It's December, and it seems like life is more busy than usual. In the next two weeks, I have 3 Christmas parties/dinners, and it seems excruciating to try and schedule a day when everyone can attend. Then there will be Christmas programs at the Preschool and Academy! Shopping! I'd like to take my family to Forest Hill Christian Church to see the "Journey to Bethlehem". Christmas Eve Celebration planning! House guests for Christmas! Christmas day dinner at our home! Decorations to put up! Christmas sermons to write! I'm just too busy... too busy for Christmas!
Did you notice that everything I mentioned above centers around Christmas. Most of them are good things centered around the birth of Jesus. It would seem that I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to do this time of year... and maybe I am... if, and only if I am focused on the one this holiday is centered around. Dear God, please let my December be filled with thoughts of your son, Jesus! Please let every busy moment bring me into a closer relationship not just with "Christmas Jesus", but with the Jesus who gave his life for me!
12.02.2009
11.18.2009
Thankful
I am thankful for many things and I have much to be thankful for! The next two Sundays, I will be sharing two messages from Psalm 107 on being thankful. Psalm 107:1 says, "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever; let the redeemed of the Lord say this..." So, what are you thankful for? Sign in and leave a comment and let us rejoice together in all the things we have to be thankful for!
10.26.2009
A Word of Gratitude
I got an text last night while I was working at our Fall Carnival that told me ESPN was reporting Sam Bradford, OU quarterback, was going to have season-ending surgery and he would enter the NFL draft in April. In essence, he would never play another down of football for the Sooners. I was sad, and I have heard on TV and the radio how grateful people are for what Sam Bradford has meant and means to OU football. It is good to hear when people are grateful, isn't it?
Now, as you process the fact that I receive texts updating sporting news, and you think whatever you want to think about me, let me share something that I am grateful for! No, it's not that I love my wife. If you were here Sunday, you already know that (and I am in big trouble for embarrassing her). Over the past two Sundays, I have shared some very difficult messages about how Jesus is polarizing and how we have to choose when it comes to Jesus. We must either follow him or walk away - there is no middle ground! We either conceal him or we reveal him - making the most of EVERY opportunity!
We will continue this series for the next 3 weeks, and just like Jesus' disciples in John 6, many times we say, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" I always want to challenge you with Scripture, but I never want to deflate your tires every Sunday, so let me share my gratitude for you. In a church as old as Antioch, there are so many of you who are following... you have not walked away. You are not just following Jesus, but you are in tune with His Spirit, and for you I am so grateful. You are the ones who encourage me to keep living out my faith. Thank you for loving and following Jesus!
Yesterday, I talked about how we reveal our love for OU or OSU or the Yankees... or how we talk about our politics with pride, but sometimes we struggle with revealing Jesus to a lost and dying world. But what I didn't say was that there are MANY of you who share Jesus with people around you all the time. You are the reason they come to Antioch. You are the reason they even found Jesus in the first place. You inspire me to share Jesus with my words and confirm him with my life. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am forever grateful for you and your faith and your witness.
Now... KEEP IT UP! "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it in Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6)
P.S. I want to brag on my small group. They are so awesome! If it weren't for them, the Fall Carnival would not have happened. Their tireless dedication to ministry here at Antioch causes me to be filled with joy. Thanks to my wife Sharla and my kids, Lauren & Nick, Rick & Angela Cole, Mike, Alicia & Conner Benton, Ken, Karen & Kelsey Brooks, Patrick & Jill Shaw for all the prep work and the running of the concession stand. I love you guys. Thanks also to Clarence Maxwell for the hayride, Rhonda French for taking the pictures, Tom & Kara Kordic's small group for helping with the booths, Kathy Evans, Shonna Owens, Julie & Carly Ramick for helping with the booths, Kyle & Sam Schasteen and their group for organizing & running the cake walk, Kirk & Erin Depaw for creating and running the "hug" booth, Jerry & Susie Pendley, Denise Tornquist, and the many others who helped clean up. I know I will forget people, and I am sorry in advance, but I am so thankful and grateful for Antioch and the willingness of our people to serve in ministry. Keep up the good work.
Now, as you process the fact that I receive texts updating sporting news, and you think whatever you want to think about me, let me share something that I am grateful for! No, it's not that I love my wife. If you were here Sunday, you already know that (and I am in big trouble for embarrassing her). Over the past two Sundays, I have shared some very difficult messages about how Jesus is polarizing and how we have to choose when it comes to Jesus. We must either follow him or walk away - there is no middle ground! We either conceal him or we reveal him - making the most of EVERY opportunity!
We will continue this series for the next 3 weeks, and just like Jesus' disciples in John 6, many times we say, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" I always want to challenge you with Scripture, but I never want to deflate your tires every Sunday, so let me share my gratitude for you. In a church as old as Antioch, there are so many of you who are following... you have not walked away. You are not just following Jesus, but you are in tune with His Spirit, and for you I am so grateful. You are the ones who encourage me to keep living out my faith. Thank you for loving and following Jesus!
Yesterday, I talked about how we reveal our love for OU or OSU or the Yankees... or how we talk about our politics with pride, but sometimes we struggle with revealing Jesus to a lost and dying world. But what I didn't say was that there are MANY of you who share Jesus with people around you all the time. You are the reason they come to Antioch. You are the reason they even found Jesus in the first place. You inspire me to share Jesus with my words and confirm him with my life. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am forever grateful for you and your faith and your witness.
Now... KEEP IT UP! "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it in Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6)
P.S. I want to brag on my small group. They are so awesome! If it weren't for them, the Fall Carnival would not have happened. Their tireless dedication to ministry here at Antioch causes me to be filled with joy. Thanks to my wife Sharla and my kids, Lauren & Nick, Rick & Angela Cole, Mike, Alicia & Conner Benton, Ken, Karen & Kelsey Brooks, Patrick & Jill Shaw for all the prep work and the running of the concession stand. I love you guys. Thanks also to Clarence Maxwell for the hayride, Rhonda French for taking the pictures, Tom & Kara Kordic's small group for helping with the booths, Kathy Evans, Shonna Owens, Julie & Carly Ramick for helping with the booths, Kyle & Sam Schasteen and their group for organizing & running the cake walk, Kirk & Erin Depaw for creating and running the "hug" booth, Jerry & Susie Pendley, Denise Tornquist, and the many others who helped clean up. I know I will forget people, and I am sorry in advance, but I am so thankful and grateful for Antioch and the willingness of our people to serve in ministry. Keep up the good work.
10.13.2009
What Is Your Purpose?
We had an interesting event happen in our weekend celebration this past Sunday. The mother of one of Antioch's members fainted during the message by Spencer Garner, a missionary we support from Mongolia. Our plans for worship were suspended for about 20 minutes as we waited for the paramedics to arrive. I have to admit that I have no formal training for what to do in these circumstances.
911 was called... chairs and people were moved from around Mary Newman so she could get some air... Spencer sat down and waited to continue... we all prayed... and then something really awesome happened. The people in our church who are experienced medical professionals went to work while we waited for the ambulance. There were no less than 4-5 people who knew what to do that responded to the scene. There were people around who were not medical professionals who also assisted as they could. There was even a woman who showed up in the lobby because she didn't know what time our worship started, but when she found out something was going on, she began to ask questions. I told her and asked her if she was a nurse. She said, "yes", and this woman whom I have never met went into the auditorium and began to help with the situation. Again, I felt helpless, but if I had tried to do anything, I would have just been in the way.
We received an e-mail from Jennifer Stier, Mary's daughter, and I want to share it with you:
"Just a brief update on my mom, Mary Katherine Newman, who became ill during Sunday's service: She was taken to Southwest Medical Center and was admitted for further testing. A stroke has been ruled out, but they are looking for an underlying cause for her fainting. We cannot thank all of you enough for your assistance and your prayers Sunday morning. When I think of all the kindness shown us, I know why I have stayed in this fellowship for over 26 years."
I have reflected on this event the past two days, and it reminds me that God has wired each of us with gifts and talents and passions for moments such as this one. You might not see this as a spiritual event, but I see it as the Body of Christ in action. Everyone who helped Sunday should realize that they are living out their purpose in ministry when they act like they did. Each of us should ask ourselves these questions: "What am I good at?" "What do I like to do?" "What desire burns in my soul?" This might change from day to day or from week to week, but when you see an opportunity where you are moved to act, don't hesitate! It might be in that event that you find your divine purpose! This is the Body of Christ being the Body of Christ! I couldn't be any prouder of Antioch than I am today!
911 was called... chairs and people were moved from around Mary Newman so she could get some air... Spencer sat down and waited to continue... we all prayed... and then something really awesome happened. The people in our church who are experienced medical professionals went to work while we waited for the ambulance. There were no less than 4-5 people who knew what to do that responded to the scene. There were people around who were not medical professionals who also assisted as they could. There was even a woman who showed up in the lobby because she didn't know what time our worship started, but when she found out something was going on, she began to ask questions. I told her and asked her if she was a nurse. She said, "yes", and this woman whom I have never met went into the auditorium and began to help with the situation. Again, I felt helpless, but if I had tried to do anything, I would have just been in the way.
We received an e-mail from Jennifer Stier, Mary's daughter, and I want to share it with you:
"Just a brief update on my mom, Mary Katherine Newman, who became ill during Sunday's service: She was taken to Southwest Medical Center and was admitted for further testing. A stroke has been ruled out, but they are looking for an underlying cause for her fainting. We cannot thank all of you enough for your assistance and your prayers Sunday morning. When I think of all the kindness shown us, I know why I have stayed in this fellowship for over 26 years."
I have reflected on this event the past two days, and it reminds me that God has wired each of us with gifts and talents and passions for moments such as this one. You might not see this as a spiritual event, but I see it as the Body of Christ in action. Everyone who helped Sunday should realize that they are living out their purpose in ministry when they act like they did. Each of us should ask ourselves these questions: "What am I good at?" "What do I like to do?" "What desire burns in my soul?" This might change from day to day or from week to week, but when you see an opportunity where you are moved to act, don't hesitate! It might be in that event that you find your divine purpose! This is the Body of Christ being the Body of Christ! I couldn't be any prouder of Antioch than I am today!
9.28.2009
How Bad Do You Want Jesus?
I attended the OU vs. Idado State football game a few weeks ago with my daughter (Lauren), my son (Nick), and their friend (Jeffery). It started at 6 PM and if you didn't know, it was pouring down rain that night. We bundled up and got to our seats because we were just as interested as the other 80,000 plus people about how well Landry Jones, the backup quarterback would play. I wasn't very smart because I wore jeans instead of a more water-proof fabric, and with the temperature in the 60's, it was kind of cold. Before the first quarter was over, my kids wanted to go underneath the stadium to get something to eat and to get out of the rain. Jeffery reluctantly went with them even though he wanted to stay and watch the game. I finally went down at the end of the 1st quarter and we ate and stayed below for the 2nd quarter watching it on the TVs underneath the stadium. When it was almost half-time, and OU was leading 34-0, I went up the ramp to see if the rain had let up and to watch a few plays. The rain was coming down harder and the crowd was still 75,000 plus strong - watching a blowout, getting wet, shivering in the cold. The same thing happened in Blacksburg, VA this past weekend as Virginia Tech destroyed Miami in a pouring rain, and the fans (even the Miami ones) stayed until the end.
On the day after Thanksgiving, people will get up at unbelievably early hours to stand in ungodly lines to try to get a bargain on sale items. If a concert is general admission (no assigned seating), people will arrive early and push through the crowd to get the best seats in the house. At football games, people will arrive hours early to "tailgate" just to get ready for the game. People read the sports section every day in the paper or on the internet to keep up with their teams. They read the sales circulars to see if anything is on sale. People listen to their favorite recording artists on their ipod and memorize every word to every song. People spend millions of dollars on tickets, concessions, Cd's, hats, t-shirts, etc.
You probably know where I am going with this, but how much does this remind you of your journey with God? I've actually had someone tell me that they didn't attend church on a given Sunday because it was raining and they didn't want to drive in the rain. I know people don't fight to get the front row seats at church. Have you ever stood in line and pushed through the crowd to make sure you got a seat at church? Have you ever showed up early to "tailgate" (not a bad idea, but I'm thinking more along the lines of preparing for a celebration)? Do you read the Bible daily to make sure you know what's going on in the spiritual realm? Are you willing to spend as much money on your spiritual development as you do on entertainment? Do you memorize Scripture like you do your favorite songs or useless facts?
I'm not trying to discourage you! In fact, I want to encourage you. Listen, there is nothing more important than your relationship with God through his Son, Jesus, and I just think it's about time to start living like the followers of Christ we say we are. How much do you want Jesus? Do you want him more than all the other things of life? He wants you that much! You consume his thoughts! How about we do the same for Him?
Let me know if you want to tailgate Sunday! I'll cook breakfast.
On the day after Thanksgiving, people will get up at unbelievably early hours to stand in ungodly lines to try to get a bargain on sale items. If a concert is general admission (no assigned seating), people will arrive early and push through the crowd to get the best seats in the house. At football games, people will arrive hours early to "tailgate" just to get ready for the game. People read the sports section every day in the paper or on the internet to keep up with their teams. They read the sales circulars to see if anything is on sale. People listen to their favorite recording artists on their ipod and memorize every word to every song. People spend millions of dollars on tickets, concessions, Cd's, hats, t-shirts, etc.
You probably know where I am going with this, but how much does this remind you of your journey with God? I've actually had someone tell me that they didn't attend church on a given Sunday because it was raining and they didn't want to drive in the rain. I know people don't fight to get the front row seats at church. Have you ever stood in line and pushed through the crowd to make sure you got a seat at church? Have you ever showed up early to "tailgate" (not a bad idea, but I'm thinking more along the lines of preparing for a celebration)? Do you read the Bible daily to make sure you know what's going on in the spiritual realm? Are you willing to spend as much money on your spiritual development as you do on entertainment? Do you memorize Scripture like you do your favorite songs or useless facts?
I'm not trying to discourage you! In fact, I want to encourage you. Listen, there is nothing more important than your relationship with God through his Son, Jesus, and I just think it's about time to start living like the followers of Christ we say we are. How much do you want Jesus? Do you want him more than all the other things of life? He wants you that much! You consume his thoughts! How about we do the same for Him?
Let me know if you want to tailgate Sunday! I'll cook breakfast.
9.21.2009
The List Maker
If you're anything like me, you like "to do" lists. I like them to a fault. Some of you feel my pain! Others of you can't stand them... can't work by them... hate them. And there are probably some of you who can work with them or can live without them... either way!
Sunday, I made a statement in my message as we finished up this series that focused on filling the empty space in your heart. This void was not there when God created you. He created you perfectly with your heart full of him. He was in the perfect place in your life... but somewhere along the way, all of us decide that we can do it without God and we sin. Romans 3:23 says that "all sin and fall short of the glory of God." This empty space leaves us lonely and wanting. Most of us try desperately to fill that void with stuff the world says will satisfy - money, material things, work, relationships, family, etc. - but the empty space is still there because only God can fill it. Sometimes, we try to put God back in our lives on top of the "stuff" that occupies that space and hope that he will just fill in the gaps. That doesn't work either!
Jesus can't be at the top of your list... he has to BE your list! He can't be your #1 priority, he has to be your ONLY priority! I received an e-mail yesterday after the message, and I want to share it with you. It is actually a journal entry from the sender of the e-mail:
"I am such a list maker. I love, love, love lists! No, I love making list. Everything never gets completed on my lists, but I love making lists. In fact, sometimes I spend more time making my list than actually completing what’s on my list. So today during church when Nathan said that Jesus should be the list, not just on top of a list of priorities, well it resonated with me. What do you mean, I thought skeptically? No more making lists? Are you telling me I’m not to waste any more time compiling a ridiculously long list of things I’ll never accomplish? What nerve! And what list maker could possibly not make a list? The list maker is an analyzer, a planner, a dreamer. What would a list maker be without their lists? But at the same moment I excused the comment I also embraced it. What a thought! If only I could step aside, relinquish my list, and allow Jesus to conduct my daily affairs…think of what I could accomplish! What if the only thing on my list was Jesus? How would I spend my time? Who would I talk to? What would I do? Where would I go? All right, sounds fun. Jesus, you have made the list. You are a List Maker."
I want Jesus to be my List Maker! I want him to be my Priority! I want him to direct my "doings" today! Dear Jesus, don't let me do anything today that is not directed by you!
Sunday, I made a statement in my message as we finished up this series that focused on filling the empty space in your heart. This void was not there when God created you. He created you perfectly with your heart full of him. He was in the perfect place in your life... but somewhere along the way, all of us decide that we can do it without God and we sin. Romans 3:23 says that "all sin and fall short of the glory of God." This empty space leaves us lonely and wanting. Most of us try desperately to fill that void with stuff the world says will satisfy - money, material things, work, relationships, family, etc. - but the empty space is still there because only God can fill it. Sometimes, we try to put God back in our lives on top of the "stuff" that occupies that space and hope that he will just fill in the gaps. That doesn't work either!
Jesus can't be at the top of your list... he has to BE your list! He can't be your #1 priority, he has to be your ONLY priority! I received an e-mail yesterday after the message, and I want to share it with you. It is actually a journal entry from the sender of the e-mail:
"I am such a list maker. I love, love, love lists! No, I love making list. Everything never gets completed on my lists, but I love making lists. In fact, sometimes I spend more time making my list than actually completing what’s on my list. So today during church when Nathan said that Jesus should be the list, not just on top of a list of priorities, well it resonated with me. What do you mean, I thought skeptically? No more making lists? Are you telling me I’m not to waste any more time compiling a ridiculously long list of things I’ll never accomplish? What nerve! And what list maker could possibly not make a list? The list maker is an analyzer, a planner, a dreamer. What would a list maker be without their lists? But at the same moment I excused the comment I also embraced it. What a thought! If only I could step aside, relinquish my list, and allow Jesus to conduct my daily affairs…think of what I could accomplish! What if the only thing on my list was Jesus? How would I spend my time? Who would I talk to? What would I do? Where would I go? All right, sounds fun. Jesus, you have made the list. You are a List Maker."
I want Jesus to be my List Maker! I want him to be my Priority! I want him to direct my "doings" today! Dear Jesus, don't let me do anything today that is not directed by you!
8.31.2009
Is Jesus Your #1 Priority
You've heard it said before that Jesus has to be #1 in your life... that he has to be your first priority. After church yesterday, someone shared with me a great truth. She said that if Jesus is our number one priority, then that assumes that we have a list of what is number two, number three, number four, etc., and that we are supposed to pick Jesus before we pick those other things. The problem with this is that assumes that when we pick number 2 or number 5, we are leaving Jesus behind. She went on to explain that Jesus is not our #1 priority... Jesus is our everything!!! He fills every spot, and we only do what we do in light of the fact that Jesus is in our minds, he is in our actions, he is in control.
I was visiting with a friend of mine last week, and he shared something similar. He asked me a question that he likes to ask people: "What is the most important thing you can do with your life?" The answer: "Glorify God". We are to shine light on who God is, but the problem is that we tend to compartmentalize our lives and only "glorify God" when we are in a spiritual mode. When we are in a family mode or a workout mode or a career mode or a school mode or a leisure mode, we tend to "shut off" our spiritual mode.
Here's what I'm saying: You can prioritize your life, but EVERYTHING you do should be done with Jesus Christ as the filter through which you do it. He created you with himself perfectly in place in your heart, and at some point you created a void by walking away from him. Then, you tried to fill that hole with many other things, and then some of us tried to fill in the gaps with Jesus. You have to get that other stuff out and put Jesus back where he belongs as your everything. Then, you will begin to glorify God when you are in family, workout, career, school, leisure mode. There will not be a separate place for your spiritual mode - your entire life will be your spiritual mode.
Keep climbing... Keep walking... Keep moving towards Jesus!
I was visiting with a friend of mine last week, and he shared something similar. He asked me a question that he likes to ask people: "What is the most important thing you can do with your life?" The answer: "Glorify God". We are to shine light on who God is, but the problem is that we tend to compartmentalize our lives and only "glorify God" when we are in a spiritual mode. When we are in a family mode or a workout mode or a career mode or a school mode or a leisure mode, we tend to "shut off" our spiritual mode.
Here's what I'm saying: You can prioritize your life, but EVERYTHING you do should be done with Jesus Christ as the filter through which you do it. He created you with himself perfectly in place in your heart, and at some point you created a void by walking away from him. Then, you tried to fill that hole with many other things, and then some of us tried to fill in the gaps with Jesus. You have to get that other stuff out and put Jesus back where he belongs as your everything. Then, you will begin to glorify God when you are in family, workout, career, school, leisure mode. There will not be a separate place for your spiritual mode - your entire life will be your spiritual mode.
Keep climbing... Keep walking... Keep moving towards Jesus!
8.12.2009
Are You A Consumer or a Servant?
Churches are popping up all over the world, and some of them are growing fast. I just visited with a pastor from Tulsa who was sharing the story of his church. They began 17 years ago with a few people, and today they run around 5000 in attendance. Over the past few years, I have noticed a trend towards "providing" people with "consumable goods and services" at church. It looks something like this... People ask what programs your church offers, and they choose a church or move around from church to church until they find the one that "meets their needs". This disturbs me a little because I can't find anywhere in the Bible or in the direction of the Holy Spirit where church is supposed to be about "my needs" or the program that I want for me or my kids. But the temptation is to program this way because it seems to work in "growing a church".
So you can imagine as I talked with this pastor that I was skeptical about his church. Then, he told me something that blew me away. He said that the strength of their church was their "empower" ministry which got people involved in ministry and service. He said that their volunteer ministry was what makes them a great church. I was speechless, but I was impressed.
Then, as I was studying for my message last Sunday, "Freedom From Sin", I found this peculiar verse in Galatians 5. As Paul was saying, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." I had never thought of serving as the opposite of sin. I don't know if that what Paul is saying, but I do know that when you fill your life with ministry and service, your mind is preoccupied with that and you might be less likely to sin. Try to be at Antioch this Sunday, August 16, at 10:15 AM, as we discuss this idea of serving in greater detail from Galatians 6.
So what do these random thoughts mean? Our mission at Antioch is to connect people to God, to connect people to people, and to empower people to serve. Are you a consumer or a servant? What areas are you serving in? What areas would you like to be serving in? If Antioch doesn't have an opening in the area you want to serve in, how can you create that opportunity?
Noam Chomsky said, "All over the place, from the popular culture to the propaganda system, there is constant pressure to make people feel that they are helpless, that the only role they can have is to ratify decision and to consume." You are NOT helpless. What can you do to become empowered? 1. Read Galatians 6 and see how it applies to servanthood; 2. Come Sunday to hear the message called, "Freedom To Serve"; 3. Pick up an "Empower Card" at Antioch to see what opportunities are currently available.
When you consume, you will never be satisfied and will always be looking for others to fulfill you, but when you choose to serve, you will take ownership and you will become more fulfilled than you could ever imagine!
So you can imagine as I talked with this pastor that I was skeptical about his church. Then, he told me something that blew me away. He said that the strength of their church was their "empower" ministry which got people involved in ministry and service. He said that their volunteer ministry was what makes them a great church. I was speechless, but I was impressed.
Then, as I was studying for my message last Sunday, "Freedom From Sin", I found this peculiar verse in Galatians 5. As Paul was saying, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." I had never thought of serving as the opposite of sin. I don't know if that what Paul is saying, but I do know that when you fill your life with ministry and service, your mind is preoccupied with that and you might be less likely to sin. Try to be at Antioch this Sunday, August 16, at 10:15 AM, as we discuss this idea of serving in greater detail from Galatians 6.
So what do these random thoughts mean? Our mission at Antioch is to connect people to God, to connect people to people, and to empower people to serve. Are you a consumer or a servant? What areas are you serving in? What areas would you like to be serving in? If Antioch doesn't have an opening in the area you want to serve in, how can you create that opportunity?
Noam Chomsky said, "All over the place, from the popular culture to the propaganda system, there is constant pressure to make people feel that they are helpless, that the only role they can have is to ratify decision and to consume." You are NOT helpless. What can you do to become empowered? 1. Read Galatians 6 and see how it applies to servanthood; 2. Come Sunday to hear the message called, "Freedom To Serve"; 3. Pick up an "Empower Card" at Antioch to see what opportunities are currently available.
When you consume, you will never be satisfied and will always be looking for others to fulfill you, but when you choose to serve, you will take ownership and you will become more fulfilled than you could ever imagine!
7.22.2009
Freedom From Noise
This week, we have had our Creation Safari Spectacular at Antioch. We have had around 90-95 kids each day, and it has been a great week so far. We exotic animals here on Monday (a kangaroo, a lemur, a crocodile, a fox, a six-foot albino python). We had bugs here on Tuesday (spiders, scorpions, stick bugs, etc.). This has been quite a busy place bustling with kids. Today is Wednesday, and the kids and safari guides are on a treasure hunt at the OKC Zoo! Yea!
Today, it is extremely quiet! Yea! Now, I love kids and I really love it when kids get to learn about God and his creation. Tomorrow and Friday, we'll have the noise of learning and growing again. But today, I am really enjoying the quiet. It is much easier to get things done when it's quiet. It is the same at home. I love my family, and I love doing things with them, but sometimes it is nice to have some quiet to just reflect on things. What do you do with quiet? Do you sleep? Do you meditate? Do you pray? Do you reflect?
I heard a pastor give a list of the things God will hold me accountable for. On that list are things like, "have a heart of worship", "serve to advance the cause of Christ", "work hard and enjoy work." But on that list are also two that I tend to struggle with. They are, "rest", and "find solitude". I can be like my son, Nick, sometimes. He always wants to be doing something. It is hard to find rest and solitude, but it is desperately essential if we are to remain whole. It is extremely difficult to rest and find solitude as a pastor, because I know that the Kingdom of God is at stake, and there is much to be done... but if we don't find freedom from the noise of life, we will crash and burn.
This is not a call to laziness, but a call to finding rest from the noise of life and finding rest in Jesus. In Luke 10, we read the story of Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is "busy" preparing the house and the meal. Mary just sits at Jesus feet and worships him and listens to him. Martha tells Jesus to get her to help him. Jesus tells Martha that she is worried and upset about many things, and that Mary has chosen the better way.
So, today, find some time to escape the noise of life and find rest in Jesus.
Today, it is extremely quiet! Yea! Now, I love kids and I really love it when kids get to learn about God and his creation. Tomorrow and Friday, we'll have the noise of learning and growing again. But today, I am really enjoying the quiet. It is much easier to get things done when it's quiet. It is the same at home. I love my family, and I love doing things with them, but sometimes it is nice to have some quiet to just reflect on things. What do you do with quiet? Do you sleep? Do you meditate? Do you pray? Do you reflect?
I heard a pastor give a list of the things God will hold me accountable for. On that list are things like, "have a heart of worship", "serve to advance the cause of Christ", "work hard and enjoy work." But on that list are also two that I tend to struggle with. They are, "rest", and "find solitude". I can be like my son, Nick, sometimes. He always wants to be doing something. It is hard to find rest and solitude, but it is desperately essential if we are to remain whole. It is extremely difficult to rest and find solitude as a pastor, because I know that the Kingdom of God is at stake, and there is much to be done... but if we don't find freedom from the noise of life, we will crash and burn.
This is not a call to laziness, but a call to finding rest from the noise of life and finding rest in Jesus. In Luke 10, we read the story of Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is "busy" preparing the house and the meal. Mary just sits at Jesus feet and worships him and listens to him. Martha tells Jesus to get her to help him. Jesus tells Martha that she is worried and upset about many things, and that Mary has chosen the better way.
So, today, find some time to escape the noise of life and find rest in Jesus.
6.24.2009
I Wanna Be Just Like You
There was a song out a few years ago by Phillips, Craig and Dean that went like this:
Lord, I want to be just like You, 'cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord that my little boy can read
I want to be just like You, 'cause he wants to be like me
It's a great song to sing, but do I really live like that? I got up Sunday and at the end of my message, I paid tribute to my dad; I cried and I said that I hope I can live like my dad because he lived like Jesus, but when I reflect on my life, it seems like I've struggled more than I should. How about you? I want to be an example to my kids, but sometimes it seems that the harder I try, the more I fail. I know that most kids tend to turn out like their parents, and I am REALLY praying that they only get the good qualities! About the time I'm ready to give up, I come across something like this:
Excerpts from a Father of the Year Essay Contest sponsored by Fathers.com:
Taylor - 2nd grader
"My dad is a very kind person. He loves to play with me. He always gets me what I want. I am glad I have a kind dad. If I didn't have a dad, I would feel lonely. But when I do have my dad, I feel happy. My dad always comforts me when I am scared. When there is a thunder storm, he lets me sleep with him (SORRY NICK), and when I can't fall asleep, he helps me go to sleep. He prays with me before I go to bed. I would not sell my dad for anything, not even a race car. My dad is very tall; he gets things for me that I can't reach. I love my dad and he loves me too."
Roland - A dad who lost is father and is dealing with Father's Day w/o him
"For all my life, Daddy was always there. Whether I was in a mood to talk to him or not... his love for me was always unconditional. It didn't matter if he was having a bad day or not. Now, there's one less person in the world who unconditionally loves me. And I really, really, wish I could call him on Sunday.
Neil
My dad was part of what Tom Brokaw refers to as the "Greatest Generation." After returning from fighting in World War II, he started raising a family. He worked two jobs, usually leaving for work well before my older brother and I awakened, and returning home well after we went to bed. My ad had many great plans for his family. Unfortunately, when I was 9 years old, I recall being told that my mother had cancer. My father did everything he could for the next two years to save her, but my mother eventually died. My dad lost the love of his life, all of his dreams and, for the most part, all of his finances (paying medical bills). He quickly had to give up his second job, switch gears to become both father and mother to two young boys, learn cooking, how to do laundry, as well as assume responsibility for all the other things normally done by both parents. He had to deal with the tremendous grief which consumed both my brother and me, not to mention finding additionally finances. My dad raised two sons who both went on to college and careers. He died 13 years ago. Although my father sacrificed all of his dreams to raise his sons, I do think he lived a fulfilling life."
These stories just remind me that it's not that hard to be a good Father and it's the hardest thing I could possibly do! Sacrifice... time... love... security... hugs... encouraging words... faith! There are many more things that my dad showed me, and I pray I can show my daughter and son! I wanna be just like Jesus... O dear Lord, PLEASE HELP!
Go to www.fathers.com for more stories, to sign up for their e-mails, to join the 1 million father's challenge, and to get tools to help you be a better dad. Also, be watching for a special daughter/father event coming to OKC in the Fall of 2009.
Lord, I want to be just like You, 'cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord that my little boy can read
I want to be just like You, 'cause he wants to be like me
It's a great song to sing, but do I really live like that? I got up Sunday and at the end of my message, I paid tribute to my dad; I cried and I said that I hope I can live like my dad because he lived like Jesus, but when I reflect on my life, it seems like I've struggled more than I should. How about you? I want to be an example to my kids, but sometimes it seems that the harder I try, the more I fail. I know that most kids tend to turn out like their parents, and I am REALLY praying that they only get the good qualities! About the time I'm ready to give up, I come across something like this:
Excerpts from a Father of the Year Essay Contest sponsored by Fathers.com:
Taylor - 2nd grader
"My dad is a very kind person. He loves to play with me. He always gets me what I want. I am glad I have a kind dad. If I didn't have a dad, I would feel lonely. But when I do have my dad, I feel happy. My dad always comforts me when I am scared. When there is a thunder storm, he lets me sleep with him (SORRY NICK), and when I can't fall asleep, he helps me go to sleep. He prays with me before I go to bed. I would not sell my dad for anything, not even a race car. My dad is very tall; he gets things for me that I can't reach. I love my dad and he loves me too."
Roland - A dad who lost is father and is dealing with Father's Day w/o him
"For all my life, Daddy was always there. Whether I was in a mood to talk to him or not... his love for me was always unconditional. It didn't matter if he was having a bad day or not. Now, there's one less person in the world who unconditionally loves me. And I really, really, wish I could call him on Sunday.
Neil
My dad was part of what Tom Brokaw refers to as the "Greatest Generation." After returning from fighting in World War II, he started raising a family. He worked two jobs, usually leaving for work well before my older brother and I awakened, and returning home well after we went to bed. My ad had many great plans for his family. Unfortunately, when I was 9 years old, I recall being told that my mother had cancer. My father did everything he could for the next two years to save her, but my mother eventually died. My dad lost the love of his life, all of his dreams and, for the most part, all of his finances (paying medical bills). He quickly had to give up his second job, switch gears to become both father and mother to two young boys, learn cooking, how to do laundry, as well as assume responsibility for all the other things normally done by both parents. He had to deal with the tremendous grief which consumed both my brother and me, not to mention finding additionally finances. My dad raised two sons who both went on to college and careers. He died 13 years ago. Although my father sacrificed all of his dreams to raise his sons, I do think he lived a fulfilling life."
These stories just remind me that it's not that hard to be a good Father and it's the hardest thing I could possibly do! Sacrifice... time... love... security... hugs... encouraging words... faith! There are many more things that my dad showed me, and I pray I can show my daughter and son! I wanna be just like Jesus... O dear Lord, PLEASE HELP!
Go to www.fathers.com for more stories, to sign up for their e-mails, to join the 1 million father's challenge, and to get tools to help you be a better dad. Also, be watching for a special daughter/father event coming to OKC in the Fall of 2009.
6.11.2009
What Does It Mean To Live?
I have delivered messages the past two weeks talking about living the life that God intended... and I've stared at my "to do" list the past two weeks at one task that I haven't found the will to do until now. It simply says, "Blog".
Now, I think this is a good thing - to share ideas with you and for some of you to share your thoughts back (even though this is a rare occurrence). But, when I don't have anything profound to say, that item on my "to do" list keeps staring at me... no it is screaming at me that I haven't completed all the tasks I am supposed to complete.
And then I asked myself this question, "Can we really live the life that God intended for us if we are always stuck as a slave to our lists and tasks?" We have to be organized, but do we miss out on God's plan for us because we are trying to keep it formal, orderly and controlled? The Holy Spirit of God wants to lead you every moment of every day of every week... you get the picture. He might lead you to make a list today that you can complete tomorrow or next week, but are you willing to veer from that list if he asks you to?
I think what it means to live is this... Wake up... follow God! The rest are the side dishes. The meal is God. O God, please help me to live this way and not be so stuck trying to live life my way!
Now, I think this is a good thing - to share ideas with you and for some of you to share your thoughts back (even though this is a rare occurrence). But, when I don't have anything profound to say, that item on my "to do" list keeps staring at me... no it is screaming at me that I haven't completed all the tasks I am supposed to complete.
And then I asked myself this question, "Can we really live the life that God intended for us if we are always stuck as a slave to our lists and tasks?" We have to be organized, but do we miss out on God's plan for us because we are trying to keep it formal, orderly and controlled? The Holy Spirit of God wants to lead you every moment of every day of every week... you get the picture. He might lead you to make a list today that you can complete tomorrow or next week, but are you willing to veer from that list if he asks you to?
I think what it means to live is this... Wake up... follow God! The rest are the side dishes. The meal is God. O God, please help me to live this way and not be so stuck trying to live life my way!
5.11.2009
Will Those Seeds Ever Grow?
When you were a kid, did you ever plant seeds and then stand there waiting for them to grow? Eventually, your mom or dad would come and tell you that it would take time, care, water, sunshine, and many other factors for the seed to sprout and grow, so you would go on and play. As a parent, why don't we follow our own advice?
I hope you had a great Mother's Day. It was wonderful to get to celebrate it with my mother, my mother-in-law, and the wonderful mother of my children. It was a full day. I am so thankful that God allowed me to be born into a home with a Godly mom. I shared on Sunday that 1. Godly moms really love their kids; 2. Godly moms plant seeds of faith in their kids; and, 3. Godly moms entrust their kids to God.
I want to talk a little more about the second one. Godly moms do plant seeds of faith, but what happens after that? Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." I know that we are always hoping that our kids will turn out the way God wants them to, but sometimes - especially during the teenage years - we begin to wonder. Then we usually go through doubts about the decisions we are making and about whether or not we have raised them correctly. Did we pray with them enough? Did we yell too much? Did they see Jesus in us? Am I the only one who beats myself up regularly about how I am raising my kids?
Then, I thought about a parable Jesus told. It is found in Matthew 13, and it is incorrectly titled in my Bible, "The Parable of the Sower." Now, I realize that the sowing of seeds is important, and that we must be sowing seeds of faith in our kids, but I think the point of Jesus' story was the soil. You had four different soils described by Jesus - the hard path, the rocky shallow ground, the thorny patch, and the fertile soil.
Here is the point... are you ready for it? The quality of the crop is totally dependent on the type of soil the seeds are planted in. In other words, your kids cannot become all that God intends for them to become if they don't have a fertile, receptive heart. You have some responsibility in this - preparing the soil as they are growing up and even now - but if you have planted seeds of faith in your children, keep watering... keep nurturing... keep working the ground... keep pulling weeds (that's boys for you parents with teenage daughters)... keep exposing them to the Sonshine... and watch what God does to cause increase.
By the way... thanks mom for planting those seeds of faith and for continuing to nurture the soil of my heart. Thanks, Renee (my mother-in-law) for planting seeds of faith in my wife, Sharla. And, thanks, Sharla, for continuing to plant seeds of faith in our children, Lauren & Nick. I am eternally grateful for the mothers in my life... and I am eternally grateful for the God who continues to cause growth in planted seeds!
I hope you had a great Mother's Day. It was wonderful to get to celebrate it with my mother, my mother-in-law, and the wonderful mother of my children. It was a full day. I am so thankful that God allowed me to be born into a home with a Godly mom. I shared on Sunday that 1. Godly moms really love their kids; 2. Godly moms plant seeds of faith in their kids; and, 3. Godly moms entrust their kids to God.
I want to talk a little more about the second one. Godly moms do plant seeds of faith, but what happens after that? Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." I know that we are always hoping that our kids will turn out the way God wants them to, but sometimes - especially during the teenage years - we begin to wonder. Then we usually go through doubts about the decisions we are making and about whether or not we have raised them correctly. Did we pray with them enough? Did we yell too much? Did they see Jesus in us? Am I the only one who beats myself up regularly about how I am raising my kids?
Then, I thought about a parable Jesus told. It is found in Matthew 13, and it is incorrectly titled in my Bible, "The Parable of the Sower." Now, I realize that the sowing of seeds is important, and that we must be sowing seeds of faith in our kids, but I think the point of Jesus' story was the soil. You had four different soils described by Jesus - the hard path, the rocky shallow ground, the thorny patch, and the fertile soil.
Here is the point... are you ready for it? The quality of the crop is totally dependent on the type of soil the seeds are planted in. In other words, your kids cannot become all that God intends for them to become if they don't have a fertile, receptive heart. You have some responsibility in this - preparing the soil as they are growing up and even now - but if you have planted seeds of faith in your children, keep watering... keep nurturing... keep working the ground... keep pulling weeds (that's boys for you parents with teenage daughters)... keep exposing them to the Sonshine... and watch what God does to cause increase.
By the way... thanks mom for planting those seeds of faith and for continuing to nurture the soil of my heart. Thanks, Renee (my mother-in-law) for planting seeds of faith in my wife, Sharla. And, thanks, Sharla, for continuing to plant seeds of faith in our children, Lauren & Nick. I am eternally grateful for the mothers in my life... and I am eternally grateful for the God who continues to cause growth in planted seeds!
5.04.2009
Does My Life Count?
Erwin McManus said, "God's will for us is less about our comfort than it is about our contribution. God would never choose for us safety at the cost of significance. God created you so that your life would count, not so that you could count the days of your life." Does my life count? Does yours?
I shared the story of a church that grew to 2000 and then has shrunk back to around 1500-1600. One of their members told me that when they grew, it was because the area they were in was booming, and so they didn't have to do anything... People just came to them! As a result, they forgot to "make disciples", and so therefore, the church has been declining. Isn't that what happens in most churches? We grow when we're new, but if there is not a passion to fulfill the Great Commission (to go and make disciples of all nations), we become complacent, and see a decline. Does my life count? Does yours?
Jesus final words to his disciples are great instructions for you and me. If you want your life to count, you need to follow there marching orders... "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20). We must connect to God through worship and we must connect to people by investing in their lives if we ever want to make a difference. Does my life count? Does yours?
Who do you need to invest in? Someone once said, "To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person, you just may be the world." Make your life count... starting TODAY!
I shared the story of a church that grew to 2000 and then has shrunk back to around 1500-1600. One of their members told me that when they grew, it was because the area they were in was booming, and so they didn't have to do anything... People just came to them! As a result, they forgot to "make disciples", and so therefore, the church has been declining. Isn't that what happens in most churches? We grow when we're new, but if there is not a passion to fulfill the Great Commission (to go and make disciples of all nations), we become complacent, and see a decline. Does my life count? Does yours?
Jesus final words to his disciples are great instructions for you and me. If you want your life to count, you need to follow there marching orders... "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20). We must connect to God through worship and we must connect to people by investing in their lives if we ever want to make a difference. Does my life count? Does yours?
Who do you need to invest in? Someone once said, "To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person, you just may be the world." Make your life count... starting TODAY!
4.27.2009
"Tolerance" And Other Words To Be Afraid Of!
As we closed up the series called "Unexpected Jesus", Bryan and I shared from John 4 the story of the Samaritan woman Jesus encountered at Jacob's well. Our messages centered around the idea that Jesus is "a tolerant friend". The word "tolerance" has been hijacked by certain people, and sometimes, we have allowed that word to be defined in such a way that we are afraid to use it. In fact, we have done that with other words as well (i.e. "gay", "relevant", "emerging church", etc.).
John Burke says that "tolerance is the world's inexpensive substitute for grace". Gordon McDonald says that "you don't have to be a Christian to feed hungry people or build houses for the poor, but the one thing that the world can't offer that Christianity does is grace." Paul said in Romans 2:1-4, "You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (New Living Translation)
Did you see it in there? God is kind, patient, and yes, tolerant! In fact, he is MORE than tolerant... with me... and with you... Thank God for that. He doesn't just "tolerate" us, but he loves us and he sent his Son to die for us! That's grace! In 2 Peter 3:9 it says, "God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change." (The Message)
Let's reclaim the tolerance of our Lord, and let's extend the tolerance and grace that he offered us to EVERYONE... whether they deserve it or not!
John Burke says that "tolerance is the world's inexpensive substitute for grace". Gordon McDonald says that "you don't have to be a Christian to feed hungry people or build houses for the poor, but the one thing that the world can't offer that Christianity does is grace." Paul said in Romans 2:1-4, "You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (New Living Translation)
Did you see it in there? God is kind, patient, and yes, tolerant! In fact, he is MORE than tolerant... with me... and with you... Thank God for that. He doesn't just "tolerate" us, but he loves us and he sent his Son to die for us! That's grace! In 2 Peter 3:9 it says, "God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change." (The Message)
Let's reclaim the tolerance of our Lord, and let's extend the tolerance and grace that he offered us to EVERYONE... whether they deserve it or not!
4.15.2009
Not Content
It seems that the more we hear about the bad economy, the more hopeless people seem to be. The calls we receive at the church office for help with groceries, rent, utilities, car payments, etc. have multiplied dramatically in the past 6-9 months. I do realize that as a Christ-follower, it is important for me to be compassionate and to help those that I can. I also believe that the church (a group of Christ-followers) should be compassionate and help others.
I hear people tell how bad things are for them, yet I also hear something else in some of their voices... "I am not content with what I have." Now, God has blessed my family beyond measure, but I didn't begin to feel that blessing until I learned to be content with what I already have. Contentment is a tricky thing though. Contentment is good when is finds happiness in whatever condition I find myself. Contentment is bad when it leads to complacency in an area that I need to improve in such as work ethic, spiritual growth, etc.
Contentment is an interesting thing... and this past Sunday, I talked about how Jesus was not satisfied (content) with my sinful condition, so he went to the cross and died for me. I was reading some information about what Jesus went through because of me. Crucifixion was a most cruel death.
He was whipped because of me. Hebrews limited the scourging to 39 lashes, but the Romans didn’t have this limitation. The whip was called a flagrum made with long, lashing pieces of bone and metal. The veins would be laid bare, and the very muscles, sinews, and bowels were open to exposure. This whipping was enough to kill a man, but he survived it. Then Jesus had to endure the journey to Golgotha. His robe that was probably “stuck” to his back from the wounds was stripped off to be gambled for and he was spit upon. They placed a crown on his head with thorns the went in deep.
The crucifixion itself was such a horrible execution that Marcus Tullius Cicero, Rome’s most famous orator, said, “Even the mere word, cross, must remain far not only from the lips of the citizens of Rome, but also from their thoughts, their eyes, their ears.” Frederick Farrar describes this pain of a crucifixion… “dizziness, cramp, thirst, starvation, sleeplessness, traumatic fever, tetanus, shame, publicity of shame, long continuance of torment, horror of anticipation, mortification of untended wounds.” He was laid down on the rough, splintered wood with the wounds on his back scratching the surface. He was fastened to the beams with large spikes - through his hands and feet. The weight of his body would cause him to sag, which would cut off the air supply to his lungs, so he would have to push up with his "nail pierced" feet to try to catch his breath (This is why they wanted to break his legs to speed up the process).
A crucifixion last for hours and sometimes for days... and Jesus endured it because of me. He went to the cross because he was not content with allowing me to spend forever without Him. Being content can be a good thing... but I'm so grateful that my Jesus... my Savior... was not content with my condition.
I heard a singer named Billy Sprague sing the following words one time:
Thorns on His head, spear in His side, still in was a heartache that made Him cry
He gave His life so you would understand... Is there any way you could say no to this Man?
If Christ Himself were standing here, face full of glory and eyes full tears
And He held out His arms and His nail-printed hands... Is there any way you could say no to this Man?
How could you look in His tear-stained eyes, knowing it's you He's thinking of?
Could you tell Him you're not ready to give Him your life?
Could you say you don't think you need His love?
Jesus is here with His arms open wide; You can see with your heart, if you'll stop looking with your eyes
He's left it up to you, He's done all He can...Is there any way you could say no to this Man?
How could you look in His tear-stained eyes, knowing it's you He's thinking of?
Could you tell Him you're not ready to give Him your life?
Could you say you don't think you need His love?
Thorns on His head, your life is in His hands
Is there any way you could say no to this Man?
I hear people tell how bad things are for them, yet I also hear something else in some of their voices... "I am not content with what I have." Now, God has blessed my family beyond measure, but I didn't begin to feel that blessing until I learned to be content with what I already have. Contentment is a tricky thing though. Contentment is good when is finds happiness in whatever condition I find myself. Contentment is bad when it leads to complacency in an area that I need to improve in such as work ethic, spiritual growth, etc.
Contentment is an interesting thing... and this past Sunday, I talked about how Jesus was not satisfied (content) with my sinful condition, so he went to the cross and died for me. I was reading some information about what Jesus went through because of me. Crucifixion was a most cruel death.
He was whipped because of me. Hebrews limited the scourging to 39 lashes, but the Romans didn’t have this limitation. The whip was called a flagrum made with long, lashing pieces of bone and metal. The veins would be laid bare, and the very muscles, sinews, and bowels were open to exposure. This whipping was enough to kill a man, but he survived it. Then Jesus had to endure the journey to Golgotha. His robe that was probably “stuck” to his back from the wounds was stripped off to be gambled for and he was spit upon. They placed a crown on his head with thorns the went in deep.
The crucifixion itself was such a horrible execution that Marcus Tullius Cicero, Rome’s most famous orator, said, “Even the mere word, cross, must remain far not only from the lips of the citizens of Rome, but also from their thoughts, their eyes, their ears.” Frederick Farrar describes this pain of a crucifixion… “dizziness, cramp, thirst, starvation, sleeplessness, traumatic fever, tetanus, shame, publicity of shame, long continuance of torment, horror of anticipation, mortification of untended wounds.” He was laid down on the rough, splintered wood with the wounds on his back scratching the surface. He was fastened to the beams with large spikes - through his hands and feet. The weight of his body would cause him to sag, which would cut off the air supply to his lungs, so he would have to push up with his "nail pierced" feet to try to catch his breath (This is why they wanted to break his legs to speed up the process).
A crucifixion last for hours and sometimes for days... and Jesus endured it because of me. He went to the cross because he was not content with allowing me to spend forever without Him. Being content can be a good thing... but I'm so grateful that my Jesus... my Savior... was not content with my condition.
I heard a singer named Billy Sprague sing the following words one time:
Thorns on His head, spear in His side, still in was a heartache that made Him cry
He gave His life so you would understand... Is there any way you could say no to this Man?
If Christ Himself were standing here, face full of glory and eyes full tears
And He held out His arms and His nail-printed hands... Is there any way you could say no to this Man?
How could you look in His tear-stained eyes, knowing it's you He's thinking of?
Could you tell Him you're not ready to give Him your life?
Could you say you don't think you need His love?
Jesus is here with His arms open wide; You can see with your heart, if you'll stop looking with your eyes
He's left it up to you, He's done all He can...Is there any way you could say no to this Man?
How could you look in His tear-stained eyes, knowing it's you He's thinking of?
Could you tell Him you're not ready to give Him your life?
Could you say you don't think you need His love?
Thorns on His head, your life is in His hands
Is there any way you could say no to this Man?
3.31.2009
Trust is earned... Salvation is not
Do you remember the story of the little boy who cried wolf? The boy was guarding the sheep, and he was supposed to call out if a wolf came, so the villagers would come to save the sheep. The boy cried "wolf" 2 or 3 times when there was no wolf. The villagers came, were disappointed, and when the wolf actually showed up, it didn't matter how many times or how loudly the boy cried "wolf", they didn't trust him enough to come and help... and the sheep were attacked. Trust is earned.
Most kids are like my kids. They want you to trust them, but they make choices that kids their age tend to make that make it hard to trust them. They will say, "I'll change," or "I'll be different next time," or "Why don't you trust me?" Trust is earned.
In John 2:24-25, we learn that Jesus did not entrust himself to the new believers because he knew the nature of man. If Jesus had entrusted himself to sinful man, he would have gotten off course and he would not have been able to save us. He knew that we could not - in our present condition - save ourselves, so he entrusted himself to His Father, God, and he went to the cross and died for you and me. Trust is earned, and Jesus can be trusted even if we cannot. When you admit that you can't save yourself - that you'll NEVER be good enough - then you can find the salvation in Jesus Christ that is freely offered. Trust is earned... Salvation is not earned, but it is freely given to all who call on the name of the Lord (Romans 10).
We are not saved because of what we do (earned)... we are saved because of what Jesus did (trust).
Most kids are like my kids. They want you to trust them, but they make choices that kids their age tend to make that make it hard to trust them. They will say, "I'll change," or "I'll be different next time," or "Why don't you trust me?" Trust is earned.
In John 2:24-25, we learn that Jesus did not entrust himself to the new believers because he knew the nature of man. If Jesus had entrusted himself to sinful man, he would have gotten off course and he would not have been able to save us. He knew that we could not - in our present condition - save ourselves, so he entrusted himself to His Father, God, and he went to the cross and died for you and me. Trust is earned, and Jesus can be trusted even if we cannot. When you admit that you can't save yourself - that you'll NEVER be good enough - then you can find the salvation in Jesus Christ that is freely offered. Trust is earned... Salvation is not earned, but it is freely given to all who call on the name of the Lord (Romans 10).
We are not saved because of what we do (earned)... we are saved because of what Jesus did (trust).
3.19.2009
Why Won't God Help Me?
This past Sunday, the message was a very difficult one. Why is it that it seems God doesn't help us when we ask him? Are we asking the right questions of God? Is it wrong for us to ask God for help at all? The big question is, "If God's purpose is bigger than mine, is it OK for me to ask something that might seem trivial to God"? I know that God has my best interest at heart, and that his provision is always best. I know that his power is greater than my ability. But I also know that he promised through the psalmist, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4). So am I supposed to keep asking God for help? This is a difficult topic, but one that is important.
One final note... It is in the asking and corresponding with God that we build relationship with him. If he was just a big cosmic Santa Claus who gave us whatever we wanted, we would appreciate him, but we might now know him!
One final note... It is in the asking and corresponding with God that we build relationship with him. If he was just a big cosmic Santa Claus who gave us whatever we wanted, we would appreciate him, but we might now know him!
2.23.2009
Called To Reveal What?
I received an e-mail from one of our members this weekend. It was informing me of a protest at Moore High School. You know that group that protests soldiers funerals with signs that say, "God hates fags." "God hates you!" "You are cursed." I still have not figured out what their "end game" is our what their purpose is.
On their website, they address the people of Moore High School with things like:
"We will picket your really large High School because you southern(ish) hypocrites keep lying to the children. So, here's what we need to tell them: "We have a message, from your Maker, High school students - we're here to deliver that God has cursed you, with your parents' lies. Now God is rejecting your filthy raging lies violent brats, God hates you. We're here to tell you that fornication makes God angry... Simple sluts - will go to hell. God has cursed you. No more jobs - the economy has crashed. Nothing left but misery - all your hopes are dashed raging punks, God hates you. You'll scream in hell. You're cursed of God, and your rants and rage won't stop us from telling you that God is your enemy, and even as you search for jobs you soon will wish you'd long repented - Yesterday - AMEN!" One of their website is www.godhatestheworld.com.
I have very little to say about this except, I don't think this is the Jesus God has called us to reveal. We are to say what John the Baptist said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Our member wanted to know what she should do. I told her to pray that people would see Jesus... the REAL Jesus! I also told her to reveal the REAL Jesus to people. We can't combat the people who are hurting the cause with arguments... we can only reveal Jesus in our own lives.
On their website, they address the people of Moore High School with things like:
"We will picket your really large High School because you southern(ish) hypocrites keep lying to the children. So, here's what we need to tell them: "We have a message, from your Maker, High school students - we're here to deliver that God has cursed you, with your parents' lies. Now God is rejecting your filthy raging lies violent brats, God hates you. We're here to tell you that fornication makes God angry... Simple sluts - will go to hell. God has cursed you. No more jobs - the economy has crashed. Nothing left but misery - all your hopes are dashed raging punks, God hates you. You'll scream in hell. You're cursed of God, and your rants and rage won't stop us from telling you that God is your enemy, and even as you search for jobs you soon will wish you'd long repented - Yesterday - AMEN!" One of their website is www.godhatestheworld.com.
I have very little to say about this except, I don't think this is the Jesus God has called us to reveal. We are to say what John the Baptist said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Our member wanted to know what she should do. I told her to pray that people would see Jesus... the REAL Jesus! I also told her to reveal the REAL Jesus to people. We can't combat the people who are hurting the cause with arguments... we can only reveal Jesus in our own lives.
2.09.2009
Destiny - Where Will Your Journey Take You?
Does anybody have any hope that the stimulus package that our government is trying to shove down our throats has any chance of working? I don't want to be a cynic, and I am praying for our president that he will be led by God and succeed, but REALLY... I don't see any hope for this junk that our government thinks will work.
I was listening to a radio talk show host who said that we gave $17 billion dollars to General Motors, and that it is not working. On top of that, the taxpayers aren't even the first in line to get paid back... The banks will be paid first! REALLY! In fact, the government that said we couldn't let GM fail and go into bankruptcy is now suggesting that we force GM into bankruptcy so that we can get our money back. There's some efficiency in government, don't you think? That same talk show host also said that we have spent nearly $10 trillion dollars since October trying to "bail out" our economy. That is enough money to pay almost 90% of ALL mortgages in the United States. Would that stimulate your economy if you only owed 10% on your house?
Hope is a funny word. It gets thrown around like it comes easily or like it is cheap... But hope is a precious commodity. We all need hope. Hope for a better future... hope for relief from a horrible past... hope for a divine destiny. In Romans 8, Paul says this... "Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
What are you hoping for? An eternal life in heaven? That has been promised. Are you hoping for relief from the pains of this life? God's Spirit is here to help. Do you wish (hope) that your life would be better than it is? God's wish for you is an "abundant life" (John 10:10).
But, I've been struggling with something. I have been thinking how we all wish we could just arrive at our destination, and we miss much when we ignore the journey. When we're 13 we wish we were 16. When we get married we hope that we'll just begin with a perfect marriage. When we struggle with our weight we pray that the pounds will just disappear. When we become a follower of Jesus we think that God will impart on us the perfect life that we have always wanted. The problem is that in each of these instances, we miss the journey... the process... the growth.
Even when we realize that it is a process, sometimes we look for the rules, regulations or guidelines that will help us get there. "If I just do this..." "It worked for them..." "What's the least I can do..." The problem with rules and regulations (especially when it comes to our faith) is that they can never substitute for a real relationship or real progress. The journey is what it is all about.
God doesn't want robots who do the "right" thing, but don't even know him. Walking with God every day is how we live out this hope... it's how we grow in relationship with him and progress towards the eternal life he has promised. And how much more fulfilling will that life be when it is spent with a God who we know intimately! Living by rules and regulations (or expecting others to live by our rules and regulations) means that we don't trust God's Spirit to live in us (or in others), and to direct our (their) paths.
Divine destiny can only be found in a daily walk with God! Where will your journey take you?
I was listening to a radio talk show host who said that we gave $17 billion dollars to General Motors, and that it is not working. On top of that, the taxpayers aren't even the first in line to get paid back... The banks will be paid first! REALLY! In fact, the government that said we couldn't let GM fail and go into bankruptcy is now suggesting that we force GM into bankruptcy so that we can get our money back. There's some efficiency in government, don't you think? That same talk show host also said that we have spent nearly $10 trillion dollars since October trying to "bail out" our economy. That is enough money to pay almost 90% of ALL mortgages in the United States. Would that stimulate your economy if you only owed 10% on your house?
Hope is a funny word. It gets thrown around like it comes easily or like it is cheap... But hope is a precious commodity. We all need hope. Hope for a better future... hope for relief from a horrible past... hope for a divine destiny. In Romans 8, Paul says this... "Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
What are you hoping for? An eternal life in heaven? That has been promised. Are you hoping for relief from the pains of this life? God's Spirit is here to help. Do you wish (hope) that your life would be better than it is? God's wish for you is an "abundant life" (John 10:10).
But, I've been struggling with something. I have been thinking how we all wish we could just arrive at our destination, and we miss much when we ignore the journey. When we're 13 we wish we were 16. When we get married we hope that we'll just begin with a perfect marriage. When we struggle with our weight we pray that the pounds will just disappear. When we become a follower of Jesus we think that God will impart on us the perfect life that we have always wanted. The problem is that in each of these instances, we miss the journey... the process... the growth.
Even when we realize that it is a process, sometimes we look for the rules, regulations or guidelines that will help us get there. "If I just do this..." "It worked for them..." "What's the least I can do..." The problem with rules and regulations (especially when it comes to our faith) is that they can never substitute for a real relationship or real progress. The journey is what it is all about.
God doesn't want robots who do the "right" thing, but don't even know him. Walking with God every day is how we live out this hope... it's how we grow in relationship with him and progress towards the eternal life he has promised. And how much more fulfilling will that life be when it is spent with a God who we know intimately! Living by rules and regulations (or expecting others to live by our rules and regulations) means that we don't trust God's Spirit to live in us (or in others), and to direct our (their) paths.
Divine destiny can only be found in a daily walk with God! Where will your journey take you?
2.03.2009
Take A Leap Of Faith
From Monty Python to U2... from Allie Barone ("Everybody Loves Raymond") to Rick Warren... It seems that people are asking, "What is the meaning of life?" "Why are we here?"
God has put within us a "God-shaped" hole. It is in our heart; it is in our soul; it needs to be filled; and it can only be filled by God. We all crave meaning. We all want life to make sense. It is no wonder that Bono sang, "And I still haven't found what I'm looking for."
One of my favorite scenes from the third Indiana Jones movie, was when Harrison Ford was trying to find the holy grail. He had passed two of the tests that had killed most people before him. He stood at the opening of a cave and looked down at a drop of several hundred feet and across at another opening in the rock. It looked impossible to get to the other side, but his instructions said to take a leap of faith. It looked like If he jumped, he would fall to his death... but he did what the instructions said, and when he jumped, a ledge that had blended in with the floor of the canyon was there only about 3 feet below to catch him. He walked over to the opening and continued on his quest.
Take a leap of faith. Sooner or later, you will have to believe. Thane Pittman said, "I'll see it when I believe it." Erwin McManus said, "I don't know how to prove God to you; I only hope to bring you to a place where you and him can meet." Truth is not found through academic pursuit. Faith is not something that you do when you get all the facts lined up. Sooner or later, you will have to just believe; to just put your faith in something.
I am not saying that when it comes to faith in God, we need to check our brains at the door. In fact, God wants you to pursue truth no matter what, because he knows that the pursuit of truth will always lead back to him. God is not concerned that you believe what religion tells you... he is not even concerned that you follow what Christianity tells you... What he is concerned about is that you find the truth, because truth is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
Take a leap of faith. If you have decided that there is no God, that takes faith as well. What if you're wrong? Take a leap of faith. Believe in Jesus. Know God. Let his Spirit lead you. I have staked my entire life on the truth that God is real and that his Son, Jesus, died to save me. This is truth!
Take a leap of faith... and when you do, I'll bet you'll find the source of all truth, and you'll find the meaning that your soul has been craving. Take a leap of faith!
God has put within us a "God-shaped" hole. It is in our heart; it is in our soul; it needs to be filled; and it can only be filled by God. We all crave meaning. We all want life to make sense. It is no wonder that Bono sang, "And I still haven't found what I'm looking for."
One of my favorite scenes from the third Indiana Jones movie, was when Harrison Ford was trying to find the holy grail. He had passed two of the tests that had killed most people before him. He stood at the opening of a cave and looked down at a drop of several hundred feet and across at another opening in the rock. It looked impossible to get to the other side, but his instructions said to take a leap of faith. It looked like If he jumped, he would fall to his death... but he did what the instructions said, and when he jumped, a ledge that had blended in with the floor of the canyon was there only about 3 feet below to catch him. He walked over to the opening and continued on his quest.
Take a leap of faith. Sooner or later, you will have to believe. Thane Pittman said, "I'll see it when I believe it." Erwin McManus said, "I don't know how to prove God to you; I only hope to bring you to a place where you and him can meet." Truth is not found through academic pursuit. Faith is not something that you do when you get all the facts lined up. Sooner or later, you will have to just believe; to just put your faith in something.
I am not saying that when it comes to faith in God, we need to check our brains at the door. In fact, God wants you to pursue truth no matter what, because he knows that the pursuit of truth will always lead back to him. God is not concerned that you believe what religion tells you... he is not even concerned that you follow what Christianity tells you... What he is concerned about is that you find the truth, because truth is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
Take a leap of faith. If you have decided that there is no God, that takes faith as well. What if you're wrong? Take a leap of faith. Believe in Jesus. Know God. Let his Spirit lead you. I have staked my entire life on the truth that God is real and that his Son, Jesus, died to save me. This is truth!
Take a leap of faith... and when you do, I'll bet you'll find the source of all truth, and you'll find the meaning that your soul has been craving. Take a leap of faith!
1.28.2009
Life Is Full Of Questions
Why are we here? What is our purpose? Does it even matter if we know why? What is true? Is truth absolute? If I believe that something is not true, does that change the fact that it is true? Is truth and meaning found in what I believe? If God is real, then why does he allow suffering, pain, sickness, death? Why do I have so many questions?
Last week, we answered the question, "What is our purpose?" from 2 Corinthians 5. You are here to develop a heart for God ("love the Lord your God"), and you are here to determine to speak for God ("love your neighbor"). This week, we'll begin a series called, "DESIRE", where we'll uncover what every soul craves. We'll answer some of our questions from the book of Romans, but I also want to encourage you to pick up a copy of "Soul Cravings" by Erwin McManus, and read the third section entitled, "Meaning".
Life is full of questions, and I know where to find the answer! Do you?
Last week, we answered the question, "What is our purpose?" from 2 Corinthians 5. You are here to develop a heart for God ("love the Lord your God"), and you are here to determine to speak for God ("love your neighbor"). This week, we'll begin a series called, "DESIRE", where we'll uncover what every soul craves. We'll answer some of our questions from the book of Romans, but I also want to encourage you to pick up a copy of "Soul Cravings" by Erwin McManus, and read the third section entitled, "Meaning".
Life is full of questions, and I know where to find the answer! Do you?
1.22.2009
We Need Each Other
It isn't very often that I miss a meal. I'm very blessed in that regard. Most medical doctors say that a human in good health can go 4 to 6 weeks without food and still survive. There have been people who survived longer than that and also people who didn't make it that long, but it really all depends on your health before you stopped eating. But the reality is that most of us could miss a few meals and it wouldn't affect our over all health. Which brings me to my point. We need each other. Spiritually we need a community of believers around us if we are going to survive the spiritual battle that is taking place around us. My youth minister, who is now a preacher is Kansas City, Kansas, spoke about this very thing a few months ago. He said that we can miss church on occasion, like missing a meal, and it doesn't really affect us, but if we don't stay connected to our church body, spiritually we will begin to shut down.
We need each other. We need to look out for each other. We need to notice when people in our community aren't around. We were never meant to try to live this life alone, God wants us to be in community with each other. Will you commit to being a part of this community and help each other live like God wants us to live?
We need each other. We need to look out for each other. We need to notice when people in our community aren't around. We were never meant to try to live this life alone, God wants us to be in community with each other. Will you commit to being a part of this community and help each other live like God wants us to live?
1.13.2009
Are You Making A Real Difference
I have come across three stories this week that are great examples of how we - as followers of Jesus - could make a real difference and impact our community one person at a time.
First, there is a website called xxxchurch.com. Craig Gross is a minister who decided to make a real difference, and instead of preaching at a church, he started a ministry to help people get out of the porn industry and prostitution; he also has accountability software for people who want to monitor the internet surfing on their computer, and a blog that helps men and women struggling with internet pornography to confess and overcome their addiction. Craig recently decided to move from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada ("Sin City") to begin a church on the Las Vegas strip called Stripchurch.com. He is trying to minister to people who really need God. What an incredible concept. Craig, his wife and their two young children made the move recently. Nightline was interviewing them, and they asked Craig's wife how she could move her family to such an awful place. They asked, "Isn't this the worst place to raise a family?" She replied, "Yes, this is the worst place to raise a family, but God has called us to this ministry; so (in tears) how could we not come?" Now, that's making a real difference!
Second, my wife, Sharla, watched a news report on News9 this weekend, and it told of some young people who have moved into a downtown OKC apartment building that used to be a crack house. They are intentionally moving into the area to give hope to hopeless people and call them to accountability by taking care of the community. They all have jobs and cars, and they come from as far as California. The Refuge will also be sharing the love of Jesus with these lower-income people in downtown OKC. One girl said, "You're knocking on people's doors in the morning to use the bathroom, and it's not comfortable, and it's not what you thought it'd be, but you feel like you want to love Jesus more than you want to be comfortable." Now, that's making a real difference.
Lastly, Rick Reilly, from ESPN The Magazine wrote a story that I read about recently. It was about a high school football game in Texas between Grapevine Faith and Gainesville State School. Faith's head coach, Kris Hogan, wanted to do something nice for the Gainesville team (they were 0-8 coming into the game and Faith was 7-2). Faith had 70 players, 11 coaches, many fans, and the latest equipment. Gainesville had 14 players, 1 coach, no fans, and a lot of baggage. You see, the team from Gainesville State School was made up of inmates who had convictions for drugs, assault and robbery; many had been disowned by their families and they were wearing antiquated equipment. In fact, after the game, they lined up the 14 players, handcuffed them, and escorted them back to the bus for the ride back to their prison cells. So, Hogan decided to have 200 of the 400 fans for Faith switch sides for one night and cheer for the other team; they made a spirit line for them to run through, with a banner that said, "Go Tornadoes" for them to break through; they wore their colors; they cheered for them during the game. Hogan wanted to send this message, "You are just as valuable as any other person on the planet." Even though they lost the game 33-14, the inmates gave their coach, Mark Williams, a sports bottle water shower as if he had won the state championship. After the game both teams gathered on the field to pray. One of the inmates, Isaiah, asked to lead the prayer. He said these words, "Lord, I don't know how this happened, so I don't know how to say thank you, but I never would have known so many people in the world cared about us." As they walked back to their bus under guard they were handed a bag for the ride home (a burger, fries, a soda, some candy, a Bible and an encouraging letter from a Faith player). Gainesville's coach grabbed Faith's coach and said, "You'll never know what you people did for these kids tonight. You'll never, ever know." Now, that's making a real difference.
Are you making a real difference? Antioch will not be a place that is content to just exist for ourselves. With God's help, we will make a real difference, impacting our community one person at a time. Why don't you share stories that have inspired you? Leave a comment of ways in which people have made a real difference in your life... in the lives of others... in their community. Tell us your dreams about what you think God might want to do through you! Make a real difference!
First, there is a website called xxxchurch.com. Craig Gross is a minister who decided to make a real difference, and instead of preaching at a church, he started a ministry to help people get out of the porn industry and prostitution; he also has accountability software for people who want to monitor the internet surfing on their computer, and a blog that helps men and women struggling with internet pornography to confess and overcome their addiction. Craig recently decided to move from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada ("Sin City") to begin a church on the Las Vegas strip called Stripchurch.com. He is trying to minister to people who really need God. What an incredible concept. Craig, his wife and their two young children made the move recently. Nightline was interviewing them, and they asked Craig's wife how she could move her family to such an awful place. They asked, "Isn't this the worst place to raise a family?" She replied, "Yes, this is the worst place to raise a family, but God has called us to this ministry; so (in tears) how could we not come?" Now, that's making a real difference!
Second, my wife, Sharla, watched a news report on News9 this weekend, and it told of some young people who have moved into a downtown OKC apartment building that used to be a crack house. They are intentionally moving into the area to give hope to hopeless people and call them to accountability by taking care of the community. They all have jobs and cars, and they come from as far as California. The Refuge will also be sharing the love of Jesus with these lower-income people in downtown OKC. One girl said, "You're knocking on people's doors in the morning to use the bathroom, and it's not comfortable, and it's not what you thought it'd be, but you feel like you want to love Jesus more than you want to be comfortable." Now, that's making a real difference.
Lastly, Rick Reilly, from ESPN The Magazine wrote a story that I read about recently. It was about a high school football game in Texas between Grapevine Faith and Gainesville State School. Faith's head coach, Kris Hogan, wanted to do something nice for the Gainesville team (they were 0-8 coming into the game and Faith was 7-2). Faith had 70 players, 11 coaches, many fans, and the latest equipment. Gainesville had 14 players, 1 coach, no fans, and a lot of baggage. You see, the team from Gainesville State School was made up of inmates who had convictions for drugs, assault and robbery; many had been disowned by their families and they were wearing antiquated equipment. In fact, after the game, they lined up the 14 players, handcuffed them, and escorted them back to the bus for the ride back to their prison cells. So, Hogan decided to have 200 of the 400 fans for Faith switch sides for one night and cheer for the other team; they made a spirit line for them to run through, with a banner that said, "Go Tornadoes" for them to break through; they wore their colors; they cheered for them during the game. Hogan wanted to send this message, "You are just as valuable as any other person on the planet." Even though they lost the game 33-14, the inmates gave their coach, Mark Williams, a sports bottle water shower as if he had won the state championship. After the game both teams gathered on the field to pray. One of the inmates, Isaiah, asked to lead the prayer. He said these words, "Lord, I don't know how this happened, so I don't know how to say thank you, but I never would have known so many people in the world cared about us." As they walked back to their bus under guard they were handed a bag for the ride home (a burger, fries, a soda, some candy, a Bible and an encouraging letter from a Faith player). Gainesville's coach grabbed Faith's coach and said, "You'll never know what you people did for these kids tonight. You'll never, ever know." Now, that's making a real difference.
Are you making a real difference? Antioch will not be a place that is content to just exist for ourselves. With God's help, we will make a real difference, impacting our community one person at a time. Why don't you share stories that have inspired you? Leave a comment of ways in which people have made a real difference in your life... in the lives of others... in their community. Tell us your dreams about what you think God might want to do through you! Make a real difference!
1.05.2009
Don't Forget, He's In Your Face
We had a great Sunday yesterday. I am excited about the future of Antioch, and walking alongside of you in ministry for many years.
Yesterday, we talked about beginning 2009 by renewing our lives and by walking in the Spirit of God. In Romans 8, Paul says, "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies." He also says, "Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
Many times, we see Jesus as a person who is "not here", so we can use him when we need him, and leave him when we don't. We attend church once or twice a week, we participate in a small group, we might even read our Bibles every once in a while, but when we get focused on the flesh (on the things of this world), we think we can leave Jesus behind. But, if the Spirit of God is leading our lives, we need to remember that he is ALWAYS with us... he is in our heart... he is in our mind... he is in your face! In other words, he is before you at all times, so what will you do with him?
When you are faced with a difficult decision, he is there. When you are tempted to think a lustful thought, he is there. When you are discouraged, he is there. When you want to say that bad word, or that crude joke, he is there. When you feel like giving up, he is there. When you don't know what to do, he is there. He is always there. He is in your face. He will help you... He will comfort you... he will provide the way of escape from the temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)... He will keep your mind focused on what He desires instead of the distractions of the flesh that might choke out your faith (Luke 8:7, 14).
Take a moment right now, and acknowledge the presence of the Spirit of God. Thank him for the blessings you have received. Ask him to help you overcome temptation today. Give him the reigns of your life, and plead with him to always stay... IN YOUR FACE!
Don't miss this Sunday. Bryan and I will present the vision that the leadership of Antioch has for the future. You won't want to miss it.
Yesterday, we talked about beginning 2009 by renewing our lives and by walking in the Spirit of God. In Romans 8, Paul says, "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies." He also says, "Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
Many times, we see Jesus as a person who is "not here", so we can use him when we need him, and leave him when we don't. We attend church once or twice a week, we participate in a small group, we might even read our Bibles every once in a while, but when we get focused on the flesh (on the things of this world), we think we can leave Jesus behind. But, if the Spirit of God is leading our lives, we need to remember that he is ALWAYS with us... he is in our heart... he is in our mind... he is in your face! In other words, he is before you at all times, so what will you do with him?
When you are faced with a difficult decision, he is there. When you are tempted to think a lustful thought, he is there. When you are discouraged, he is there. When you want to say that bad word, or that crude joke, he is there. When you feel like giving up, he is there. When you don't know what to do, he is there. He is always there. He is in your face. He will help you... He will comfort you... he will provide the way of escape from the temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)... He will keep your mind focused on what He desires instead of the distractions of the flesh that might choke out your faith (Luke 8:7, 14).
Take a moment right now, and acknowledge the presence of the Spirit of God. Thank him for the blessings you have received. Ask him to help you overcome temptation today. Give him the reigns of your life, and plead with him to always stay... IN YOUR FACE!
Don't miss this Sunday. Bryan and I will present the vision that the leadership of Antioch has for the future. You won't want to miss it.
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