What are you doing?
No blog on Sunday - you need to go to church if you want to hear a message.
Have a great day.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
What I Want to Be
"I want to be a police officer!"
"I want to be a dentist!"
"I want to be a teacher!"
"I want to be a race car driver!"
"I want to be a veterinarian!"
I remember those days don't you? Someone would ask us what we wanted to be when we grow up and we would share our biggest dreams. It's all a part of being a kid.
I was dropping my kids off at school today, listening to some Switchfoot - "This is Your Life", and started thinking hard about the question in the song, "Are you who you wanna be?" I would love to hear the statistics that share the percentage of Americans today who are working in a career that they did not study or train for. In other words - how many doctors are doing something else with their lives? Or better yet, how many Americans went to school for a particular degree and came out with a different one. I know that I'm one of them. I went to school for Sports Medicine. I was very passionate about sports but just not good enough to go to the next level. So I figured that if I couldn't play college or pro ball that I would get paid to sit on the bench as a trainer. However, God had different ideas, and after my first year of college called me to preach. That summer I changed schools, changed career choices, and changed my future.
This morning has me wondering how many of our kids are saying, "I want to be a preacher when I grow up", or "I want to be a missionary"? I don't think we hear it as often as we used too. I remember professors who shared about a calling at the age of 8, or classmates in Bible College who would share about a calling at the age of 12. The point I'm trying to make is that we don't seem to hear stories like that quite as often. I wonder why? Are we making the ministry of the gospel that unattractive or does it simply show us the attitude of our culture toward Christianity? I wonder how many parents (even those in the church) pray that their kids will enter into some kind of ministry?
I must say that I know of no greater fulfillment than to live in the calling which God has given me. I pray for my kids daily that they will serve the Lord, share the gospel, and draw closer to God. And I also pray that God would lead both of them into some type of ministry. Why? Because I want my kids the know the joy of serving the Lord with their lives. I remember when my son was just a baby and I would place both feet in my hands and pray over him or bless him with beautiful feet. I'm sure that sounds crazy but scripture says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace..." Rom. 10:15.
Here's what I think: Raise your kids to live by Matt. 6:33 and the rest will take care of itself. Teach your children that honoring the Lord with their lives is the greatest thing they could ever do. They can honor him as doctors, lawyers, cowboys, trash collectors, or bankers. You just have to show them the way. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things shall be added to you." It's not about what I want to be but rather what He wants me to be.
God bless.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
You Don't Because You Won't
James 4:2, "...you do not have because you do not ask."
I feel like ranting for a little while today. It's not because I'm in a bad mood but rather that I have something on my heart that I want to talk about. And what I want to talk about is prayer.
First of all, I just want to say that if anyone understood the importance of prayer it was James. James was the half-brother of Jesus. As an Apostle he became known as "camel knees" due to his time spent in prayer. However, while Jesus was alive he was in disbelief about who is brother really was. I tend to think that James (being human) beat himself up a lot about his life before accepting Christ. Think about it: Your brother is the Messiah and you missed it! Think about the questions he could have asked or insights into the realities of God that he could have gained. Don't you think that had to be one of the reasons he spent so much time talking to his Heavenly Father? The point is that James knew what prayer could accomplish. He knew about the importance of prayer. And he knew first hand that you don't have because you don't ask.
This is a strong message for the church today. Do you want to know why many of our churches struggle for relevance in today's world? It's because they don't ask. Do you ever wonder why many of our churches are caught up in struggles for peace within rather than victory without? It's because they don't ask. Do you know why many of our churches are more concerned about budgets, programs, worship styles, etc. rather than souls? It's because they don't ask. We have found a way to bypass prayer (so we think) and still accomplish some sort of success, however the power of God is not manifested in our services. Unfortunately this is a growing trend in our churches, our membership, and even our leadership. We do not have because we do not ask.
Churches can have meeting after meeting, special events, potluck fellowships and the like, with great attendance, but as soon as a prayer meeting is called, where are the masses? They must have eaten so much at the last fellowship that they are too sleepy to come out and pray with one another. This may sound sad - but you can have a bean supper at some churches and get longer lasting results than some prayer meetings. Why? Because we do not ask!!!
Listen folks, prayer is all about intimacy with God. Prayer is what fuels the church to accomplish all that God has for us. Prayer is more important than a church budget, church vision, church staff, and whatever else we can place on our priority list. A church can have the best laid plans but without prayer she will accomplish nothing. We need to see a revival of prayer within our churches. We need to swith our focus from being "purpose driven" to being prayer driven. We must remember that the Word of God teaches us in Zechariah 4:6 that it's not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit.
I have to wonder how long it will take (what it will take) before we see churches become houses of prayer again. When will we see record attendance for prayer gatherings over worship services, business meetings, or concerts? The church has to overcome our entertainment mentality and focus upon the lasting results of prayer. We do not have because we do not ask. Or in my own words: We don't because we won't.
May God help us to be mighty men and women of prayer.
Shalom.
I feel like ranting for a little while today. It's not because I'm in a bad mood but rather that I have something on my heart that I want to talk about. And what I want to talk about is prayer.
First of all, I just want to say that if anyone understood the importance of prayer it was James. James was the half-brother of Jesus. As an Apostle he became known as "camel knees" due to his time spent in prayer. However, while Jesus was alive he was in disbelief about who is brother really was. I tend to think that James (being human) beat himself up a lot about his life before accepting Christ. Think about it: Your brother is the Messiah and you missed it! Think about the questions he could have asked or insights into the realities of God that he could have gained. Don't you think that had to be one of the reasons he spent so much time talking to his Heavenly Father? The point is that James knew what prayer could accomplish. He knew about the importance of prayer. And he knew first hand that you don't have because you don't ask.
This is a strong message for the church today. Do you want to know why many of our churches struggle for relevance in today's world? It's because they don't ask. Do you ever wonder why many of our churches are caught up in struggles for peace within rather than victory without? It's because they don't ask. Do you know why many of our churches are more concerned about budgets, programs, worship styles, etc. rather than souls? It's because they don't ask. We have found a way to bypass prayer (so we think) and still accomplish some sort of success, however the power of God is not manifested in our services. Unfortunately this is a growing trend in our churches, our membership, and even our leadership. We do not have because we do not ask.
Churches can have meeting after meeting, special events, potluck fellowships and the like, with great attendance, but as soon as a prayer meeting is called, where are the masses? They must have eaten so much at the last fellowship that they are too sleepy to come out and pray with one another. This may sound sad - but you can have a bean supper at some churches and get longer lasting results than some prayer meetings. Why? Because we do not ask!!!
Listen folks, prayer is all about intimacy with God. Prayer is what fuels the church to accomplish all that God has for us. Prayer is more important than a church budget, church vision, church staff, and whatever else we can place on our priority list. A church can have the best laid plans but without prayer she will accomplish nothing. We need to see a revival of prayer within our churches. We need to swith our focus from being "purpose driven" to being prayer driven. We must remember that the Word of God teaches us in Zechariah 4:6 that it's not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit.
I have to wonder how long it will take (what it will take) before we see churches become houses of prayer again. When will we see record attendance for prayer gatherings over worship services, business meetings, or concerts? The church has to overcome our entertainment mentality and focus upon the lasting results of prayer. We do not have because we do not ask. Or in my own words: We don't because we won't.
May God help us to be mighty men and women of prayer.
Shalom.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sharing the Blessing
When reading the Bible we come across some very interesting personalities. One of my favorites is Joshua. Many of us know that Joshua was the lucky candidate who had the distinct privilege of leading the children of Israel after Moses' death.
I can only imagine what Joshua what must have felt the day the Lord chose him. Fear, intimidation, doubt, etc. Why? Because Moses seemed to have it all. He clearly heard the voice of the Lord, he had the attention of everyone, and God had used him in mighty ways. I'm sure that Joshua spent many days thanking the Lord for His promises of strength, courage, and faithfulness during the transition of leadership. Over and over again God reassured him that He would be with him - to not fear - to not lose heart - to remain faithful.
Upon further reflection in Joshua's life I can see why God chose him. He was a strong supporter of Moses. He often followed Moses into the tabernacle and sometimes stayed in the presence of the Lord after Moses had left. He was a man of character, devotion, and discipline. And now it's his turn.
As I was reading through the book of Joshua I came across some interesting verses in Chapter 10. It's in this chapter that we read about the sun standing still at Joshua's request so that they would be able to have enough light to defeat the Amorites. In verse 14 we read that "there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man..." WOW! If there was ever a clear validation of Joshua's calling and character this was it. But as you read a little further you are going to see and hear something very interesting. The Amorite kings were held up in a cave that had been sealed off by Israel. And when the time came for their execution Joshua called upon the men of Israel and the captains of the men of war. He told them in verse 24, "put your feet on the necks of the kings."
What I love about this portion of scripture is that it portrays to us the importance of sharing the blessings of God with those around us. Joshua could have taken all the glory and honor of that victory. Instead, he chose to share it with the men who had been in the trenches. He could have boasted of how the Lord heeded his voice and the victory was his. But rather than relish in "his" victory, he allowed others to be blessed.
Could it be that he was giving them what Moses didn't? Could it be that Joshua understood the importance of raising up another generation of leaders who would know first hand what the Lord's victory felt like? I ask these questions because what I received from all of this was a profound move in my spirit. The insight given to me was allowing others to share in the blessing.
We are too selfish at times. Sure, there is nothing wrong with wanting God's best for our lives but what about those who are fighting alongside us? What about those who are giving their lives for the Lord's battle? Should they not enjoy the same blessing as we do? Should we not allow them to be blessed and that be enough blessing for us? Listen to the important lesson that Joshua shares with these men: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight." v. 25.
I want you to take note of this. I want you to understand the importance of using every victory to encourage those around you. I want those who fight with me to know how it feels to have the enemy under their feet. I want them to come through the struggle with the experience of God's provision. And in the end I want them to know that this is the norm, that is, that God will do this for them just as he did this day. Can you imagine the joy of those captains in placing their feet upon the necks of the enemy? Can you imagine the courage and reassurance they received?
I have been so blessed in my life. However, if I don't take the time to share it with others what good has it done? If I do not share the blessings of God with others then they will never know the victory of the Lord. Salvation is not just an experience for me but the path of deliverance for them. Healing is not just something for me but a path of restoration for them. The work of the Holy Spirit in my life is not just a blessing for me but a path of instruction and freedom for them. I must share the blessings of God with those around me so that they can know that the Lord will work in their lives as well. The Lord can save them, heal them, and give them fresh fire as well.
Take some time today to share the blessings of the Lord with others. If you are saved then share salvation. If you have been healed then share healing. If you have been strengthened with might by His Spirit in your inner man then strengthen somebody today. Become a conduit of grace today. Share the blessings of God with those around you. Who know? God may use you to help someone put their feet on the neck of the enemy today!
I can only imagine what Joshua what must have felt the day the Lord chose him. Fear, intimidation, doubt, etc. Why? Because Moses seemed to have it all. He clearly heard the voice of the Lord, he had the attention of everyone, and God had used him in mighty ways. I'm sure that Joshua spent many days thanking the Lord for His promises of strength, courage, and faithfulness during the transition of leadership. Over and over again God reassured him that He would be with him - to not fear - to not lose heart - to remain faithful.
Upon further reflection in Joshua's life I can see why God chose him. He was a strong supporter of Moses. He often followed Moses into the tabernacle and sometimes stayed in the presence of the Lord after Moses had left. He was a man of character, devotion, and discipline. And now it's his turn.
As I was reading through the book of Joshua I came across some interesting verses in Chapter 10. It's in this chapter that we read about the sun standing still at Joshua's request so that they would be able to have enough light to defeat the Amorites. In verse 14 we read that "there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man..." WOW! If there was ever a clear validation of Joshua's calling and character this was it. But as you read a little further you are going to see and hear something very interesting. The Amorite kings were held up in a cave that had been sealed off by Israel. And when the time came for their execution Joshua called upon the men of Israel and the captains of the men of war. He told them in verse 24, "put your feet on the necks of the kings."
What I love about this portion of scripture is that it portrays to us the importance of sharing the blessings of God with those around us. Joshua could have taken all the glory and honor of that victory. Instead, he chose to share it with the men who had been in the trenches. He could have boasted of how the Lord heeded his voice and the victory was his. But rather than relish in "his" victory, he allowed others to be blessed.
Could it be that he was giving them what Moses didn't? Could it be that Joshua understood the importance of raising up another generation of leaders who would know first hand what the Lord's victory felt like? I ask these questions because what I received from all of this was a profound move in my spirit. The insight given to me was allowing others to share in the blessing.
We are too selfish at times. Sure, there is nothing wrong with wanting God's best for our lives but what about those who are fighting alongside us? What about those who are giving their lives for the Lord's battle? Should they not enjoy the same blessing as we do? Should we not allow them to be blessed and that be enough blessing for us? Listen to the important lesson that Joshua shares with these men: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight." v. 25.
I want you to take note of this. I want you to understand the importance of using every victory to encourage those around you. I want those who fight with me to know how it feels to have the enemy under their feet. I want them to come through the struggle with the experience of God's provision. And in the end I want them to know that this is the norm, that is, that God will do this for them just as he did this day. Can you imagine the joy of those captains in placing their feet upon the necks of the enemy? Can you imagine the courage and reassurance they received?
I have been so blessed in my life. However, if I don't take the time to share it with others what good has it done? If I do not share the blessings of God with others then they will never know the victory of the Lord. Salvation is not just an experience for me but the path of deliverance for them. Healing is not just something for me but a path of restoration for them. The work of the Holy Spirit in my life is not just a blessing for me but a path of instruction and freedom for them. I must share the blessings of God with those around me so that they can know that the Lord will work in their lives as well. The Lord can save them, heal them, and give them fresh fire as well.
Take some time today to share the blessings of the Lord with others. If you are saved then share salvation. If you have been healed then share healing. If you have been strengthened with might by His Spirit in your inner man then strengthen somebody today. Become a conduit of grace today. Share the blessings of God with those around you. Who know? God may use you to help someone put their feet on the neck of the enemy today!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Refreshed
Well, it's been a while but I'm back.
After the death of my home cpu, and week away, I'm ready to take up the task of blogging again. I must say that the week away was great for me. Some may look at my schedule and think that I was insane, however, you really have to know me to understand that this past week became the refreshment that my spirit needed.
Monday, March 3, I went to Chattanooga TN to join the "Fresh Oil New Wine" conference @ Abba's House (formerly known as Central Baptist Church). The conference was just that: Fresh Oil and New Wine for my spirit. Although I was only there for a couple of days, the worship and preaching was used of God to ignite the work of His Holy Spirit in my life. I was able to enjoy some wonderful fellowship with close friends while being challenged in my walk with the Lord and my calling as a pastor. I told my wife that even though I could not stay for the full 4 days that I believed that God had something for me. He did, and I'm grateful for it.
I came back home Tues. evening just to turn around on Wed. afternoon to go to Melbourne Florida. I took a hunting trip with my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and some good friends. We had a great trip and was able to bring home some wild hog meat from the hunt. This was my first experience hunting wild hogs and it proved to be loads of fun. Osceola Outfitters - hope I spelled it right - do their very best to give you a wonderful experience. I was so grateful for the week there that if I had walked away empty handed I would have been satisfied with the trip.
As I have reflected upon this week I realized that God allowed me to be refreshed spiritually and physically. Sure the windshield time was tough, but in the end I gained energy, spiritual vitality, and some great insight into God's Word while away. In fact, I'm chomping at the bit to preach this next Sunday and look forward to my time in the pulpit sharing what God has laid upon my heart. Who wouldn't be? The next couple of Sunday's for believers in Christ provide some great excitement as we reflect upon the last days of Jesus' ministry here on earth.
As I close, I just want to say "thanks" for all who prayed while I was away. I look forward to sharing with you in the days ahead. I pray that you will be blessed in the coming days with what I have to share.
After the death of my home cpu, and week away, I'm ready to take up the task of blogging again. I must say that the week away was great for me. Some may look at my schedule and think that I was insane, however, you really have to know me to understand that this past week became the refreshment that my spirit needed.
Monday, March 3, I went to Chattanooga TN to join the "Fresh Oil New Wine" conference @ Abba's House (formerly known as Central Baptist Church). The conference was just that: Fresh Oil and New Wine for my spirit. Although I was only there for a couple of days, the worship and preaching was used of God to ignite the work of His Holy Spirit in my life. I was able to enjoy some wonderful fellowship with close friends while being challenged in my walk with the Lord and my calling as a pastor. I told my wife that even though I could not stay for the full 4 days that I believed that God had something for me. He did, and I'm grateful for it.
I came back home Tues. evening just to turn around on Wed. afternoon to go to Melbourne Florida. I took a hunting trip with my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and some good friends. We had a great trip and was able to bring home some wild hog meat from the hunt. This was my first experience hunting wild hogs and it proved to be loads of fun. Osceola Outfitters - hope I spelled it right - do their very best to give you a wonderful experience. I was so grateful for the week there that if I had walked away empty handed I would have been satisfied with the trip.
As I have reflected upon this week I realized that God allowed me to be refreshed spiritually and physically. Sure the windshield time was tough, but in the end I gained energy, spiritual vitality, and some great insight into God's Word while away. In fact, I'm chomping at the bit to preach this next Sunday and look forward to my time in the pulpit sharing what God has laid upon my heart. Who wouldn't be? The next couple of Sunday's for believers in Christ provide some great excitement as we reflect upon the last days of Jesus' ministry here on earth.
As I close, I just want to say "thanks" for all who prayed while I was away. I look forward to sharing with you in the days ahead. I pray that you will be blessed in the coming days with what I have to share.
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