Labor Day 2012

So it’s Labor Day, and Anna and I have been ‘laboring’ over her homework since she missed a week of school due to her tonsillectomy. For some reason it really doesn’t seem right, but I don’t want her to know that because she is certain it isn’t right! Regardless, Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house the builders labor in vain.” I wonder how much laboring we have done in vain…I wonder how much vain laboring we are even aware of?! Too often I have found myself running ahead of God, working at a frenzied pace, only to find that God was busy on another project. Frustrating yes, but also an exhausting and humbling experience…one I don’t care to repeat. So how does one make sure you do not labor with the Lord? Never take your eyes off of Him. Stay in constant communication with Him…that is not only talking to God, but more importantly, listening to God. It is only then that I can rest assured that I am working in His power. Now, back to studies…math, history, reading, & spelling done…language and science to go. I pray our work is not in vain…Happy Labor Day!

Complaints Become Prayer

Concerning Habakkuk’s Complaint (see yesterday’s blog)…I’ve got to tell you that when I first read it I was upset that the translator’s had titled it a complaint. I mean, wasn’t he just crying out to God and others to make them aware of the injustices around them? Well, after I re-read it a few times I realized he was just complaining to God. Whenever we repeatedly see the word “I” in reference to a person’s will and not to God’s will it is often a complaint…or soon turns into one. However in Habakkuk’s case the complaint turns into a prayer in chapter 3. That is key, I think, to our complaining to God. I am not sure there is anything inherently wrong with complaining to God…at least we are in conversation with God rather than turning from or ignoring God. But far too many people get stuck in the complaint mode and never listen to God. That is a problem! And as a result, they never move to prayer. We’ve got plenty to complain about with America in the shape it’s in, perhaps more than Habakkuk had…and we seem to be gifted at complaining, perhaps better than any generation before us. But in our day there are few who seem to move to a state of prayer…fervent prayer. I am not sure the reason, I suspect it varies greatly for each person, but unless and until we do, God continues to move but we never see His hand at work…and are robbed of joy.

Habakkuk's Complaint

Today I read the book of Habakkuk (it's a short, powerful book and you should try it!) and I must tell you it hit me between the eyes…here’s how it starts out in chapter 1, verse 2-4 from the NLT:

How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.

Sounds like it could have been written for the first time yesterday doesn’t it! Goes to prove human nature does not change…however the part that hit me between the eyes was verse 5: The Lord replied, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it."

Now there’s our hope! God is at work, even today, in ways that we cannot, or would not believe. Praise His name for His work and for His faithfulness.

Lean In

Here is the best church video I have ever seen...bar none! It is also oozing with truth...what do you think?

Warning!

So, I am back and in the office now, but there is so much to do after you’ve been gone a week or two…add to that some other distractions and I am just now getting back to posting. I had a great time with the youth and did some reading while gone, studying ahead our Bible study lessons, and I must tell you Matthew 7:21—23 hit me between the eyes. First of all my Bible titles the subsection “Warning”…now that got my attention, but my ears really perked up when I realized (again) that Jesus was speaking about (us) believers in this passage. “Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” Got your attention?! He is speaking to us…and they respond by saying, “We preached in your name, and in your name we forced out demons and worked many miracles.” Have you read the passage yet? These gospel-preaching, demon-exorcising, miracle-working followers will NOT get into the kingdom of heaven! Anyone else feeling worried? Well, you shouldn’t! Jesus goes on to give us the criteria for making it to heaven: “Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in.” Gives surrender a new meaning doesn’t it? No wonder Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy will be done…” I'm thinking we ought to give this some attention, and my prayer is that each of us might take our eyes off the things we want do for God (our will) and focus on what he wants us to do (His will) with our lives…no matter how small or insignificant they might seem.

We Have Arrived!

I just want to drop a line and let everyone know we made it to Sager Brown Depot at Baldwin, LA this afternoon. It was a 12+ hour drive and the kids did a great job putting up with us adults! It was a rather boring drive until we got into the swampy areas of Louisiana, and then the excitement ran high as every floating piece of driftwood looked like a threatening alligator! If you are not familiar with Sager Brown, it is the original UMCOR Depot Warehouse that distributes items such as flood buckets, sewing kits, & medicine kits, along with many other items around the world (mostly after natural disasters such as floods). Pray for the youth as we work this coming week…pray that we might truly be the hands and feet of Jesus as we do our small part in meeting the needs of hurting and suffering people all around the world. Hopefully, I will be able to post more thru the week.

Too Old or Too Weak?

I am feeling old today. Not because I recently celebrated my birthday, but because of something I just read. The most common human being on the earth today is 28 years old…that makes me doubly common! Did you hear that? There are more 28 year-olds living in the world than any other age. Sound young? Even the medium age in the U.S. is 35 years-old. Now, aside from making me feel much too old, it also causes me to wonder how do we reach these 28 year-olds with the ancient and true message of eternal life? Think just a minute…these (young) folks grew up on television, came of age with computers, and today expect to know what is going on around the world in an instant. I am not sure doing church as we did in the 50’s…or 60’s or even 70’s will work...at all! Still, the power of the Holy Spirit transcends time…even our times. I think the biggest problem we face today is choosing to work in our power and not in the power of the Spirit. If Jesus Christ truly is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), which I understand to include our today, then He still has the power and desire to do the miraculous…including healing, feeding, teaching, and saving. So, what’s really the Church's problem? I am not sure we can blame the times in which we live as much as the power in which we (try to) operate.

Which Race Will You Run?

So the Olympics are going on in London and those who know me will know my reaction…big deal. However, the other day I happened to catch the gymnasts (I am not even sure which country they were from) as they ran and flipped and twisted and landed perfectly. And I must confess my reaction was, “I want to do that!” Not physically of course…that would be the end of me. But spiritually…I want to do that spiritually. I want to diligently train and discipline my life in order that I might repeatedly perform spiritually in a manner worthy of receiving a medal. That is what Paul was speaking of when he wrote to the Philippians in chapter 3. “¹⁴ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” The race we run in this life, if run properly, is worth more than any medal…bronze, silver, or gold. But it's up to us. Will we run the race of life with earthly goals in mind, or will we fix our eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our faith and the prize he holds for us?

Preposterous

Check it out...this is not your momma's Bible study!

Back Home!

Just returned from annual conference where we spent three days listening to some of the best preaching in the country! I tried to embed this video, but my mind is too fried to figure it out, so here's a link for the first session that Jorge Acevedo, lead pastor of Grace Church in Cape Coral, FL gave about building healthy teams. Watch the video and if you want more info go to their website at http://www.egracechurch.com/. I've also included a link to Bishop Palmer's presentation on risk taking missions with the poor. Enjoy!

Jorge Acevedo 1st presentation

Risk-Taking Missions: Poverty

Peoria or bust!

As I write today I am only half here…the other half is continually going thru a mental check list of what I need and what will be going on at Annual Conference later this week. We meet annually to conduct the business of the conference but more important, at least for me, is the opportunity to worship. There will be a memorial service, a service of ordination, a service for those retiring, and finally, a service of appointments. It is great to meet with several of my colleagues and friends that, because of geographical distances, I no longer see routinely…it is even better to meet God there! If you haven’t started yet, begin praying for the conference today…for the business meetings, for the services, for traveling mercies for all those attending. If you want you can follow the conference online at http://www.igrc.org/annualsession, where you can even watch a live stream of the business sessions and services. I am not sure exactly what my schedule will be for the rest of the week, but I will try to post some from Peoria between activities. If that doesn’t happen, know this: God is still on the throne!

Fear of What?!

The second chapter of Francis Chan’s book, “Forgotten God” asks believers what I think is the most relevant question before us concerning the Holy Spirit or God for that matter: “What are you afraid of?” It seems that fear drives may people in our day…both outside the church and inside. We’ve even got a scientific name for it…is anyone really surprised by that? Theophobia is the fear of religion or of God…this is not the healthy fear of the Lord that we read about in Scripture, which by the way is the beginning of understanding (Proverbs 1:7)…this is an irrational fear that grips us and refuses to let go. That’s what I think Chan is speaking of…fear that God might be right and I might be wrong. Fear that God wants to do something in my life and I am not sure I want to go there. Fear that I might be seen as a radical or a “religious” person, I mean, what would others think? Fears like these cripple disciples (I use the term loosely), causing their lives to be spent worrying and wondering what might have been, rendering their witness virtually useless for Kingdom purposes. It’s a sad day when satan can render someone useless because of what might be. The Holy Spirit offers us assurance, boldness, confidence and power. No fear here!

Being Fruitful

In John 15 Jesus talks about being the true vine and we are the branches…I am not sure many understand the gravity of this chapter. It is full of words like “you will” and “you can”…I don’t find any “if you want to’s” in the text. Jesus says we will bear fruit (not to be confused with being fruitful in Gen. 1:27!) if we are his branches. Actually, it says those branches who do not bear fruit will be pruned! And so many people believe they are bearing fruit for Christ by doing those nice little things that they enjoy doing for the Kingdom. However, a branch does not decide what fruit it will bear, the vine dictates that. The branches on a grapevine will not produce peaches. A branch on a cherry tree will not produce apples. The vine and/or tree decide that. If we are in Christ we will produce the fruit HE produced. Being religious or holding an attendance record at Sunday school is not Jesus’ idea of fruit. Jesus’ fruit is loving the unlovable, having compassion on the brokenhearted, and healing the hurting. Kind of makes that perfect attendance pin look like the cheap costume jewelry it really is! So rather than doing the things we want to do and claiming it as fruit, we are to “produce fruit that will last” (verse 16). Then Jesus goes on to broadly define exactly what fruit that will last is in verse 17, “So I command you to love each other.” Any questions?

Memorial Day

Coming Soon!

I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you something that is coming to the area later this summer. It is the Museum of Earth History Mobile Museum. The Mobile Museum will be at the Latona Church of Christ in Wheeler, IL on June 24 thru 29 from 6—8:30 each evening. For someone who believes in the relevance of science in our lives and the truth of Scripture, organizations like the Creation Truth Foundation help those of us who are much less than scientific to integrate science with the truth of Scripture. Thanks to the Latona Church of Christ for bringing the museum to the area! For more information on the Museum you can go to the Creation Truth Foundation homepage at http://www.creationtruth.com/. Go to the “Ministries” tab on the top left of the page and drop down to “Mobile Museum” link...you can also call the church at (618) 783-3718.

Technology vs. Prayer

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”     Matthew 7:7-8

As I write I am watching and listening to a live stream of the Kansas West Annual Conference. I watch it because in two weeks I will be attending our own annual conference and even though theirs is two states away, we do have several issues in common. I’ll be honest, I am also listening because, like during General Conference 2012, of the wonders of technology. With the ability to watch a live stream from wherever and to see tweets or posts from others who are interested in the event, if not there, truly brings our worlds closer together…technology is enabling us to become the Body of Christ in real time! I mention this because as instant and wonderful as today’s technology is, it is old school when compared to our ability to connect with God thru prayer. Not only do we have instant access to the throne room of God, we have His ear. That is not always the guaranteed answer we want to hear, but better than that it is a promise from our Lord and Savior that the Creator of the universe, the Great Physician, the Eternal Heavenly Father, that God Almighty responds to our cries and questions.

Choose This Day

"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”    Joshua 24:15

I want to share with you from The Fire of the Word, by Chris Webb. He writes, “Being ‘holy’ doesn’t seem very desirable to many people in our contemporary society. Those who speak up for virtue are often derided as moralistic, sanctimonious or holier-than-thou. The media reacts sharply against ‘preachy’ public figures who presume to tell us how to order our private lives. And those who appear to be living lives of moral rectitude are treated with suspicion: can they really be so pure?” (pg. 163). Sad but accurate commentary on today’s world isn’t it? So many have abandoned the way and will of God that it is no longer the goal we seek. Instead we have placed self on the throne and anything that might even suggest a better way to live is dismissed as foolishness. Could that be because many who talk of holiness do not live it? Too often church people are the reason others don’t attend church…it’s not that they’ve gotten into an argument or dispute with God, but with one of His children! Admit it, at times we are witness not to the goodness and power of the Risen Lord, but to the lord of this fallen world. Remember the saying, “You might be the only Jesus someone will ever see?” It’s true. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 1:27, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…” Sounds like a second chance for many of us! Let’s allow God to use us to show the world (or that specific person) what being ‘holy’ really is…not perfect but surrendered and set apart for the glory of God regardless of what our society says.

What Would You Do?

“Those who say that they live in Him must live the same way He lived” - 1 John 2:6 GWT

I’ve taken a few weeks off from blogging to mostly do some reading. I had already planned to start sharing again today and I had a supposedly profound thought to give you (but perhaps God thought not so much)…however I felt the Spirit of God really wants me to share this: I had a car wreck last week and it was my fault. Not really a big deal…no one was hurt; both our cars received damage; and I made a mistake that caused the accident. Now, here’s what is bugging me. There were no witnesses to this accident and I am not sure why that matters, but I continue to run into people who, when they find this out, say they are surprised that I would so freely admit to being wrong. Forgetting it is the truth, either this is a statement on my credibility (could they be so surprised that I would admit fault…I mean do I appear to be the lying thief type?) or it is an indictment on society’s inability to stand for truth and be held accountable. I pray you are not still dwelling on my credibility and have moved on…on to the sad fact that people have told me I should not have admitted fault. Two of these are supposed Christians (thank God not from Beulah)! HELLO! Does anyone else see the red flags waving? Why is it we resist being held accountable? If it is acceptable practice, at least by some both in and outside the church to justify our every action…even when we know it’s wrong, it is no wonder people will not confess sin. And if we are willing to lie about something as insignificant as this, will we not lie about things with greater consequences? I ran across 1 John 2:6 the following day and when someone questioned me I shared it with them. They just looked at me as if I were crazy. God help us!

Tony Mac Crusade

Join us for a community Crusade with Tony Mac here in Sumner on May 3, 4, & 5 at the Sumner school gymnasium. Services begin at 7pm each night and everyone is invited. Here is just the first part of five parts of his testimony. If you want to hear more, go to YouTube for parts 2 thru 5.

That Changes Everything!

Great Friday!

As I write this note, I have just returned from carrying the cross throughout Lawrence County with 25 others. What an awesome experience it is! As I carried the cross, God spoke to me using the words of an ancient hymn. With the weight of the cross bearing down on my shoulder (which is likely less than half the size of Jesus’ cross) God impressed upon me that I could not physically bear the weight of my own sins: my own laziness, my own disobedience, my own pride or lust, my own anger or deceit. Yet, Jesus bore the weight of my sins along with the sins of all humanity. His sacrifice was sufficient for all sin…even mine and yours. All we need do, all we can do is to trust in Him. As Augustus Toplady wrote so long ago, “Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s demands; could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.” My prayer is that you will hide yourself in the Rock of Ages and this Easter fully know the power of the Resurrection!

Invite With a Ride

And of course, my favorite...

Invite 3 - Funny!! from andrewmanzano on GodTube.

What's the Worst That Could Happen?

CHURCH INVITE from beamerfilms on GodTube.

Invite

Hey Beulah...Easter's coming and I was serious about that standing room only comment...it was from God! Let's start training for the invite...no matter who we meet...

Invite by The Sound Tank from andrewmanzano on GodTube.

Pray for Storm Victims in Southern Illinois

By now all have heard of the tornados that struck in deep Southern Illinois early this morning. The good great news I just heard was that the number who have died has been revised to a lower number…praise God! Now, I know several are wanting to help and there are many different ways we can help, but one of the most effective ways to help is to fall to our face in prayer, with intercession on their behalf. Now, don’t just say you’ll pray, or offer up a small prayer while you’re reminded of it…I am speaking of fervent, heartfelt prayer asking God first to meet physical, emotional, and financial needs. Secondly ask God to use these people, this tragedy to glorify Himself. Pray that the testimonies about how God protected people, comforted and provided for people and how He used people to help those in need will flow from the lips of those affected like the waters of a river flow in the springtime. Remember, our God is worthy of our praise in both good times and in time of distress and despair. Then pray for God to direct you as to how you can help. One way to pray is to ask God to enable you to help them in proportion to the help you will need in the future…that seems like the best way to “pay it forward!”

Love Packages, Butler, IL

If you are looking for someplace to do some mission work for youth or adults that is close, inexpensive, and life-changing, I would like to suggest Love Packages at Butler, IL. You can work for hours or days and know that your time will be used by God to change the lives of hundreds around the world! Here’s Steve’s story…I cannot recommend it enough. Watch this (and other Love Packages videos on YouTube) and then call Steve!

Making the Shift!

George Barna concludes his book, “Think Like Jesus” with these words:

          “To be a genuine Christian is more than simply believing in God or Jesus Christ; even the devil meets that criterion. Being a true Christian requires more than simply believing that the Bible is a reliable ancient document; many archaeologist and historians who are atheists believe that. To be an authentic Christian is to accept that God is the Creator of all things, the indisputable Ruler of the universe, and the One who gave us life and purpose—the purpose of loving and obeying Him, and of loving and serving other people, and of living in accordance to the guidelines He provided in the Bible and in concert with the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit that He instills within us once we surrender fully to Him. It is at that point that we see the world for what it is and invest our time and energy in trying to think like Jesus so we can behave like Jesus—all so that we might please and honor God.

          If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, what better way is there to express your reverence for God than to commit yourself to thinking like Jesus?” (p. 198).

All I would add is Amen!

Send Satan Packing!

As we begin this Lenten season, some of us will inevitably fail in our endeavor to draw near to God. The distractions of daily life, our human weaknesses, unfamiliar disciplines, each can contribute to our failure, as can satan. Of all the things I know, I know satan does not want us to draw closer to God. However, and I’ve said this before, he has no power over us. We must remember that satan is not co-equal with God as it sometimes might feel, satan is a created being, a fallen angel. C. S. Lewis said it well: “Satan, the leader of or dictator of devils, is the opposite, not of God, but of Michael.” Yes, Paul does describe him as a roaring lion, but the Lion of the tribe of Judah is far greater than satan will ever be. John gives us the only word we really need, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 Jn 4:4). Now, if those words were not enough, James gives us the formula for defeating him soundly: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (4:7). This Lent don’t believe the lies of satan…keep your eyes on the prize and He will reward you with the intimacy you seek.

Ash Wednesday

Yesterday I buried a woman who, for the past 15 years or so, had been praying for me and my ministry. She was a prayer warrior. I say this, not to solicit sympathy, but to sound an alarm. Could one of the reasons the Church is in such a feeble state in America be that we are not replacing those elderly prayer warriors with younger ones? My observation from the past five charges I have served is that we have lost more warriors than we have raised up. Perhaps it is my fault as well. Today is Ash Wednesday. For many, a time to give up something they enjoy so they might focus more intently on the Lord. The fault in this practice is that many will wait either patiently or painfully for the end of Lent so they might again enjoy that which they have denied themselves of. Is that the point? I would suggest to you that instead of “giving up” something for Lent, why don’t we “take up” something new for Lent. Why not add prayer time to our day…why not add time to seek God’s face…why not add time, intentional time, to explore God’s will for you? It seems if the Church today is weak and powerless it is only because we have not yet discovered the power of the Holy Spirit. Why not add time asking the Spirit to come upon us…that we might truly be the Church God intended for us to be? I pray you have a productive Lenten season, whatever your practice.

Discipline & Revival

dis•ci•pline


a : control gained by enforcing obedience or order

b : orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior

c : self-control

Okay, so here I go again…trying to master the discipline of daily writing on my blog. Yeah, I got a million excuses…some of them valid, but that doesn’t necessarily relieve me of this discipline I chose so many years ago. After all, I manage to write a sermon each week…and please, no disparaging remarks about my sermons! So, having said that, let me share something I read this past week and repeated during a revival service. A. W. Tozer stated in The Pursuit of God, “Social religion is perfected when private religion is purified.” Did you hear that? I mean, we’ve heard it all before, but he said it so well. If you want to change your city, country, or world for the good, it begins with you and God. We can no longer (if we ever could) fault others for the state of the Church or the Country…it is our own personal sin, our own personal disconnectedness from God, our own disobedience that, when added to the disobedience, disconnectedness, and sin of everyone else, that has put our Church and our Country, even our world in the sad condition it’s in. So where and how do we start to fix this mess? Let’s each pray for our own revival.

Courage

I found this on another blog ( http://pass-forward.blogspot.com/2011/06/courage-three-men-three-stories.html ) and thought it worthy of sharing.

One person with COURAGE makes a majority.


A nineteenth-century preacher named Peter Cartwright was preparing his sermon on Sunday wen he was warned that U.S. President Andrew Jackson would be in the congregation. He was told to keep his remarks benign, so as not to offend the president.

During his message, Cartwright acknowledged his famous guest. "I have been told that Andrew Jackson is in the congregation," he said. "And I have been asked to guard my remarks. What must I say is that Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn't repent of his sin."

Some people in the audience cringed. Others gasped. What would become of this outspoken pastor? What penalty might he face?
After the service, Jackson strode up to Cartwright. The noble preacher stood his ground. "Sir," the president said, "if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world."

It's not always easy to speak the truth, especially if you're intimidated by the size or import of your audience. It's much easier to say what we believe people--especially our superiors--will want to hear. When you don't say what you truly believe, not only are you speaking untruthfully to others, but you are betraying your own ideas and convictions. Speak what you believe - the results of such honesty might just surprise you.
-- The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. Proverbs 12:22 --

Dialogue of the Day

Here's a Facebook post that I caught...thought it was well worth all seeing...

 

DIALOGUE OF THE DAY -  Me (in a tizzy) : God, can I ask you something? GOD: Sure. Me: Promise you won't get mad? GOD: I promise. Me (frustrated): Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today? GOD: What do you mean? Me: Well I woke up late, GOD: Yes. Me: My car took fore...ver to start, GOD: Okay.... Me (growling): At lunch, they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait. GOD: Hmmmm.. Me: On the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call. GOD: All right… Me (loudly): And to top it all off, when I got home, I just wanted to soak my feet in my foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work. Nothing went right today! Why did you do that? GOD: Well let me see..... the death angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that. Me (humbled): Oh... GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that might have hit you if you were on the road. Me (ashamed): ............ GOD: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick and I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work. Me (embarrassed): Oh..... GOD: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give a false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered… Me (softly): I see God………… GOD: Oh and that foot massager, it had a short that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark. Me: I'm sorry God. GOD: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me.........in all things, the good and the bad. Me: I WILL trust you God. GOD: And don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your plan Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today. GOD: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I love looking after my children.

Complete Submission

In his classic, The Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer writes, “God being who and what He is, and we being who and what we are, the only thinkable relationship between us is one of full Lordship on His part and complete submission on ours. We owe Him every honor that is in our power to give Him. Our everlasting grief lies in giving Him anything less.” Tozer’s words of truth remind me just how perverted our world is…and how I often miss the mark myself. It is easy for me to see how the world has elevated all sorts of treasures, positions, and relationships to the status of god and then worship them…golden calves are everywhere! It’s a bit tougher, and much more necessary, for me to read Tozer’s words without rushing pass the words “complete submission” pretending my submission is not conditional. You see, too often I completely submit to God where His will and my will intersect…and when they do not intersect, I justify my incomplete submission by saying/thinking things like, “Lord show me your will,” or “I need a sign” (that is a personal favorite of mine!), or “This cannot be God’s will for me.” I am reminded of that famous author, Anonymous, who wrote, “Anything less than total obedience is actually disobedience.” God help us...especially me!

Nuff Said!

Who Do You Think Like?

There is really nothing like an affirmation. Even when you know something is true, to receive confirmation from an independent source is a gift from God. One of the main points of the SoulShift sermon series is that the reason we have failed to change our communities, country, even the world is because we are not thinking like Christ. Like Peter, we are usually not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts (Matthew 16:23). George Barna, in his book Think Like Jesus, says of the American state of mind, “It seems that Christians are more affected by society than society is affected by Christians. Why is that? Perhaps because more than nine out of every ten born-again Christians fail to think like Jesus; they think like the rest of the world, so they naturally behave like the citizens of this world, too.” It is not because they are not saved, or do not witness, or don’t try hard enough…it’s because they fail to think like Jesus. And thinking like Jesus is not something we learn by reading a book or following a program or attending a function like Lay Speaker’s Courses, Emmaus, or even worship. While each of these can help us, we must shift…we learn to think like Jesus from Jesus…by being in relationship with Jesus…by getting to know Him like we know our spouse, or children, or parents. There is no substitute for the reward of a relationship.

Does Anybody Hear Her?

Here's a video produced by the youth group from a former church of mine...so proud of each of them...and one in particular...funny though, they were in the "Kid's Club" when I was there and now in the Youth group...my how time flies! Tomorrow they'll be the leaders. Great job Jessie!

What Was I Thinking?

Ya know how when you say something you know it’s gonna come back and bite you??? On the 31^st I said I wished it would get cold…yesterday I bout froze to death! Sunday I made the remark I would be so happy for school to get started again (for the girls, not me)…okay here I sit checking math homework and trying to decipher Anna’s handwriting (some people speak in tongues, she writes in tongues!) as we memorize the presidents of the United States. Tell me God doesn’t have a sense of humor! Well, all joking aside we are getting back into our “old” routine and that is a blessing. It is nice to have a predictable routine to rely upon. It is not so nice to have a routine that we become so comfortable with that we do not want to stray from it (can you see where this is going!). Being too comfortable not only hinders growth, it prevents it. That goes for individuals and for congregations. Being so ingrained in a “tradition” (that is often not really a tradition, but a preference) can so stifle a church that its very existence is threatened. The congregation may continue to meet routinely and follow familiar ritual, but their preference for comfort can unknowingly transform a congregation from a church to a private club. Why is it we cannot find that place of balance?