Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Death of the Little Ones...
Okay, so I just finished the book "Who Moved My Cheese?" I was challenged to read this book by a girl named Samantha Hineman who went to our church. "Sammy" was such an amazing person. I did not get to know her that well just in passing at church when I saw her and her family. Sammy was confined to a wheel chair and had some health problems. Earlier this year Sammy passed away at a very young age. Her family and friends were devastated, who wouldn't be?
Just about a month ago some friends of mine from college, lost their infant son just a couple of days after his birth. I'm sure that they were and are devastated by their loss. As most of you know Courtney (my wife) and I lost one of our sons just seven days after birth. Corey Payton Long passed away on April 16, 1999.
We had no idea what to do or how to handle the situation. It was something that we had never dealt with in our lives and to be honest didn't know anyone else that had dealt with this type of loss. As parents we all feel like we should out live our children. So when a child passes away we ask the normal questions of "why?" I contacted one of my college professors and as we talked via email about some of these situations he offered a piece that he had written where he went through all of scripture and explained unfortunate events or circumstances that had happen to people in scripture. I would like to share just a short portion of what this professor had to say...
"Finally, there is John and the vision God gave him of a new heaven and earth which will replace this sin-marred and grief-stricken one. Once again God will dwell with men as in the original Paradise. Of all of John's descriptions of this glorious future God has prepared, none is more comforting than this glimpse. 'He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' Today we all say with John, 'Amen, come Lord Jesus.' Both the Old and New Testament provide a consistent message regarding the source and significance of suffering in this world. So the choice is ours. We can shake our fist in God's face or wander in a wilderness of doubt and despair. Or we can humbly accept what He has revealed and trust Him even where He hasn't given us all the insights into life's mysteries we might crave. God showed us His true character in the person of His son, Jesus. I choose to trust the God who paid the penalty for my sins and then conquered death to grant me the hope of eternal life in His presence. How about you?"
Let me say as I close that it never get's easy to watch a young child pass away. It has been just over ten-years since Corey passed away and its gotten a little easier but there are still times that I break down and weep over him. I try to remember that "to be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord" but that is sometimes easier remembered than practice. I do know that I'm hoping to seen him again one day and look forward to our reunion.
Just about a month ago some friends of mine from college, lost their infant son just a couple of days after his birth. I'm sure that they were and are devastated by their loss. As most of you know Courtney (my wife) and I lost one of our sons just seven days after birth. Corey Payton Long passed away on April 16, 1999.
We had no idea what to do or how to handle the situation. It was something that we had never dealt with in our lives and to be honest didn't know anyone else that had dealt with this type of loss. As parents we all feel like we should out live our children. So when a child passes away we ask the normal questions of "why?" I contacted one of my college professors and as we talked via email about some of these situations he offered a piece that he had written where he went through all of scripture and explained unfortunate events or circumstances that had happen to people in scripture. I would like to share just a short portion of what this professor had to say...
"Finally, there is John and the vision God gave him of a new heaven and earth which will replace this sin-marred and grief-stricken one. Once again God will dwell with men as in the original Paradise. Of all of John's descriptions of this glorious future God has prepared, none is more comforting than this glimpse. 'He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' Today we all say with John, 'Amen, come Lord Jesus.' Both the Old and New Testament provide a consistent message regarding the source and significance of suffering in this world. So the choice is ours. We can shake our fist in God's face or wander in a wilderness of doubt and despair. Or we can humbly accept what He has revealed and trust Him even where He hasn't given us all the insights into life's mysteries we might crave. God showed us His true character in the person of His son, Jesus. I choose to trust the God who paid the penalty for my sins and then conquered death to grant me the hope of eternal life in His presence. How about you?"
Let me say as I close that it never get's easy to watch a young child pass away. It has been just over ten-years since Corey passed away and its gotten a little easier but there are still times that I break down and weep over him. I try to remember that "to be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord" but that is sometimes easier remembered than practice. I do know that I'm hoping to seen him again one day and look forward to our reunion.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
"Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross"
Extreme Faith in a Time of Extreme Persecution:
Last night I was reading through my The Voice of the Martyrs magazine. This issue was all about the ministers of the gospel in Vietnam. It was entitled "Pastors on the Run". If you don't read Voice of the Martyrs trust me it's worth picking up. So, this article was all about the different people who are sharing the gospel message with the Vietnamese people even though the police continue to arrest them, fine them, and beat them. One article that really caught my eye was about a minister and his wife who were conducting a church service in a ladies home when the police came in arrest them and continued to beat them. At one point the article mentioned that they beat the ministers wife so bad that she was unconscious for quite a while.
Then this morning I get to the office and read Ester chapter 3 and was reminded of how Modecai stood up to Haman and would not bow down to him. Haman goes out and get's the king to issue a decree that Haman and his mob would go out and kill all the Jewish people and take their land. In the face of what Mordecai knew could happen for not obeying one of the kings top officials he remained faithful to his God and refused to bow down to Haman.
Maybe this is the Old Testament picture of what we see happening in so many different countries where people are not free to worship and to hear the gospel message. As I looked through picture after picture of different people being beaten and arrested in Vietnam I couldn't help but wonder and pray that God would give me that much faith. Maybe today you and I need to take a hard look at our faith and who we are and ask ourselves if we are willing to be faithful unto death so we might receive the crown of life?
As I finish I thought of this old hymn and I know we don't use hymnals that much if any anymore but I believe that there are some very powerful hymns with great meaning as well as some of the praise choruses that we sing today.
"Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The strife will not be long; This day the noise of battle, The next, the victor's song: To Him that overcometh, A crown of life shall be: He with the King of glory shall reign eternally."
Last night I was reading through my The Voice of the Martyrs magazine. This issue was all about the ministers of the gospel in Vietnam. It was entitled "Pastors on the Run". If you don't read Voice of the Martyrs trust me it's worth picking up. So, this article was all about the different people who are sharing the gospel message with the Vietnamese people even though the police continue to arrest them, fine them, and beat them. One article that really caught my eye was about a minister and his wife who were conducting a church service in a ladies home when the police came in arrest them and continued to beat them. At one point the article mentioned that they beat the ministers wife so bad that she was unconscious for quite a while.
Then this morning I get to the office and read Ester chapter 3 and was reminded of how Modecai stood up to Haman and would not bow down to him. Haman goes out and get's the king to issue a decree that Haman and his mob would go out and kill all the Jewish people and take their land. In the face of what Mordecai knew could happen for not obeying one of the kings top officials he remained faithful to his God and refused to bow down to Haman.
Maybe this is the Old Testament picture of what we see happening in so many different countries where people are not free to worship and to hear the gospel message. As I looked through picture after picture of different people being beaten and arrested in Vietnam I couldn't help but wonder and pray that God would give me that much faith. Maybe today you and I need to take a hard look at our faith and who we are and ask ourselves if we are willing to be faithful unto death so we might receive the crown of life?
As I finish I thought of this old hymn and I know we don't use hymnals that much if any anymore but I believe that there are some very powerful hymns with great meaning as well as some of the praise choruses that we sing today.
"Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The strife will not be long; This day the noise of battle, The next, the victor's song: To Him that overcometh, A crown of life shall be: He with the King of glory shall reign eternally."
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Where Your Money is ther your heart will be also.
Let me first say that I am no expert on money, as you will see very shortly. Money is a very tricky thing, it seems as if the more money that you have the more money that you want. I really don't understand this concept which is maybe why I can never save any money. As a leader in the Church I don't look at this as a good trait to have, Lord knows if I could figure out how to get my finances on track I believe that my life would be a lot less stressful.
Why is it that we feel that we must get up in the morning and put on expensive clothing, to walk out of our huge homes, to get in our fancy car, to drive to Starbucks and pay five dollars for a ten-cent cup of coffee, to work at who knows what job, to get back into our fancy car and stop by Starbucks to have something to drink on the way home, to come home and relax in front of our 52" flat screen LCD TV, which is hooked up to the cable with every channel imaginable, and even if we missed something during the day we could probably find it on our DVR. If that was not enough entertainment then we could listen to our XM radio, or play Xbox Live because we all know that we can't have a home that does not have high speed internet access. Oh, did I mention that if one person in the family is doing this in the living room that I'm sure everyone else could probably just go to another room in the house and do those same things if not more.
Please do not take this the wrong way, most of what was mentioned above is from my very own home. The point is this, that with all that we have sometimes we feel as if we are poorest people on the planet because we don't have some of the same things that other people have. At no point did God say that the things listed above were necessary for life. I read the first two chapters of Esther this morning and couldn't help but to see how the Queen at first had it all they had this huge celebration going on and people were eating and drinking and have a great time. But if you will remember it wasn't but a couple of days from which the queen was gone and Esther was in enjoying that lifestyle. I've seen this exact same thing happen in my life over and over again. Just when I believe that I have arrived and have everything that I could ask for or imagine it gets taken away because God is keeping my humble, and due to poor choices I have made in the past. This also goes the other way thankfully, that when I believe that I can't make another payment or pay for anything else, God provides just what I need and often times a little extra.
My advice for today keep your head up and keep working hard, because who knows you may just be sitting and eating with the KING tomorrow.
Why is it that we feel that we must get up in the morning and put on expensive clothing, to walk out of our huge homes, to get in our fancy car, to drive to Starbucks and pay five dollars for a ten-cent cup of coffee, to work at who knows what job, to get back into our fancy car and stop by Starbucks to have something to drink on the way home, to come home and relax in front of our 52" flat screen LCD TV, which is hooked up to the cable with every channel imaginable, and even if we missed something during the day we could probably find it on our DVR. If that was not enough entertainment then we could listen to our XM radio, or play Xbox Live because we all know that we can't have a home that does not have high speed internet access. Oh, did I mention that if one person in the family is doing this in the living room that I'm sure everyone else could probably just go to another room in the house and do those same things if not more.
Please do not take this the wrong way, most of what was mentioned above is from my very own home. The point is this, that with all that we have sometimes we feel as if we are poorest people on the planet because we don't have some of the same things that other people have. At no point did God say that the things listed above were necessary for life. I read the first two chapters of Esther this morning and couldn't help but to see how the Queen at first had it all they had this huge celebration going on and people were eating and drinking and have a great time. But if you will remember it wasn't but a couple of days from which the queen was gone and Esther was in enjoying that lifestyle. I've seen this exact same thing happen in my life over and over again. Just when I believe that I have arrived and have everything that I could ask for or imagine it gets taken away because God is keeping my humble, and due to poor choices I have made in the past. This also goes the other way thankfully, that when I believe that I can't make another payment or pay for anything else, God provides just what I need and often times a little extra.
My advice for today keep your head up and keep working hard, because who knows you may just be sitting and eating with the KING tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Right or Wrong??????
1 John 1:5-2:2
Over the next several days I'm going to read through first, second, and third John.
What an amazing passage today. John gives us this picture that says that if you are affiliated with the light how can we continue to practice in spiritual darkness.
1 John 1:6&7(NLT)--"So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."
It's very funny that in a world where we continue to push the limits on everything, John is very clear on his message that there is definitely a right and a wrong. John says that we cannot continue to practice spiritual darkness and claim to walk in the light it just cannot be. The disheartening part of this passage is verse 10--"If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts." You and I already knew that we were guilty of sin or at least I hope that you did. John makes it very clear that (Romans 3:23 "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.") The great part is 1 John 2:2--"He himself (Jesus) is the sacrifice that atones for our sins--and not only our sins but the sins of all the world." What a powerful message to realize that we have fallen short of God but that because of Jesus you and I are able to walk into the light with confidence. I'm joyful because I can read this next verse that I'm going to share with you but that this is also my thankful prayer to God today.
Romans 5:21--"So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Over the next several days I'm going to read through first, second, and third John.
What an amazing passage today. John gives us this picture that says that if you are affiliated with the light how can we continue to practice in spiritual darkness.
1 John 1:6&7(NLT)--"So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."
It's very funny that in a world where we continue to push the limits on everything, John is very clear on his message that there is definitely a right and a wrong. John says that we cannot continue to practice spiritual darkness and claim to walk in the light it just cannot be. The disheartening part of this passage is verse 10--"If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts." You and I already knew that we were guilty of sin or at least I hope that you did. John makes it very clear that (Romans 3:23 "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.") The great part is 1 John 2:2--"He himself (Jesus) is the sacrifice that atones for our sins--and not only our sins but the sins of all the world." What a powerful message to realize that we have fallen short of God but that because of Jesus you and I are able to walk into the light with confidence. I'm joyful because I can read this next verse that I'm going to share with you but that this is also my thankful prayer to God today.
Romans 5:21--"So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Freedom to Worship
Okay, I know it's been a long time since I was able to update this but I sent the kids back to school today and have a little extra free time to keep up with this, so I hope that you will begin to read, enjoy, and be challenged. I will start making videos again tomorrow but today you will actually have to read, I know this is disappointing but stick with me I will make it easier.
I have been reading a lot of stuff from "The Voice of the Martyrs" website and their magazine. I must say that it has had a tremendous impact on me to this point. This month they are featuring an article "CHINA: Can't Block the TRUTH" by Dr. Tom White. He goes through to explain how some of the Christians were meeting in homes and the Public Security Bureau (who is in charge of making sure there is no christian worship) found a home where Christians were gathered and worshiping. Dr. Tom White notes that usually they are not able to report stuff like this but the Chinese government was more than happy to post on their government website that they had found these worshipers and arrested the two people who lived at the house along with destroying all of the literature that had to do with Christ.
I wish that I could post the picture that was in the magazine but it is not online and I don't have a scanner, but let me try to explain it for you. Five Chinese people have escaped away into the country side dug a pit that is ankle deep and brought water in to fill the trench in order to baptize a young lady.
My first thought is it's amazing to see the lengths people go to in oppressed nation to be baptized, and in America? People will argue about the necessity of baptism.
My second thought is we Americans take our freedom way to lightly. We don't have to sneak around from house to house to worship, we have the freedom to worship any day and any time we want to, without the fear of being arrested and killed for our faith. Yet on any given Sunday there are always seats empty while others are literally dieing to hear the same message that some of us decided that we didn't need to hear this week because something more important was going on.
Sorry, I will get off my soap box. Reading some of this stuff has really given me a whole new perspective. Maybe today thank God for the freedom you have to worship and ask forgiveness for the wasted opportunities that you have let pass by, it was a huge eye opener to ME!!
I have been reading a lot of stuff from "The Voice of the Martyrs" website and their magazine. I must say that it has had a tremendous impact on me to this point. This month they are featuring an article "CHINA: Can't Block the TRUTH" by Dr. Tom White. He goes through to explain how some of the Christians were meeting in homes and the Public Security Bureau (who is in charge of making sure there is no christian worship) found a home where Christians were gathered and worshiping. Dr. Tom White notes that usually they are not able to report stuff like this but the Chinese government was more than happy to post on their government website that they had found these worshipers and arrested the two people who lived at the house along with destroying all of the literature that had to do with Christ.
I wish that I could post the picture that was in the magazine but it is not online and I don't have a scanner, but let me try to explain it for you. Five Chinese people have escaped away into the country side dug a pit that is ankle deep and brought water in to fill the trench in order to baptize a young lady.
My first thought is it's amazing to see the lengths people go to in oppressed nation to be baptized, and in America? People will argue about the necessity of baptism.
My second thought is we Americans take our freedom way to lightly. We don't have to sneak around from house to house to worship, we have the freedom to worship any day and any time we want to, without the fear of being arrested and killed for our faith. Yet on any given Sunday there are always seats empty while others are literally dieing to hear the same message that some of us decided that we didn't need to hear this week because something more important was going on.
Sorry, I will get off my soap box. Reading some of this stuff has really given me a whole new perspective. Maybe today thank God for the freedom you have to worship and ask forgiveness for the wasted opportunities that you have let pass by, it was a huge eye opener to ME!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
What's Up
Life has been really busy. Sorry I have not posted any new videos lately. I promise I will get back to doing them. The summer is extremely busy, I believe that all of you know how that goes. Let me leave you just a few things that have been going on at church (Lake Christian Church).
We just started going through the entire Bible in 90 days, it has been really cool to this point. We also launched a new web site that is completely interactive and allows people to get connected to anything in our church directly from the web, you should check it out. www.lakechristianchurch.org
Well that is all for now I will
We just started going through the entire Bible in 90 days, it has been really cool to this point. We also launched a new web site that is completely interactive and allows people to get connected to anything in our church directly from the web, you should check it out. www.lakechristianchurch.org
Well that is all for now I will
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Barnabas
Hebrews 11:24--"He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord."
I have been reading this book called the "11 indispensable relationships you can't be without". So today I read about Barnabas and how we all need a Barnabas, someone to encourage us and we all need to be a Barnabas to someone else. Here is the part that Got me, the author talks about being a spontaneous Barnabas. The author says these words--"In fact, one of my most favorite spiritual practices is to dedicate at least one day a week to being a spontaneous Barnabas to every person I meet that day."--Leonard Sweet.
Wow, what a challenge for us to try and encourage someone else in our every day lives. I can think of many times in my life where I just need someone to look at me and say "don't give up". I believe that we all have points in our lives where we need people to encourage us. I believe that is what made Barnabas' gift of encouragement so valuable. He knew when people needed to be encouraged and lifted up, especially in ministry. Look again at what the book of Hebrews says (at the top). If that same line could be said about you and I, what a testimony that would be.
So tonight I want to tell you all who will read this keep up the good work and don't give up. To God be the Glory!!
Later,
I have been reading this book called the "11 indispensable relationships you can't be without". So today I read about Barnabas and how we all need a Barnabas, someone to encourage us and we all need to be a Barnabas to someone else. Here is the part that Got me, the author talks about being a spontaneous Barnabas. The author says these words--"In fact, one of my most favorite spiritual practices is to dedicate at least one day a week to being a spontaneous Barnabas to every person I meet that day."--Leonard Sweet.
Wow, what a challenge for us to try and encourage someone else in our every day lives. I can think of many times in my life where I just need someone to look at me and say "don't give up". I believe that we all have points in our lives where we need people to encourage us. I believe that is what made Barnabas' gift of encouragement so valuable. He knew when people needed to be encouraged and lifted up, especially in ministry. Look again at what the book of Hebrews says (at the top). If that same line could be said about you and I, what a testimony that would be.
So tonight I want to tell you all who will read this keep up the good work and don't give up. To God be the Glory!!
Later,
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Where Have You been!
Sorry I have not added a post in a couple of days I have been busy packing to go out of town this week. I am currently in NC. I will be on later as I do not want to be rude to my guest. So make sure that you check back later for my entry for today, unfortunately it will not be a video post but I will write a post tonight!
Later,
Later,
Monday, April 20, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The God of Today, Tomorrow, and the Next Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUdb2C6k-tY&feature=email
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
God Loves Even You or Me
Joshua 6
As I continue to read through the book of Joshua, the work of the Israelites, the work of Joshua, and more importantly the work of God continue to amaze me. In Joshua chapter 6 God gives Joshua the orders to march around the city of Jericho and on the seventh day march around the city seven times, have the priest blow their horns, and have the people shout and the walls will fall down and the Israelites will be able to take everything in Jericho. Let us not forget that Rahab the PROSTITUTE (who hid the spies) still lives in Jericho. Isn't that funny that's the way that we sometimes view Rahab or other people who are caught in sin. Yeah I mean we view them capitalized and in bold type, like they are some type of disease. Yet we fail to realize that we have our own disease that continually hold us back from doing what God called us to do. Let me remind you what Joshua 6:24,25 say.
Joshua 6:24,25--"Then the Israelites burned the town and everything in it. Only the things made fro silver, gold, bronze, or iron were kept for the treasury of the LORD"S house. So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day."
Rahb is also mentioned in Hebrews 11:30-31--"It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down. It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies."
The plain fact is both you and I have sin in our lives but by faith we can be heros of the faith as well!
IN HIM <><
As I continue to read through the book of Joshua, the work of the Israelites, the work of Joshua, and more importantly the work of God continue to amaze me. In Joshua chapter 6 God gives Joshua the orders to march around the city of Jericho and on the seventh day march around the city seven times, have the priest blow their horns, and have the people shout and the walls will fall down and the Israelites will be able to take everything in Jericho. Let us not forget that Rahab the PROSTITUTE (who hid the spies) still lives in Jericho. Isn't that funny that's the way that we sometimes view Rahab or other people who are caught in sin. Yeah I mean we view them capitalized and in bold type, like they are some type of disease. Yet we fail to realize that we have our own disease that continually hold us back from doing what God called us to do. Let me remind you what Joshua 6:24,25 say.
Joshua 6:24,25--"Then the Israelites burned the town and everything in it. Only the things made fro silver, gold, bronze, or iron were kept for the treasury of the LORD"S house. So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day."
Rahb is also mentioned in Hebrews 11:30-31--"It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down. It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies."
The plain fact is both you and I have sin in our lives but by faith we can be heros of the faith as well!
IN HIM <><
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Leadership
Joshua 3 & 4
Ok, this little thought is for those in Church leadership or any type of leadership. So to my friends who follow this I hope that this helps. Joshua remember from yesterday is trying to fill the leadership shoes of Moses, which I must say are pretty big SHOES ("mama said, these were my running shoes"*Thanks Forest*). Joshua chapter 3 God is giving Joshua a message to lead the Israelites across the Jordan river, which must have seemed impossible with having to carry the Ark of the Covenant and getting all those people across a river which was flowing out of its banks at the time. Here is where I found Joshua becoming a great leader in the eyes of the Lord and how you and I can be the leaders like we see in the scripture, the leaders or heros of the faith like we see in Hebrews 11.
Joshua 3:7--"The LORD told Joshua, Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as i was with Moses."(NLT)
God tells Joshua that He (the LORD) is going to make Joshua a great leader not that there is anything spectacular that Joshua can do to make himself a great leader. It will take some hard work for Joshua to continue to listen to what the LORD is saying to him but God is the one who is going to really make Joshua a true leader of the faith. This would only come if Joshua would do what the Lord told him to do, which he did.
I believe that sometimes we fall into this mindset that says, "God needs me". Let me just say that I realize that God does not need me, the truth is probably that God could get a lot more done with out me, or if I would get out of HIS way. A few months ago I read a book called "Experiencing LeaderShift" by Don Cousins. If you have not read a good leadership book in a while this one is great. He calls our problem of believing that God needs us "Serving Heresy 1: God Needs Help" He goes on to make this statement which I believe is vital to this thought, "We do make a critical difference in accomplishing this work. But the key is this: God gives us this opportunity to be difference makers for our blessing."
Joshua 4:14--"That day the LORD made Joshua a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites, and for the rest of his life they revered him as much as they had revered Moses." (NLT)
Joshua did what God called him to do, Joshua became a great leader, he was able to fill the shoes of Moses, and because of that Joshua received the blessing for leading the way God called him to lead.
Later,
Ok, this little thought is for those in Church leadership or any type of leadership. So to my friends who follow this I hope that this helps. Joshua remember from yesterday is trying to fill the leadership shoes of Moses, which I must say are pretty big SHOES ("mama said, these were my running shoes"*Thanks Forest*). Joshua chapter 3 God is giving Joshua a message to lead the Israelites across the Jordan river, which must have seemed impossible with having to carry the Ark of the Covenant and getting all those people across a river which was flowing out of its banks at the time. Here is where I found Joshua becoming a great leader in the eyes of the Lord and how you and I can be the leaders like we see in the scripture, the leaders or heros of the faith like we see in Hebrews 11.
Joshua 3:7--"The LORD told Joshua, Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as i was with Moses."(NLT)
God tells Joshua that He (the LORD) is going to make Joshua a great leader not that there is anything spectacular that Joshua can do to make himself a great leader. It will take some hard work for Joshua to continue to listen to what the LORD is saying to him but God is the one who is going to really make Joshua a true leader of the faith. This would only come if Joshua would do what the Lord told him to do, which he did.
I believe that sometimes we fall into this mindset that says, "God needs me". Let me just say that I realize that God does not need me, the truth is probably that God could get a lot more done with out me, or if I would get out of HIS way. A few months ago I read a book called "Experiencing LeaderShift" by Don Cousins. If you have not read a good leadership book in a while this one is great. He calls our problem of believing that God needs us "Serving Heresy 1: God Needs Help" He goes on to make this statement which I believe is vital to this thought, "We do make a critical difference in accomplishing this work. But the key is this: God gives us this opportunity to be difference makers for our blessing."
Joshua 4:14--"That day the LORD made Joshua a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites, and for the rest of his life they revered him as much as they had revered Moses." (NLT)
Joshua did what God called him to do, Joshua became a great leader, he was able to fill the shoes of Moses, and because of that Joshua received the blessing for leading the way God called him to lead.
Later,
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Passionate about God's Word
The first video was from yesterday. Today's theme is being passionate about reading God's word and spending time with God daily. Scripture: Joshua 1:6-9 (NLT)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Are You Going to Win an Oscar?
Matthew 6:1--"Be especially careful when you are tying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding."(The Message)
I couldn't hep but write this after reading this verse today! With all the talk about the Academy Awards or Oscars or (maybe there the same thing) as you can tell it's not like I'm a big awards guy. No, I didn't watch them on TV never have and probably never will, I don't like any of those award things! The part that really stood out to me was how the media covers these types of events. The next morning the media talks for hours about who wore what designer dress and what they looked like on the red carpet all the while completely neglecting to say anything about who won the award (which was the purpose of being there and dressed up in the first place).
As I sit here I can think of all the things that I/we make a performance out of. I see in todays' church we make a performance out of our worship (sometimes) but more importantly we make a performance out of our everyday lives. I believe that we all are good actors from time to time, but I believe that realizing and admitting to God that we know that we are acting is what God really wants us to do. It's when we think that we have everyone fooled including God that our performance really gets us in trouble.
It's very funny that the very things that the world looks at, such as who had the most expensive dress clothes and who did what. Is the very thing that God says he is not concerned about at all. Where the world continues to be outwardly focused, God continues to focus internally. If we continue to be the people that God has called us to be, then one day we will receive the reward of all rewards!
IN HIM,
I couldn't hep but write this after reading this verse today! With all the talk about the Academy Awards or Oscars or (maybe there the same thing) as you can tell it's not like I'm a big awards guy. No, I didn't watch them on TV never have and probably never will, I don't like any of those award things! The part that really stood out to me was how the media covers these types of events. The next morning the media talks for hours about who wore what designer dress and what they looked like on the red carpet all the while completely neglecting to say anything about who won the award (which was the purpose of being there and dressed up in the first place).
As I sit here I can think of all the things that I/we make a performance out of. I see in todays' church we make a performance out of our worship (sometimes) but more importantly we make a performance out of our everyday lives. I believe that we all are good actors from time to time, but I believe that realizing and admitting to God that we know that we are acting is what God really wants us to do. It's when we think that we have everyone fooled including God that our performance really gets us in trouble.
It's very funny that the very things that the world looks at, such as who had the most expensive dress clothes and who did what. Is the very thing that God says he is not concerned about at all. Where the world continues to be outwardly focused, God continues to focus internally. If we continue to be the people that God has called us to be, then one day we will receive the reward of all rewards!
IN HIM,
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Ruled by Society?
James 2:1-4--"My dear friends, don't let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. IF a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, 'Sit here sir; this is the best seat in the house!' and either ignore the street person or say, 'Better sit here in the back row,' haven't you segregated God's children and proved that you are judges who can't be trusted?" (The Message).
Here is where I'm going with this. "don't let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith." I have heard lots of comments made over the past couple of months from people like "why did you use that version of the Bible?" to "I believe you could be a really good preacher if you stopped joking around so much?" or "why did you do that event?" Listen I believe that I have prayed over every event and message that I am a part of. I also believe that God gave me a since of humor to laugh. I believe for far to long we have allowed "public opinion" dictate the way that we "live out our glorious Christ-originated faith." I guess today's thought is more of a warning in a warning. First if someone brings something to your attention don't just turn your nose up at it, ask yourself have you prayed about this and feel this is really what God is asking you to do? The second thing is once you have prayed and spent time with God about something you are trying to do in your life, don't let others diminish the power of God, and therefore keep you from living out out the "glorious, Christ-originated faith" that God has given to all of us!
IN HIM <><
Here is where I'm going with this. "don't let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith." I have heard lots of comments made over the past couple of months from people like "why did you use that version of the Bible?" to "I believe you could be a really good preacher if you stopped joking around so much?" or "why did you do that event?" Listen I believe that I have prayed over every event and message that I am a part of. I also believe that God gave me a since of humor to laugh. I believe for far to long we have allowed "public opinion" dictate the way that we "live out our glorious Christ-originated faith." I guess today's thought is more of a warning in a warning. First if someone brings something to your attention don't just turn your nose up at it, ask yourself have you prayed about this and feel this is really what God is asking you to do? The second thing is once you have prayed and spent time with God about something you are trying to do in your life, don't let others diminish the power of God, and therefore keep you from living out out the "glorious, Christ-originated faith" that God has given to all of us!
IN HIM <><
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Repurpose
1 Corinthians 5:1-5 (Read this for more thought later)
I have been preaching the last four weeks about repurposing our lives. I thought that this would make a great blog entry as it means something a little bit different for me each and everyday.
First have you heard of this whole repurpose movement? Here is what it does, it takes something old and makes something completely different out of it, you give it a new purpose! You might take an old pair of jeans and make them into a pocket book. You might take a cool tea kettle and make it into a flower planter.
As I continue to think about this I believe that it is time that we repurpose our lives back to God and His word. I realize that we have had God's word for a long time but for a long time it just sits on our shelves and looks pretty collecting dust! Why not repurpose God's word for it's original purpose to get to know the creator of the universe? How can you and I expect to be the people that God called us to be if we don't know him? It's time that we took some time daily and read God's word and spend some time with him on a daily basis. We need to repurpose our lives.
Psalm 119:9-16--"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might no sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me you decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."
Can you make that your prayer starting today for the rest of your life?
I have been preaching the last four weeks about repurposing our lives. I thought that this would make a great blog entry as it means something a little bit different for me each and everyday.
First have you heard of this whole repurpose movement? Here is what it does, it takes something old and makes something completely different out of it, you give it a new purpose! You might take an old pair of jeans and make them into a pocket book. You might take a cool tea kettle and make it into a flower planter.
As I continue to think about this I believe that it is time that we repurpose our lives back to God and His word. I realize that we have had God's word for a long time but for a long time it just sits on our shelves and looks pretty collecting dust! Why not repurpose God's word for it's original purpose to get to know the creator of the universe? How can you and I expect to be the people that God called us to be if we don't know him? It's time that we took some time daily and read God's word and spend some time with him on a daily basis. We need to repurpose our lives.
Psalm 119:9-16--"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might no sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me you decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."
Can you make that your prayer starting today for the rest of your life?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Silent
Job 2
Have you ever read Job chapter 2? It starts by God telling Satan how great his servant Job is. Then Satan is allowed to take away the health of Job. He is attacked with sores, ulcers and scabs from head to toe. Can you imagine what that must have been like? The part that really amazes me is this Job 2:11-13
Job 2:11-13 (The Message)--"Three of Job's friends heard of all the trouble that had fallen on him. Each traveled from his own country--Eliphaz from Teman, Bildad from Shuhah, Zophar from Naamath--and went together to Job to keep him company and comfort him. When they first caught sight of him, they couldn't believe what they saw--they hardly recognized him! They cried out in lament, ripped their robes, and dumped dirt on their heads as a sign of their grief. Then they sat with him on the ground. Seven days and night they sat there without saying a word. They could see how rotten he felt, how deeply he was suffering."
Have you ever been in a difficult situation and people tried to tell you that they knew what you were going through? I believe as humans we feel as if we need to say something in times of anguish to let the hurting party know we care. This is not what we see in the example of Job's friends. They sat for seven days and night and didn't say a thing, they were SILENT! I know they wanted to say something to Job but they also knew that no words could express the pain that they felt for their friend. Let this be an example to you, the next time someone you know is in a difficult situation try just being there as a comfort. Sometimes people want us to just shut up and sit silent.
Have you ever read Job chapter 2? It starts by God telling Satan how great his servant Job is. Then Satan is allowed to take away the health of Job. He is attacked with sores, ulcers and scabs from head to toe. Can you imagine what that must have been like? The part that really amazes me is this Job 2:11-13
Job 2:11-13 (The Message)--"Three of Job's friends heard of all the trouble that had fallen on him. Each traveled from his own country--Eliphaz from Teman, Bildad from Shuhah, Zophar from Naamath--and went together to Job to keep him company and comfort him. When they first caught sight of him, they couldn't believe what they saw--they hardly recognized him! They cried out in lament, ripped their robes, and dumped dirt on their heads as a sign of their grief. Then they sat with him on the ground. Seven days and night they sat there without saying a word. They could see how rotten he felt, how deeply he was suffering."
Have you ever been in a difficult situation and people tried to tell you that they knew what you were going through? I believe as humans we feel as if we need to say something in times of anguish to let the hurting party know we care. This is not what we see in the example of Job's friends. They sat for seven days and night and didn't say a thing, they were SILENT! I know they wanted to say something to Job but they also knew that no words could express the pain that they felt for their friend. Let this be an example to you, the next time someone you know is in a difficult situation try just being there as a comfort. Sometimes people want us to just shut up and sit silent.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Lured Away
I just looked at this blog today and realized that it has been a really long time since I wrote anything. My goal is to write something every couple of days if you know me please hold me accountable on this!
I looked at this passage this morning for my personal time:
2 Cor. 11:1-3(The Message)--"Will you put up with a little foolishness aside from me? Please, just for a moment. The thing that has me so upset is that I care about you so much--this is the passion of God burning inside me! I promised your hand in marriage to Christ, presented you as a pure virgin to her husband. And now I'm afraid that exactly as the Snake seduced Eve with his smooth patter, you are being lured away from the simple purity of you love for Christ."
I'm so afraid that in life I'm continually lured away by Satan to leave the very things that God has called me to. It's seems like such a battle sometimes to do the very things that I should do. I guess this is the same way that Paul felt as well. It just doesn't make since sometimes. I have come to the conclusion that I don't know why God chose me to do His work and I don't know why He continues to allow me to work for Him, but it's time that I showed some obedience and trust in Him. It's time that I started living each day with passion and purpose and forget about the small things in life. It seems that the small things that really have no meaning at all, like what someone says to you just trying to be hateful or what people do to you just trying to pull you down, you and I should hold our head up high as the Bride that was prepared for Christ for "such a time as this"!
I looked at this passage this morning for my personal time:
2 Cor. 11:1-3(The Message)--"Will you put up with a little foolishness aside from me? Please, just for a moment. The thing that has me so upset is that I care about you so much--this is the passion of God burning inside me! I promised your hand in marriage to Christ, presented you as a pure virgin to her husband. And now I'm afraid that exactly as the Snake seduced Eve with his smooth patter, you are being lured away from the simple purity of you love for Christ."
I'm so afraid that in life I'm continually lured away by Satan to leave the very things that God has called me to. It's seems like such a battle sometimes to do the very things that I should do. I guess this is the same way that Paul felt as well. It just doesn't make since sometimes. I have come to the conclusion that I don't know why God chose me to do His work and I don't know why He continues to allow me to work for Him, but it's time that I showed some obedience and trust in Him. It's time that I started living each day with passion and purpose and forget about the small things in life. It seems that the small things that really have no meaning at all, like what someone says to you just trying to be hateful or what people do to you just trying to pull you down, you and I should hold our head up high as the Bride that was prepared for Christ for "such a time as this"!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)