Thanksgiving Hangover

They must have doubled up on the steroids for my turkey.

I've been sleepy for two days now.

Have a great weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

As many of you know there is a poll question asking about your favorite holiday. It looks like (so far) I'm the only one who chose Thanksgiving. Why Thanksgiving? It has to do with the celebration. Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. For believers this means more than just being thankful for health, prosperity, security, etc. It's a time to be thankful for our salvation. For me this is a day that incorporates all the rest. I can be thankful for the birth of Christ and the death/resurrection of Christ. Christmas - too much commercialism. Easter - too many marshmallow treats. If you will notice I did not put Resurrection Sunday. Oh, but there is a difference.

I hope that each of us will take time to give thanks unto God in the presence of all our family. Our kids need to hear of our thankfulness. Our family (lost and saved) need to hear of our gratitude toward God.

The picture above is a "horn of plenty." Is your horn full? Has God not provided all of our needs according to His riches in glory? Has God not fulfilled his promise to add all of these "things" when you sought after His kingdom? God has provided and God has kept His word.

I encourage you all this Thanksgiving to express your thankfulness to God by sharing Christ with someone. Who knows...maybe then you can give thanks for leading that lost loved one or friend to Christ!!! WOW! Can you imagine?

Psalm 100:4-5, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."

A Preacher's Frustration

What a beautiful day! As I begin to share my thoughts I stare out the window and watch huge flakes of snow fall. I absolutely love snow. It's a wonderful interruption to the dreariness winter. Most winter days there is an almost gray look about the world but then comes the brilliance of white. During this time I'm reminded of the scripture that says, "...though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..." [Isaiah 1:18]

It's verses like these that continually prompt me in the preaching of salvation. I was once one of those clothed in crimson but now (in God's sight) I'm white as snow. This past Sunday I shared one of the most simple Gospel messages I have ever preached. It was basic - to the point - easy to understand. I sensed that the Spirit of God was at work and yet did not "see" anyone come to faith in Christ. Thankfully, I know that I was not made for results - that is, it's my job to preach and God's to save. However, I cannot help but to feel a little frustration as people leave such services without making a commitment of their life to Christ. How does it happen? How are we able to "brush off" the convicting power of the Holy Spirit? Don't get me wrong...I'm remember those days well. I remember gripping the backs of pews. I remember wondering if we would ever stop singing the closing hymns. I remember walking out church doors thinking I survived another one. But, as a believer, it's hard to fathom how I (or anyone else for that matter) resisted God's love for me.

A few years ago a lady I worked with gave me some great insight into the heart of an unbeliever. She said, "What makes you think that you can say something in 30 minutes that would make me change my entire life?" Good Point! The only answer I have is that apart from the work of the Holy Spirit there is nothing I can say. There is nothing you can say either. Salvation is a HUGE step in life. When we submit our lives to the Lordship of Christ we are making a decision to turn everything over to Him. However, speaking on behalf of those who are now on the other side, it's the best and most important decision any of us could ever make.

Don't get me wrong folks - I will keep on preaching salvation through Christ. In fact, the frustration I feel at times only fuels my passion to ensure that I communicate plainly the way to salvation. There are several moments in scripture where people rejected Christ...some to His face. And if they didn't choose Christ under the preaching of the Savior then who in the world do I think I am?

My greatest concern is what goes on in the mind of the unbeliever. Are they experiencing the conviction that I remember as a young man? Are they leaving these services with great conviction? Is God at work? The only answer to these questions is for the church to pray with all we have that God does move and God does work in the hearts of the lost. Then AND ONLY THEN will people give themselves to the Gospel message. Jesus is the only way to salvation. He is still the door to everlasting life and forgiveness of sin. We cannot change the message but we can affect the type of soil we sow upon. I hope that the church will renew her efforts to pray for the lost and sharing of the Gospel.

Bowl of Rice...No Substitute

K.P. Yohannan wrote in "Revolution in World Missions" that 'A Bowl of Rice is No Substitute for the Holy Spirit.'

The reason for K.P.'s assertion is that he has seen too many "missionaries" become so concerned about social and physical problems that they often become misguided in their work. One of the "lies" he believes the enemy has used to confuse the Church is that we cannot preach the Gospel to a man with an empty stomach.

K.P. goes on to say that 'A man's stomach has nothing to do with his heart's condition of being a rebel against the holy God...For all people, the only way to become a child of God and inherit His kingdom is to repent from sin and humble ourselves before the Lord.

Another "lie" is that people will not listen to the Gospel unless we offer them something else first. "Substituting a bowl of rice for the Holy Spirit and the Word of God will never save a soul and will rarely change the attitude of a man's heart." He goes on to talk about humanitarian efforts to educate, feed, and improve the health conditions of the world and yet many "died more educated, better governed and healthier - but they died without Christ and are bound for hell."

The point in all of this is: "Feeding programs can save a man dying from hunger. Medical aid can prolong life and fight disease. Housing projects can make this temporary life more comfortable - but only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can save a soul from a life of sin and an eternity in hell!"

"We must learn from the past mistakes of missions and not repeat them. Just before China was taken over by the communists, one communist officer made a revealing statement to a missionary, John Meadows: 'You missionaries have been in China for over a hundred years, but you have not won China to your cause...But we communists have been in China less than 10 years, and there is not a Chinese who does not know...has not heard the name of Stalin...or something of communism...we have filled China with our doctrine. Now let me tell you why you have failed and we have succeeded...You have tried to win the attention of masses by building churches, missions, mission hospitals, schools and what not. But we communists have printed our message and spread our literature all over China. Someday we will drive you missionaries out of our country, and we will do it by the means of the printed page.'"

He was right! May we learn the lessons that history teaches us. The Gospel message - printed and spoken - is the only way to lead people out of their sin and see the Kingdom of God advanced in our world.

Oswald Chambers Insight

I was taking part in my own daily reading assignment and came across this great nugget of truth from Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest."

"When He Has Come" - November 19

"Very few of us know anything about conviction of sin. We know the experience of being disturbed because we have done wrong things. But conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit blots out every relationship on earth and makes us aware of only one - 'Against You, You only, have I sinned...' (Psalm 51:4). When a person is convicted of sin in this way, he knows with every bit of his conscience that God would not dare to forgive him...God does forgive, but it cost the breaking of His heart with grief in the death of Christ to enable Him to do so. The great miracle of the grace of God is that He forgives sin, and it is the death of Jesus Christ alone that enables the divine nature to forgive and to remain true to itself in doing so. It is shallow nonsense to say that God forgives us because He is love. Once we have been convicted of sin, we will never say this again. The love of God means Calvary - nothing less! The love of God is spelled out on the Cross and nowhere else. The only basis for which God can forgive me is the Cross of Christ. It is there that His conscience is satisfied."

I don't know about you, but I think we need more preachers like Brother Chambers today. When was the last time you heard one of these famous TV preachers put it out on the line. You know...the mega-church types who only want to fill their sanctuary more than they want to affect the population of heaven. Oh, how we need to return to the preaching of the cross.

I'm thinking of doing a sermon series entitled "God's Word for the Average Joe". Of course, this was initially inspired by the arrival of "Joe the Plumber" during the presidential campaign. It's an attempt to preach the message of God's Word to the everyday individual who comes to visit (which I try to do anyway - but this time with special interest).

It bothers me to think that there are so many people who visit churches on Sundays but come away with a cloudy understanding about how this whole faith thing works. What Chambers reminded me of this morning was "Grass Roots" preaching. Getting back to the basics of sharing to be understood. This is what is needed in our pulpits and our every day lives.

I was talking to a church member this morning whose 1st visit to our church came on a Sunday that I sat down in a chair in front of the congregation with another member of the church to present a simple Gospel presentation like I would in a home/personal visit. This was a clincher for him and his wife in deciding to become members because he had been frustrated for years in not getting what he thought he should be getting from former pastors...a clear understanding of how to share the Gospel. He had had enough of hearing "you need to share" without ever receiving the goods to share.

So, before closing out I want to share with you the remainder of Chambers remarks: "The miracle of redemption is that God turns me, the unholy one, into the standard of Himself, the Holy One. He does this by putting into me a new nature, the nature of Jesus Christ."

Amen!

The SBC of Virginia has started a partnership with the Dakota Baptist Convention. The whole point of this partnership is to help the Dakota's attract church planters to these two states.

Here are some of the statistics:
1 church for every 13,000 people
70 counties with no SBC church
Sioux Falls, SD - population 145,000 - 6 churches
Fargo, ND - population 175,000 - 3 churches
Largest church average attendance - 250

These are some staggering statistics. I'm sure that there are many people (especially those of us who live in the Bible belt) that find it hard to believe that there are states in our country that have a very limited witness. However, the truth is that the further west you go the less visible the witness for Christ.

Yesterday I shared with you about our missionary in Ukraine and how each of us need to allow God to lead us to be on mission with Him. But don't think you have to go overseas...sometimes you need to stay at home and reach those in the states. There was a time when America was known for sending missionaries but in today's time we are also receiving a great number of missionaries due to the lack of a Gospel witness.

Jesus told his disciples that they would be witnesses for Him in Jerusalem (hometown), Judea (state), Samaria (country), and to the uttermost parts of the earth (get the picture?).

People need Jesus. Will we take His message to them?

Missionary Focus

Today's picture comes from my very first mission trip to Ukraine.

Our church has the honor of hosting our missionary (Bruce) this weekend and are looking forward to him sharing with our church. Bruce, like many independent missionaries must leave the field every now and then to continue with vision casting and fund raising to be able to keep the work going.

I want to encourage you today - if you have never took the opportunity and board a plane to go on mission - do it! Your life will never be the same. My first trip was an overseas trip. I was placed in a country where I did not know the language, I did not know what to expect, and I really did not know the missionary. However, this one trip changed my life forever. I saw 1st hand what many people share and that is the "face" of missions.

Please don't ever forget that when God says "GO" he has a people in mind. It's not just a geographical location that God wants to impact but a people group in need of the Gospel. The Bible speaks of a day when every tribe, every tongue, and every nation will stand before His throne giving praise, glory and honor to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Missions is all about restoring worship to God among the people of the world. Many of these people have never heard the Gospel. Some have only bits and pieces of the truth of His Word. Regardless of the geographical location, missions is about people.

Please take the time today to pray for people like Bruce. Men and women who give their lives to a cause/calling so much greater than themselves. And take the time today to ask God where you can go to impact His kingdom. You may have to get on a plane, in a vehicle, or simply cross the street. Missions can happen anywhere and should happen everywhere. Let God lead you in how you should join Him in what He is doing.

The Day After...

Hello everyone! Sorry that there wasn't a blog yesterday but a man can only celebrate his 13th wedding anniversary one day a year.

I want to share with you something that the Lord has been sharing with me.

Psalm 3:3, "But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head."

Look again at those last 6 words: "the One who lifts up my head." How encouraging! When I read these words there is a picture in my mind of a person with heir head bowed down in discouragement/depression and God coming along and taking His hand, lifting their head, and saying "lift up your head little one...I love you."

Is God your greatest Encourager or do you find yourself looking for encouragement in other places? When you and I take the time to pray and read His Word we can find all the encouragement we need. We are told that we are MORE than conquerors, we are part of the BELOVED, we are CHILDREN of the most High God, and we are LOVED! Even now, as I read these words, I find it hard to live loved...don't you?

Dear friends, if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior - if you have been forgiven of your sins - if you are found in Him - you are LOVED!!! Never forget it.

Sing with the psalmist today: "Why so downcast O my soul, put your hope in God." God is the lifter of your head. Human relationships cannot equal the relationship we have with God. Financial prosperity can never equal what God can do for you. Business success can never accomplish what the work of the Holy Spirit can accomplish for your spirit. Let God lift up your head!

I pray that you will be encouraged today in all that you do. I hope that you will find lasting peace, serenity, and security in God through Jesus Christ. I'm so thankful that we have a High Priest (Jesus) who can be touched with the feelings of our weaknesses and that He has the ability to lift us up.

Be Blessed today with His goodness.

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I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend.

Some Good News from Election Day

Some very interesting news (good news!) out of several states that voted to protect traditional marriage.

Proposition 8, as it came to be known, was a ballot initiative in some states to protect the definition & tradition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Even in the state of California this ballot initiative passed by a strong majority. This speaks well of our country. I truly believe that "We the People" are sick of the courts trying to legislate homosexual unions from the bench and given the opportunity Americans continue to strike down the idea of extending legal unions to homosexuals.

This passage is already in the courts. Once again marriage is going to be placed in front of judges. And once again we will have to wait and see what the judge deems to be constitutional.

Depending on where you get your news you may have heard that this passed by a narrow margin - you may have heard that it was the direct result of well funded Mormon organizations - you may have heard that this was due to narrow minded. However, exit polls have proven that it's not just religious people who are speaking out against gay marriage...NO, it's the vast majority of people living in these states. And as a person who believes in state's rights, each of these states have the right to set the laws in regard to marriage.

Today - you will hear of people who are rioting in the streets. Protests are being staged, people have been arrested, and once again California is in the spotlight. All we can hope for is that the will of the people who voted in the election will be respected. This is how it should be done.

We thank God that once again traditional marriage has won among the minds and hearts of the American people. We pray that it continues to be protected.

America Has Decided...

November 5 2008 AD: President elect - Barack Obama.

There is no doubt that today is a historical day. Barack Obama has become the first black man to win the presidency of the United States of America. I am joining the ranks of media outlets in congratulating Obama with his historic win.

John McCain gave what I thought to be a classy concession speech. Whether you like it or not there were many times that McCain took the "high road" during his campaign and I didn't think that he would do any less after it was apparent that he was going to lose his bid for the office of president. I also agree with his statement of supporting the new president of the United States which is something that has been missing for President Bush since his reelection in 2004.

Many in our church will remember that just a few weeks ago I preached a message from Romans 13 to remind everyone about our role as believers when it comes to elected officials. God's Word tells us in verse 1 "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." Some of you may not like it but if you believe in a sovereign God we cannot deny that He allowed the Obama presidency to take place. I am not going to assume that this was God's perfect will but there is no doubt that it was a part of His permissive will. God allowed America to elect the person they wanted. This portion of scripture goes on to say in verse 13 that we should render taxes to whom they are due...customs...fear...and honor. The office of President is the highest office of the land and we should honor that position.

In Obama's victory speech he said these words, "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." To be fair I think of Obama would have lost this election that he would have handled it properly. But he didn't lose...in fact, he won convincingly.

What will America look like in 4 years? I cannot give you an answer. We will have to wait and see what an Obama presidency looks like. All we can do is pray for our country and our leaders. These are difficult times and my hope is that Obama will have a steady hand as he drives this country.

Today is a new day in America. I'm not sure how the media will handle Obama as president. I don't know if they will continue the glossy coverage that they have shown during his run for the office. I will say this concerning the 2008 election: What we have seen is the "American Idol" mentality during this process. People decided long ago that they were going to vote for Obama. It had nothing to do with policies, experience, or character. They liked his looks, his speeches, and his style. When it came down to values (according to the exit polls) McCain won. However, it wasn't enough to win the presidency. That's why I ask the question in the poll to the right - what shapes your vote? When Bush won in 2004 the pundits said it was the "religious right" that propelled him to victory. If that is true then where were they in '08?

The last thing that I will say in light of Obama's win is that conservatives need to find a way to package their message in a way that the general public can agree with it. McCain failed so often to present a clear message. It took someone like "Joe the Plumber" to convey Obama's tax policy. I understand the conservative agenda but only because I pay attention. Many of the people who voted in this election do not pay attention to politics. If they did - Hispanics would have voted for John McCain - based on his stand for amnesty. If anything, maybe people will begin to pay attention. We will have to wait and see how the experiment of Obama as president works itself out and conservatives will have to find a way to communicate their values.

May God watch over president elect Barack Obama and his family. May God grant him wisdom to make the decisions that come with this office. And may God be with our nation during these difficult times.

Get Out & Vote

It's finally here - November 4th - Election Day.

It seems as though this election has been going on for 4 years. It was almost immediately after Bush was sworn in for his second term that we were hearing rumors about who would run for the presidency. After 4 years we stand at a crossroads with 2 candidates that none of the pundits thought would be the nominees.

At the end of last week, I began to think about some of the odd comments that were coming out of the campaigning. So for all of you...

Racist in Pennsylvania who cling to your guns and religion - GET OUT & VOTE!

Selfish People - GET OUT & VOTE!

Unpatriotic people who don't like to pay taxes - GET OUT & VOTE!

Coalminers who think coal is a good energy source - GET OUT & VOTE!

People who believe in the Constitution - GET OUT & VOTE!

Gun owners, business owners, plumbers, construction workers, & everyday Joe's - GET OUT & VOTE!

I'm one of those people who don't think this election is the landslide for Obama that the media has been hoping for. However, it will be a lot closer to their prediction of people of conviction sit at home and watch TV.

It's election day - GET OUT & VOTE!