Wishing You All a Happy New Year

One more post to wish you all a safe, blessed, and happy New Year.

May you enjoy these last few days of 2009 and may God bless you with the arrival of 2010.

I pray that this will be the year that you find God's will for you and your family. May you experience His goodness, kindness, mercy, and grace throughout the year. May you find strength in His promises, His answers to your prayers, and His face as you seek Him.

It has been a privilege to share another year with you. I look forward to what God will be doing in His kingdom and in you this coming year.

God Bless You.

Wishing You All A Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve is here!

On behalf of PBC and myself I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

I'm thankful that we are able to rejoice over the fact that God sent His one and only Son into the world.

Blessing, Honor, and Praise are due Him for the glorious gift of eternal life.

I look forward to sharing with you all after the holidays.

God Bless.

The Day Before the Day Before...

Can you believe it? Christmas is just a couple of days away! (I believe that I just heard some poor man screaming in the background)

I woke up with the this thought: It's the day before the day before Christmas. How much gets lost on this day? It's almost as bad as the day after Christmas. The stores are full, the highways are busy, and some of you are still trying to find that special little something.

Me? I'm done. Unless there is something somewhere that just grabs my attention, all shopping is finished. Time to sit back and mentally prepare for the next couple of days.

Do you know what is interesting about the day before the day before? It matters! Just like every other day of the year this one is significant. There is something to be done, someone to meet, and a God to serve.

Galatians 4:4-5, "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."

I truly appreciate the part that says "...when the fullness of the time had come..." This tells me that every day matters. Though it may not be "the day" it is a day that builds up to the "fullness." Every prophetic message mattered. Every marriage in His lineage mattered. The time in which He would come mattered. When God saw that everything was in place He sent an angel to a girl to tell her that she would be with child. He also sent an angel to a man to tell him that the girl he was betrothed to would be with child. The two set out on a journey and arrived in the city of David when the fullness of time had come. Jesus Christ was born in a stable when the fullness of time had come.

Don't underestimate the power of the days leading up to the fullness of time. So much could have happened. A whole lot did happen! And without those days - this day would have never came.

The psalmist asked the Lord to teach him to number his days. The reason? So that he could use every day to bring glory and honor to God.

I know that it's hard to honor Christmas when there is so much to be done. Just remember that the day before the day before matters. Use this day to honor the gift of Jesus to us. Remember that He was named Emmanuel (God with us) so that He could be our Savior (God for us).

Stupid is as Stupid does

The picture that you are looking at is one of the most intelligent animals on the face of the earth. Every year in October the quest begins for a buck like this one to hang on the wall (and fill the freezer).

However, there are 4-5 weeks out of the year that this intelligent animal gets just plain stupid. "THE RUT!" For those of you that don't deer hunt (or may not know), the rut is the time of year when does are ready to breed and every buck is ready to help. That is when this animal with a keen sense of smell, sight, and hearing forgets all of his instincts and chases does wherever they lead. When a "rutting" buck gets on the trail of a "hot" doe - WATCH OUT!

This is the time of year that most hunters get excited. Many will put out some "scent" just to lure that trophy. It's truly amazing to watch. Bucks will come in without any thought of hunters just because they are on the trail.

Unfortunately, we are too much like a buck in rut. STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES! We get our minds and hearts consumed with certain things and we lose all common sense. Marriages have been wrecked because one partner had their mind and heart on something else. Finances are destroyed because someone lost sensibility and went our spending like there was no tomorrow. Careers are ruined because the pursuit of the almighty dollar or climbing the corporate ladder put them in a position of compromising their integrity. And we (like the buck in rut) NEVER think about the consequences.

The Bible teaches us to bring every thought into the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). This is an important principle in life. If we allow ourselves to be led by our impulses, our vain thoughts, or our impure motives - we can be sure that destruction awaits us. However, if we will bring every thought into the obedience of Christ then we will be able to withstand the temptations that come our way.

STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!

There is an old saying: "If there is time to do something over then there is time to do it right the first time." I have always liked this phrase. But here's the problem with sin - We don't always get a "do-over." Certain decisions will cost you greatly and you are left to pick up the pieces all by yourself. There is always time to bring our thoughts into the obedience of Christ!

It's Christmas Break

Christmas Break is here! The kids actually got out of school a little early due to the snow that was on the way.

As I type these words the snow is falling quickly and Jenn is on her way home.

I just want to make a few comments from scripture concerning the lyrics I shared with you yesterday. According to Matthew chapter 2, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem. The reason they came? They had seen the star which told of the birth of the King of the Jews. Notice that I said "the" star rather than "a" star. Significant don't you think?

"The" star refers to the fact that "the heavens declare the glory of God..." When God decided to send His Son into the world he caused the heavens to declare the arrival. These men were so impacted by the arrival of the star that they saddled up and headed out.

I find this very interesting when you consider that many people in our culture are trying to have a Christ-less Christmas. We want to give gifts, put up decorations, and even sing some of the carols but far too many won't even say Merry Christmas. Imagine having a birthday that everyone in the world is invited to come to except YOU! That is basically how some of the people in this world handle Christmas.

I'm not here to argue whether or not Jesus was born at Christmas. However, we have set apart this time of year to celebrate His arrival. And His arrival is so very important.

Just look at the gifts that the wise men gave to commemorate the birth of the King of Kings.
Gold - for the honor that is due Him!
Frankincense - for the role of the High Priest!
Myrrh - for the One who will be placed in a tomb!

Jesus' arrival meant that God had just entered the world as a human being. It also mean that God was doing away with the current religious structure. No longer would we have to go before a high priest to offer sacrifices. He became our High Priest of a much better way! But there is one other important factor. Jesus didn't come to establish His kingdom here on earth. According to God's plan He would be the deliver of the Jewish nation - but it wouldn't come through might. Through His death on the cross Jesus paid the penalty of sin for the whole world! Now Jew & Gentile alike can be free from sin.

Not only did these wise men bring gifts but they bowed before Him and worshipped! Does the thought of Jesus coming into the world cause you to worship? It should!

I know it's Christmas break...
I know that you still have a lot to do...
I know it's snowing outside...
But go ahead and worship Him! He's worthy!
If wise men can bow down and worship a child simply because of a star in the sky - shouldn't we (having the scriptures, knowing the Gospel) do the same?

How Many Kings

Here are the lyrics for "How Many Kings" by Downhere. This song has really gripped my heart the last few days. May the Lord use it to speak to you about the gift of Jesus Christ.

"Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger

"Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?

Chorus:
"Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

"Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for

Chorus:
"How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me

"All for me
All for you
All for me
All for you"

*Remember throughout this Christmas season that Jesus didn't stay in the manger. He came to give His life for us!

Carmelita

From Max Lucado's book "God Came Near." (A great read for the Christmas season)

"The hot air hung thickly in the small cemetery chapel. Those who had fans used them to stir the stillness. It was crowded. The few chairs that had been set out were quickly taken. I found an empty corner off to one side and stood quietly, observing my first Brazilian funeral.

"On a stand in the midst of the chapel rested the coffin and body of a woman who had been killed the day before in a car accident. Her name was Dona Neusa. I knew her because she was the mother of one of our first converts, Cesar Coutinho. Beside the casket stood Cesar, his sister, other relatives, and someone very special by the mane of Carmelita.

"She was a tall woman with dark, almost black skin. On this day her dress was simple and her face solemn. She stared earnestly at the casket with deep-set brown eyes. There was something noble about the way she stood beside the body. She didn't weep openly as did the rest. Nor did she seek comfort from the other mourners. She just stood there, curiously quiet.

"The night before, I had accompanied Cesar on the delicate task of telling Carmelita that Dona Neusa had been killed. As we drove, he explained to me how Carmelita had been adopted in their family.

"Over twenty years earlier, Cesar's family had visited a small town in the interior of Brazil. There they encountered Carmelita, a seven-year-old orphan living with poverty-stricken relatives. Her mother had been a prostitute. She never knew her father. Upon seeing the child, Dona Neusa was touched. She knew that unless someone intervened, little Carmelita was doomed to a life with no love or attention. Because of Dona Neusa's compassion, Cesar and his family returned home with a new family member.

"As I stood in the funeral chapel and looked at Carmelita's face, I tried to imagine the emotions she was feeling. How her life had changed. I wondered if her mind was reliving that childhood memory of climbing into a car and driving away with a strange family. One moment she had been without love, a home, or a future; the next moment she has all three.

"My thoughts were interrupted by the noise of shuffling feet. The funeral was over and people were leaving the chapel for the burial. Because of my position in the extreme corner of the building, I was the last to leave. Or at least I thought. As I was walking out I heard a soft voice behind me. I turned and saw Carmelita weeping silently at the side of the coffin. Moved, I stood in the chapel doorway and witnessed this touching adieu. Carmelita was alone for the last time with her adopted mother. There was an earnestness in her eyes. It was as if she had one final task to perform. She didn't wail, nor did she scream with grief. She simply leaned over the casket and caressed it tenderly as if it were the face of her mother. With silent teardrops splashing on the polished wood she said repeatedly, 'Obrigada, obrigada' ('Thank you, thank you').

"A final farewell of gratitude.

"Driving home that day, I though how we, in many ways, are like Carmelita. We too were frightened orphans. We too were without tenderness or acceptance. And we too were rescued by a compassionate visitor, a generous parent who offered us a home and a name.

"Our response should be exactly that of Carmelita, a stirring response of heartfelt gratitude for our deliverance. When no one else would even give us the time of day the Son of God gave us the time of our life!

"We, too, should stand in the quiet company of Him who saved us, and weep tears of gratitude and offer words of thankfulness. For it is not our bodies that have been rescued, but our souls."

Max Lucado, "God Came Near" pp. 155-157

The Movement Continues

This is an excerpt from "He Chose the Nails" by Max Lucado.

The Movement Continues:

The belief of French philosopher Voltaire. The Bible and Christianity would pass within a hundred years. He died in 1778. The movement continues.

The pronouncement of Friedrich Nietzsche in 1882. "God is dead." The dawn of science, he believed, would be the doom of faith. Science has dawned; the movement continues.

The way a Communist dictionary defined the Bible. "It is a collection of fantastic legends without any scientific support." Communism is diminishing; the movement continues.

The discovery made by every person who has tried to bury the faith. The same as the one made by those who tried to bury its Founder: He won't stay in the tomb.

The facts. The movement has never been stronger. Over one billion Catholics and nearly as many Protestants.

The question. How do we explain it? Jesus was a backwater peasant. He never wrote a book, never held an office. He never journeyed more than two hundred miles from His hometown. Friends left Him. One betrayed Him. Those He helped forgot Him. Prior to His death they abandoned Him. But after His death they couldn't resist Him. What made the difference?

The answer. His death and resurrection.

For when He died, so did your sin.

And when He rose, so did your hope.

For when He rose, your grave was changed from a final residence to temporary housing.

The reason He did it. The face in your mirror.

The verdict after two millenniums. Herod was right: there is room for only one King.

{pages 132-133}

Thanks for Checking In!

No Blog Today - Power is out at home and I have some things that require my attention.

Thanks for checking in!

I will do my best to share with you tomorrow.

Here's some scripture to meditate upon: "With one sacrifice He made perfect forever those who are being made holy" Heb. 10:14.

Our position is secure and what God is doing in us is continual. Praise God!

Hope everyone has a great day!

"IT'LL DO" or "WE WILL DO..." CHURCHES

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

There are typically one of two attitudes prevalent in the church today. You can find "IT'LL DO" churches or "WE WILL DO..." churches. The differences between these two attitudes are striking.

Colossians 3:17, "Whatever you do, whether in work or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." This verse should be the general attitude of the church as well as the believer. Regardless of what we endeavor to do, we should give it our all. We shouldn't allow ourselves to shun responsibilities or do "just enough" to get by. We have been called to a higher standard. We have been called to give all, do all, and exert all in our efforts to advance the kingdom of God.

Here's a good breakdown of "It'll Do" churches that I received during a SBCV Pastor's Fellowship (sorry...don't have a name of the person who shared this with me:

"It'll Do churches cut corners, compromise, and take short cuts on details, such as sparkling clean restrooms, beautiful nursery facilities, a swept parking lot, nice landscaping, immaculate floors, and clean walls.

"It'll Do churches have music that is not the worst it could be, but not the best either.

"It'll Do churches have pastors who present poorly prepared messages because they have been so busy taking care of other things that they have not had time to be in the Word getting a fresh, relevant message to deliver.

"It'll Do churches react to problems instead of responding to needs.

"It'll Do churches are often critical of other churches that are attempting great things for God.

"It'll Do churches have Sunday School teachers who teach the quarterly instead of teaching the Bible in a practical way to help people face life another week.

"It'll Do churches don't invest in regular development opportunities for their lay leaders.

"It'll Do churches are content to be the size they are.

"It'll Do churches often see numbers as something unspiritual.

"It'll Do churches use the cost factor to justify why things aren't being done."

This type of attitude is very different than what Paul shared with the Corinthian church!

We should be steadfast in our commitments, immovable in our convictions, abounding in our work for the Lord, and confident in the reward of our labor. These are the attributes of a church that says "We Will Do..." (whatever it takes).

It's high time for the "sleeping giant" (the church) to wake up and make a difference in the world. However, we will never accomplish anything for the kingdom with the attitude that says "It'll Do."

"It'll Do" doesn't work when filling ministry positions, performing any type of ministry, or funding mission work. "It'll Do" doesn't work when trying to build relationships, lead people to saving faith in Christ, or making an impact in our communities. "We Will Do..." always works because the Lord is allowed the authority needed in our lives to accomplish His purpose.

Remember what Henry Blackaby says in "Experiencing God": "IT never works. He does!"

Where Do You Fit In?

This past Sunday I used a quote from Matt Redman's pastor in reference to worship. He said, "We need to become producers of worship rather than consumers." I would say that quote works for being a part of the church body as well. We should become producers within the church and not just consumers.

1 Corinthians 12:18, "But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased."

Paul's teaching to the Corinthian church applies to us today. God still sets the members within the body of Christ as He pleases. The problem we have isn't in the placement - the problem is that many don't know their place.

I was leading an "Experiencing God" study this week and we were looking at this very topic. How has God placed you in the body of Christ? What is it that God wants you to do as a member of the church? Do you believe that God has something for you to do? According to Scripture...YES!

The church (body of Christ) functions much like our human body. We have parts that are more visible and active while other parts of the body are less noticeable and less active. However, every part of the body is important. Sure, your body can function with one kidney but doesn't it work much better with two? You can still live with one eye but you won't see as well. You can function with one ear but the hearing isn't all there. There are several things that you may be able to lose and still survive but you will not function properly. When one part of our physical body shuts down or refuses to work the way that it should we will have issues. The other parts of the body must assume greater responsibilities to ensure that the body keeps functioning. The church is no different. We need every part to be healthy - active - and involved in the process.

Too many churches today are trying to function with only 10% of the body. Who can live like that? The old saying is still true today: "10% of the people are doing 90% of the work." Is it any wonder why many of our churches are anemic? Is it any wonder that the greater portion of North America is still lost without Christ? But when we as the body of Christ begin to work together we will see results!

I heard a testimony from a pastor in South Africa whom God has used greatly in radio ministry. God placed the very 1st Christian FM station in his lap. For 3 months (or better) this pastor had no issues within his church. He didn't have to do any counseling or put out any fires within the body because the church was active in the ministry that God had given them. I wonder how many churches could have avoided conflict if only they had been serving/working together.

PBC is preparing to go to two services starting in January. No doubt, this is one of the greatest challenges our body has faced. The challenge isn't that it can't be done - the challenge is ensuring that every member is bearing the load of ministry. It can be done but it will take more than the 10%.

Why has God placed you in the church that you are a member? What specific ministry does He want you to perform through His empowerment? What if...before you joined the church the pastor asked you why God has brought you here...what would you say? What if you couldn't join until you figured it out?

The time for the consumer mentality to leave the church is NOW! Church is not for entertainment. It's not to become just another social network in your life. The church is God's mission agent in the world. Have you found your place?

You could be the piece of the puzzle that makes the church complete - lacking nothing.

What Are You Sharing?

In case you haven't noticed, this weeks blog entries have followed the poll question that I'm asking. The big 3's of personal growth in the Christian life are: Prayer, Bible Reading, & Sharing Your Faith. It's natural to struggle in one of these areas. Some of us are more apt to pray, spend time in God's Word, or find it relatively easy to share our faith. However, we shouldn't neglect the others just to pursue what is easy.

There are several scripture references that we can give to support the role of personal evangelism. Evangelism should happen through the church but it should also happen in our daily lives. We can reference the Great Commission where Jesus told His followers to "Go", or we can look into the book of Acts where Jesus promised us that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us and that we would be witnesses everywhere. On top of that we cannot neglect the Scripture that teaches us to always be ready to give an answer (or defense) of the faith that lies within us. The fact of the matter is that evangelism (personal & corporate) is supported throughout God's Word and should manifest itself in our daily lives.

With all the tools at our disposal how can we neglect this?

"Share Jesus without Fear" by Bill Faye
"Way of the Master" by Ray Comfort
"Faith" which is a tool developed by Southern Baptist
"Evangelism Explosion" by James Kennedy
"The Romans Road" found in Scripture given to us from God

Do we need anything else?

If you aren't comfortable with any of these approaches have you ever tried sharing what God has done for you? Tell your salvation story. You can be like the blind man that Jesus healed. He said, "All I know is that once I was blind but now I see!" You would be amazed at how quickly and effectively God can use your story to bring others to faith in Him.

I remember a story that came from a pastor in South Carolina who took a new convert out on some witnessing trips. He had sown into this man's life all the scripture and tools that he would need. For several weeks the new convert was instructed to watch and learn. But then came the time for him to lead in the witnessing efforts. When they arrived at the 1st home this man took charge. He was fast and furious - often misquoted scripture - and missed out on all the "etiquette" that comes with sharing your faith in someones home. When he finished all of his sharing and rambling, he looked at this couple and said: "Folks, I know that I have fumbled my way through all of this. I misquoted some of the scripture that I shared with you...I know that. But just a few weeks ago I got saved. God has radically changed my life and I am here because I want you to know this same Jesus that saved me. Would you like to accept Him as your Lord and Savior?" They both said, "YES!"

Allow me to encourage you today. It really doesn't matter what technique you use. It doesn't matter if you get all the verses right. What God cannot use is your silence!

Take some time today to find those in need of the Savior. Ask God to give you the courage and boldness that you need. Then open your mouth and share. It's that easy.

Hiding His Word

Psalm 119:11, "Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."

We were rummaging through some boxes last night when Haley came across a pocket memo book that I have held onto since my college days. There is nothing impressive about the book itself - simple, black & white, & small. However, what is inside has meant the world to me. When I began walking with the Lord, I spent considerable time in His Word so that I could know more about the God I serve. When I came across verses that spoke to me I would write them down in this little book. After all these years I still have this 60 sheet pocket memo filled with 120 pages of scripture (front to back).

I love how God takes us back! Those memories are very precious to my life in Christ. I remember those days as if they just happened. A lot has changed in my life but there has been a constant source of inspiration, a rock that I could lean upon, and promises that I still claim today: God's Word. In those early days of faith this was the tool that I used to hide God's Word in my heart.

There is actually a very interesting story about the book that I was able to share with my daughter. The very first person I led to Christ was a childhood friend. God used this little booklet to open his heart to the Gospel. I had gone to the house to share with my friend. I was nervous, ill-prepared, and not even mature enough to think about grabbing a Bible. But for some reason I had this little book with me. This small token of my devotion to God's Word was used to bring my friend to saving faith! Imagine what God can do in and through us if we will but hide His Word in our hearts.

I have heard people say that they have difficulty memorizing God's Word. If I'm being honest: I don't get that! Think about all the randomly ridiculous things that we retain to memory. We remember songs, quotes from movies, commercials, etc. Most of these things we don't have to work to remember. If you are a born again believer with the Spirit of God residing in you - then memorizing God's Word shouldn't be difficult. If you ask God, by His Spirit, to help you retain His Word then it will happen. The Spirit of God is to help us by bringing to our minds the words of Jesus. All of God's precepts, His promises, and His commandments are at our disposal through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. But we need to spend some time in God's Word. If you will put it in then He will bring it out.

There is one other thing about the pocket memo that I find interesting because it shows me that even though things change, some things remain the same. On the inside cover I had written some words that were not scripture. I wrote: Walk by grace not law, Spirit not flesh, and faith not sight. Those words have guided me from my very first days as a believer until now. I'm not saying that I have perfect this but that I still try to walk by grace, empowered by the Spirit of God, in faith. But I would have never gotten to where I am today had I not taken some time to hide God's Word in my heart.

How much time are you spending in God's Word? Are you filling your life and heart with this great gift that He has given us? It's amazing to me that if you put a Bible in restricted nations that people will literally tear pages out to share with others so that it can be passed around and yet we live in a nation where we have so many different translations to choose from but we don't even pick up the one closest to us. Make it your aim, your goal today, to spend time with God in His Word. Allow Him to speak to you. And while you are at it - hide His words in your heart so that you may not sin against Him.

The God Who Answers...

"Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God..." 1 Kings 18:24

Elijah's stand against the prophets of Baal is one of my favorite accounts from Israel's history. (Notice that I didn't say story!!!) The man of God vs the false prophets. The living God vs idols. What Drama! What Power! What Faith!

I have a question for you: Can you stand in Elijah's place? What if the outcome depended upon God answering your prayers?

John Franklin, "And the Place Was Shaken", said: 'God doesn't answer prayer; He answers you.' The point of this statement isn't to destroy everything that you have been taught about prayer. The point is to get you to open your eyes to the fact that we have a relational God who answers us when we pray!

But what if I'm not seeing my prayers answered?

In regards to unanswered prayer, I would encourage you to do several things:
1) Check your motives - what drives your prayer?
2) Check your heart - any sin in your life?
3) Check your life - has God said "NO" or "WAIT"?
4) Check your circumstances - can your life handle God's answer right now?
5) Check your pulse - how passionate are you about the things you are praying for?

These are just a few points that need to be made in regards to unanswered prayer. Don't question God's ability to answer. He is All-Powerful! Don't question God's heart to answer. H is Love! However, be willing to hear something other than "YES" from time to time. God has His reasons.

But let's get back to the scripture. What if we were in Elijah's place? What if America turning back to God depended upon Him answering in fire (or some other way)? Do we have the faith to believe? Do we have the passion to pray? Do we have the willingness to labor? There was a lot of work that went into Elijah's prayer. He issued a challenge, built an altar, got things ready for a fire, drenched everything in water, and then he prayed. Too often we are looking for shortcuts to get God to answer. We don't mind prayer meeting as long as it doesn't go too long, or they don't ask me to pray, or it doesn't interfere with other plans. This list goes on (I promise).

The fact is: If we want to see our nation turn to God then the church must turn to Him as well! 2 Chronicles 7:14 teaches us this truth and yet too many churches aren't praying. Jesus said that His Father's house would be a house of prayer. Is it? Or have we turned it into a house of merchandise, house of entertainment, or a house of idolatry?

"The God who answers..." You do realize that Elijah wasn't playing fair. He served a God who answered prayer. You can take full confidence and assurance in that statement as well. God hears you when you pray and He will answer you.