Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A Reason For Hope Today

Romans 4:18-23 (NLT) Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping…And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, … Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous…

It’s kind of interesting how words and their meanings change over time. What used to mean one thing over 100 years ago has an entirely different meaning now. Hope is one of the words. It used to mean “an absolute confidence in something or someone.” Now, it means things like “I hope so. I wish for, etc.” When the scripture says that Abraham kept “hoping,” it refers to a confidence that would not be persuaded by any obstacle or situation that was out there. As an example, I read in yesterday’s paper that the price of gasoline is going up 62 cents per gallon after the first of the year. Some would say, “I hope God helps me and takes care of me,” – indicating that they weren’t sure if He would or not. But as Christians we should be saying it this way, “My hope (confident assurance) is in God and I trust Him to take care of me no matter what the price of gasoline is.” The newspapers and news stories on the TV look very bleak right now as we read about the war games going on off the coast of Korea and person who was just arrested for trying to set off a bomb in a Christmas lighting ceremony in Oregon. If I live by those stories alone – I would never come out of the house and enjoy life. My confidence is in God’s hands today. I trust Him now more than I ever have. I have watched His faithfulness over and over in my life. He has taken care of me and my family and He will continue to do so. I have a reason for hope today. It’s not my bank account nor is it my health or life insurance plan or even my retirement savings. My hope today is in Jesus Christ who is my Lord and Savior. I am fully convinced that God is ABLE to do what He promises. He has never let me down and I KNOW that He will continue to see me through.

Monday, November 29, 2010

How To Be Used By God

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NLT) Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

I used to play baseball in High School and College and was a part of some great competitive and championship teams. Many of the players I played with in High School went on to play professionally in the Major Leagues. Now, there are many aspects of the game both defensively and offensively that are important but what I enjoyed to most was batting. I love to hit the ball. It was a challenge to read the pitcher and connect with the ball to enable more runs to come in for the team. Often, My coach used to tell us that we needed to know where the “sweet spot” was on the bat. It is the place where the most impact would be given at the time of impact with the ball. It is the same for golfers, tennis players or any sport. For some sports, its not the sweet spot but the point of balance like in surfing or skateboarding or skiing. When that is found in any sport – they are able to maximize their ability to find the spot that will give them the edge on everyone else. Whenever an athlete hits that spot – it is the ultimate high. It's what brings them back again and again. Taking that analogy, I would like to now relate that to our Christian walk. God tells us that there are three parts to our life spirit, soul and body. When these three become as one – it then makes ways for God to use us at the maximum level. Now... I can function with one or two of these areas running but I can't function at my up most ability. But wow... when all three of these area come together – watch out! That's when God can really use us. We live in very a very dark and evil world. Satan is throwing out anything and everything to cause you to come into defeat in your life. He wants you to fail. That is why we need to face every day with our “game face.” We must be in our “sweet spot” in our spirit, soul and body. Don't misunderstand me by thinking this is all about you and what you do. That is only part of it. It is ultimately what God does that makes any difference but when we are connected with those three elements in our life and with God's power – watch out – God is going to use you might ways.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Words That Every Son Or Daughter Wants To Hear

Matthew 17:5 (NLT) But even as he spoke, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

I love Israel and its rich history and culture. The Hebrew people, language, and food are very dear to my heart. But what is very special is their understanding and importance of the blessing from their earthly Father. Every day the children come to their “Abba” (daddy) and ask him to bless them. They won't dare leave the house until that blessing is given. Not only is it done on a daily basis but the patriarchal blessing is given over special events and endeavors on a regular basis. Sadly, It is something that is missing in our American culture. The father's influence into each of his childrens lives is glaringly absent. As a result, unknowingly, people begin to search throughout their lifetime for someone to say, “This is MY son/ daughter in whom I am well pleased and who brings me great joy.” Every one wants to know that they are loved and that they bring meaning to life. People who don't receive this blessing try to fulfill their lives with many things trying to fill the void inside them. I happen to be blessed with a godly heritage in my parents and grandparents. As a child I was always told how much I was loved and how much God loves me. As an adult, I have a father who often tells me how blessed he is to be my father and how proud he is of me. I have tried to impart that blessing to my kids and grand kids. But sadly, most of the people have never experienced that blessing. They don't know what it is liked to be so loved and so accepted. Often, in talking to me about one's father – people will break down in tears because they miss what could have been and how much they have missed out in life. I am glad that God spoke out about his son and verbalized it so others could hear it. The neat thing about this passage is this – it is a blessing over every one of us today – His kids. We are blessed of God whether we have received an earthly blessing or not. We are His. He is ours. Walk in that blessing today. You are His Son/ Daughter today.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

What Does The Cross Mean To You?

Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

I have a friend, who is the late 60's was on a quest to find meaning for his life. It was during the “hippie” era when “Free love,” “sexual revolution” and “flower power” we're the messages that we're being preached. Drugs we're an epidemic and there we're a lot of messed up young people in the United States and in the world. He ended us being a professor at a university in Indiana which immersed him totally into that lifestyle of sin and promiscuity. In his quest to get the ultimate “karma” and to go “back to nature” he quit his job and flew to coast lands of Africa. One night as he was meditating by the ocean naked and watching the sun go down something significant happened in his life. No one was on the the secluded beach and he was miles away from any human contact. As he sat there, chanting his ritual “ohms” he looked down the beach and notice a man was walking up the beach toward him. As the man came closer and closer he noticed that he was carrying a cross over his shoulder that was big enough that he had to drag it behind him. This man came closer and closer toward my friend until he was standing directly in front of him. Without a word – he planted the cross in the sand, walked away to never be seen again. This became his “born-again” experience. He came back to the United States and has served as an evangelist on American Universities and Campuses to this day. The cross has become a religious icon in our day. People wear it around their neck or hang it on their wall but few people understand the significance and importance that it bears upon our lives. The message my friend received that day was the message of what the cross means and the sacrifice that Jesus paid for our sins. Your testimony might not be as dramatic as his but it is just as real. Whenever you realize the price that Christ has paid for your sins by dying on the cross. Whenever you can accept the true meaning of the cross – your whole life will change. I live every day with the cross on my mind and heart. I give thanks to my Jesus for what He has done and is doing for my life. I have accepted Him into my heart and He is my Lord and Savior today. You might end up with many possessions in life but if you don't have Christ in your heart – they all mean nothing. If I gain status and position and don't have Christ – I am nothing. Trust me today... Christ is the ONLY answer and He is the ONLY one who can help you today. I am proud today to say, “Jesus is Lord” of my life. Can you say that about your life? My prayers are that each and every one reading this today would make a stand for Christ and not be ashamed of what He has done and is doing in your life today.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Who Is On Your Team Today?

Psalms 124:1-5 (NLT) What if the Lord had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat: What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us? They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger. The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us. Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives.

When kids divide up and pick teams there are always those who get picked first and those who get picked last. Being on the shorter side of life – I know what its like to get picked last – a lot. It's an icky feeling, unless, you get picked with the team that has BIG MIKE on it because you knew you we're going to win. Knowing that I was going to get picked last - I would maneuver myself to be friends with the bigger guys so that I would be chosen by them. At least then, there would be some redeeming value to having been chosen last – we would probably win and have bragging right until the next game. The process is a little different spiritually – the two big guys – Jesus and Satan are standing on the other side and we get to choose which one we want on our team. Who you choose will make all the difference in the world. Satan might look appealing and attractive to you but he is definitely not the power player. Jesus is. He is more powerful, stronger and wiser. He has proven that over and over. In fact, He has left the playbook with us (the Bible) that tells us that we win in the end. The sooner you make that right choice the sooner you can pick up some “wins” on your personal scoreboard. The choice is yours to win or lose. Choose Jesus today and you will be a definite winner.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

What Type Of Battle Are You Fighting?

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (NLT) We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.

In my very first church of which I pastored I had a man who attended who was a professional wrestlers. He was massive big. His neck and his chin we're the same size. His hands we're registered at the police department as lethal weapons. Yet, he was the kindest, most gentlest man I had ever met. He was stronger then most people and had even competed in various strong man competitions. Yet, he knew his limitations and he knew when to reign it in and not to intimidate people. I always admired that in him. I've watched over my years upon the earth all sorts of battles that people fight. Whether it be a street battle or a military battle – there are all sorts of ways to fight. I even have to admit – I like to watch violence on TV or at the movies. My wife does enjoy that part of my life. It is one of the things we politely disagree on. If I want to watch a certain movie that is out that has a lot of violence – I have to grab my son-in-law to go with me and it becomes just a “guy thing.” Oh well. But there is another battle that is taking place that isn't talked a whole lot about by most people. It is the spiritual battles that all of us who are Christians face on a day by day. Whether it be a spiritual battle within yourself or with others – Satan is in a huge battle for your soul. The battles/ trials are real and Satan is not a novice when it comes to throwing things your way. If you try to go to war him with conventional weapons – you will lose. If you try to deal with him yourself – you will lose. You must use God's weapons and God's ways in order to win. God has made those weapons available to us and God is willing to put at your disposal everything you need to win the battle. Don't be naive or deceived. Don't bury your head in the sand. Take up your sword today. Put on the armor of God and know that God has victory in store for you today!

Friday, November 12, 2010

It Is Well With My Soul

Job 42:5 (NLT) I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

Most people talk about and believe in God – even when they say they don't. I was standing on a corner one time next to a person who claimed to be an atheist. Someone turned the corner a bit tight coming a little to close to us and out of their mouth came the words “Oh my God.” I turned to them and asked them when they started believing in God. You should have seen the look on their face. It's one thing to hear about God and even believe in God but its another thing to “experience” God. Unfortunately, for most of us – it takes a tragedy or a difficult experience to come into our lives before we come to really know God. I'm sitting at my computer typing this into my journal right now and the song “It Is Well With My Soul” is playing. It has reminded me of all that God has done for me and how God has brought me through so much. Yes... I've known God all my life. He has been with me He has meant a lot to me. But its different now. I have grown to appreciate just who He is and I have come to see His grace and mercy with my own eyes. I honestly can say, “It is well with my soul” today. The hard places and difficult situations we're allowed by God to help me to see God in a different way. To walk through life without bitterness and without regret is a wonderful experience. I haven't been give a crystal ball or do I know about today or tomorrow. But I do know this... God is in me. I'm experiencing Him deeper then I ever have before. My life is in His hands and I know that He has wonderful and great things in store for me, my family and the people I pastor.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Man Whom God Sees

1 Corinthians 8:2-3 (NLT) Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.

I am constantly dealing with “know it all's”. These are people who seem to have all the answers about life and the best way to live it. They are people who will disdain good advice because they know a short cut or think that they are immune to problems. No matter what I tell them – it seems to go in one ear and out the other. It doesn't matter that I've done what they're doing 100 times with the same bad result – they still have to try it their way. Eventually... I will get that call of “Help!” After they have found out the hard way and have lost everything in life – they come humbly and ask for repentance and forgiveness. It's then that God can begin to work in their hearts. It's then that God can begin the work of restoring them. It is that person to who God sees and recognizes. Psalms 34:18 (NLT) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. When we're at the end of ourselves is when God will reach down and help us. He won't intervene into your will. He won't make you come to Him. When you're ready... He will still be there. He loves you so much today!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Where Are The Fathers?

1 Corinthians 4:15-16 (NIV) Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

A few years ago I was speaking in Costa Rica to a group of pastors about the qualities and characteristics of being a strong leader. As I was speaking, the Lord revealed to me that there we're a number of men who didn't know how to lead because they had never been led by their own father in life. I talked to them about how God would be their Father and He would speak HIS BLESSING into their lives. Where there was void in their lives would now be filled with anointing, strength and confidence. When I was done speaking I took it one step further by inviting men to come to the front who had never received a blessing from their earthly Father. I told them that I wanted to give them a “dad” hug and that I wanted to put a spiritual blessing on their lives. I thought in my mind that there would be a few men that would make their way to the front and I was excited to be part of God's plan. Little did I know that I would spend the next hour or so ministering to a long line of men who we're searching for the blessing in their lives. It was very overwhelming. That event opened my eyes in a lot of ways about life and people. We live in a world where there are many many people who don't know what it is to go through life with the blessing of their fathers. Fathers have been AWOL and have been derelict in their duty to raise their children. Children, seeking the blessing, end up forging their way through life searching in all the wrong places to bring their lives meaning. WHERE ARE THE FATHERS? Where are the men who are supposed to lead and guide and point the way to Christ. WHERE ARE THE GODLY HUSBANDS who are lovingly caring and nurturing their wives. WHERE ARE THE MEN IN THE CHURCHES who are engaged and involved rather than just coming and sitting on a chair to appease the wife. Men and women alike are looking for someone that will mentor and lead them in the right direction. They are looking for those who will take a stand for what is right. Men, Fathers, Husbands – stand up with me. Make your life mean something today. Stand up! Lead! Point others to Christ! Leave an example for others to follow! Do this and God will bring rich blessings on your life and your family today.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Keep A Fork In Your Hand!

1 Corinthians 1:4-6 (NLT) I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way...”.

When Jesus was at the Last Supper with his disciples he took the bread and broke and said, “Do this in remembrance of me. He also took the cup and said it again, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Life flies by us sometimes at break neck speeds. It seems that we are so focused on what we are doing today or tomorrow that we forget what Christ did for us in the past. We forget the sacrifice that He paid for us by being on the cross and, we forget the multitude of blessings that He brought our way. Paul opens this book by saying that he thanked God for all the gracious gifts that had been to the Corinthians. He goes on to say that “through him (Christ) – their lives had been enriched in every way. I have been pondering this over the past few days – about what God has done for me. Too often, we focus on the bad things and don't see the good. Lately, I have been trying to focus on the good things that God has done to and through me. To stop and think about those things is overwhelming. I could write a book. I am so blessed. And... I know that there is more. I read a story a while back about a woman who died. At her request, she wanted to be buried with a fork in her hand. The pastor explained the reason behind this was because whenever she would go to church potlucks and eat that people would come around and pick up the dirty dishes but they would say, “Keep your fork because desert is coming.” I think that there are a lot of lessons for us here today. Life might have been hard and life might have dealt us with blows. But... if you think about it – there have also been a lot of blessings that have come your way. God has richly blessed us. But it doesn't stop there. Like the lady who died – we would do well to take her advice. you'd better keep a fork in your hand because the best is yet to come!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

A Personal Struggle

Mark 11:22-25 (NLT) Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Every one of us has those areas that we sometimes struggle with. I happen to at times struggle with faith. Now, don't get me wrong. I have faith. I preach faith. I practice faith and I live in the realm of faith on a day by day basis. It was ingrained in me as a child and it continues to be a vital part of my life. But, to be honest, sometimes I struggle with trusting and believing that God is really listening or in control. I know this might come as a shock to some of you but its the truth. There are things that I've prayed over and over for and have never seen the results. Yet... on the other hand – there are things that I've hardly given any time in prayer for that are immediately answered. Go figure. What I do know though is this – I'm not God and I still live on this earth where I have to process my walk with God on a daily basis. He is teaching me to trust Him – even when I don't understand and even when things don't make sense to me. My faith is deeper now then it has ever been. Difficult times have shaped me and tempered me much. I see life now through a different prism and I walk hand in hand with my Lord on a day by day basis. I don't need to know all the answers and I don't need to know all the time where my journey of faith will take me. I trust in the Sovereignty of God and am excited about the future because it is in His hands and not mine. So... do I still struggle? Absolutely. But I do know this – He is holding onto my hands right now and I'm not letting go. I trust Him to see me through.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Safe In The Arms Of God

Mark 10:14-16 (NLT) ...He (Jesus) said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

The other day I was on my way to church and decided to swing by Michelle's house and see baby Josiah. He was asleep but I couldn't resist holding him in my arms and putting kisses on his cheeks. He was safe. He was trusting. He was content. He was right where he was supposed to be – safe in my arms. In the same way – yours and my heart needs to be like a child when we come to God. We must come to Him with a trusting heart – knowing full well that He will protect and guide us and take care of our every need. He loves that you come to Him and He will never ever push you away. If we could just stay in that trusting position we would do well in life but,as we grow up, we become more self dependent and a little more absorbed with ourselves. We stop trusting God like we should. Instead of coming to Him – we push Him away and we try to make things happen without His help and His guidance. Finally, we come to the end of ourselves and we turn back to God. Praise God He is always there for me but I would rather learn in the first place to just trust Him. I want to be like Josiah – very contented to be in His dad and mom's (and my arms). It's the way God intended for us to be.