isn’t about the stuff you have, it’s about a relationship with your maker and the way in which that relationship is lived out in the lives of others!
It’s The People
I had the privilege of visiting with an old friend of mine yesterday, and it reminded me of one of the simplest truths: it’s all about the people! People make up the church, schools, teams, businesses, and etcetera. You can have the nicest building in the world, with all of the state of the art amenities, and the greatest business and marketing plan imaginable, but if you don’t have the right people, you will fail.
When we look at the greatest churches in the world, they were founded by God inspired people. That doesn’t mean they were perfect, but the people made things happen. The first churches in the Bible were founded by people not buildings. It’s easy to view a church as the structure where the people reside, but the Bible tells us the people are the church, and where they reside is irrelevant. Who they worship is what matters.
Two of my friends are looking at starting a business, and it was my honor to give my advice about their goals. They are very excited about moving to the next chapter in their life, and had picked out the “perfect building” for their new business. While I admit the building is very nice, and they did great job picking it out, I’m not convinced it’s the answer to what they are looking for. In my opinion, I feel they can be even more successful without such an expensive piece of property. As I explained my reasoning, the simplest truth became clear. People go bankrupt buying buildings. Other people spend their time and resources on building people and the building they should acquire becomes clear.
As much as I love baseball, I feel the movie “Field of Dreams” really led some people in the wrong direction. There’s a quote in the movie that says, “If you build it they will come.” In the move Kevin Costner builds a baseball field based on this quote. The movie of course turned out good; after all it’s a MOVIE. Unfortunately, a lot of people took this approach with their financial futures and “built it” but not enough people showed up! Years later and a lot of money out the door, the life lesson was learned.
Your life is similar to a successful church or business; it’s about the people you surround yourself with. Jesus Christ utilized everyday people like you and me to change the world. He didn’t use buildings and fancy marketing techniques. He used people! As you reflect on your life, who do you live life with? Are they the type of people that make you a better person? Is it time to find some new friends? Are you plugged in to a local church community where you can build relationships with quality like-minded believers? Remember, the quality of your life isn’t about the stuff you have, it’s about a relationship with your maker and the way in which that relationship is lived out in the lives of others!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Joy vs. Happiness
4-1-2009
Joy VS. Happiness
John Maxwell was quoted as saying, “People say that wisdom comes with age. I don’t believe that’s true. Sometimes age comes alone.” This is so very true. We are going to make mistakes in life; the key is to learn from them.
As we reflect on the past, I’m sure we’ve all wondered what in the world we were thinking. I know I’ve made more mistakes than I care to think about, but I learn from them, yet some people never change. A definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. If you keep doing what you are doing, you are going to keep getting what you are getting. This message can apply to a lot of things. For instance, if you struggle with your finances, change your spending habits. If you don’t fit in your favorite pair of jeans, stop eating so much, start working out, or both. Change sounds so simple, yet very few are able to muster up the courage and stay focused to do so. Many of us live life in desperate need of change, an eternal change.
Time and time again, I speak with people that feel as if there is a void in their life, and time and time again, I try to help people understand there is only one way to fill the void, transformation. People turn to alcohol, drugs, violence, X-rated stuff, and more to try to fill the emptiness they feel inside, or to try to escape reality. Truth is you will always have a void if what you cling to is of this earth. In order to live life to the fullest, you must fill your soul with the Joy of knowing and accepting Christ into your life. Doesn’t it make sense that the very person that made you can complete you if you will give Him a chance?
It’s extremely important to understand the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is a result of your happenings. When your happenings are good, you are happy. When they aren’t good, you are unhappy, thus happiness is only temporary because it is a result of external/earthly factors. On the other hand, Joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence within us. As long as you base life on earthly circumstances, you will always have a void in your life. When you accept Christ into your life, you will be filled with Joy at all times because God will not leave you. As we spoke about last week, God is the only constant. Everything on this earth will disappear at some point, so why put your eggs in earthly baskets? That doesn’t make sense. By putting your life in God’s hands you will live a joyous life, where you will never be alone again!
Application:
1.Read Psalm 16
2.Do you understand the difference between Joy and Happiness? Relay this message to someone else that may have a void in their life that needs to be filled with the only source of eternal fulfillment, Christ.
Joy VS. Happiness
John Maxwell was quoted as saying, “People say that wisdom comes with age. I don’t believe that’s true. Sometimes age comes alone.” This is so very true. We are going to make mistakes in life; the key is to learn from them.
As we reflect on the past, I’m sure we’ve all wondered what in the world we were thinking. I know I’ve made more mistakes than I care to think about, but I learn from them, yet some people never change. A definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. If you keep doing what you are doing, you are going to keep getting what you are getting. This message can apply to a lot of things. For instance, if you struggle with your finances, change your spending habits. If you don’t fit in your favorite pair of jeans, stop eating so much, start working out, or both. Change sounds so simple, yet very few are able to muster up the courage and stay focused to do so. Many of us live life in desperate need of change, an eternal change.
Time and time again, I speak with people that feel as if there is a void in their life, and time and time again, I try to help people understand there is only one way to fill the void, transformation. People turn to alcohol, drugs, violence, X-rated stuff, and more to try to fill the emptiness they feel inside, or to try to escape reality. Truth is you will always have a void if what you cling to is of this earth. In order to live life to the fullest, you must fill your soul with the Joy of knowing and accepting Christ into your life. Doesn’t it make sense that the very person that made you can complete you if you will give Him a chance?
It’s extremely important to understand the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is a result of your happenings. When your happenings are good, you are happy. When they aren’t good, you are unhappy, thus happiness is only temporary because it is a result of external/earthly factors. On the other hand, Joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence within us. As long as you base life on earthly circumstances, you will always have a void in your life. When you accept Christ into your life, you will be filled with Joy at all times because God will not leave you. As we spoke about last week, God is the only constant. Everything on this earth will disappear at some point, so why put your eggs in earthly baskets? That doesn’t make sense. By putting your life in God’s hands you will live a joyous life, where you will never be alone again!
Application:
1.Read Psalm 16
2.Do you understand the difference between Joy and Happiness? Relay this message to someone else that may have a void in their life that needs to be filled with the only source of eternal fulfillment, Christ.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Do Not Fear
Great Devotional From Wisdom Hunters!
Do Not Fear… “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”. Matthew 10:31
There is no need to fear, because your Heavenly Father is here. He is here to listen to your concerns. He is here to defeat the devil. He is here to heal your hurts. He is here to comfort you in a crisis. He is here to give you peace and encouragement. He is here to rebuke and correct you. He is here to give you wisdom. Your Father is here, so don’t fear.
He knows the details of your disappointments, like He knows how many hairs are on your head. You feel the stress of overwork and underpay, and you wonder if Christ will change your circumstances. He may not, at least for now, so continue to do your best and trust that in His timing He will provide. The Lord is never late.
Christ’s work is not always as convenient as we might want, but it is in the inconveniences of life that we learn to persevere. We sometimes lament that the labor is long and hard, but we can be grateful that we have the health and good fortune to work. God implores us to remain faithful during dark times, so we can be His shining light. He whispers words of admonishment to our heart, so we are able to speak with confidence His truth to tired and fearful friends.
How valuable are you to your Heavenly Father? What worth does He place on your life? If He knows and cares about the death of a sparrow, how many times more is He concerned about your cares? Embrace His interest in your body, soul and mind. The Lord’s appraisal of your life is not at a discount, but a premium. You can be sure that He sees tremendous value in you. So only fear not reaching your full potential for Him.
Have you deployed your gifts for God? You may say, “I did, but not now”. Why? If fear has frozen your faith, so that you have stopped attempting great things for God, let trust thaw out your inertia. Draw on the resources of heaven and your confidence will return. You are on assignment from Almighty God and His mission is very meaningful. Fear God, but don’t be afraid, because His will is where you walk in security and peace with Jesus.
What is the difference between fearing God and being afraid? What am I worth to God?
Related Readings: Isaiah 8:12; 41:10; John 12:42; 1 Corinthians 16:10
Do Not Fear… “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”. Matthew 10:31
There is no need to fear, because your Heavenly Father is here. He is here to listen to your concerns. He is here to defeat the devil. He is here to heal your hurts. He is here to comfort you in a crisis. He is here to give you peace and encouragement. He is here to rebuke and correct you. He is here to give you wisdom. Your Father is here, so don’t fear.
He knows the details of your disappointments, like He knows how many hairs are on your head. You feel the stress of overwork and underpay, and you wonder if Christ will change your circumstances. He may not, at least for now, so continue to do your best and trust that in His timing He will provide. The Lord is never late.
Christ’s work is not always as convenient as we might want, but it is in the inconveniences of life that we learn to persevere. We sometimes lament that the labor is long and hard, but we can be grateful that we have the health and good fortune to work. God implores us to remain faithful during dark times, so we can be His shining light. He whispers words of admonishment to our heart, so we are able to speak with confidence His truth to tired and fearful friends.
How valuable are you to your Heavenly Father? What worth does He place on your life? If He knows and cares about the death of a sparrow, how many times more is He concerned about your cares? Embrace His interest in your body, soul and mind. The Lord’s appraisal of your life is not at a discount, but a premium. You can be sure that He sees tremendous value in you. So only fear not reaching your full potential for Him.
Have you deployed your gifts for God? You may say, “I did, but not now”. Why? If fear has frozen your faith, so that you have stopped attempting great things for God, let trust thaw out your inertia. Draw on the resources of heaven and your confidence will return. You are on assignment from Almighty God and His mission is very meaningful. Fear God, but don’t be afraid, because His will is where you walk in security and peace with Jesus.
What is the difference between fearing God and being afraid? What am I worth to God?
Related Readings: Isaiah 8:12; 41:10; John 12:42; 1 Corinthians 16:10
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Shrewd But Innocent
3-3-2010
Here’s a great devotional from Wisdom Hunters!
Shrewd But Innocent… “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” Matthew 10:16
Servants of the Lord Jesus Christ require a level of shrewdness that is pure in motivation and innocent in intentions. Christians are not to create their own naïve world; rather we engage the realities of the world with keen insights and discernment. We have been given the mind of Christ, so we can comprehend through His eyes problems and solutions.
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Furthermore, be on guard against those who leverage the Lord for their own agenda. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing whose cause is to use the church and Christianity to fill their coffers. These imposters of light deliver dark outcomes, instead of righteous results. Don’t be duped by those who only want to use your creditability for their cause.
“For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people” (Romans 16:8). Shrewdness is able to see past shallow words into the depth of the heart. Discernment goes deep and knows.
Is your Christianity practical and purposeful? Are you willing to suffer even when your intentions are innocent and pure? The wolves of the world do not care about Christ; they only want their way. Thus stay true to truth and transparency, and trust the Lord to keep you in times of danger and uncertainty. Be wise and walk in His ways, not the world’s .
This is why your Savior Jesus sends His shepherds to accompany you on your faith journey. Your minister of the Gospel is God’s representative to guide you. His teaching exposes lies, so you are able to apply truth and understanding to relationships. Your great shepherd is Jesus, but His ministers represent His authority and insights. Shrewdness and innocence comes to those who follow Christ and His shepherds in faith and hope.
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
How do I balance shrewdness and innocence in negotiating business deals? How can I submit to the shepherding of the minister at my local church?
Related Readings: 2 Samuel 13:3; Micah 5:4; Luke 16:1-8; Philippians 4:7
Here’s a great devotional from Wisdom Hunters!
Shrewd But Innocent… “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” Matthew 10:16
Servants of the Lord Jesus Christ require a level of shrewdness that is pure in motivation and innocent in intentions. Christians are not to create their own naïve world; rather we engage the realities of the world with keen insights and discernment. We have been given the mind of Christ, so we can comprehend through His eyes problems and solutions.
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Furthermore, be on guard against those who leverage the Lord for their own agenda. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing whose cause is to use the church and Christianity to fill their coffers. These imposters of light deliver dark outcomes, instead of righteous results. Don’t be duped by those who only want to use your creditability for their cause.
“For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people” (Romans 16:8). Shrewdness is able to see past shallow words into the depth of the heart. Discernment goes deep and knows.
Is your Christianity practical and purposeful? Are you willing to suffer even when your intentions are innocent and pure? The wolves of the world do not care about Christ; they only want their way. Thus stay true to truth and transparency, and trust the Lord to keep you in times of danger and uncertainty. Be wise and walk in His ways, not the world’s .
This is why your Savior Jesus sends His shepherds to accompany you on your faith journey. Your minister of the Gospel is God’s representative to guide you. His teaching exposes lies, so you are able to apply truth and understanding to relationships. Your great shepherd is Jesus, but His ministers represent His authority and insights. Shrewdness and innocence comes to those who follow Christ and His shepherds in faith and hope.
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
How do I balance shrewdness and innocence in negotiating business deals? How can I submit to the shepherding of the minister at my local church?
Related Readings: 2 Samuel 13:3; Micah 5:4; Luke 16:1-8; Philippians 4:7
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Crowd
3-2-2010
The Crowd
I do a bit of speaking engagements throughout the year and the more people the better! No matter what the speaking topic is, there’s nothing like the energy of a packed crowd. It goes back to the saying, “there’s power in numbers.” I spoke at a function last night, and the energy was incredible. After the meeting, I visited with some guests, and it literally changed the night. The energy from those individuals was contagious to the point where I couldn’t wait to speak again. On the flip side, I’ve spoken at events where the energy levels were bad, and thus the experience was draining. Though the subject matter was the exact same, the people made the experience! A worship setting can have the same affect. When one is around a community of believers, the worship experience changes. Your concept of God will be shaped by your worship of God. By worshiping God with a community of believers, your worship experience changes and you see God in a bigger way. To worship alone limits your vision of the worship experience because you don’t know what you don’t know. It’s not the number of people that make the experience, it’s the fact you are with other believers in a worship experience.
It was once said, “In the beginning God created us in His image, and ever since we’ve attempted to return the favor.” By ourselves, we limit our ability to understand God fully. With a community of believers we not only learn from them, but the pure energy and excitement in the room changes the atmosphere of the worship experience.
It’s like going to a concert or sporting event, if the venue is packed, the energy is amazing and quite frankly, the performers are a lot more excited to perform. If the venue has a lot of empty seats, it’s a totally different environment. I remember playing pro baseball and feeling the same way. As players, we loved to play on the weekends, because the crowds were always larger. Our energy levels rose a ton! Day games were the worst, as there seemed to be a lot more empty seats than not. I performed a lot better with bigger crowds, and my velocity was a lot better.
If you aren’t involved in a great church, I want to encourage you to start visiting, and keep visiting until you find one that fits. Your worship experiences should be moving. Each time you leave, you should be challenged. Find a community and allow the Holy Spirit to move through you in ways you never experienced!
The Crowd
I do a bit of speaking engagements throughout the year and the more people the better! No matter what the speaking topic is, there’s nothing like the energy of a packed crowd. It goes back to the saying, “there’s power in numbers.” I spoke at a function last night, and the energy was incredible. After the meeting, I visited with some guests, and it literally changed the night. The energy from those individuals was contagious to the point where I couldn’t wait to speak again. On the flip side, I’ve spoken at events where the energy levels were bad, and thus the experience was draining. Though the subject matter was the exact same, the people made the experience! A worship setting can have the same affect. When one is around a community of believers, the worship experience changes. Your concept of God will be shaped by your worship of God. By worshiping God with a community of believers, your worship experience changes and you see God in a bigger way. To worship alone limits your vision of the worship experience because you don’t know what you don’t know. It’s not the number of people that make the experience, it’s the fact you are with other believers in a worship experience.
It was once said, “In the beginning God created us in His image, and ever since we’ve attempted to return the favor.” By ourselves, we limit our ability to understand God fully. With a community of believers we not only learn from them, but the pure energy and excitement in the room changes the atmosphere of the worship experience.
It’s like going to a concert or sporting event, if the venue is packed, the energy is amazing and quite frankly, the performers are a lot more excited to perform. If the venue has a lot of empty seats, it’s a totally different environment. I remember playing pro baseball and feeling the same way. As players, we loved to play on the weekends, because the crowds were always larger. Our energy levels rose a ton! Day games were the worst, as there seemed to be a lot more empty seats than not. I performed a lot better with bigger crowds, and my velocity was a lot better.
If you aren’t involved in a great church, I want to encourage you to start visiting, and keep visiting until you find one that fits. Your worship experiences should be moving. Each time you leave, you should be challenged. Find a community and allow the Holy Spirit to move through you in ways you never experienced!
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