Monday, December 04, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Solomon's Warning
The other day I was reading from Proverbs, one of my favorite books of the Bible. Solomon, a true "wise guy", wrote most of the book. Many of his words of wisdom deal with the issue that most everyone struggles with; temptation.
Solomon gives us words of wisdom like:
Proverbs 6:23-29 (NIV) 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, 24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. 25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, 26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. 27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? 29 So is he who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
What you may not realize about Solomon is that he is the product of a couple who had an affair! His father, David, the king of Israel, saw a lady bathing on a nearby rooftop. He sent for Bathsheba, slept with her, and she became pregnant. Bathsheba was married to Uriah and during this time he was off to war, defending the King. King David called for him to come back from the front lines in an effort to get him to sleep with his wife so that he would not discover that Bathsheba was not carrying his child. Uriah refused to sleep with his wife because he didn't feel it was right while his fellow soldiers were out risking their lives. When that didn't work, David sent Uriah out to the front lines, knowing he would be killed. It worked.
David took Bathsheba to be his wife and she gave birth to a son who soon became ill and died. After the death, David comforted his wife and went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon.
Solomon wrote in verse 27, "Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?"
Do you struggle with lust? Have you had an affair? Do you view pornagraphy?
The Bible tells us that God loves us and provides a way of escape from every temptation. It also says that sin leads to death, but God provided the gift of His son Jesus, who died for our sin. If we repent of sin, and turn to Christ, He will forgive us.
check out this website for some help, www.everymansbattle.com
Solomon gives us words of wisdom like:
Proverbs 6:23-29 (NIV) 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, 24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. 25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, 26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. 27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? 29 So is he who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
What you may not realize about Solomon is that he is the product of a couple who had an affair! His father, David, the king of Israel, saw a lady bathing on a nearby rooftop. He sent for Bathsheba, slept with her, and she became pregnant. Bathsheba was married to Uriah and during this time he was off to war, defending the King. King David called for him to come back from the front lines in an effort to get him to sleep with his wife so that he would not discover that Bathsheba was not carrying his child. Uriah refused to sleep with his wife because he didn't feel it was right while his fellow soldiers were out risking their lives. When that didn't work, David sent Uriah out to the front lines, knowing he would be killed. It worked.
David took Bathsheba to be his wife and she gave birth to a son who soon became ill and died. After the death, David comforted his wife and went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon.
Solomon wrote in verse 27, "Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?"
Do you struggle with lust? Have you had an affair? Do you view pornagraphy?
The Bible tells us that God loves us and provides a way of escape from every temptation. It also says that sin leads to death, but God provided the gift of His son Jesus, who died for our sin. If we repent of sin, and turn to Christ, He will forgive us.
check out this website for some help, www.everymansbattle.com
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
Emerging Leaders
This past week I had an opportunity to go on a road trip with 40 other "young" pastors from Minnesota. Believe me when I say, "I just qualify". We went to Naperville, Ill. to meet with A/G Supt. Trask. The forum was to discuss the topic of "Young Emerging Pastors". I will not go into the details of what was said and what was accomplished, but I do want to share one thought with you about what I realized.
As I approach the age of 42 next week, I realized now more than ever how much I need young thinking around me. I need to learn from a culture that thinks different than I do in order to minister to them. There is such a passion in their hearts to reach their age group and the way they do that is different than how I would try and reach someone who is 40+. It was a great bus trip with plenty of opportunity for me to learn from younger guys. Hopefully as the really young and the not so young discussed ideas, the young were able to capture the wisdom of those who have gone before them and apply what they can to the methods that are used to reach the next generation.
As I approach the age of 42 next week, I realized now more than ever how much I need young thinking around me. I need to learn from a culture that thinks different than I do in order to minister to them. There is such a passion in their hearts to reach their age group and the way they do that is different than how I would try and reach someone who is 40+. It was a great bus trip with plenty of opportunity for me to learn from younger guys. Hopefully as the really young and the not so young discussed ideas, the young were able to capture the wisdom of those who have gone before them and apply what they can to the methods that are used to reach the next generation.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Rice Campus Update
Yesterday was our grand opening service at Living Hope Rice. We had just over 100 people attending. Eight new families from the Rice area attended for the first time. What a great day of celebrating the birth of a vision. I am so proud of all of our workers. They work together, have great attitudes, are extremely friendly and are working in their giftings and passion. I am especially proud of Pastor Bobby & Jen. They are doing a great job in laying a foundation of what our vision is for Living Hope Rice. It takes a team, and God has blessed me with a great one.
PS
Last time I talked about the shell shock I experienced the first Sunday in Little Falls. With two campuses and about 65 people from LF now at Rice it was different to say the least. I am happy to report that the last two weeks went a lot better. The second week the attendance was back up. We had a number of families that had been awol, all show up. The greatest part of the service was when seven people raised their hand or looked up at me indicating that they wanted to accept Jesus as savior. Wow was I pumped. One of the men has been attending my Life Group.
Yesterday in Little Falls we had another good increase. From what I can tell, the rough numbers for Littel Falls and Rice was around 300. This last year we averaged about 220.
God is passionate about the lost of our area and He is the one who is moving. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
PS
Last time I talked about the shell shock I experienced the first Sunday in Little Falls. With two campuses and about 65 people from LF now at Rice it was different to say the least. I am happy to report that the last two weeks went a lot better. The second week the attendance was back up. We had a number of families that had been awol, all show up. The greatest part of the service was when seven people raised their hand or looked up at me indicating that they wanted to accept Jesus as savior. Wow was I pumped. One of the men has been attending my Life Group.
Yesterday in Little Falls we had another good increase. From what I can tell, the rough numbers for Littel Falls and Rice was around 300. This last year we averaged about 220.
God is passionate about the lost of our area and He is the one who is moving. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Living Hope Rice
If you look at the time span between this blog and my last one, you might be wondering what happened to me. Part of the time I was on a relaxing two week vacation, but most of the time I have been consumed with giving birth. Not literally thank the Lord! This past Sunday, after a couple of years of casting vision and planning, the church that I pastor went to two meeting locations. The last two months has been crunch time. The UPS and Fed Ex guys are dropping off packages almost daily. I think we can add them to our membership list soon. With all of the audio/visual stuff ordered, it's been like Christmas around here.
I am so proud of my staff and the people of Living Hope. They have really stepped it up to make this dream of the Lord's a reality. Our first service in Rice had 68 people attending. This was not an announced service. We are having two "practice" services prior to our grand opening on October 1.
It was very different at our Little Falls Campus on Sunday. I think some people thought, "where is everybody". Although it was down in attendance I was excited. For many years our church has filled to the 80% "stop growing barrier" and we had stopped growing. I believe that with the newly available seats, God is going to be bringing in pre-Christians who will become fully devoted followers of Christ.
Did we make some mistakes? Absolutely. Are we done making mistakes? No way. If we never make a mistake we are probably not doing anything. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained".
I am so proud of my staff and the people of Living Hope. They have really stepped it up to make this dream of the Lord's a reality. Our first service in Rice had 68 people attending. This was not an announced service. We are having two "practice" services prior to our grand opening on October 1.
It was very different at our Little Falls Campus on Sunday. I think some people thought, "where is everybody". Although it was down in attendance I was excited. For many years our church has filled to the 80% "stop growing barrier" and we had stopped growing. I believe that with the newly available seats, God is going to be bringing in pre-Christians who will become fully devoted followers of Christ.
Did we make some mistakes? Absolutely. Are we done making mistakes? No way. If we never make a mistake we are probably not doing anything. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained".
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Learning from the Minnesota Twins
I really enjoy watching the Minnesota Twins. They are a team with a low payroll, but play their hearts out and never seem to be out of any game.
The Twins have recently encountered several injuries to some key players. This has allowed for some "No Name" players to be promoted from AAA. Nearly every guy that was just called up has immediately added to the team with a key play in the field or a clutch hit.
All of this got me thinking about the system they use to develop players. When a player is placed on the dl, they don't just walk down to the local softball game and grab somebody of the bench to play pro. Professional baseball has various levels where they take time to teach and develop the athletes. There becomes a large pyramid of potential players that dream about making it in the big leagues. When they are ready, the opportunity comes. They know what to do because of the developement program they have been a part of.
I wonder if the church could learn something from baseball. Many churches are guilty when it comes to throwing a warm body into a ministry without giving them proper coaching and time to develop their skills. Sometimes we don't even know if they should be in the outfield or infield. We stick them were we need them and not were their talent lies.
As a "manager" of the church I Pastor, I have some thinking to do, some changes to make, some people to develop!
The Twins have recently encountered several injuries to some key players. This has allowed for some "No Name" players to be promoted from AAA. Nearly every guy that was just called up has immediately added to the team with a key play in the field or a clutch hit.
All of this got me thinking about the system they use to develop players. When a player is placed on the dl, they don't just walk down to the local softball game and grab somebody of the bench to play pro. Professional baseball has various levels where they take time to teach and develop the athletes. There becomes a large pyramid of potential players that dream about making it in the big leagues. When they are ready, the opportunity comes. They know what to do because of the developement program they have been a part of.
I wonder if the church could learn something from baseball. Many churches are guilty when it comes to throwing a warm body into a ministry without giving them proper coaching and time to develop their skills. Sometimes we don't even know if they should be in the outfield or infield. We stick them were we need them and not were their talent lies.
As a "manager" of the church I Pastor, I have some thinking to do, some changes to make, some people to develop!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Father’s
I love this humorous top ten list I came across. It is the Ten most commonly used phrases by dads as they are raising their kids.
10. This is going to hurt you more than it hurts me.(As kid, I’m thinking- then let’s just not do it.)
9. Don’t forget to bring back the change.
8. Get off that before you kill yourself—on second thought, go ahead.
7. I don’t know. Ask your mother.
6. Be quiet. I’m trying to watch the game.
5. Why? Because I said so, that why!
4. Shut up, before I give you something to cry about.
3. Just wait until you have kids
2. You are going. And you’re going to have fun.
1. When I was your age I walked 5 miles to and from schooleveryday-and it was uphill both ways.
A teenager asked his dad for a car and his dad said, “First, get a job, then read a passage out of the Bible every day, and cut your hair.”
After some time the boy again approached his dad and said, “I got a job; I read a passage from the Bible every day. Now, can I get a car?” The dad replied, “But you didn’t cut your hair.” To which the boy replied, “Jesus had long hair.”
The dad replied, “Son, if you read the Bible, you will know that Jesus also did a lot of walking.”
Raising kids can be challenging at times. But it is also one of the greatest privileges a person could ever experience.
How can we make the most of this awesome opportunity?
One of the greatest ways that we teach our children is by example and inspiration. Godliness is often more caught than taught. Our children will embrace the values we live far more than the values we lip.
I read the story of a farmer who had toiled over a bumper crop of grain - a badly needed crop that was going to pay off many creditors and secure the family for another year. But just a few days before it was due to be harvested a freak wind and hail storm ravaged the property, and the harvest was lost. The man stood with his little boy looking over the fields of destroyed grain. The boy expected to hear his father cursing in despair. But instead his Dad began to softly sing: “Rock of Ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.” Years later that boy, grown into manhood, said: “That was the greatest sermon I ever heard!”
God has a plan for every child. It is every parent’s privilege to help their kids discover God’s will for their lives and inspire them to pursue it successfully. Our example and inspiring words can go a long way toward that objective.
10. This is going to hurt you more than it hurts me.(As kid, I’m thinking- then let’s just not do it.)
9. Don’t forget to bring back the change.
8. Get off that before you kill yourself—on second thought, go ahead.
7. I don’t know. Ask your mother.
6. Be quiet. I’m trying to watch the game.
5. Why? Because I said so, that why!
4. Shut up, before I give you something to cry about.
3. Just wait until you have kids
2. You are going. And you’re going to have fun.
1. When I was your age I walked 5 miles to and from schooleveryday-and it was uphill both ways.
A teenager asked his dad for a car and his dad said, “First, get a job, then read a passage out of the Bible every day, and cut your hair.”
After some time the boy again approached his dad and said, “I got a job; I read a passage from the Bible every day. Now, can I get a car?” The dad replied, “But you didn’t cut your hair.” To which the boy replied, “Jesus had long hair.”
The dad replied, “Son, if you read the Bible, you will know that Jesus also did a lot of walking.”
Raising kids can be challenging at times. But it is also one of the greatest privileges a person could ever experience.
How can we make the most of this awesome opportunity?
One of the greatest ways that we teach our children is by example and inspiration. Godliness is often more caught than taught. Our children will embrace the values we live far more than the values we lip.
I read the story of a farmer who had toiled over a bumper crop of grain - a badly needed crop that was going to pay off many creditors and secure the family for another year. But just a few days before it was due to be harvested a freak wind and hail storm ravaged the property, and the harvest was lost. The man stood with his little boy looking over the fields of destroyed grain. The boy expected to hear his father cursing in despair. But instead his Dad began to softly sing: “Rock of Ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.” Years later that boy, grown into manhood, said: “That was the greatest sermon I ever heard!”
God has a plan for every child. It is every parent’s privilege to help their kids discover God’s will for their lives and inspire them to pursue it successfully. Our example and inspiring words can go a long way toward that objective.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Garage Sales
Today my family is having a garage sale. WOW, Is that a lot of work.
We have spent the last couple of weeks going through every room, looking for the items that no longer fit (quit laughing), are played with (Remember Woody from Toy Story), or used. It is amazing the amount of things that you accumulate. These things that we just can't live without are now sitting on a table with a .25 cent sticker on them.
I have found that having a garage sale can be a very emotional time. There are many items that bring me back to a specific moment in my life. My first set of golf clubs, the bike that all of my kids learn to ride on, the stereo equipment that I just had to have, my ski equipment that brought years of exciting mogel runs and black diamond hills. With every thing that sells, there is a part of my past that I am reliving. A part of my life that I sometimes wish I could have back.
I also find that in having a garage sale, I realize that most of us in our society have too much stuff. The Bible is so true with it's statement that we should learn to be content with what we have. Do you and I buy things out of boardem, greed, want. There are so many things that I could have lived without. How much more could I have given to the Lord.
With all that in mind, I hope when it comes to the end of the day that there is nothing left! WOW would that make my day.
Happy Garage Saling!
We have spent the last couple of weeks going through every room, looking for the items that no longer fit (quit laughing), are played with (Remember Woody from Toy Story), or used. It is amazing the amount of things that you accumulate. These things that we just can't live without are now sitting on a table with a .25 cent sticker on them.
I have found that having a garage sale can be a very emotional time. There are many items that bring me back to a specific moment in my life. My first set of golf clubs, the bike that all of my kids learn to ride on, the stereo equipment that I just had to have, my ski equipment that brought years of exciting mogel runs and black diamond hills. With every thing that sells, there is a part of my past that I am reliving. A part of my life that I sometimes wish I could have back.
I also find that in having a garage sale, I realize that most of us in our society have too much stuff. The Bible is so true with it's statement that we should learn to be content with what we have. Do you and I buy things out of boardem, greed, want. There are so many things that I could have lived without. How much more could I have given to the Lord.
With all that in mind, I hope when it comes to the end of the day that there is nothing left! WOW would that make my day.
Happy Garage Saling!
The Helper
Last Sunday my sermon in church was about the Holy Spirit; More specifically how the Holy Spirit is there to help us in life. I always start my day by asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide my steps and my conversation.
Here is a perfect example of how He works in my life. Last week I received an email regarding a pastors wife in Minnesota that was having surgery on her spinal cord. The surgery took place last week at the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital. On Monday I went to visit a member of my church at this hospital. Unfortunately I forgot about visiting this pastor and his wife. (My memory isn't quite as good as it use to be) After I left Sam's* room, I went to the Men's room to wash my hands. As I was standing at the automatic hand dryer, in walks this Pastor. I was so suprised! We had a great conversation and I learned that his wife was getting out of the hospital that day. Friends, that was a divine appointment by the Holy Spirit.
As I walked outside the hospital to leave, I saw a very familiar looking couple walking in. My brain went into quick overdrive and then it occured to me who it was. This couple are Pastor's in Minnesota. I said "Hi", and asked them what they were doing there. He said, "We came to visit Joe*".
I knew Joe well, but didn't realize that he was in this hospital. Joe has gone through a major physical battle over the last several years. He is a pastor of a new church plant in Minnesota, about 25 minutes from me.
I turned around and went with this couple to visit and pray with Joe.
As I left the hospital that day, I was so amazed and appreciative for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. He was guiding my every step.
The Holy Spirit is your partner, called along side you to help you in every area of your life.
Jesus said to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7
* Names changed for privacy.
Here is a perfect example of how He works in my life. Last week I received an email regarding a pastors wife in Minnesota that was having surgery on her spinal cord. The surgery took place last week at the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital. On Monday I went to visit a member of my church at this hospital. Unfortunately I forgot about visiting this pastor and his wife. (My memory isn't quite as good as it use to be) After I left Sam's* room, I went to the Men's room to wash my hands. As I was standing at the automatic hand dryer, in walks this Pastor. I was so suprised! We had a great conversation and I learned that his wife was getting out of the hospital that day. Friends, that was a divine appointment by the Holy Spirit.
As I walked outside the hospital to leave, I saw a very familiar looking couple walking in. My brain went into quick overdrive and then it occured to me who it was. This couple are Pastor's in Minnesota. I said "Hi", and asked them what they were doing there. He said, "We came to visit Joe*".
I knew Joe well, but didn't realize that he was in this hospital. Joe has gone through a major physical battle over the last several years. He is a pastor of a new church plant in Minnesota, about 25 minutes from me.
I turned around and went with this couple to visit and pray with Joe.
As I left the hospital that day, I was so amazed and appreciative for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. He was guiding my every step.
The Holy Spirit is your partner, called along side you to help you in every area of your life.
Jesus said to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7
* Names changed for privacy.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Hats off to Dad
In my 14 years that I have been a father, I have certainly become aware of all the things my dad did that went unnoticed.
This weekend my family will venture out to the great outdoors. The kids are all excited. Swimming, fishing, campfires, smores, disc golf, and great fellowship with some of the families from church. I can almost guarantee you that my children have no idea how much work goes into camping. I know they don't, because I never recognized all the things my dad did so we could have a fun weekend.
Yesterday, when I went to pull the camper out of the backyard, I discovered a flat tire. I got the portable air compressor out and filled it up with some air. I just got back from bringing the camper to the gas station to get the tire completely full. When I got home I went to check the tire, as I paused and put my ear close to the tire I heard something that I didn't want to. I heard the hissing of a leaking tire. I think it was singing the song, "Don't Cry Outloud". Tonight I will have to jack up the camper, take off the bad tire, put on the spare and get the bad tire fixed. I will attend a two hour community prayer meeting tonight and then venture home to continue my responsibities with camping prep.
I hope it doesn't sound like I'm complaining or that I don't enjoy camping. I love getting away with my family and enjoy God's wonderful creation. I do share about the "work" of getting away to illustrate my appreciation for all that my dad did. As a family we didn't vacation a lot but the time we did I certainly enjoyed...thanks to dad.
This weekend my family will venture out to the great outdoors. The kids are all excited. Swimming, fishing, campfires, smores, disc golf, and great fellowship with some of the families from church. I can almost guarantee you that my children have no idea how much work goes into camping. I know they don't, because I never recognized all the things my dad did so we could have a fun weekend.
Yesterday, when I went to pull the camper out of the backyard, I discovered a flat tire. I got the portable air compressor out and filled it up with some air. I just got back from bringing the camper to the gas station to get the tire completely full. When I got home I went to check the tire, as I paused and put my ear close to the tire I heard something that I didn't want to. I heard the hissing of a leaking tire. I think it was singing the song, "Don't Cry Outloud". Tonight I will have to jack up the camper, take off the bad tire, put on the spare and get the bad tire fixed. I will attend a two hour community prayer meeting tonight and then venture home to continue my responsibities with camping prep.
I hope it doesn't sound like I'm complaining or that I don't enjoy camping. I love getting away with my family and enjoy God's wonderful creation. I do share about the "work" of getting away to illustrate my appreciation for all that my dad did. As a family we didn't vacation a lot but the time we did I certainly enjoyed...thanks to dad.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Overcoming Failure
Two Kentucky horse racing stable owners had developed a keen rivalry. Each spring they both entered a horse in a local steeplechase. One of them thought that having a professional rider might give his horse an edge in the race, so he hired a hot-shot jockey. Well, the day of the race finally came, and as usual, their two horses were leading the race right down to the last fence. But that final fence was too much for both of the horses. Both of them fell, and both riders were thrown. But that didn’t stop the professional jockey. He remounted quickly and easily won the race.When he got back to the stable, he found the horse owner fuming with rage. He really didn’t understand his behavior, because he had won the race. So the jockey asked, “What’s the matter with you? I won the race, didn’t I?”The red-faced owner nodded, “Oh, yes, you won the race. But you won it on the wrong horse!”(From 1001 Humorous Illustrations for Public Speaking, by Michael Hodgin, p. 148.)That jockey had the best of intentions. He intended to win the race. But he became distracted from the task. He made a bad decision. And, ultimately, he failed in what he was trying to do.You know, often times we wind up doing the same thing in our walk with Jesus. We start out strong. We have the best of intentions. We are excited, and we want to succeed in the faith. We have a desire to be faithful followers of our Savior. Yet, so often, we become distracted from the faith. We allow the wrong influences in our lives. We experience a challenge or a setback. We make a bad decision. We experience the spiritual failure of allowing sin into our lives, and our relationship with Jesus suffers.
Have you ever felt like a failure? Have you ever had the best intentions and couldn’t follow through on them? Have you ever let someone down that you loved very much? Have you ever eliminated yourself from ministry because you felt that your past mistakes and sin prevent you from serving the Lord?
In today’s blog we will encounter a man who had gone through some incredible emotional and spiritual battles at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus.
This disciple could have answered “yes” to all of my previous questions.
Just a little background on the main character of our story. He was a fisherman by trade. Was called, along with many others to follow Christ. His brother Andrew was the one that lead him to Jesus. He was from Galilee and Galileans had a reputation for being independent and full of energy. They were frank and transparent.
This disciple and John went into the city to prepare a place for Jesus to feast with the disciples. He was there, nearby, in the garden of Gethsemane, where he witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, and later the wrestling of the Lord in prayer. When the mob came to arrest Jesus, it was this man who cut off the ear of Malchus. In the moments that followed He was accused by a young girl of being a disciple. He denied it. He was asked a second time, and for the second time he denied being a disciple of Jesus. Later, one of the high priests servants, a relative of the man whose ear he had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?” Again he denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
Peter’s heart sank. Jesus prediction of his denial came true. The Bible tells us that Peter “wept bitterly”.
Fast forward a couple of days. Peter’s probably down in the pits of despair. His master was dead and Peters stand for Christ had been nothing short of cowardly. It’s the morning of the resurrection. Some of the ladies had gone to the tomb, found it empty. They had an encounter with two men that gleamed like lightning and said “He is not here, He has risen!” They went to the eleven disciples and told them of what had happened. Luke 24:11-12 (NIV) 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Let’s pick up the story in John 21. After Jesus had appeared a couple of times to His disciples, Peter says, “I’m going’ fishing”. “We’ll go with you” the other 6 who where there, said. Fishing is not going to well until this man yells from shore and tells them to throw out the net to the other side of the boat. They caught so many fish they couldn’t hall them all into the boat. When the disciples recognized it was Jesus, Peter jumps in the water and swims 100 yards to shore where Jesus is.
Jesus offers them breakfast. When they were finished, Jesus said something to Peter. This is the key.
John 21:15-17 (NIV) 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
“Do you truly love me?”
The most important question that Peter ever faced was whether he possessed a devoted love for his lord.
I find it interesting that for every time Peter denied Jesus; 3, Jesus asked him a question “Do you love me”. 3 times Peter answered, “I love you”.
Jesus was desiring to restore Peter back to fellowship with himself and back to fulfilling the purpose for Peter’s life.
What can we learn from some of the last words of Jesus?
1. We learn what Jesus thinks of people that feel like they have failed God.
When you fall, get back up. Rediscover your purpose.
Think of the Prodigal Son, Jim Baker & Billy Graham’s son, Franklin; all of them where wonderfully restored to God.
No matter how gross your past may be, Jesus stands not only ready to forgive, but also to restore. He can restore you and use you for His glory. Some of the best preachers I’ve heard have been at one time some of the worst sinners, but God washed them and restored them. Even if you are a bona fide failure, Jesus stands ready to restore you and use you for great things for His kingdom. If we are going to be restored then we must be honest about our spiritual condition. Some of you here today are not “fine” in your faith. You lack commitment to Jesus and to His Church. So the first thing you need to do is to admit that. Admit that your relationship with Christ is not what it should be and then allow Christ and His church to bring you up to the point where you need to be.
Have you ever felt like a failure? Have you ever had the best intentions and couldn’t follow through on them? Have you ever let someone down that you loved very much? Have you ever eliminated yourself from ministry because you felt that your past mistakes and sin prevent you from serving the Lord?
In today’s blog we will encounter a man who had gone through some incredible emotional and spiritual battles at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus.
This disciple could have answered “yes” to all of my previous questions.
Just a little background on the main character of our story. He was a fisherman by trade. Was called, along with many others to follow Christ. His brother Andrew was the one that lead him to Jesus. He was from Galilee and Galileans had a reputation for being independent and full of energy. They were frank and transparent.
This disciple and John went into the city to prepare a place for Jesus to feast with the disciples. He was there, nearby, in the garden of Gethsemane, where he witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, and later the wrestling of the Lord in prayer. When the mob came to arrest Jesus, it was this man who cut off the ear of Malchus. In the moments that followed He was accused by a young girl of being a disciple. He denied it. He was asked a second time, and for the second time he denied being a disciple of Jesus. Later, one of the high priests servants, a relative of the man whose ear he had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?” Again he denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
Peter’s heart sank. Jesus prediction of his denial came true. The Bible tells us that Peter “wept bitterly”.
Fast forward a couple of days. Peter’s probably down in the pits of despair. His master was dead and Peters stand for Christ had been nothing short of cowardly. It’s the morning of the resurrection. Some of the ladies had gone to the tomb, found it empty. They had an encounter with two men that gleamed like lightning and said “He is not here, He has risen!” They went to the eleven disciples and told them of what had happened. Luke 24:11-12 (NIV) 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Let’s pick up the story in John 21. After Jesus had appeared a couple of times to His disciples, Peter says, “I’m going’ fishing”. “We’ll go with you” the other 6 who where there, said. Fishing is not going to well until this man yells from shore and tells them to throw out the net to the other side of the boat. They caught so many fish they couldn’t hall them all into the boat. When the disciples recognized it was Jesus, Peter jumps in the water and swims 100 yards to shore where Jesus is.
Jesus offers them breakfast. When they were finished, Jesus said something to Peter. This is the key.
John 21:15-17 (NIV) 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
“Do you truly love me?”
The most important question that Peter ever faced was whether he possessed a devoted love for his lord.
I find it interesting that for every time Peter denied Jesus; 3, Jesus asked him a question “Do you love me”. 3 times Peter answered, “I love you”.
Jesus was desiring to restore Peter back to fellowship with himself and back to fulfilling the purpose for Peter’s life.
What can we learn from some of the last words of Jesus?
1. We learn what Jesus thinks of people that feel like they have failed God.
When you fall, get back up. Rediscover your purpose.
Think of the Prodigal Son, Jim Baker & Billy Graham’s son, Franklin; all of them where wonderfully restored to God.
No matter how gross your past may be, Jesus stands not only ready to forgive, but also to restore. He can restore you and use you for His glory. Some of the best preachers I’ve heard have been at one time some of the worst sinners, but God washed them and restored them. Even if you are a bona fide failure, Jesus stands ready to restore you and use you for great things for His kingdom. If we are going to be restored then we must be honest about our spiritual condition. Some of you here today are not “fine” in your faith. You lack commitment to Jesus and to His Church. So the first thing you need to do is to admit that. Admit that your relationship with Christ is not what it should be and then allow Christ and His church to bring you up to the point where you need to be.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Go, part 3
Several years ago the city of Pittsburgh constructed a large, new post office at the cost of several million dollars. On the day of it’s opening, the Governor made a speech, the bands played and the people cheered. It was quite a celebration. But when the first man entered to mail a letter, to the embarrassment of the engineers, it was discovered that in the rush to meet the deadline, they had omitted the usual letter drop. Here was a costly new post office, but no place to mail a letter! It was a slight omission, but it negated the very reason for it’s existence.
That brings me to the very point of this blog: WHEN ANY CHURCH LOSES THE SPIRIT OF THE GREAT COMMISION, IT SURRENDERS THE VERY REASON FOR IT’S EXISTENCE.
Missions is not a side line! It is the LIFELINE of the church.
That brings me to the very point of this blog: WHEN ANY CHURCH LOSES THE SPIRIT OF THE GREAT COMMISION, IT SURRENDERS THE VERY REASON FOR IT’S EXISTENCE.
Missions is not a side line! It is the LIFELINE of the church.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Go, part 2
What drives you? What is your passion? We know from Scripture that Jesus' passion was people. He cared for the hurting, the sick, the searching. He cared for everyone. When Jesus went back to God the Father's side, he left a very important mission in the hands of His followers of that day, and every Christian since that time. One such follower was a man named John Harper.
John Harper was born into a Christian family May 29, 1872. He became a Christian 13 years later and had already started preaching by age 17. He received training at the Baptist Pioneer Mission in London, and in 1896 he founded a church, now known as Harper Memorial Church, which began with 25 worshipers but had grown to 500 members by the time he left 13 years later.
In 1912 Harper, the newly called pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, was traveling on the Titanic with his 6-year-old daughter. After the ship struck an iceberg and began to sink, he got Nana into a lifeboat but apparently made no effort to follow her. Instead, he ran through the ship yelling, "Women, children, and unsaved into the lifeboats!" Survivors report that he then began witnessing to anyone who would listen. He continued preaching even after he had jumped into the water and was clinging to a piece of wreckage (he’d already given his lifejacket to another man).
Harper’s final moments were recounted four years later at a meeting in Hamilton, Ontario, by a man who said:I am a survivor of the Titanic. When I was drifting alone on a spar that awful night, the tide brought Mr. Harper of Glasgow, also on a piece of wreck, near me. "Man," he said, "are you saved?" "No," I said, "I am not." He replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." The waves bore him away, but, strange to say, brought him back a little later, and he said, "Are you saved now?" "No," I said, "I cannot honestly say that I am." He said again, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," and shortly after he went down; and there, alone in the night, and with two miles of water under me, I believed. I am John Harper’s last convert. He was also one of only six people picked out the water by the lifeboats; the other 1,522, including Harper, were left to die.
John Harper was born into a Christian family May 29, 1872. He became a Christian 13 years later and had already started preaching by age 17. He received training at the Baptist Pioneer Mission in London, and in 1896 he founded a church, now known as Harper Memorial Church, which began with 25 worshipers but had grown to 500 members by the time he left 13 years later.
In 1912 Harper, the newly called pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, was traveling on the Titanic with his 6-year-old daughter. After the ship struck an iceberg and began to sink, he got Nana into a lifeboat but apparently made no effort to follow her. Instead, he ran through the ship yelling, "Women, children, and unsaved into the lifeboats!" Survivors report that he then began witnessing to anyone who would listen. He continued preaching even after he had jumped into the water and was clinging to a piece of wreckage (he’d already given his lifejacket to another man).
Harper’s final moments were recounted four years later at a meeting in Hamilton, Ontario, by a man who said:I am a survivor of the Titanic. When I was drifting alone on a spar that awful night, the tide brought Mr. Harper of Glasgow, also on a piece of wreck, near me. "Man," he said, "are you saved?" "No," I said, "I am not." He replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." The waves bore him away, but, strange to say, brought him back a little later, and he said, "Are you saved now?" "No," I said, "I cannot honestly say that I am." He said again, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," and shortly after he went down; and there, alone in the night, and with two miles of water under me, I believed. I am John Harper’s last convert. He was also one of only six people picked out the water by the lifeboats; the other 1,522, including Harper, were left to die.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Go
Prior to a person’s death, many will have a last will and testament legally done. The purpose is so their possessions and desires will be written down and followed thru when it comes to dispersing them.
If you’ve ever been at the bedside of a dying loved one, the person almost always has some very special and important words they want to share with their family and friends.
Have you ever thought about what you would do or say to those close to you if you were leaving on a lengthy trip or if you new that you were dying? The last words of a loved one are usually something we hold as very special.
Imagine all that Jesus would want to say to His followers. It was crucial that they understand what the Lord’s purpose was, after all, He was counting on them to carry on what He had started.
One of the statements most remembered by us, is what has come to be called, the “Great Commission”. It is one of the foundation reasons of why this church exists.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 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,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Have you seen the commercial for Blue Cross Blue Shield? It’s called “Do”. The patience are sitting in the waiting room of a doctors office, there is a catchy tune being played. One of the guys starts tapping his toes and then there is a little more movement. Finally he is up dancing in the waiting room. I laugh every time I see that.
The emphasis is to get some exercise; to DO something and not just sit there.
Think of the same thing with the word “GO” and the word “MAKE”. Jesus says, Don’t just sit there. I am counting on you to go and make disciples.
He is passionate about it.
A man distributed tracts for many years on a street corner. Finally, seeing no visible results, he gave up. When he returned to the same spot two years later, he saw another individual handing out Gospel leaflets as he had done. Striking up a conversation, he discovered that the man had become a Christian through a salvation tract given him on that corner about two years before. The convert added, “Many times I’ve come back here to find that earnest worker and thank him, but he never returned. I decided he must have died, and so I’ve taken his place!” The first man suddenly realized that his work had not been in vain. Much encouraged he went back to giving out tracts the very next day.
If you’ve ever been at the bedside of a dying loved one, the person almost always has some very special and important words they want to share with their family and friends.
Have you ever thought about what you would do or say to those close to you if you were leaving on a lengthy trip or if you new that you were dying? The last words of a loved one are usually something we hold as very special.
Imagine all that Jesus would want to say to His followers. It was crucial that they understand what the Lord’s purpose was, after all, He was counting on them to carry on what He had started.
One of the statements most remembered by us, is what has come to be called, the “Great Commission”. It is one of the foundation reasons of why this church exists.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 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,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Have you seen the commercial for Blue Cross Blue Shield? It’s called “Do”. The patience are sitting in the waiting room of a doctors office, there is a catchy tune being played. One of the guys starts tapping his toes and then there is a little more movement. Finally he is up dancing in the waiting room. I laugh every time I see that.
The emphasis is to get some exercise; to DO something and not just sit there.
Think of the same thing with the word “GO” and the word “MAKE”. Jesus says, Don’t just sit there. I am counting on you to go and make disciples.
He is passionate about it.
A man distributed tracts for many years on a street corner. Finally, seeing no visible results, he gave up. When he returned to the same spot two years later, he saw another individual handing out Gospel leaflets as he had done. Striking up a conversation, he discovered that the man had become a Christian through a salvation tract given him on that corner about two years before. The convert added, “Many times I’ve come back here to find that earnest worker and thank him, but he never returned. I decided he must have died, and so I’ve taken his place!” The first man suddenly realized that his work had not been in vain. Much encouraged he went back to giving out tracts the very next day.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
TEAM, part 2
There’s a wonderful story about Jimmy Durante, one of the great entertainers of a generation ago. He was asked to be a part of a show for World War II veterans. He told them his schedule was very busy and he could afford only a few minutes, but if they wouldn’t mind his doing one short monologue and immediately leaving for his next appointment, he would come. Of course, the show’s director agreed happily.But when Jimmy got on stage, something interesting happened. He went through the short monologue and then stayed. The applause grew louder and louder and he kept staying. Pretty soon, he had been on fifteen, twenty, then thirty minutes. Finally he took a last bow and left the stage. Backstage someone stopped him and said, “I thought you had to go after a few minutes. What happened?”Jimmy answered, “I did have to go, but I can show you the reason I stayed. You can see for yourself if you’ll look down on the front row.” In the front row were two men, each of whom had lost an arm in the war. One had lost his right arm and the other had lost his left. Together, they were able to clap, and that’s exactly what they were doing, loudly and cheerfully.
If we would work together in our churches, we would be able to accomplish so much for the body of Christ. Will you be a team player?
If we would work together in our churches, we would be able to accomplish so much for the body of Christ. Will you be a team player?
Monday, March 13, 2006
TEAM
How many of you have ever been part of a team? Now, how many of you have ever been on a team that was great … a team that performed really well? Okay … now how many of you have ever been on a team that really stunk. I mean, it just reeked … you couldn’t win unless the other team just didn’t show up.You know … the same kinds of things can happen right here at the church. We are a team. And unless every single person pulls his or her weight, the team suffers. So, as we keep moving toward the Finish Line, we need to learn about the importance of Being Part of a Good Team.
Friends, relationships are vitally important in the life of the church. In fact, the church was created to be a community of interdependent people. Romans 12:5 tells us … 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
And many of us are familiar with Proverbs 27:17… 17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
In the summer of 2002, nine miners were trapped for three days in a water-filled mine shaft in Quecreek, Pennsylvania. After their amazing rescue, the miners said that they “decided early on they were either going to live or die as a group.” The 55 degree water threatened to kill them slowly by hypothermia. According to a news report, they came up with a plan: “When one would get cold, the other eight would huddle around the person and warm that person, and when another person got cold, the favor was returned.” “Everybody had strong moments,” miner Harry B. Mayhugh told reporters after being released from the hospital. “But any certain time maybe one guy got down, and then the rest pulled together. And then that guy would get back up, and maybe someone else would feel a little weaker, but it was a team effort. That’s the only way it could have been.” In a special worship service that took place a couple days later, ten helmets were placed on the altar at a church, representing the nine miners and God. They faced incredibly hostile conditions together—and they all came out alive together. (Adapted from “Teamwork Helped Miners Survive Underground,” CNN.com (7-28-02) and www.preachingtoday.com).
What a great illustration of the body of Christ! God created you to be in fellowship with one another. God has called us to, and expects us to, work together as a team. How are you doing on your part? Are you faithful in giving? Do you have a ministry? Do you reach out to the people around you, or are you still too caught up in your self? Let me challenge you today, get in the race! We need every single member of this team to be active, faithful, and effective.
Friends, relationships are vitally important in the life of the church. In fact, the church was created to be a community of interdependent people. Romans 12:5 tells us … 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
And many of us are familiar with Proverbs 27:17… 17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
In the summer of 2002, nine miners were trapped for three days in a water-filled mine shaft in Quecreek, Pennsylvania. After their amazing rescue, the miners said that they “decided early on they were either going to live or die as a group.” The 55 degree water threatened to kill them slowly by hypothermia. According to a news report, they came up with a plan: “When one would get cold, the other eight would huddle around the person and warm that person, and when another person got cold, the favor was returned.” “Everybody had strong moments,” miner Harry B. Mayhugh told reporters after being released from the hospital. “But any certain time maybe one guy got down, and then the rest pulled together. And then that guy would get back up, and maybe someone else would feel a little weaker, but it was a team effort. That’s the only way it could have been.” In a special worship service that took place a couple days later, ten helmets were placed on the altar at a church, representing the nine miners and God. They faced incredibly hostile conditions together—and they all came out alive together. (Adapted from “Teamwork Helped Miners Survive Underground,” CNN.com (7-28-02) and www.preachingtoday.com).
What a great illustration of the body of Christ! God created you to be in fellowship with one another. God has called us to, and expects us to, work together as a team. How are you doing on your part? Are you faithful in giving? Do you have a ministry? Do you reach out to the people around you, or are you still too caught up in your self? Let me challenge you today, get in the race! We need every single member of this team to be active, faithful, and effective.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Finish the Race
Philippians 3:13 (NIV) 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Paul says there is one thing that he is focused on and that is to press on toward the goal to win the prize. That one thing actually has two parts.
First Paul says, “Forgetting what is behind”
I find in my aging process that forgetting what is behind is getting easier and easier. …
Our past can become the biggest obstacle to our future.
Failure, sin… For Paul, his past consisted of being a murderer. Do you think that Satan every tried to discourage Paul by reminding him of his past?
Second, Paul says, “Straining toward what is ahead”. It’s not a leisure walk in the park. You can feel the intensity in the words that Paul chose. “Straining”. It’s an all out effort. A battle filled with moments when we think, “It would be easier to quit.
I'd like to take your mind back to October 20, 1968. I invite you to come with me to the Mexico City, Olympic Stadium. The time, 7.00 P.M. The closing ceremonies had just been completed. The spectators and athletes, still warm from the euphoria of the celebration, were gathering their belongings to leave the stadium. Then the announcer asked them to remain in their seats. Down the boulevard came the whine of police sirens. From their vantage point, many in the stadium could see motorcycles with their flashing blue lights, encircling someone making his way toward the stadium. Whoever it was, he was moving slowly. Everyone remained seated to see the last chapter of the Olympics take place. By the time the police escort got to the stadium, the public address announcer said that a final marathoner would be making his way into the arena and around the track to the finish line. Confusion was evident among the crowd. The last marathoner had come in hours ago. The medals had already been awarded. What had taken this man so long? But the first sign of the runner making his way out of the tunnel and onto the track told the whole story. John Stephen Akhwari from Tanzania, covered with blood, hobbled into the light. He had taken a horrible fall early in the race, whacked his head, damaged his knee, and endured a trampling before he could get back on his feet. And there he was, over 40 kilometers later, stumbling his way to the finish line. The response of the crowd was so overwhelming, it was almost frightening. They encouraged Akhwari through the last few meters of his race with a thundering ovation that far exceeded the one given the man who, hours earlier, had come in first. When Akhwari crossed the finish line, he collapsed into the arms of the medical personnel who immediately whisked him off to the hospital. The next day, Akhwari appeared before sports journalists to field their questions about his extraordinary feat. The first question was the one any of us would have asked, "Why, after sustaining the kinds of injuries you did, would you ever get up and proceed to the finish line, when there was no way you could possibly place in the race?" John Stephen Akhwari said this: "My country did not send me over 7,000 miles to start a race. They sent me over 7,000 miles to finish one."
I personally started that race on a summer night when I was 10. That’s when I invited Jesus into my heart. I do not know when I will cross the finish line, but I am determined to do just that. I fix my eyes on Jesus, my savior, best friend, encourager, coach, Lord.
FINISH THE RACE!
Paul says there is one thing that he is focused on and that is to press on toward the goal to win the prize. That one thing actually has two parts.
First Paul says, “Forgetting what is behind”
I find in my aging process that forgetting what is behind is getting easier and easier. …
Our past can become the biggest obstacle to our future.
Failure, sin… For Paul, his past consisted of being a murderer. Do you think that Satan every tried to discourage Paul by reminding him of his past?
Second, Paul says, “Straining toward what is ahead”. It’s not a leisure walk in the park. You can feel the intensity in the words that Paul chose. “Straining”. It’s an all out effort. A battle filled with moments when we think, “It would be easier to quit.
I'd like to take your mind back to October 20, 1968. I invite you to come with me to the Mexico City, Olympic Stadium. The time, 7.00 P.M. The closing ceremonies had just been completed. The spectators and athletes, still warm from the euphoria of the celebration, were gathering their belongings to leave the stadium. Then the announcer asked them to remain in their seats. Down the boulevard came the whine of police sirens. From their vantage point, many in the stadium could see motorcycles with their flashing blue lights, encircling someone making his way toward the stadium. Whoever it was, he was moving slowly. Everyone remained seated to see the last chapter of the Olympics take place. By the time the police escort got to the stadium, the public address announcer said that a final marathoner would be making his way into the arena and around the track to the finish line. Confusion was evident among the crowd. The last marathoner had come in hours ago. The medals had already been awarded. What had taken this man so long? But the first sign of the runner making his way out of the tunnel and onto the track told the whole story. John Stephen Akhwari from Tanzania, covered with blood, hobbled into the light. He had taken a horrible fall early in the race, whacked his head, damaged his knee, and endured a trampling before he could get back on his feet. And there he was, over 40 kilometers later, stumbling his way to the finish line. The response of the crowd was so overwhelming, it was almost frightening. They encouraged Akhwari through the last few meters of his race with a thundering ovation that far exceeded the one given the man who, hours earlier, had come in first. When Akhwari crossed the finish line, he collapsed into the arms of the medical personnel who immediately whisked him off to the hospital. The next day, Akhwari appeared before sports journalists to field their questions about his extraordinary feat. The first question was the one any of us would have asked, "Why, after sustaining the kinds of injuries you did, would you ever get up and proceed to the finish line, when there was no way you could possibly place in the race?" John Stephen Akhwari said this: "My country did not send me over 7,000 miles to start a race. They sent me over 7,000 miles to finish one."
I personally started that race on a summer night when I was 10. That’s when I invited Jesus into my heart. I do not know when I will cross the finish line, but I am determined to do just that. I fix my eyes on Jesus, my savior, best friend, encourager, coach, Lord.
FINISH THE RACE!
Monday, February 20, 2006
Purpose For Life
Many of you are familiar with Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life". The church I pastor has really enjoyed learning more about the 5 key purposes for every follower of Christ.
Worship
Rick Warren says, “Worship is far more than praising, singing, and praying to God. Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving him, and giving ourselves to be used for his purposes.”
The Bible says that we are to “Use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.” Romans 6:13b NLT
Fellowship
Loving other believers
“Following Christ is not just a matter of believing, it also includes belonging and learning to love the family of God.” – Rick Warren
Although we will stand before God by ourselves, in the Christian life we are never meant to fly solo. We need one another.
John 13:34-35 (NIV) 34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Discipleship
Discipleship is simply defined as “becoming like Christ”.
Once we are born into the family, it’s time to grow, to mature.
How do we know what Christ is like?
1. Bible Study
2. Prayer
3. Attend a Bible preaching church
4. Mentor (coach).
Part of discipleship is having a mentor (coach).
Most great athletes have a successful coach.
Even Michael Jordan, at the pinnacle of his career, was not above the need for a coach.
I can’t think of any athlete who has been successful without a coach.
I love to sit behind the boys basketball team and listen to the coach as he gives them direction during the time outs. He is intense about getting his team on the same page, running the plays that he feels will work best for the team.
Find someone who loves the Lord, has great wisdom and would take the time to invest in your life.
Ministry
ACTIVE INVOLVMENT
Can you imagine somebody having a dream to win the gold medal in speed skating and yet never getting on the ice to skate, or skiing and never going down the hill? The life of an athlete is about active involvement. So is the life of a Christian.
Use your gift.
1 Corinthians 7:7 (NIV) 7 I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
1 Timothy 4:14 (NIV) 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Be faithful with the talents that God has given you.
Excel in your strength
Evangelism
God’s love for people is not to be a secret.
When I was a kid I would often be the one to organize the neighborhood games. I would go to one house and ask the kids if they wanted to play, then we would go to the next, and then all of us would move on to the next house. The more that joined us the better our games were.
Let's be excited about inviting others to give their life to Jesus. The more in heaven the better.
Worship
Rick Warren says, “Worship is far more than praising, singing, and praying to God. Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving him, and giving ourselves to be used for his purposes.”
The Bible says that we are to “Use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.” Romans 6:13b NLT
Fellowship
Loving other believers
“Following Christ is not just a matter of believing, it also includes belonging and learning to love the family of God.” – Rick Warren
Although we will stand before God by ourselves, in the Christian life we are never meant to fly solo. We need one another.
John 13:34-35 (NIV) 34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Discipleship
Discipleship is simply defined as “becoming like Christ”.
Once we are born into the family, it’s time to grow, to mature.
How do we know what Christ is like?
1. Bible Study
2. Prayer
3. Attend a Bible preaching church
4. Mentor (coach).
Part of discipleship is having a mentor (coach).
Most great athletes have a successful coach.
Even Michael Jordan, at the pinnacle of his career, was not above the need for a coach.
I can’t think of any athlete who has been successful without a coach.
I love to sit behind the boys basketball team and listen to the coach as he gives them direction during the time outs. He is intense about getting his team on the same page, running the plays that he feels will work best for the team.
Find someone who loves the Lord, has great wisdom and would take the time to invest in your life.
Ministry
ACTIVE INVOLVMENT
Can you imagine somebody having a dream to win the gold medal in speed skating and yet never getting on the ice to skate, or skiing and never going down the hill? The life of an athlete is about active involvement. So is the life of a Christian.
Use your gift.
1 Corinthians 7:7 (NIV) 7 I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
1 Timothy 4:14 (NIV) 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Be faithful with the talents that God has given you.
Excel in your strength
Evangelism
God’s love for people is not to be a secret.
When I was a kid I would often be the one to organize the neighborhood games. I would go to one house and ask the kids if they wanted to play, then we would go to the next, and then all of us would move on to the next house. The more that joined us the better our games were.
Let's be excited about inviting others to give their life to Jesus. The more in heaven the better.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Wild Game Dinner
For the past 4 years, men and boys have enjoyed having a wild game dinner at our church. This year the dinner will take place on March 21st. I can hardly wait. Eating squirrel, elk, bear, venison, walleye, pheasant and who knows what else, is a treat for the tongue!
I usually tease our church that I drive the countryside the week of the dinner in search of road kill. The longer it’s been on the road the better. It really gets tenderized.
Another reason I enjoy this night is because half of the men that come are not from our church. In fact, many of them do not attend church anywhere. This is not a “churchy” service. We try and have our fellowship hall decorated in such a way that gives you the outdoors feel. We give away prizes and have somebody share about hunting or fishing and a testimony of how Jesus has changed their life.
I believe the church needs to do more to reach men. At least the church I pastor. The following statistics from “Church For Men” (www.churchformen.com) sounds an alarm that must wake us up to do whatever we can to reach men.
The typical U.S. Congregation draws an adult crowd that’s 61% female, 39% male. This gender gap shows up in all age categories.
This Sunday almost 25 percent of married, churchgoing women will worship without their husbands.
As many as 90 percent of the boys who are being raised in church will abandon it by their 20th birthday. Many of these boys will never return.
The last statistic breaks my heart. We can’t afford to loose our boys.
At the end of the article from “Church for Men” they asked 4 questions.
What is it about modern Christianity that is driving men away?
Jesus was a magnet to men, but our churches repel them. What’s changed?
Why do rival faiths inspire male allegiance, while ours breeds male indifference?
What can we do about it?
As I challenge myself, I also challenge you to think about change. Not for the sake of change, but for the sake of being effective in reaching and keeping boys and men for Christ.
Monday, January 30, 2006
911
On Saturday morning my oldest daughter came up from her bedroom and was complaining that she had a headache. I too was experiencing the same thing, along with dizziness (more than the usual). An hour later my youngest daughter came upstairs stating that she did not feel good. All of the sudden she's running to the bathroom to throw up. I thought,"What's going on?Are we all getting the flu"?Later , I called the kids to come up for lunch. My wife was at a ladies seminar and my oldest son had spent the night at a friends. I was the cook and I had prepared a great meal, frozen pizza! When my oldest daughter came up from the basement she looked exhausted. She sat down at the kitchen counter and rested her head. As I turned to get something I heard a loud bang. I turned around and found her on the floor. She had passed out. As I approached her, I knew that something was terribly wrong. Her eyes started to roll up into her head and she began to convulse. "Dear God", I thought, "What's going on?" Suddenly she went totally limp. She was not responsive. I thought she was dying. I ran to get the phone and dialed 911. After a couple of rings they answered and I began to explain my situation. A few moments later my daughter began to open her eyes. She stood up and asked, "What happened"? I told 911 to never mind the ambulance, I was bring her into the hospital myself.
As we frantically prepared to go, my youngest daughter came up from the basement crying and saying that she did not feel good. My three kids and I drove to the hospital. Half way there it dawns on me. I think we have carbon monoxide poisoning.
After blood work on all four of us, they confirmed my suspicions. All four of us had carbon monoxide poisoning.
God has certainly reminded me of several things through this.
1. People matter most.
I could have cared less about my possessions, status or successes, what mattered most was my family. I have always been a hugger, now more than ever. I realize how fast life can change. I had a wake up call to the things that matter most.
2. We must be ready to die.
We never know when that time may come. Some people say, "I have time" or "I'll decide later". The Bible says, "Now is the time of salvation". If you haven't given your life to Jesus, now would be a great time. I'm thankful that my entire family was ready.
3. He is my protector.
Psalms 138:7 (NIV) 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
4. Have a good, working carbon monoxide detector.
A digital one the reads the parts per million and that says "nighthawk" on the package is the best according what I've been told.
As we frantically prepared to go, my youngest daughter came up from the basement crying and saying that she did not feel good. My three kids and I drove to the hospital. Half way there it dawns on me. I think we have carbon monoxide poisoning.
After blood work on all four of us, they confirmed my suspicions. All four of us had carbon monoxide poisoning.
God has certainly reminded me of several things through this.
1. People matter most.
I could have cared less about my possessions, status or successes, what mattered most was my family. I have always been a hugger, now more than ever. I realize how fast life can change. I had a wake up call to the things that matter most.
2. We must be ready to die.
We never know when that time may come. Some people say, "I have time" or "I'll decide later". The Bible says, "Now is the time of salvation". If you haven't given your life to Jesus, now would be a great time. I'm thankful that my entire family was ready.
3. He is my protector.
Psalms 138:7 (NIV) 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
4. Have a good, working carbon monoxide detector.
A digital one the reads the parts per million and that says "nighthawk" on the package is the best according what I've been told.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Renewed Strength
This morning in my time of prayer the Lord put a verse in my heart. I know the things that I'm about to share were for me, but perhaps it will encourage you.
Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Have you ever had a day, week, maybe a life :>) where you felt absolutely exhausted. Sometimes I have so many things on my plate, that I feel I have nothing left to give.
I remember a professor I had in college that had a reputation; A reputation for falling asleep. One day I sat in his office visiting with him and he fell asleep. "Wow" I thought, "am I that boring"? He did this to others also so I didn't take it personally. In fact he had a sign on his desk that read, "I'm not asleep, I'm just thinking with my eyes closed".
Whenever I'm overly tired, it always leads to irritability. I get cranky and short with those I love the most.
The Holy Spirit told me this morning that the reason I get so exhausted is because I am not waiting in the Lord's presence like I need to. What happens to me when I am not in close communication with the Lord is that I start to take on things that He never intended for me to do. I start living out my agenda instead of His.
What also takes place is that my battery drains. If I don't spend adequate time in the presence of the Lord my battery isn't recharged. When I stay in the Word, pray and worship the Lord, I am refreshed. I feel like I can mount up with wings as eagles; like I can run, and not be weary; like I can walk, and not faint.
Let me share a few other verses that remind us of God's strength in our life.
Exodus 15:2 (NIV) 2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) 10 Nehemiah said, "... Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Right now would be a great time to turn off the computer and take some time to be with Jesus.
Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Have you ever had a day, week, maybe a life :>) where you felt absolutely exhausted. Sometimes I have so many things on my plate, that I feel I have nothing left to give.
I remember a professor I had in college that had a reputation; A reputation for falling asleep. One day I sat in his office visiting with him and he fell asleep. "Wow" I thought, "am I that boring"? He did this to others also so I didn't take it personally. In fact he had a sign on his desk that read, "I'm not asleep, I'm just thinking with my eyes closed".
Whenever I'm overly tired, it always leads to irritability. I get cranky and short with those I love the most.
The Holy Spirit told me this morning that the reason I get so exhausted is because I am not waiting in the Lord's presence like I need to. What happens to me when I am not in close communication with the Lord is that I start to take on things that He never intended for me to do. I start living out my agenda instead of His.
What also takes place is that my battery drains. If I don't spend adequate time in the presence of the Lord my battery isn't recharged. When I stay in the Word, pray and worship the Lord, I am refreshed. I feel like I can mount up with wings as eagles; like I can run, and not be weary; like I can walk, and not faint.
Let me share a few other verses that remind us of God's strength in our life.
Exodus 15:2 (NIV) 2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) 10 Nehemiah said, "... Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Right now would be a great time to turn off the computer and take some time to be with Jesus.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Stress Reduction, part 2
5. Dont try to be something you are not.
- Be who you are (Within reason). We all have areas of our life that need to be changed in order to be more like Jesus, but Jesus has made each of us unique. He did that for a reason. You will only frustrate yourself be always wishing you could be someone else. Chances are, they are wishing they could be like you.
6. Learn from criticism without personalizing it.
7. Share the load and ask for help.
- Surround yourself with people who are gifted in areas that you are not.
8. Have a safe, perspective-giving peer group.
- Do you have people that love you enough to tell you the truth, to keep you in perspective?
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Stress Reduction, part 1
This week I am attending a seminar for minister's and their spouse. I come to this every year with the expectaction that my battery will be recharged and my tank re-fueled. This year my expectactions have been exceeded.
Jim Bradford, who pastors Central A/G in Springfield, MO, was called in at the last minute due to the illness of the scheduled speaker . Think of the stress this must have caused in his life. Ironically, in this mornings session he spoke about stress.
God knew I needed to hear this. It was if I was the only one in the room and he had been reading my mail.
Over the next couple of days I want to share with you a few of the points that Jim taught on.
1. WATCH FOR THE DANGER SIGNALS
Jim Bradford, who pastors Central A/G in Springfield, MO, was called in at the last minute due to the illness of the scheduled speaker . Think of the stress this must have caused in his life. Ironically, in this mornings session he spoke about stress.
God knew I needed to hear this. It was if I was the only one in the room and he had been reading my mail.
Over the next couple of days I want to share with you a few of the points that Jim taught on.
1. WATCH FOR THE DANGER SIGNALS
- Can't Sleep
- Grumpy
- Irritable
- Paranoid
- Physical Symptoms
2. SCHEDULE INTENTIONAL REST
- One day in seven is God's rhythm
3. CHANGE WHAT YOU CAN BUT DON'T TRY TO CONTROL WHAT YOU CANNOT.
- Keep the two seperate.
- Stress reduction becomes stress management
- Every problem in ministry is not your fault.
4. LEARN TO LAUGH AND CONSTANTLY FORGIVE.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Communication
Today our nation witnessed the importance of good communication. Last night, word was spread that the 13 miners trapped underground were alive. The families began celebrating and church bells were ringing in celebration of prayers answered. Three hours later, the chears and smiles came to a screaching halt as the loved ones were told that all but one of the miners were confirmed dead. I couldn't begin to imagine how the families must have felt. It's beyond describing it as a "rollercoaster of emotions".
One person thought they heard something that was never said...and then repeated it.
Poor communication has been the root of a lot of broken hearts. From marriages and families, to close friends and co-workers; the lack of communication has caused some hard and unnecessary feelings.
My wife and I attended a Gary Smalley Marriage Conference a few years back. One of the sessions was on "communication". The way they taught it was actually pretty funny.
Most of us have ordered food at a drive-thru restaurant. The process of ordering food is the same process we use when it comes to good communication.
1. State what it is you want or need.
2. The person listening then confirms what they heard you say by repeating it back to you. "This is what I heard you say".
3. You then say, "yes that is correct", or "no, this is what I said".
4. You restate your order.
5. The person listening repeats back what they heard until you confirm they understand it.
Bingo...another happy customer.
It takes great patience and listening skills for good communication to occur, but in the end it is worth the effort.
Proverbs 18:13 (NIV) 13 He who answers before listening-- that is his folly and his shame.
One person thought they heard something that was never said...and then repeated it.
Poor communication has been the root of a lot of broken hearts. From marriages and families, to close friends and co-workers; the lack of communication has caused some hard and unnecessary feelings.
My wife and I attended a Gary Smalley Marriage Conference a few years back. One of the sessions was on "communication". The way they taught it was actually pretty funny.
Most of us have ordered food at a drive-thru restaurant. The process of ordering food is the same process we use when it comes to good communication.
1. State what it is you want or need.
2. The person listening then confirms what they heard you say by repeating it back to you. "This is what I heard you say".
3. You then say, "yes that is correct", or "no, this is what I said".
4. You restate your order.
5. The person listening repeats back what they heard until you confirm they understand it.
Bingo...another happy customer.
It takes great patience and listening skills for good communication to occur, but in the end it is worth the effort.
Proverbs 18:13 (NIV) 13 He who answers before listening-- that is his folly and his shame.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Vacation
You may have noticed that I haven't written anything for a number of days. I just arrived home from vacation. I love to take vacations with my family. We always have a great time getting away from our busy schedules and playing. This trip wasn't to Hawaii, or the North Pole. It was only two hours away. We went home for Christmas.
Our vacation playing included; ice skating, the Mall of America, board games, watching movies, reading books and sleeping in.
I have found that one of the most spiritual things I can do is rest. I can get a little cranky after a week of meetings, counseling families, and a lot of administration that comes with being a pastor.
God Himself thought it was a great idea to rest. After he created everything, the Bible tells us that on the seventh day He RESTED.
GOD BELIEVES IN REST.
Psalms 62:1 (NIV) 1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV) 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
You see, I wasn't kidding. Rest is spiritual.
I know you, you're a bear when you haven't slept enough or properly. You're ornery when you haven't been able to take some time off and get away. We all need rest and vacation.
Now might be a time to shut off the computer and close your eyes for a few minutes.
Now might be the time to check out a vacation deal online.
NOW is definately the time to come to the Lord and let Him give you rest!
Our vacation playing included; ice skating, the Mall of America, board games, watching movies, reading books and sleeping in.
I have found that one of the most spiritual things I can do is rest. I can get a little cranky after a week of meetings, counseling families, and a lot of administration that comes with being a pastor.
God Himself thought it was a great idea to rest. After he created everything, the Bible tells us that on the seventh day He RESTED.
GOD BELIEVES IN REST.
Psalms 62:1 (NIV) 1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV) 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
You see, I wasn't kidding. Rest is spiritual.
I know you, you're a bear when you haven't slept enough or properly. You're ornery when you haven't been able to take some time off and get away. We all need rest and vacation.
Now might be a time to shut off the computer and close your eyes for a few minutes.
Now might be the time to check out a vacation deal online.
NOW is definately the time to come to the Lord and let Him give you rest!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)