NO LUKES

Ready to go yet?

2010-04-08T18:32:00.000-05:00

If your family is anything like mine, then you’ll identify with the following situation. You are in the lobby after church and your wife say’s “are you ready to go” and you say, “Sure, where are the kids?” By the time you locate one of your two children your wife is off talking to someone else. So you seize the opportunity to chat with a friend and before you know it twenty minutes have passed and you still don’t have any idea where the kids are. Lets call this scenario one. Now, scenario two is much different. Your wife say’s “I’m ready to go and I'll be waiting in the car” this means; find the kids at once and get to the car, lest you get text messages inquiring of your whereabouts.

As a well-seasoned husband, I understand that both requests may sound alike, but only one is worth my attention. I am concerned that to often our prayers are given in a similar way. “Lord please be with aunt Alice” or “keep us safe while we travel” While these may be valid prayers, are we sincerely seeking God’s help in these matters or are we just spitting out requests as our “christian” duty? If rattling off insincere lists of things for God to do for us is our idea of prayer, then I don’t think we know how to pray. No wonder our prayer life is unfulfilling and fruitless.

Have you ever considered that while you are reciting your well-rehearsed prayers, God is also sitting on His thrown while a host of angles are crying out Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty. The next time you pray for God to do something for you, make sure you equally committed to the request. You could say that fasting is kind of like saying “I’ll be waiting in the car for you”

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16b

40 Day Fast

2010-03-21T16:17:00.001-05:00

Have you ever fasted for an extended period of time? More than a day? Do you know anyone who has fasted for more than a week? I used to go to church with a man who would fast for the entire month of January with only water. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. Many people give up something during the 40 days of lent. Certain foods or drinks, activities like TV, computer or movies. My daughter gave up texting one year that is a sacrifice for a teenage girl these days.

How does the level of sacrifice effect a fast? I can tell you that I could give up spinach for a year easier than fasting from coffee for a single day. Although I have practiced limited fasting somewhat regularly, I am certainly not an expert on the subject. I have not studied it nor have I read any books devoted solely to it's topic. Perhaps I should.

Imagine your fasting from all food, it's the second week and you have two more to go. I'm not asking you to think about how famished you're feeling, because the hunger is likely much easier by now than at the beginning, but rather what are you expecting from your fast.

I'll admit that most of the times I fast is because I really want God to do something for me. Answer my prayer...now,...please! Fasting is a way of showing our commitment to a cause or desire. King David said that he would “not sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” 1 Chronicles 21:24

Can we fast to change ourselves? If I fasted for 40 days, you bet I would want to be changed because of it. Education, study, exercise and diet are all purposed for the betterment of ourselves. Why are we willing to devote four or more years of our life, tens of thousands of dollars for an education, if we didn't value the outcome? A specific career or higher financial opportunities are our rewards.

If an extended fast, an overnight stay in a homeless shelter or a trip to a third world country could change our lives then why aren't we doing it? Are we willing to invest in Gods kingdom here on earth? Are we pursuing a life that is at the foot of the cross. Do our hearts break over the lost people we know? Do we long for just 30 more minutes of prayer before we have to go to work. Are we wanting a life that looks more like Jesus or are we doing OK for ourselves now? I personally want more, I want His kingdom to come here on earth and I want to be a part of it. This is not about legalism or works, it's about putting on the mind of Christ and walking in step with the Spirit. It's about falling in love with Jesus.

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Each time Peter responded yes Lord you know that I love You, and each time, Jesus followed with “then feed my sheep”. When I get real honest, I think God wants a lot more from me than what He's been getting. He wants all of me and all of you.

Only one life soon will pass; only what is done for Christ will last.

"Spiritual Correctness"

2010-03-21T14:44:00.002-05:00

We are all quick to Quote Matthew 6 to justify our spiritual motives. When giving, praying or fasting don’t be like the hypocrites…for they have received their reward in full.

As “good” Christians we sometimes fail to do what is good for the sake of our humble image.

Which is better; to do good even though others may see, or to do no good so that others can’t see?

To train for an athletic event you will have to condition your body for whatever sport you are preparing for. Lifting weights, exercise and diet can make you feel proud and arrogant with a much leaner and stronger physique. Making a big show of your efforts may give you temporary gratification. On the other hand, failing to prepare and not doing the work at the risk that others may take notice, gets you absolutely nothing. At least the first man will come prepared to compete.

Luke was told that this week everyone would be getting an unexpected bonus check in addition to the regular paycheck. He could wait to call his wife and tell her the good news. Things had been a little tight for them financially, and they both agreed that God was blessing them. Luke tried to plan how they would spend their bonus money, not just for bills but maybe something special like a plasma TV. On Wednesday Luke began feeling a nudge from the Holy Spirit to give it all away. They could bless others in a way they couldn't normally do. After all this was bonus money, they could go on as if they never even received it. He thought about the mission team going to Haiti, or a man from church that just lost his job again. Luke then remembered the verse about the left hand knowing about what the right hand was doing. You’re not supposed to let people know when you do good things, right? He was troubled because they had already told several people about the money. So because Luke did not want to receive his reward in full and make a show of his generosity, he said nothing and kept the money for himself.

Treasure

2010-03-21T13:52:00.003-05:00

Matthew 13:44

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then with joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Luke found a treasure in a field. He hid it again, and with joy in his heart thought about what a treasure it would be. He knew the field was very costly and would take all that he had. He still desired that treasure and spoke of it with a friend. His friend said that treasures and dreams are for people better than us. His wife called him a fool for suggesting they sacrifice what they already had. Luke’s priest encouraged him to think more responsibly and care for his family, making the most of what he has been given in life. Luke never bought that field.

I'm a Vegan...jk

2010-03-05T21:25:00.002-05:00

I skipped church on a Wednesday night to go hear a mini seminar on “living foods”. I had heard an interview that morning on the radio and this lady claimed that of all the cancer patients that had went through her program and there were thousands, none had died from cancer. Not one. Incredible or too good to be true, I was willing to give up a night to find out.

At the end of the night there wasn’t really anything I could disagree with as far as the information or concept. I can concede that most of the junk we feed ourselves with is lacking nutritional value and filled with counterproductive ingredients. I know that eating healthier would no doubt improve my quality of life. Having said this I was not ready to say yes to this new and improved way of life.

Here are a few of my objections.

1.It sounds too good to be true

2.None of my friends are eating healthy and they seem all right, if it were really good everyone else would be doing it.

3.I don’t fit in with the “healthy” lifestyle. Would I have to start hugging trees or plaster my bumper with anti-war and animal rights propaganda?

4.This was just an infomercial trying to get me to cough up some of my money.

5.I not ready to give up a good steak for spinach and or tofu.

6.If I really got sick, I would change then.

Aren’t these the same excuses that non-believers offer to the church? We can talk a good talk, but at the end of the day are we really all that different from them? Knowing logically that eating better is a good thing, I can’t say I am ready to change my way of eating. There are only two things that I can think of that might persuade me to convert. The first is that I am diagnosed with cancer; after all desperate times call for disparate measures. The second is if a friend had been cured and was now living without disease, without aces and pains, and full of energy. I could be drawn to change myself and if my friend shared that giving up actually meant getting so much more in return I think I would want to change.

“There is no greater sermon than the evidence of a changed life.”

a love story

2010-02-23T21:49:00.003-05:00

I’m sitting across from my daughter at our dimly lit kitchen table. It’s late, her tears from hours before are now gone but her sorrow is still brutally alive.

This love story began nearly two and a half years ago. It was Becka who first notice Luke at school but it didn’t take long for the spark of interest to become a steady flame. They were always either hanging out at our house to his, going out with friends and texting each other all hours’ of the day or night. Luke was always welcome in our home. He would never miss a game night and it was nice having him around. We would play dominoes until late into the night, all of us laughing and carrying on. I remember the first night Luke called to break his plans with Becka. It was a Friday night and Luke and “the guys” had plans the following day, there wasn’t enough gas in the tank for both, and of course he knew Becka would understand. She was disappointed but she soon got used to it. Luke would explain that “going out with the guys was important and it wasn’t the kind of thing you do with your girlfriend”. I guess that was the beginning of the end in some ways. Soon after, they just stopped going out just the two of them, the personal time together wasn’t a priority anymore. He was still over to our house a lot and game night never changed. Becka would continue to pray for Gods best for Luke. My wife and I were concerned about the changes we saw in their relationship, but honestly Luke was a kind and friendly boy, and not likely to get into any trouble, and we all loved him.

Tonight was the night of their senior prom. They didn’t go. Oh sure the dress was bought and the flowers were ordered. Luke had barrowed his uncles BMW and had spent the entire afternoon giving that car a meticulous cleaning inside and out. The stage was set for the perfect night, until Becka asked Luke to come over to talk. With a heavy heart Becka shared the truth of their relationship. Truth that Luke had never considered, or wanted too. She first shared how much she loved him, how much she enjoyed his company and longed for time together. “It’s wrong for me to keep you from what you want”. “You don’t love me, you barely know me, and honestly you haven’t even pursued me”. “You are more content to be around me than with me, I love you too much to let you stay with someone you don’t love back”.

Luke was a fixture in our home. We all enjoyed him, we still do, but just like the elephant in the room, he never needed a relationship with Becka. Being a part of our family and our activities was enough to satisfy him. Sadly, Luke never realized it.

“Not everyone who say’s Lord Lord will enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 7:21a

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37, 38

Heaven is a place set apart for those people who love God. People who long to be with God and who desire to be like God. Going to church every time the doors are open is not necessarily the same as spending time with God. Hosting a small group in your home is not necessarily pursing God, and living a moral life is not necessarily serving God. There is no substitute for loving God except, loving God.

Can you tolerate my intolerance?

2009-05-03T16:09:00.002-05:00

Who is it that gets to decide what we find acceptable in our culture? In this world of political correctness and socially acceptable ideas we are often confronted with the realization that we aren’t being tolerant of others. Miss California recently discovered this when she was asked a question during this years Miss America pageant. The question was her stance on the controversial topic of gay marriage. Unfortunately it wasn’t her opinion of the topic that was challenged but rather her right to have that opinion. The onslaught of internet attacks began just minutes after the words left her mouth, and the mainstream media quickly followed. Many very personal and hateful things were printed or aired about Miss California without any rebuttal from any other viewpoint. The common theme was her intolerance and the intolerance of those who share her support of traditional marriage between one man and one woman. Why is it that she has been labeled intolerant for believing in traditional marriage while at the same time those who are vigorously attacking her are deemed tolerant for their openness to alternative lifestyles?

Truth is always exclusive. For something to be true, then there must also be something that is not true. Truth is either true or isn’t, and if it isn’t then it isn’t true. Truth is not an opinion. An opinion can easily exist among opposing views. “This room is too hot” this is a statement of opinion. You may be comfortable or even cool, but that too is just your opinion. You can challenge someone’s opinion with more information or creditable persuasion but they still have the right to consider the temperature to be hot. If the statement was “it is 77 degrees in here” that is a true statement. Your opinion of what 77 degrees feels like is up to you. If the room is 77 degrees but the thermostat is reading 84, you may agree with the reading or not agree with the reading but the truth will still be 77 even if you believe it is 84. The truth didn’t change. Additionally, find your favorite fishing pond in the dead of winter. Is the ice thick enough to support the weight of your car? You may conclude that based on your past experience and the cold winter that the ice is 4-5 inches thick and that should be more than adequate to support that weight. You trust your knowledge and drive your car onto the lake, it holds. Did your prior experience and knowledge make it possible to drive onto the lake? Nope. At the end of the day it didn’t matter what you thought, how you came to your conclusion, or if you believed or not. The ice was a specific thickness anyway. It didn’t change based on your trust, it simply was what it was. What is actually true and your opinion of that truth may not always agree, but truth will always be true anyway.

There are many truths about God. God created this world. It wasn’t created by a committee of Buddha, Mohammad or anyone else. One God one Creator. As God, He is who He is regardless of what we think. He is not defined by our concept of Him. He is who He is, period. Can we agree that when we say, “my God is this or my God is that” these are opinions of who we think He is and may or not be accurate? Can we also agree that when God speaks, He speaks what is truth? There is right and there is wrong. Truth is always exclusive and we need to stop apologizing for it but rather embrace it.

John 3:11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.

What are the odds?

2009-04-19T21:22:00.002-05:00

Tonight I was watching our local news and before going to a commercial break they announced the winning Powerball numbers. I couldn’t believe what I heard;

7 – 15 – 28 – 43 – 44 powerball 20.

Do you have any idea the chances of them calling these exact numbers? What an incredible, beyond belief, never happen again in a million years chance that they pick these numbers. Wow. Have you ever just sat and let it settle in for a minute. Unless you’ve won then of course you haven’t. Because although the odds of winning the jackpot is only 1 in 195,249,054, the odds of powerball picking 6 random numbers is 100%. Again we don’t get to excited about it unless we have hit a number or two and will be getting some cash. Can you imagine what would happen if they ever drew 1,2,3,4,5,6? I guess it could happen. The odds of drawing 1-6 are exactly the same as drawing any other numbers. But just the fact that there is pattern or order to the numbers would make it a huge news story. Even better yet, what if the very next drawing was 7,8,9,10,11,12. Not only would this ignite a 24/7 global coverage from every network, cable news channel, and newspapers. There would likely be hundreds of class action lawsuits filed within days. Congress would issue an injunction and establish a full investigation. Accusations of corruption and scandal would forever plague the reputation of Powerball. Never again would they be allowed to sell another ticket, without even one shred of evidence of any wrongdoing. What kind of evidence would you need other that the fact that two consecutive drawings produced 1-6 and 7-12. The odds themselves prove that there must be an outside influence or tampering that goes well beyond a reasonable doubt.

Reasonable people would agree that these odds are proof enough that this wasn’t random.

Let’s do our own lottery and instead of 59 white balls and 39 red balls as in the Powerball lottery we are going to use 1000 white and 1000 red. We also draw 1-6 our very first drawing 7-12 on our second and 13-18 for our third. This continues drawing after drawing until we have successfully gone through every number up to 1000 without ever drawing even one ball out of turn. I have no idea what the mathematic odds would be for this to happen but lets assume they are unbelievably high. Impossible? Yes this would be impossible unless you have and intelligent designer orchestrating every draw of every ball. Take out the “chance” and now what was “never in a billion years” is easy. Amazingly Darin has sold us a similar story of evolution. The odds and the evidence for life evolving out of nothing are just as unrealistic as my new lottery. Add God as the creator and all things are possible. God is our creator, He is infinitely wise, He has ultimate power and yet he has done great things to have a personal relationship with each one of us.

Parker brothers; good and loving

2009-03-15T18:02:00.004-05:00

My family grew up with Parker Bothers in our home and like most kids began to learn to love the time we spent around the dinner table with family and friends playing games like Sorry, Probe and of course Monopoly. We didn’t play Monopoly as often because of the time it took to play, but there was no doubt that it was the favorite. I remember as a kid keeping as many small bills as I could and then making a pile out of them to make me look as rich as possible, although I never fooled anyone it was my way of staying competitive.

Today I look back on my childhood with fond memories of those times. As a child I thought and reasoned as a child. I can clearly see now just how naïve I was to have been spoon-feed all the struggle, hurt and pain associated with the quest to conquer and destroy my fellow game players. The game may start out relatively fair, but in no time it quickly chooses to bless one or two and condemn the rest to struggle and fight for survival. It has no mercy on those with the misfortune of several poor rolls of the dice. I’ve turned my back on what I once considered a friend. Parker Brothers is nothing more than a big cruel corporation, inflicting pain and suffering on the innocent.

In my compassion and on mankind I’ve created my own game. It’s fair. It treats every one equally. It doesn’t reward or punish. It is easy to play. Everyone gets the same amount of money to start. Because taking turns is unfair to the person going last, my game lets everyone go together at the same time. Each turn everyone gets the same amount of money. No rolling of the dice or going around the board. Just fun and equal rewards for all! Does this sound fun to you? I didn’t think so.

This is silly. But this is how some think God should run this world. No pain. No suffering. No rewards or consequences. God has blessed us with His ability to know what we need and not what we want. If we lived without struggles, trials or stress how would we grow, learn or mature? How would we know joy if we had not also known sorrow? Can we know satisfaction without first experiencing discontent? I can’t answer all the hard questions about why bad things happen. You’ve heard the analogy, Paul uses about each of us being a part of the body. A friend of ours once suggested that our family must be the knees because we are always getting scraped up. I’ll admit that sometimes it feels as if the dice never roll in our favor, but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord, and we will praise Him because he alone is worthy.

James 1:2-4

²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything

Please close your eyes while you read this

2009-01-08T22:24:00.002-05:00

Closing your eyes while reading this may not be practical but it is much safer than closing your eyes while driving. Seriously, if I were to read this to you, I would ask you close your eyes and concentrate on the feelings and emotions you experience. To often I can see, hear or read a story while detaching myself from it. A horrible traffic accident is easier dealt with if it is in another state, rather than just down the street from my house.

The small conference room you are sitting in is quiet. Your family is there and the doctor will be coming through the door at any moment. Although things have progressed quickly, it’s been an eternity since last weeks test. The symptoms came slowly with no real concern. Like a cold that you just couldn’t kick. Consequently, today there is a small group of our close friends lifting me up in prayer as we sit here this morning. Waiting for the doctor. Waiting for news. Sounds from the hallway brings everyone to attention, sitting straight up in your seat the doctor enters as your heart pounds, and anxiously you greet him with a handshake. Surely things are going to be all right, but you’ll feel so much better after hearing him say it. Your wife slides her hand onto your lap and grasps your hand; her grip is firm and tightens as the doctor begins to speak. It’s a tumor, it is actually more than one; there are several, and they’re malignant. It’s cancer.

Imagine your emotions. What are you thinking, how do you feel?

It doesn’t get better as the doctor continues. The cancer is advanced and is at stage four, spreading throughout the abdomen and into both of your lungs. Surgery, radiation and chemo are all ruled out as probable strategies. How much time will it take? How long do I have?

You find yourself taking in the details of this moment. The size of the room, the color on the walls, the furnishings, all ordinary like you would find in any office waiting area. Indeed there was nothing special or unique here, and yet this will be the place, this room and this moment will always be the day your life changed. Thirty minutes later, climbing into your car brings feelings of foolishness. Remembering just a year earlier how we just had to have a new car. The time we spent shopping and how every drive became an opportunity for us to covet another suv, and all for what? Another four and a half years of huge payments we didn’t need. It seems so foolish today.

You’ve been given about three to four months, how will you spend it? What will you do? What is important to you now? Perhaps you will withdraw into your home; close the curtains, take the phone off the hook and spend your day sleeping it away. Maybe curl up in a favorite chair, get a new plasma TV and watch movie after movie or could you finish reading all of your favorite books. What would you do? Travel? Live it up; go on a wild spending spree? Would you seek out only the best doctors chasing down every possible cure. Maybe you would pursue those whom you could blame for your currant fate? Lashing out at those who don’t understand how unfair this is, or how bad you feel. Do you blame God? This could be a good time to seek reconciliation from those in your past that need your forgiveness. Would you share praise to those whom you respect? Would you like to give advice or share wisdom from your life? Would it be friends and family only or would you open up to neighbors and community? How would you pray and for what would you pray?

Certainly, I don’t think everyone should respond to such news uniformly. We were all created unique and our lives have conditioned us in many different ways. I would hope that if I were faced with such a challenge, my priorities would narrow and focus to better reflect my values rather than unravel into a self-destructive pity. Having said this, why must I wait? Can I seek reconciliation now? Could I share my appreciation to those I admire today? Couldn’t I spend quality time with those I love now? Do I really need all the stuff I have and do I really need all the stuff I want?

If this were your last hour, what would you have wished you had done? Don’t take life for granted, get the most out of each day and don’t loose sight of what is important.

James 4:14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Truth in politics (an oxymoron)

2008-09-30T22:34:00.003-05:00

A college student disappeared while she was jogging early in one morning.

Joe was picked up for questioning.

He was pulled over in a car matching the description of the car she was last seen in.

He was picked out of a lineup as being seen with her soon before her disappearance.

He was shown pictures of the missing girl and denied ever seeing her.

He was given her name and denied knowing her.

The victims shoe with several drops of her blood was found in the back seat of his car.

All of the above statements are true.

Are you ready to convict Joe for her disappearance, rape or murder?

Joe was driving along a county road in heavy rain when he came up on a young woman who had fallen with a broken ankle and scraped knees. He lifted her into the back seat of his car and sped off to the nearest emergency room. She was drenched from the rain and with much shorter hair and contact lenses there was no resemblance to her photo shown to him at the police station. He only knew her as “Missy”. The cops referred to the missing girl as Melissa. Melissa was reported missing after a friend saw her being thrown in the back of this mans car as they sped off. The friend called the police after confirming with her roommate that she was over an hour late from her morning run.

The addition of more information quickly brings the story into a new light. Missy hasn’t gone missing and can easily confirm Joe’s innocence.

So what’s the point? Both paragraphs are technically filled with true statements, yet only one actually tells the truth.

In the mist of this political campaign it is easy to listen to an ad and think this person is good or bad and then two minutes later hear a different ad , and think that his opponent is the good one or the bad one. Where is the truth and whom can you believe? We shouldn't choose our candidates based on ads. Nor should we choose them based on what the media thinks. Yes, politicians are politicians and they all spin things to make themselves sound good, but they also have very different ideas about where this country should go and how it should be run. Look at what they done in the past, not what they are promising to do in the future.

Do you want the freedom to succeed or fail on your own, or would you rather have the government hand out your share every month. If socialism is important to you, then choose your candidate, you have that option. Do you cherish life? Do you value every life? If so, you have an obvious choice as well.

What about national security, taxes or our economic crisis, again, I would say look at their record what have they done, not what they are saying or promising to do in the future.

I have never understood the polls that go up and down, back and forth. Are there really people out there that keep changing their minds every other day? I urge you to do a little homework and make an informed decision. It is our right and I believe, our responsibility to make a clear and intelligent choice in this years election.

Please vote responsibly or someone could get hurt.

New paint on an old Truck

2008-09-14T13:06:00.002-05:00

My pastor has been rebuilding an old willys Jeep for over a year now. It was in dire shape both mechanically and physically. The best description I had for it was “scrap metal”. As he began the rebuilding process, he began the disassembling process. Removing wheels and fenders, headlights and radiator, seats and doors all came off and as they were set aside, the garage quickly became a collage of cluttered old truck parts. The few times I stopped to check out his progress I was shown a refurbished part or was told a story, but honestly it didn’t look much different to me.

The body parts have all been painted and reattached now and it is finally beginning to look like a truck again. Regardless how much more work there is getting truck running, it looks neat. At this point, we don’t know if it will start once the key is turned. We don’t know if it will smoke, cough, choke, leak or die. In any case, it still looks neat. Just think how much time and effort could have been saved by just giving it a good coat of paint and leaving it sit in the garage to be admired.

As a Christian I am confronted by the same dilemma. I certainly have my share of dings and dents, but check out my cherry red color and the cool racing stripes. That’s all I’ve needed so far, no one is expecting any more from me. A personal relationship with my Savior has easily taken a back seat to performing the dos and don’ts of our church culture.

Why build a truck that doesn’t drive? Why be a Christian without loving Christ? The greatest commandment had nothing to do with following rules or keeping social standards. It has everything to do with loving a God who first loved us.

Sermon malfunction

2007-10-03T14:25:00.001-05:00

Life as the thimble

2007-09-29T07:38:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid we didn’t have video games to consume our time, neighbors were few, and there were only four channels on our television. Monopoly was one of the most popular board games and I remember sitting down to the table and spending several hours trying to achieve complete financial domination.

My strategy was the same every game, buy everything I landed on, hope for complete sets and trade after that. Some games things would just click. Complete sets fell into place, cash was readily available with red or yellow sets producing cash flow every round. Eventually, I would be crowned real estate tycoon for the evening. Another game, I would be plagued by luxury taxes, unproductive properties and several trips to jail. Twenty minutes into the game I would be begging for mercy and any hope for survival was quickly disappearing.

What if as an adult my life was still shaped and confined by what had happened the first and only time I played the game?

What if I were living with the consequences of that game good or bad, forty years later.

That is silly of course. Having a two-hour board game effect an entire lifetime is foolishness.

How does our lifetime effect eternity? In relationship, it is infinitely smaller in its proportion.

To win at Monopoly you have to have the most money at the end of the game, or be the only one left with any money, depending on how cutthroat you play the game. The game has lots of rules but only one objective. It doesn’t matter that your money was always set in nice straight stacks or that your property cards were organized by color or even alphabetically. At the end of the game only one thing was asked, “how much money do you have?”

In a similar way, we will also be questioned at the end of our life. The question will not be in regards to the amount of money we have or how neatly we kept our stuff. It won’t matter if things always fell into place for us, or if we were always struggling. Did we love Jesus, and what did we do about it?

A lifetime may seem like an eternity to us, but its not. We have got to get into our heads the urgency of Christ. How much of our world is dying every day without Christ because we’ve taken our eye off the ball? Our careers, our stuff, and even our families can all be distractions unless they are being used to further Gods kingdom here on earth.

Matthew 25:39-40 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Where's the keys dad?

2007-09-02T05:56:00.000-05:00

My life has been filling with more and more little reminders of just how old I am, and yesterday was no exception. I drove my car to the middle school parking lot, turned off the engine, got out and switched places with my daughter. No she’s not sixteen yet, but drivers’ training is just over the horizon and I…we…she thought it was time to get a jump-start. We have a great relationship and rarely butt heads, but I have feared this day for a long time. I will admit I am not a very good passenger. I don’t like sitting in the passenger seat because I often fight the urge to share my insights on how it should be done (just ask my wife). But in this case it is my job to criticize, critique and train, so off come the gloves. We were both prepared for some tense moments and I’m sure there will be plenty, but not yesterday. We had fun.

She did great.

I am very proud of her.

Reaching the lost ... or not

2007-08-28T20:02:00.000-05:00

Here is a great post on the churches ability to reach the lost.

This is a new blog and is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

On my ipod (mp3)

2007-08-27T19:45:00.000-05:00

First I'd like to say you should always buy an ipod just so you can refer to it as an ipod not "my mp3 player". I got an 8gig for the same price as a 2gig ipod, but there is still no easy way to abbreviate "my mp3 player"

Anyway...

I started and finished a five-part sermon series today called "I'm in love" by Francis Chan and Todd Nighswonger from Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, CA.

The series focuses on prayer and is worth a listen. Click here to download and look for "I'm in love" parts 1-5.

Blessed be Your name - Remix

2007-08-24T17:23:00.000-05:00

This song is dedicated to a dear friend, who is a church planter. This past year he lost his brother, had a house fire, was severely burned, battled other health issues and yet in the mist of all these struggles, he still give his all to bless the name of the Lord.

Thanks for all you do Bob.

To listen to this powerful song click here

This remix was made by Jim Carter @ WFRN the song is performed by tree63 and is mixed with a sermon given by pastor Dave Engbrecht from Nappanee Missionary Church

Hello. Hello. Is this thing on?

2007-08-18T11:51:00.000-05:00

Have I been slipping? The past five posts have gotten 0 comments. I know you are out there, so please let me hear an "amen" or "What were you thinking" from time to time.

If there are no comments posted after this encouragement to do so, I will be forced to assume there isn't anyone out there and this post will be erased to hide any embarrassment that could come from your silence. :-)

A thousand percent better

2007-08-18T11:49:00.000-05:00

Back in the early nineties I was selling real estate. When our office listed a house for sale we would provide a small lock box for the house keys that would hang on the front door. The broker/owner I worked for bought little plastic nameplates with our company logo on them for each of these boxes. I have never forgotten his explanation “although it may be silly to spend money to advertise primarily just to other Realtors (our competition). It’s the little things we do that can add up to success. It’s hard for us to improve anything we do by 1000% but it is quite easy to improve a 1000 things just 1% better.”

What would happen if we applied this strategy into our own lives? How about next time you go to work instead of mumbling “mornin” you look them in the eye smile and say “Good Morning Bill” this small improvement won’t revolutionize our world by itself, but it might get us 1% closer. Find another ten little things you can change this week and keep it up until it becomes natural. Then find another ten and incorporate those. Do you know that it’s possible for a clerk to go all day without a sincere “how are you doing today”? Next time you are checking out at the grocery store go out of your way to be nice. Calling someone by their own name is a percent better.

A several years ago I was at the grocery store pharmacy late at night, I was tired and ready to be home. Unfortunately there were another six or seven people in line before me and we were all getting kinda grumpy. As I sat there waiting for my prescription, I started to watch people as they shopped. Soon I was searching for someone who looked like they were happy to be there. Not a chance. This store was filled with tired, beaten down, grumpy people and I was one of them. I don’t know how many of these people were Christians, but wouldn’t it be great if you could tell by just looking at them. Shouldn’t we be different? Aren’t we to shine the Light? If we aren’t going to be friendly and polite then who should be? Even when we are tiered, or we’ve had a bad day. Especially when we’ve had a bad day. Don’t put on a mask and fake it, but choose to do so.

Little things added together and then multiplied over and over again by others can make a difference. Differences we can’t measure or document but significant just the same.

How will you start? You can never end because it can always be done at least 1% better.

A taste of the future?

2007-08-16T13:14:00.001-05:00

This video is a tad-bit slow moving but is a scary look into what some of our currant politicians would like to see here in the US.

Personal Ministry

2007-08-12T20:13:00.000-05:00

What would your personal ministry look like if time, money and support were all in sufficient supply?

What's keeping you from realizing your Personal ministry goals right now?

Begin praying for your own ministry and make the necessary sacrifices to make it a reality.

Ask God to bless it, expand it, place His hand in it, and keep it pure.
(paraphrased Jabez prayer, 1 Chronicles 4:10)

Prairie Camp 2007

2007-08-10T22:03:00.000-05:00

Pick me! Pick me!

2007-08-08T20:56:00.000-05:00

There you are in a crowded auditorium among a few friends and many strangers. The speaker makes a familiar invitation from the stage “can I get a volunteer?” your hand instinctively goes up. As you scan the audience you notice surprisingly few hands are raised. Perhaps it is because this was an adult audience, I guess the “pick me, pick me” mentality could be a bit childish. Or could it be that they all know something about this speaker that you don’t. He seems to be a descent guy, but can you really trust him? Is this his plan to embarrass you or make yuo look foolish? Your mind is battling back and forth, yes, no, maybe. You suddenly realize that he is calling on you. You clumsily stand to your feet and shuffle past those seated in your row. It seems like forever until you reach the isle. You can feel the hundreds of eyes watching as you move down to the front. Thankfully the speaker continues to address the audience taking the focus off of you. As you approach the stage you are motioned to wait to the side. You wait a minute and then two. What is this, did you volunteer to come to the front and stand for the whole event? As this guy goes on and on will the opportunity ever come for you to do your thing and get back to your seat? Why wasn’t there some explanation of this commitment before asking for volunteers? Doubt and regret fill your mind as you stand there waiting and wondering, what have I gotten myself into?

I volunteered, on Tuesday, July 31.

I’ve found myself in an unusual point in life. I have been looking for something for at least a year now. What it is I am looking for is still unclear. I think it began when I was asked the question “what sin are you struggling with”? I couldn’t give an answer at that moment but the question stayed with me. What sin do I struggle with? My answer came to me weeks later, at first it may appear to be arrogant or proud but on the contrary I believe it to be very humbling.

Rev 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

My greatest sin is not what I’ve done, but what I haven’t done.

The focus of this statement should not be on the first half, but on the second. Of course I have sin. I sin daily, I’m sure. I’ve been in the church all my life and I don’t drink, smoke, or swear. I don’t have a temper and remain patient in most circumstances. So I must be a “good” Christian, right? What have I done? What am I doing? What is my personal mission? Who is my mission field? How has my life contributed to the salvation of others? As mentioned, I have struggled with this reality for quite sometime now.

I’ve cried out to God for help to turn this corner in my life. I’ve waited for God to give me direction. Just a glimpse of what He has in store for me. I’ve continued to read and pray, but I keep longing for a life changing touch of the Holy Spirit. Jacob’s life was a dysfunctional mess most of his life and yet he wrestled with God and was blessed. Moses spent 40 years tending sheep and yet God called him to free Israel from bondage. Peter was known for sticking his foot in his mouth and yet he preached to the masses at Pentecost with thousands coming to Christ.

I raised my hand (metaphorically speaking) and said that whatever You have for me, I will do. Tuesday night it was as if God looked me in the eye and called me by name. I don’t know how long it will take for me to stumble through the crowd or how long I’ll be waiting at the side for direction. But this I know, God has a plan for my life. He will be with me. Even though I get impatient, God is still willing to work through this forty year-old, uninspired, unworthy, and undeserving servant. Lord willing I will serve Him with all my heart.

Ok, I might like some cats

2007-07-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

Asleep In The Light

2007-07-22T18:57:00.001-05:00

Keith Green has a powerful way of sharing Gods heart through song.

Who wants to go?

2007-07-15T13:18:00.000-05:00

Who wants to go to heaven? Everyone I hope.

Anyone want to go today?

I remember my sophomore year in high school; I was so ready to go to heaven. I wasn’t depressed, or unhappy, but dealing with adolescence just did have much appeal to the idea of living in eternal bliss.

Now that I’m older (much older) these thoughts have long ago been replaced by a wife, kids and the responsibilities that go with raising a family. The thought of abandoning my wife and leaving my kids fatherless, keeps my focus earthly.

Two thoughts;
Do we really understand the finite nature of our currant condition? Who of us could restrain our anticipation of an all expense paid vacation to our favorite destination if it were to happen later this week? Wouldn’t we all be ready to go? The longer I think on this the more selfish I become. “Take me now Lord”. Take me to a place far beyond the pain and suffering of this life. A place of peace and love with no more tears and no more struggles.

My second thought is; where is my ministry? Who is going to be left behind if God called me home today? Is there anyone? Who are they, and what am I doing about it while I am still in Gods service? If I can’t easily give some quick answers to these questions, how effective is my ministry or do I even have one. We all need to be giving and planting into Gods work here on earth. We weren’t created just to be saved and then to die. A line from the movie “The end of the spear” instantly brought me to tears. Missionary, Jim Elliott was about to get into his plane and meet the Huaorani Indians in Ecuador for the first time, face to face. His young son asked if Jim had a gun to protect himself, Jims reponce was yes he had a gun, but no he wouldn’t protect himself. I am ready to meet Jesus and the Huaorani men are not. This is not a common or easily given point of view, even amoung us christians. It should be. Giving our life so that God is glorified should be natual to us. Leaving this life without Gods kingdom being affected is a tradgedy.

Why I don’t like Harry Potter

2007-07-06T20:20:00.000-05:00

Admittedly, I have never read any of the Harry Potter books, nor have I watched any of the movies. I do read many blogs of people I have never met, so while scanning their profiles I have often found Harry to be one of their favorites. This has been a touchy subject with some of our friends, so I will explain my thinking and let you decide for yourself.

The supernatural is NOT amoral. It is not out there to be used for either good or evil. A brick IS amoral. It can be used to build a house (good) or it can be used to crush someones skull (evil). God’s power can be used in prophecy, healing, forgiveness and salvation. This is all supernatural, it is all good and it all comes from God. Sorcery, fortunetellers, and witches also have powers that are supernatural. These do not come from God but come from Satan. If you rely on any “power” other than God, you will never please God with the outcome, no matter how you perceive it to be good.

I believe that angles are among us, and I believe that God still works through visions and words of knowledge among many miraculous ways. But, lets not loose focus. Personally, red flags start flying whenever I hear talk of pursuing the supernatural by Christians. We should pursue God, love our neighbors, seek His kingdom and seek His will for our lives.

This is not limited to just Harry. Whats so raven, Sabrina the teenage witch and Charmed are just a few of the many that are shown on TV everyday. I watched Bewitched as a child, and I don’t think that I have suffered any permanent damage, but lets not support or glorify those things that clearly are opposed to Gods teaching.

For the intellectuals out there here is a good site.

Mistake in the Hospital

2007-06-23T13:12:00.001-05:00

OK, I've been home for over a week now and have only posted once. I'm resting so much my brain is dry. I hope this video will get the blog juices flowing again.

Health Update

2007-06-14T20:24:00.000-05:00

First of all I would like to share my heartfelt appreciation for all the prayers and support given to my family and myself.

June 1st
Went to Elkhart General ER with significant swelling around the ear and fever. I had been battling an earache for approx 6 months.

A CAT scan revealed a cholesteatoma (non-cancerous tumor) in and around my left ear. This tumor eroded away the mastoid bone behind the ear, also the bone that protecting the facial nerve was gone and there was a hole in the bone separating the ear canal and the brain cavity. It was this hole that required a transfer to IU med center in Indianapolis. My fever had peeked over 102° in Elkhart and became a source or urgency for the doctors.

June 4th
I was transferred to IU and had a MRI to get a better look at what the CAT scan had shown. I had been on a couple strong antibiotics since the first night and they were concerned about the infection spreading. At this point we had been told things such as multiple surgeries, long surgery (up to 14 hours) and immediate surgery. We were also told that I would receive IV antibiotics at home for approx four weeks after surgery.

June 12th
Complications from surgery included; meningitis, facial paralysis, deafness, and more. The antibiotics seemed to be working and the swelling had come down during the last few days. My surgeon was Dr. Richard Miyamoto and surgery came and went in just three hours with very positive results. The cholesteatoma was removed, the bones within the ear were saved, and the infection was kept from entering the spinal fluid. All praises. The only set back was that the nerve to my taste buds was severed. I was told this should be temporary as the body would correct this on it’s own in approx four weeks.

June 13th
I was released to go home with oral antibiotics and lots of rest.

I have personally been very impressed by my family and friends who showed tremendous love and support during the past few weeks. My wife and kids were very worried about me and they did a great job at casting their cares to the Lord. Your prayer support was evidenced by the peace that we felt and the love that we feel. Thank you.

IMPORTANT PRAYER REQUEST

2007-06-04T07:43:00.000-05:00

Important prayer request FOR KICKSTAND! he is going to Indianapolis for a surgery. he has had tissue growing in his ear and in between his brain for almost 3 decades and has developed into an infection and slight tumor. we don't know when he will return but it will take a little while for recovery. if all goes well he will be back on his feet and doing better than ever it is so IMPORTANT that you keep him in your prayers!

his daughter
Tara

Double standards

2007-05-29T20:19:00.000-05:00

Ok I have to admit that I have different standards for different people. Let me explain and then you are free to disagree if you feel so led. My father is in his sixties and will generally have a six-pack in his refrigerator. I don’t have a problem with this because that six-pack will last for most of the summer and my father has never had a problem with alcohol. On the other hand if my daughters youth Pastor, or youth sponsor had a six-pack in thier refrigerator, (even if consumed responsibly and legally) my response would be quite different. Any thoughts??

Truth

2007-05-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

While ninety-nine first year law students sat in a lecture hall listening to their professor, a man entered the room, took the professor’s laptop off the table and left the room. The professor paused and then handed out a questionnaire to each of his students on what they had just witnessed. This was not a real crime but was staged for the class. The students were to answer simple questions regarding the perpetrator. Was it a male or female, approximate age, physical characteristics including dress and a brief summary of the event? The professor answered the same questions, but he had the opportunity to sit down with the perpetrator and they filled it out together.

Out of 100 surveys there was a large range of answers.
93 - male
54 - white
26 - black
12 - Hispanic
5 - Asian
3 didn’t see a thing
78 - wearing a ball cap
64 - hooded sweatshirt
Most said 18-24 but some said as high as 45-50

After all the results were shared they discussed it together and tried to get a consensus. People were able to make a case for their point of view, and yet there were many who stood by their original answers even when in a small minority. The professor was able to persuade the majority of the class on sex and race but still met opposition on age and dress. Even thought he told the class he had talked with the perpetrator first hand.

There is only one correct answer to all of these questions. The only correct answer is called the truth. Truth is the truth no matter what you believe. Whether you believe he had a blue sweatshirt or a shirt and tie, he was wearing what he was wearing. It doesn’t change the facts. You may be willing to bet your life savings on one issue, but whether you are right or not will not change what really is.

We can set in stone our perception of who God is based on what we believe, but that will not change who God really is. It may confirm a true fact or may be a part of a larger misconception, either way, God still remains the same God. We learn to form our beliefs based on experiences and the things that seem to support those beliefs. A child from an abusive home may see things a lot differently than a child that grows up with unconditional love and respect. Yet there is only one God. We are fortunate to have a first hand account of who God is. The Bible is God breathed, God inspired. God sent His son to earth to save this world. So if you think God is fed up with you and there is no hope, stop looking to your perspective and start believing the account that comes from the source. Truth remains the truth no matter what we believe.

The above scenario is fictional and the stats were made up : )

Stressed out?

2007-05-17T06:48:00.000-05:00

It is very easy to look at our circumstances and feel overwhelmed. When our son was at Riley’s Children’s Hospital we didn’t know if he would ever come home with us. Not sure if he would ever be able to walk, talk or understand. Another mother also shared her frustration, saying that her full term baby had jaundice and she didn’t know when they would be able to go home. …What?!?! She had no idea what we are going through. Our son was dieing and she was stress out about jaundice.
Perhaps you could compare your situation with hers or ours. If we start making comparisons to justify our “bad day” then we would quickly realize we aren’t doing that poorly after all.

The bottom line is that “stress in relative”. Are we reacting to our situation or are we responding to it? We can go to God and show him the size of our mountain or we can go to our mountain and show it the size of our God.

We can celebrate both the good times along with the bad times. Consider Ben Ownby, who was abducted in January. His abduction triggered not only his own rescue but also the release of Shawn Hornbeck, abducted four years earlier.
God can turn the bad things we go through for good. It is also possible that most of those bad things really aren’t so bad after all.

FIRE

2007-05-09T06:16:00.000-05:00

In the village of Perfidy the villagers lived much like we do today. Hurrying from place to place, working hard and trying to balance life’s priorities. The Perfidians were polite, stopping to help a neighbor was expected and back yard barbeques always drew a crowd. It was a nice place to live and raise a family.

Walter was a man well known by both young and old alike. His tall frame, slicked back gray hair and tattered briefcase were a pleasant sight to those in the village. He never held back an interesting story or a cute joke. A cup of coffee or a tall glass of iced tea would often accompany such a visit. Walter was a salesman for a fire extinguisher company. His territory was the entire village and everyone was a potential client. Walter had a way of making anyone feel at ease. He would often listen for hours, as men would open up about problems at home or struggles at work. Walters gentle ear and kind words could topple down even the biggest of difficulties. Although it was no secret that Walter’s job was to sell extinguishers, he rarely would bother with the sales pitch. He knew that if you wanted to buy, all you had to do was ask. The fact was that nearly everyone already owned some kind of extinguisher. Pushing sales on his friends didn’t seem natural and he wasn’t willing to risk the friendship over just another sale. With that Walter had many friends and great respect.

Unfortunately, the people of Perfidy were hardened to the fires that plagued their village. It wasn’t uncommon for a fire to take out one or two people in a week. Fires became a part of life and a part of death. It was especially hard when a child was taken. But that’s just the way it was in Perfidy. Everyone at some point would eventually find themselves as a victim of a fire. The fire extinguishers found in most homes didn’t work. Most were empty from the very start. At best, they only served as a sense of false security. Some were filled with water but had no pressure. It doesn’t make any sense, but this was tolerated, and no one really expected anything different.

So what about Walt’s extinguishers? They were amazing. They would put out any fire as soon as the pin was pulled. But just like all the others, they only could protect the one who purchased them. So why didn’t more people buy these special extinguishers? Were they expensive? No, only a signature was needed.

Although Walter was a nice friend, he was really no friend at all. He had the answer to the villager’s fate. Yet, he was unwilling to push his extinguishers, because so many already believed in their own. Walter knew they were trusting in empty dreams and failed to share the truth. What a sad story.

Silver or gold

2007-05-06T15:03:00.000-05:00

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. Acts 3:6-7

Peter may not have had much wealth, but his response to the crippled beggar had nothing to do with the amount of Peter’s money, but rather a more valuable gift that Peter was able to give. Lord have mercy on me. I truly love God and trust Him with my soul, but I have never put everything on the line as Peter just did. Sure I will say a prayer. I’ll ask God to help, but rise up and walk? What if the man couldn’t get up and walk, what then? Peter was full of the Holy Spirit. He had walked with Jesus. He had seen His miracles. As a church, do we feel better about our silver and gold? Is it a safer bet to say, I will do what I can, instead of trusting in God to come through. No wonder the church appears to be for the weak. Why do we keep living our lives with our faith in our gold? What will it take for us to realize the incredible resource we have in our Father? This is not a God problem, it is a church problem.

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

Lord, cure my unbelief. Take away the crutches that keep me from leaning on You, and help me to represent You, to this hurting and dieing world. Amen

Big fish in a small pond

2007-05-05T20:32:00.000-05:00

Softball season is almost upon us. This is a story from my childhood, please don't make fun of me, I'm still recovering.

I was in the sixth grade and had played little league for several years. Tryouts hadn’t gone well for me. Although team placement wasn’t based on age or grade, most sixth graders moved from the minor leagues to the major leagues. I did not. After being totally embarrassed, I soon realized that I was one of the biggest kids on the team. I played first base, and our team took first place that year. I loved baseball and was real good at it. After all I was a significant part of a winning team. The following year I was ready to show my stuff. Because of new structuring, kids were placed in leagues according to their age and teams according to their ability. Which meant I skipped majors and went directly from the minors to senior league in one year. My new coach took no time in teaching me the finer points of the game. Squat low so that your strike zone is small and never swing. My field play consisted of two innings in right field (every player was required to play at least two innings according to league rules). My love for baseball was sucked out of me for two seasons before I quit. The sad part is, a pop fly isn't any different in the minor or senior league. Yet I couldn’t catch a ball that year to save my life. Knowing that someone does, or doesn't believe in you, can literally change a person’s perspective forever.

Thought for today

2007-05-02T04:42:00.000-05:00

"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn" 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:32-39

Jesus loves us, but let's not forget we are in a battle over men's souls, and Jesus is playing to win.
I pray that I can see others through Christs eyes. Lord, help me to live a life that draws others to You. Amen.

Discipleship isn't for whimps

2007-04-29T14:22:00.000-05:00

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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

Pastor Bud (CRMC) spoke a powerful message this morning about discipleship. Powerful doesn’t translate, easy or warm and fuzzy, it translates, if you are serious about your relationship with Christ, then you need to understand this… Jesus gave the great commission to His disciples. We are His disciples.
___________________

If we are neglecting this commission, then aren’t we also denying our role as a follower of Christ? Let that sink in for a minute. Scary, isn’t it.
___________________

Craig Groeschel of Lifechurch.tv say’s that “Christians enjoy a personal relationship with Jesus. Disciples enjoy a shared relationship with Jesus. Our relationship should be personal, but not private".

Without an expressed desire and a plan, we find ourselves just going through life day after day. Let’s start living “intentional” lives. Tell the Lord you want to be His disciple, and show the Lord you will be His disciple.

Good Soldier by Mark Driscoll

2007-04-28T23:39:00.001-05:00

If we are going to win the war, we need to know what needs to be done, and how to do it. This video gives us some valuable insight into Church planting. Check out Marks Blog for more info.

Let's give it all away

2007-04-28T18:33:00.000-05:00

What if I gave you $500 cash and ask you to spend it wisely. What would you buy?

What if I said you had to spend it on someone else, whom would you choose?

Lets say the money needs to be spent to further Gods kingdom. Perhaps you would give it to the poor. How creative can you get? Could you use this cash to attract a non-believer to church? How many non-believers could you attract? How would you do it? Do you think you could lead someone to the Lord with only a few bucks for coffee? Imagine how far that would go. Maybe you could pay someone’s rent, fix their car, or mow their lawn.

How far can $500 go?

World Missionary Press can produce a 48-page scripture booklet and mail anywhere in the world for only 4¢ each (that’s 12,500 booklets).

Where will you invest yours? Think outside the box. How can you make your money go further. What will make the biggest impact?

Your Sunday school room might need new carpeting, but is that how you want to spend YOUR money? Will that make the difference when visitors come in, Will that be what it takes to push them over the edge, into the arms of Christ? (disclaimer: I'm not against new carpeting. I know that we have a responsibility to maintain our facility. Would you please stay focused on the point.)

Once we figure this out. We'll brainstorm on how we can get $5oo each. Did I mention, our Father owns a thousand cattle on a thousand hills. Maybe He could help.

This is the post most worthy of your comments. So please lets get creative together.

Stupid Dog

2007-04-28T08:24:00.001-05:00

Ok. Something lite-hearted for today :)

Why me?

2007-04-27T21:27:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel frustrated by your situation? My wife and I have experienced several difficult ordeals that would qualify as real faith-shakers. I can’t say we ever blamed God, but we have been frustrated as to why, why, why. Why can’t anything seem to go right?

Our son Tyler lived only eight months, all of which was in the hospital. Tyler was premature, weighing only one pound, nine ounces. We were there every day, holding him, feeding him, changing his diapers and caring for him, as any parent should. Tyler didn’t struggle with one main disability, he fought many. At the time of his death, he was blind, deaf, had a tracheotomy, a shunt, brain hemorrhages, rickets, four rectal prolapses, and possibly cerebral palsy and retardation. I remember one of the doctors at Riley’s Children Hospital, telling us that they have seen all of this before, but never all in the same child. Doctors were good at giving us statistics. If ninety-seven percent were one way, Tyler was always in the other three percent. Why?

Our son had lots of love, not only from us, but the nurses loved him too. Tyler had plenty of prayer, not just from us, but also from the whole community. Sometimes as time passes, we can look back with greater understanding, we see how God was working. I’m not bitter, but I still don’t see it. Other times yes, just not this time.

Suppose and big black bear wandered from it’s home in the forest into a crowded resort. The bear had not had contact with humans before and was disturbed by the yelling, screaming and general chaos. In no time, he was surrounded, the men closed in on the bear and he became unnerved and riled up, so one of the men shot him with a single dart. Soon the bear was taking a nap. Several hours later the bear woke up back in the woods. He was safe and had no interest in returning to the resort. The experience was traumatic, “they only wanted to scare me and hurt me,” the bear thought.

Is it possible that we view God in a similar way? We can’t see the bigger picture, and we may never understand it. Sometimes God needs to corner us, or even stick us with a dart for our own protection or good. Not because we were wrong, but because he wants something better for us. Job wasn’t angry with God because he lost everything, He was angry because he had no answers as to why. When God did finally respond to Job, it wasn’t a cozy conversation about why He allowed those afflictions into his life, but rather, God began to mock him “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand (Job 38:4).

My faith isn’t able to tell me bad things wont happen. Bad things happen everyday. Maybe not to us, but everyday someones son or daughter, mom or dad, will die. Faith is trusting that whatever the outcome, no matter the cost, God is still God, He knows what He is doing, whether or not we understand, He still loves us.

Iraq - to stay or not to stay

2007-04-26T08:10:00.000-05:00

When it comes to Iraq, we could be critical on many levels. But as to whether to stay or not, ponder the following illustration. You are on a boat in a body of water. Your boat sinks. Do you plan to swim for an hour and quit, or do you plan to swim until you get to shore or are rescued?

Still saved?

2007-04-25T22:28:00.000-05:00

I’ve heard the debate over once saved always saved, since I was in high school (a long time ago). I have never felt this theory could hold water. One argument for this has been the passage John 10:27-28 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. Ok, but can the sheep leave on their own?

Let me tell you where I am coming from and let you decide for yourself. Eli and his sons were priests during Samuel’s childhood. His sons were wicked, with no reverence for God. 1 Samuel 2:30 "Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promised that your house and your father's house would minister before me forever.' But now the LORD declares: 'Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained. Did God plan this from the beginning or did Eli and his sons walk way from God to suffer the consciences of their own choices? I say the latter.

What about when God chose the king of Israel. Saul was hand picked, and then later God removed his blessing and replaced him with king David.

Does this confirm the principle of; once you’re in, you can’t get out, even if you willingly choose to? I understand that Gods grace covers us even when we stray. I’m not suggesting that one day your saved and the next day your not, until next week when your saved again. That’s silly. In a marriage you make a commitment. That marriage might be rocky, but you are still married. You will have ups and downs. There maybe unfaithfulness, but your still married. However, you can choose not to be married, even without a legal divorce, the marriage can be dead and lifeless. At what point does it actually cross over, I can’t say. God knows when our hearts have left Him. The thought that God will forgive my unbelief and rebellion even when I don’t seek forgiveness is a deception of false security. Paul writes in Phil 2:12b continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. God is always ready to welcome back his wayward children. God deserve more than a bunch of fence walking Christians planning on His grace to cover their lack of commitment. Live full abundant lives, pressing onward toward the goal, loving God and loving people.

Signs of the heart

2007-04-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

In the movie “What women want” Mel Gibson acquires the ability to hear what women are thinking. These sometimes funny and sometimes disturbing thoughts give us a glimpse of the contrast between what we do and say, and what we are really thinking.
Suppose the next time you go to a high school basketball game, everyone in attendance is wearing a sign around their neck with a statement about the condition of their heart. Signs may read; "I’m lonely”, “my dad hates me”, “I hate my dad”, “I’ll give in, if he says he loves me”, “I’m no good”, “nobody loves me”, “I want to die”. That basketball game would become a real drag. Is this a true sample of some of the things what we might find? Suppose you found other signs reading; “if I were invited, I would go to church”, “I need to talk to someone who cares”, “does God know who I am”. How would you respond in these situations? It would be a lot easier to minister to peoples needs if they were right out there for us to see. The truth is, we meet people every day that have these needs. We go right on about our day with no idea what struggles our neighbors are facing.
The next time you are at youth group, at work or school, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you. Pursue an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit so that critical opportunities to minister don’t get overlooked. He can give you openings, lead your conversation, and empower your relationships with virtual strangers. But first we must seek Him. Jesus showed us how to do this when He spoke to the woman at the well. He got right to the point of her greatest need and then He filled it. Her life was changed. The rich young ruler might have had a sign that read, “I’m unwilling to surrender all”. Jesus saw this, and confronted his need. The young man rejected the call to change, and confirmed his own inability. If the next time you are at a restaurant and a little voice encourages you to ask your waiter if you can pray for him, will you do it? This is not a hocus-pocus mind game; it’s simply learning to hear and the willingness to obey when the Spirit.
Father, I pray that your Holy Spirit will be my companion as I strive to do Your will. Amen.

Are you ready for change?

2007-04-24T05:05:00.000-05:00

Are you in need of a change? Are you ready to set the course of your life, as it is right now? Do you have the courage to say I want to do better? I grew up in the church. When I look back to when I got saved, I remember being six or seven years old, and I simply prayed that if I hadn’t ever said the words before I wanted to be a Christian. This was just a confirmation of what I had believed all my life. I wasn’t turning the course of my life; I was acknowledging the course of my life.

As a teenager, I attended a large bible study. It seemed that everyone who was “on fire” were ex-druggies. They had a life changing experience when they turned to Christ. 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! I envied such an experience. Not that I desired to dive into sin, but rather to feel the joys and the hope of forgiveness. Like the frog in the frying pan, I’ve gotten so comfortable in “the church”. It’s hard to turn from sin that is socially acceptable. Even in the church.

Sin is bigger than the bad stuff I’ve done.
It’s all the stuff I should have done, but failed to do so.

Are you ready for a change? I am. Although I ‘m not sure what that change will look like, I pray that God will resurrect these dry bones into His service.

Power plant tour

2007-04-22T22:04:00.000-05:00

A school class took a field trip to a nearby power plant. As they walked thought the complex the guide would explain how the raw materials were brought in, then converted to produce electric power. They were shown the engineering department, research & development, production and receiving areas. At the end of the tour, the guide asked if there were any questions. One little boy raised his hand and asked how they got the power to his house. The tour guide smiled at the young boys question, and then explained that with such a big facility, they needed all of the energy themselves just to keep the factory running.

In the business world this would be unheard of, in our churches it is to often the norm.

How to Not Mess Up the Great Commission too Much.

2007-04-22T04:28:00.001-05:00

I saw this on Under the Dome blog. Definitely worth sharing here.

About me

2007-04-21T09:47:00.000-05:00

I’ve updated the “about me” profile the right. As a new blogger, I am still developing a theme or style that is both rewarding to me and interesting to others. I have already, and may continue to share articles from others, but I want this to be more than just a collection of posting of other things I’ve seen. Of course, I guess nothing is truly original.
We are all sums of our experiences. The good, the bad and they way that we have responded to them is what we are today. Whether we are reading, listening or watching, we have the ability to grow from what others have already experienced. As always I welcome your comments.

I'm Anrgy - part II

2007-04-21T06:19:00.000-05:00

Our newly elected congress isn’t wasting any time while they pursue their agenda. Two bills are very disturbing to me. The first is the “hate crimes” bill. This is supposed to protect the more vulnerable in our society from being singled out and then persecuted. The opposite is true. This bill will make outlaws out of anyone who speaks anything that is not politically correct. Groups such as the ACLU and moveon.org will define what is considered politically correct speech. We are in trouble folks.
The other bill S.1 (grassroots gag bill) will restrict or eliminate non-profit groups such as Focus on the Family from mentioning any proposed legislation that may negatively or positively affect it’s listeners. In other words congress wants to be able to do what ever it wants without anyone finding out, until it’s to late. This may also affect others such as Rush Limbaugh or Shawn Hannity.
Is our Government out to get us? Perhaps you think I’m paranoid. Don’t be deceived there is a real war against our values and our beliefs. John 15:19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Check out this broadcast from Dr. James Dobson or CitizenLink for more details. If you think common sense will prevail, I’m afraid it may not. Remember we have real enemies, so lets respond in a powerful way by our fervent prayers.

A bike called grace

2007-04-20T04:34:00.000-05:00

Paul from church was working in his back yard and struck oil. He became instantly wealthy and because he thinks I am a nice guy he wanted to buy me a brand new Royal Star Tour Deluxe (motorcycle). It was top of the line with all the extras. He wrote out a check for over twenty five thousand dollars and while we were checking out the clerk forgot to add a small fee of $5.30. Paul pulled out a five-dollar bill and was fishing for some change. I said let me get it, and toss down the thirty cents. A few days later I was showing off my new bike and mentioned that Paul and I had both chipped in to pay for it. Although technically I did help, logistically I had nothing to do with covering the cost. Don’t let us get confused about our good works in comparison to Gods grace. Gods grace has paid the bill for us, our works will never compare.

The part about Paul striking it rich and buying me a new motorcycle is fictional…..for now :)

Missing the mark

2007-04-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

I sat back in the sound booth for years and was never disappointed when “upgrade” money came in for needed projects. At a previous church we had a donation for a new video projector so that the worship team could read the songs off the back wall. This seemed like a great move to me. Our currant projector was in need of an upgrade so we decided to move the old one to the back wall and use the new one in front. With the new equipment and new wiring the quote was just shy of ten grand. Wow. To those who work with the church budget this was really not such a big deal. We spend thousands on utilities every month and so on. To me this was huge. This was a lot of money. What else could we do with this same cash? If ten thousand dollars was all we had what could we do with it to directly increase the churches mission? What if we visited the homes around our church and offered to pay their utilities for a month. No strings attached. Or what if we got some guys in the church and fixed peoples cars for free. How far would that ten grand go? How many lives could be changed? I know that if we have building we will have needs and expenses. But if we spend all of our resources on us, our community will suffer and we will find ourselves missing the mark.

If you build it, they will come

2007-04-19T19:56:00.000-05:00

If you build it, they will come. This has become the church growth strategy of this decade. Regardless of how the church is doing spiritually, if the pews are 80% full, it’s time to add on. A new family life center is just the ticket. The youth need more room and a gym would be great for basketball outreach on Thursday nights. It all sounds so good. Buildings don’t evangelize, people do. I’ve gone to church all my life and can’t remember ever being held accountable for my spiritual disciplines. Reaching the lost, praying, fasting, worship, time in the Word and more. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. Luke 16:10. Are our growing churches more faithful, or do we just have more butts in the pews. Our definition of discipleship seems to be nothing more than attendance. If you can get them there every Sunday and sometimes on Wednesday’s then you must have a committed believer. Right? If we take an honest look at church growth, I would tend to think that it is mostly just shifting of the flock. Church splits, or a new pastor results in an exodus to the church down the street. Now the church down the street can start their building project. It’s not about the size of your building its about needing more Jesus loving, people serving, Bible reading, Gospel sharing, fired up followers of Christ. We can do better. I am as guilty as the rest. I want to challenge each of us to spend some quality time on our knees asking God what we (I) should do to advance Gods kingdom here on earth.

Money to share

2007-04-18T21:18:00.001-05:00

When it comes to sharing the gospel, we have all heard (or given) the same excuses, “I’m waiting for the right opportunity” or “I don’t want to offend anyone”. As a matter of illustration, let’s pretend that Bill Gates gets saved and comes to our church next Sunday. He is real excited about his faith and wants to encourage us to share with our friends. He makes us an offer that for every attempt we make to share the gospel with someone he will give each of us $500. It doesn’t matter if they choose to follow Christ, but you must make an honest attempt. How many times will you share your faith the first week? How many the second? Or the third? It’s sad, but I’m afraid that we all might be able to quickly overcome those obstacles that seemed too high to cross the week before. As Christians do we really understand just how important it is to reach the lost? You’ve heard the saying “if you’re too heavenly minded, you’re no earthly good”. I guess I haven’t met anyone yet that has been too heavenly minded. But as for the no earthly good part, I think our quota has already been met. What do we need to do to motivate ourselves get going. The time is short, the rewards are plentiful and the need is great.

VA Tech shooting - Islamic?

2007-04-18T05:31:00.000-05:00

The shooter at VA Tech had "ismails ax" (perhaps he cared more about killing than correct spelling) written in red ink on his arm. I googled it with little results. I did find this article. Let me know what you think.

Finger Paints

2007-04-17T19:38:00.000-05:00

As the debate over evolution and “intelligent design” continues, it occurred to me just how simple this is. Primary colors such as blue and yellow can be mixed together to get green. Blue and red can make purple and so on. Now give a classroom full of two year olds finger paints of red, yellow and blue and twenty minute later you’ll end up with several varying shades of brown. The next day bring in another class of toddles and only let them use the colors produced on the previous day. How many days would it take before the color becomes irrelevant? This is evolution. Except in our example we were kind enough to grant them three primary colors to begin with. Colors that would have had to come from somewhere. Our toddlers although immature, do have some level of artistic intelligents. This very generous test of evolution cannot begin to compare with a visit to the paint isle at any home improvement store. There are literally thousands of color choices. You can grab hands full cards of different shades of just blue or just pink or sunset mocha delight if you would like. This is what we will call intelligent design. The earth and all of mankind is far more complex than a bucket of paint, so lets give credit to an almighty God that cared enough to create this world and than save us from our own destruction.

Don't wait until later !!

2007-04-16T21:15:00.000-05:00

The following was taken from the book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala

Dwight L Moody was haunted all his life by an occasion when he felt he got too clever in presenting the gospel. Six years before he died he recounted what had happened back in Chicago in the fall of 1871:

I intended to devote six nights to Christ’s life. I had spent four Sunday nights on the subject and had followed Him from the manger along through His life to His arrest and trial, and on the fifth Sunday night, October 8th, I was preaching to the largest congregation I had ever had in Chicago, quite elated with my success. My text was “what shall I do then with Jesus which is called the Christ?” That night I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. After preaching … with all the power that God had given me, urging Christ upon the people, I closed the sermon and said, “I wish you would take this text home with you and turn it over in your minds during the week, and next Sunday we will come to Calvary and to the cross, and we will decide what we will do with Jesus of Nazareth.”
Just at that moment, a fire bell rang nearby. Moody quickly dismissed the meeting and sent the people out of the building. It was the beginning of the great Chicago fire, which over the next 27 hours left 300 dead, 90,000 homeless, and a great city in ashes. Obviously, Moody never got to finish his sermon series.

He continued:
I have never seen that congregation since. I have hard work to keep back the tears today… Twenty-two years have passed away… and I will never meet those people again until I meet them in another world. But I want to tell you one lesson I learned that night, which I have never forgotten, and that is, when I preach to press Christ upon the people then and there, I try to bring them to a decision on the spot. I would rather have (my) right hand cut off than give an audience a week to decide what to do with Jesus.

Jesus wept

2007-04-16T18:57:00.000-05:00

The year was 1993, it was early in the morning the day before Thanksgiving and my wife just hung up the phone. Our daughter was only thirteen days old and in the NICU in Columbus, Ohio. We had made a call to the hospital to get an update before making the five-hour drive. Although the nurse was careful with her words, she said that Kayla might not survive until we get there. I was working for a Christian radio station at the time, and as we left town we had heard at least two separate pleas for prayer. This very heartfelt request was broadcast during morning drive time and I knew that literally tens of thousands of listeners were able to join with us in prayer for Kayla. We made the trip in record time. Upon entering the icu, we were greeted by the words “we’ve done all we can”. As we made our way to our baby girl, we dropped to our knees and openly wept after seeing her tiny one and a half pound body all blue. The wires and monitors were all removed, except for the single hand ventilator to keep her breathing until arrived. There we were huddled together on the floor totally crushed. I’d prepared for the possibly that she could die, but hadn’t expected it. I told myself as we made the drive, that with all the prayers that had been offered, no matter what the outcome, God had put his blessing on this. So as we lay there crying I didn’t feel Gods tears with us, He had known what was best for Kayla, and for us. So why should God cry? I believed that my God did what he thought was best. Although we were struggling with grief, He felt no doubts, no pain, and no regrets.

Weeks passed and God opened up my eyes. The all-knowing God that took our baby was also an all-loving God. I saw us again huddled there on the floor as he wrapped us in his arms and released a loud moan over the parents of a little girl that they were sure to miss. A little girl they were sure to love. His sorrow came not for Kayla, they came for us.

I'm Angry

2007-04-14T18:20:00.000-05:00

I get angry when the double standards in our society are so obvious and blatant. Don Imus made a stupid statement on the air and was fired from both MSNBC and CBS radio for it. NBC News president, Steve Capus said "there shouldn't be any room for this kind of conversation or dialog on our air" and "it was the only decision we could reach". Hear me when I say that I am no Imus fan. I don't listen to him on the radio nor do I watch his TV show. I do know however, that these kind of degrading and stereotypical remarks are commonly heard by those who choose to listen to his programs. I am not necessarily angry that Imus was fired. I don't really care. But what gets me worked up is when Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton condemn this man, the left wing media machine moves in support for this mans crucifixion. While at the same time, Miss O'Donnell spews out any and all anti-Christian hate speech that pops into her head and it's considered "just a ploy for ratings". Sure there are those few voices crying injustice, but it is very clear that "the powers to be" will never come to the defence of Christian views, beliefs or values, but rather will be standing with our adversaries on nearly every occation. Please pray for America.

A few days off

2007-04-10T21:09:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be out of town for a few days, so I won't be posting anything until I get back.

Robin Hood's Mansion

2007-04-10T20:55:00.001-05:00

I'm sorry this is so long but I think it's worth it.

There’s a man who has spent most of his adult life in the kitchen. He has attended the finest of culinary schools and has on several occasions he has been asked to speak. He subscribes to all of the trade magazines and has an extensive collection of the latest cookbooks. His kitchen it is equipped with stainless steel counters, except for a large dark gray granite bar top. All of the appliances are top of the line commercial grade, he has a walk in cooler and humidity controlled wine cellar. He makes his living primarily by writing articles, public speaking or teaching private classes. His knowledge is remarkable but he rarely cooks anymore. Several times a year he will show-off with an elaborate display of his talents, but even then his assistants will do most of the work.

We have a lady at my church that loves to cook. She’s been there forever. Her husband passed away years ago and I guess she doesn’t have anything else to do, so she is always baking cookies or pies or something. There hasn’t been a funeral dinner at our church that didn’t have a least a dozen of her homemade pies. I don’t know how she manages to do it all. She’ll make all the crusts at home and then she’ll put a few pies in her oven and brings the rest to the church. Our kitchen here at the church isn’t that fancy but it’s has got to be two or three times as big as hers. I know she is probably lonely because her son and his family live out of state. I guess that’s why she always doing things for everyone else. I doubt if there is a single cookbook in her kitchen. She never makes anything fancy or exotic. But if you’ve ever been in need of a meal, you can sure testify that she can cook. You've got to love that lady, I do.

Have you ever noticed that in the bible, Jesus always seemed to get in the faces of the Pharisees. Luke 12:1b "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." Just like the chef, who cherished his own education and loved to display all that he had, what benefit is it if you don’t do anything with them. As Christians we must “live” our faith or our faith is useless. What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? James 2:14 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.James 2:18. Personally this touches an area in my life that I have always struggled. I have spent a great deal of time over the past several months thinking on this topic. I believe that my greatest sin is not what I done, but rather what I've failed to do. Certainly I do sin by doing thing I shouldn't, but I don’t smoke. I don’t do drugs. I don’t use bad language. I don’t cheat on my wife. I don’t steal. I don’t lie. Ok, I just lied. But I do go to Church. I go on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s. I get up and go to work everyday. I try be nice to everyone. Are you getting the picture? Would you say that I am impressing God? Do you think God is saying to those around Him, that I am one fine individual? I doubt it. Yes God loves me and yes God cares about what I am doing. But please follow this thought. The bad stuff I’ve done can all be forgiven. The everyday things that I do, is somewhat irrelevant. What’s left? Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins James 4:17. I need to change my life, so that my life can change others.
I don’t know too much about Robin Hood so for the purpose of this illustration I will make up my own profile. Robin Hood is mid-thirties, has a couple tattoos, an earring and his language is not always family friendly. He is divorced. He rarely goes to church. He hates Rush Limbaugh and doesn’t even know James Dobson. Yet he says he is a Christian. The crowd he runs with is pretty much the same. He takes from the rich and gives to the poor. “Takes from the rich” isn't that stealing. I hope God has mercy on his soul. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames I Cor 3:12-15.
Let me illustrate this with a big bag of M&M’s. We separate the colors and call the red ones sin. The green ones are the good deeds that we do and the brown ones are indifferent. Throughout the day I assign each of my deeds into one of these categories by placing one of the colored M&M’s into a clear glass jar. I get up and go to work. That is good, but that is what is required of me so I will add a brown M&M to the jar. I didn’t swear at jerk that pulled out in front of me. Ok, but another brown. After nearly a week of this I am proud to see just a very small amount of red in my jar. I feel good about my life, I really don’t struggle with all the temptations that others seem to. One Sunday my wife told me that we needed to take a family home after church again. They live the other direction and I can’t figure out why they can’t get their car fixed and drive themselves. I did it anyway, and added one more brown to my jar. I happen to notice my wife was able to add a green M&M to hers. She must have been reaching out in love or something. Months go by and we all assemble together with our jars. I’ve noticed that our clear jars all have covers on them now. Some are decorative fabric with lace and others are just paced into paper bags. Not mine. I didn’t work that hard, In fact I barely change my life at all and there is still only a small number of red among my jar. I noticed that Robin Hood had just come in. He was late. We were given instructions to take off the coverings to our jars so that the contents were visible. Then we were to bring them forward to have them displayed. I was first. By this time we all had accumulated several jars and I emptied mine onto the table up on the platform. Those at the table quickly separated the colors. As I’ve mentioned, I had very few red ones. Then they took the red and brown colored M&M’s and slid them off the table into the trash. The green M&M’s were put back into one of my jars and I was asked to have a seat again. This is it. This is all I have left. One by one each of us received the same treatment. We were nearly finished when Robin Hood made it to the front of the line. I remember thinking earlier how embarrassing it would be to have nothing but red and green, it looked like Christmas. I bet he had four or five times as much red M&M’s as most of us. What a sinner I had thought. But after his red and brown were discarded what remained seemed odd. He had a couple of jars; no it was more like a bunch of jars, all green. Unfair! Unfair! I wanted to scream but it was to late now. If we believe in the saving grace of Jesus and ask Him into lives, we will be saved. Our sins are forgiven and forgotten. King David wrote in Psalm 32:1-2 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. King David was a man after God’s own heart. God loved and blessed David. David also had plenty of sin in his life. Not only did he covet another mans wife and have her husband killed but other men died as well so that David’s own sin would not be exposed. I would assume that if David was living today, he would most likely struggle with internet porn. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all had major issues in their own lives. Jacobs’s life reads like a soap opera. The prostitute Rahab is celebrated in Hebrews 11 for hiding the spies. How did she do this? She lied. What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Romans 6:1-2. God hates sin. We should live a life so that other may not stubble on account of us. If you go to see your favorite basketball team and throughout the entire game you restrain yourself from any negative outbursts, are you supporting them? Your lack of negativity isn’t good enough. You also need to stand up and cheer, let them know your there, show your support by what you do. As Christians we need to get off the bench and heat things up a bit. So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth Rev 3:16. Robin Hood had made plenty of poor decisions in his life. But he possessed an intense passion that always had him running hot or cold. The bible is filled with risk takers. Those who often went out on a limb, sometimes for God and sometimes for themselves. My prayer today is that I begin to live a life that stretches my faith, builds my courage and pushes my limits. How will you respond? By thinking, Gods forgiveness is great enough for me to do wrong, or rather when I’ve done wrong, God still wants to use me. "Yes, I'm on my way! I'll be there soon! I'm bringing my payroll with me. I'll pay all people in full for their life's work. I'm A to Z, the First and the Final, Beginning and Conclusion. Rev 22:12

I wish that there were a magic pill that you could take to turn all of our good intentions and Godly desires into actions. As you know it is not that easy. Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit, learn to recognize His leading and then obey.

1 GOD

2007-04-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

I was at the gas station the other day filling up our van. Out of the store comes an older gentleman with a walker. He was heading right towards me. As he approached I said hello, wandering if I was supposed to know him. He wanted to thank me for displaying a plate on the front of my van reading "1 GOD". He told me "us Christians need to stick together". We talked for only a few minutes. But when he left, I felt as if I had made a new friend. What a nice old man. When I'm on my motorcycle, I stick out a hand and give a small wave to every motorcyclist I see. Young or old, rough or tame we all are bonded by our love of bikes. How much more should we as Christians be to those around us. In the church, or in the world, why don't we try and take a little extra time to share a smile, or a kind word. You never know just how far a act of kindness can go.

True love with an eternal perspective

2007-04-08T18:59:00.000-05:00

This story was borrowed from http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8216
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

After A Few Of The Usual Sunday Evening Hymns, The Church's Pastor Slowly Stood Up, Walked Over To The Pulpit And, Before He Gave His Sermon For The Evening, He Briefly Introduced A Guest Minister Who Was In The Service That Evening. In The Introduction, The Pastor Told The Congregation That The Guest Minister Was One Of His Dearest Childhood Friends And That He Wanted Him To Have A Few Moments To Greet The Church And Share Whatever He Felt Would Be Appropriate For The Service. With That, An Elderly Man Stepped Up To The Pulpit And Began To Speak. "A Father, His Son, And A Friend Of His Son Were Sailing Off The Pacific Coast," He Began. "When A Fast Approaching Storm Blocked Any Attempt To Get Back To The Shore. The Waves Were So High, That Even Though The Father Was An Experienced Sailor, He Could Not Keep The Boat Upright And The Three Were Swept Into The Ocean As The Boat Capsized." The Old Man Hesitated For A Moment, Making Eye Contact With Two Teenagers Who Were, For The First Time Since The Service Began, Looking Somewhat Interested In His Story. The Aged Minister Continued With His Story, "grabbing A Rescue Line, The Father Had To Make The Most Excruciating Decision Of His Life: To Which Boy Would He Throw The Other End Of The Life Line. He Only Had Seconds To Make The Decision. The Father Knew That His Son Was A Christian And He, Also, Knew That His Son's Friend Was Not. The Agony Of His Decision Could Not Be Matched By The Torrent Of Waves. As The Father Yelled Out, 'i Love You, Son!' He Threw Out The Life Line To His Son's Friend. By The Time The Father Had Pulled The Friend Back To The Capsized Boat, His Son Had Disappeared Beneath The Raging Swells Into The Black Of Night. His Body Was Never Recovered. By This Time, The Two Teenagers Were Sitting Up Straight In The Pew, Anxiously Waiting For The Next Words To Come Out Of The Old Minister's Mouth. "the Father," He Continued, "knew His Son Would Step Into Eternity With Jesus And He Could Not Bear The Thought Of His Son's Friend Stepping Into An Eternity Without Jesus.. Therefore, He Sacrificed His Son To Save The Son's Friend. " How Great Is The Love Of God That He Should Do The Same For Us. Our Heavenly Father Sacrificed His Only Begotten Son That We Could Be Saved. I Urge You To Accept His Offer To Rescue You And Take A Hold Of The Life Line He Is Throwing Out To You In This Service." With That, The Old Man Turned And Sat Back Down In His Chair As Silence Filled The Room. The Pastor Again Walked Slowly To The Pulpit And Delivered A Brief Sermon With An Invitation At The End. However, No One Responded To The Appeal. Within Minutes After The Service Ended, The Two Teenagers Were At The Old Man's Side. "That Was A Nice Story," Politely Stated One Of Them, "but I Don't Think It Was Very Realistic For A Father To Give Up His Only Son's Life In Hopes That The Other Boy Would Become A Christian." "well, You've Got A Point There," The Old Man Replied, Glancing Down At His Worn Bible. A Big Smile Broadened ,his Narrow Face. He Once Again Looked Up At The Boys And Said, "it Sure Isn't Very Realistic, Is It? But, I'm Standing Here Today To Tell You That Story Gives Me A Glimpse Of What It Must Have Been Like For God To Give Up His Son For Me. You See... I Was That Father And Your Pastor Is My Son's Friend."

Anyone writing a book?

2007-04-07T07:04:00.000-05:00

If I ever wrote a book (highly unlikely) I think I would title it "Common sense isn't very common". Sometimes I watch the news and think that if people would just shut up for a minute and think about what they are saying we could solve a lot of our societal issues. Unfortunately, I don't see this as a popular trend in our society.

I'm curious what titles you would have for your books? (HINT: this is a good time to leave me a comment)

Multi-Level Marketing/Church?

2007-04-06T21:29:00.000-05:00

I have been approached several times to join a multi-level marketing organization. Each meeting is filled with the superstars that hit it big. Each were average people like myself and are now they’re driving fancy cars and living in big houses. The formula to their success is laid out in front of me and it seems just to good to be true. All I have to do is just sign up tonight and in just a matter of months I to will be living the high life. I’ve always come back to the same questions for my friendly host, how long have you been involved with this organization? How much money have you made? Since you’ve signed up do really feel you’re climbing the road to success? I’m always greeted by the similar sounding pre rehearsed excuses about it taking time, and that we haven’t really worked very hard at it (but we’re going to). Only after I leave a meeting to find out that same friend went on to his first million in just a short year or so, will I consider the promises to be more than just talk.

Is this how the world looks in on the church? Do we talk a talk that we our selves have not totally bought into? Are we making promises of peace and joy we ourselves do not feel every day? The church doesn’t need to be near perfection to be effective, but we do need to be real with each other and ourselves. The message of Jesus Christ is far beyond our human representation. So lets stop trying to pretend that it is. Let’s be ourselves and be real with people. Real means we don’t always have an answer, We may not always feel or act like we should. If I were an unbeliever I would ask, If you really believe this why haven’t you told me this before. Why haven’t you told lots of people before? These are good question for us to ask ourselves now, because sooner or later we will be asked.

What will you do with this Man they call the Christ?

2007-04-03T21:18:00.000-05:00

What are you doing because of your belief in God? If you say you aren’t a murderer, big deal. I know that is a good thing not to be a murderer, but really how is your life changing your world? Are you making an impact? As Christians we can say we believe the Christmas and Easter stories and though that is great, even satan believes those things. How is what you believe being acted out in your every day life? The good things we do are good things. But what are they good for? Good character will support your testimony. Have you shared your testimony lately…or ever? If we live our lives careful and safe we may keep ourselves from harmful or destructive activities (that’s good). Does God want more than that from us? Remember the story of the talents, each of the three servants was given different allotments of money and while in their care two of the servants invested (took risks) their talents with a return to the master. The third played it safe. Burying his talents, he produced no return for his master and thus lost all that was given to him. The American church is currently filled with such servants. Our good deeds can be valuable resources. Knowledge of the Bible, honesty and integrity are valuable and important. Imagine a chef with years of schooling, a nicely equipped kitchen and a well-stocked pantry and never cooks. Everything he has is good but it doesn’t do any good.

What will you do with this Man they call the Christ? How are you going to apply your life to the cause of Christ? If your thought is coming to church every week and trying to be a good person, I would like to encourage you to do better. I beg you to do better.

What will you do with this Man they call the Christ? I’m not asking what you believe about this Man, but what will you do. James says you show me your faith without deeds and I’ll show you my faith by what I do. It’s so much more that not doing bad things. The Pharisees were great at following the law. They kept from sin but were filled with sin. King David sinned often and yet he blessed God so much because of his heart for God. Step out take some risks and follow God with all of your heart. The greatest of the commandments weren’t about not doing bad things, but rather, doing great things. Loving God and loving others.

Palm Sunday

2007-04-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

So what do you think about the Palm Sunday story? The parade, the palm branches, and the many shouts of praise. Jerusalem was packed during Jesus triumphant entry into the city. I’m sure there were many who had heard of Jesus, but had no personal experience of their own with Him. How exciting it must have been to be there when their new King arrived to establish His kingdom once and for all. Perhaps it was a little odd that He came riding on a donkey, but they say this Jesus is radical and unconventional, so I guess it’s ok for Him to do things differently. The masses rallied together to usher in this new King of theirs. Is it surprising to know that by the end of the week this same crowd cried out for His crucifixion? Not really, it’s easy to follow the crowd. After all He had made that scene just the other day at the temple. Screaming at all the vendors to get out. I guess He must be a troublemaker after all. Public opinions will shift in an instant if there isn’t any foundation to their beliefs. We see this everyday in today’s world. One day we want to go to war the next we want to pull out. We watch as the media spoon feeds us our opinions and tells who is on top this week. We live in a “Christian” nation. Our shallow roots may not be so evident right now but what will happen to the masses if we see a little persecution. Not to long ago two gentlemen from Fox News were captured in Iraq, they simply changed their names and vowed allegiance to Mohammad and all was better. Right? I’m afraid that this “Christian” nation will turn on a dime, just like the people in Jesus time turned on Him. Very soon we maybe approaching troubled times of our own. Our freedoms could be in jeopardy. How will we respond? How will you respond? Now is the time to set our roots firmly into the everlasting Word of God.

A Coach

2007-04-01T01:51:00.000-05:00

My son played soccer for the first time a few summers ago. I helped out as the assistant coach (knowing nothing about the game). We had a lot of fun and everyone got to play. As a coach we encouraged, cheered and gave a lot of high fives. We did what we could to improve their skills. Whether they came to practice or not, and regardless if they could kick a ball or not, everyone played and everyone had fun. Sure we worked on the fundamentals but our expectations remained within a 3rd grade level. I can see God as this type of coach. In His mercy, His understanding and His patience. His grace allowed the game to be fun and not stressed by the immaturity and inability of the players. In stark contrast lets look at the coach from the movie Remember the Titans. An all American lineman had only one choice. Do what the coach said, or sit on the bench. If any player fumbled the ball regardless of the circumstance, he ran a mile. No question asked. How many of his players could’ve skipped a practice and then showed up for a game and expected to ever touch the ball. Not a chance. Obedience and commitment are required to perform at this level. This team was molded into State Champions. Can you see God as this type of a coach? I can. God has called us to be Holy Leviticus 19:2. God expects us to grow up in our knowledge and our abilities. Not as babies still on milk, but on solid food 1 Corinthians 3:2. Don’t you think God cares about winning? Of course He does. Why then after years of sitting in our pews are we content with just being a part of the team? It’s time we get to the weight room and pumped some iron, get on a diet to shed that flab, and it’s time to pick up a playbook and learn what it is that were expected to do and then practice it over and over again until we start to get it right. Lets play to win. God will still be there with His grace and His mercy when we fall. But there is little excuse for those who after years of service can’t produce a single piece of fruit to offer to our God.

Welcome to all

2007-03-29T12:20:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my Blog.