Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Some won't like Christmas this year
I am not sure about you but I love this time of the year. I love the CHRISTmas season. I love everything about it. The Christmas carols, the parties with loved ones, the snacks and holiday dishes, like water chestnuts and little BBQ hotdogs, the Christmas programs, the Christmas eve service, the lights, the decorations, the anticipation leading up to that wonderful, awe filled day when we proclaim and celebrate the birth of a baby that would be the Savior of the world. And it should be a great celebration as that baby has changed the lives of millions of sinners like you and me. It seems that if you allow it God gives you many magical, awe filled memories this time of the year that are etched in our minds for a life time. With that in mind I think we must also realize and be sensitive of the many people who will struggle with this time of the year. Romans 12:15 tells us to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Listen there is no better time to be sensitive to God’s leading for us to rejoice with some and for us to weep with some. For many they will need some one to weep with. For many this will be a first Christmas without a dad, mom, sister, brother, child, friend, grandma, grandpa etc. Because of that it will be a hard time. It will be an emotional time. It will be a time in which they might struggle with anger and become bitter. It might be a time in which they shut down and become reserved. It might be a time in which they really don’t want to celebrate. It might be a time in which they become cranky and act out. Lesleigh and I remember our first Christmas after our daughter died. We did not want any part of it. We did not put up any decorations, we did not put up a Christmas tree(until my mom showed up one day and put one up for us) and if we could have had it our way we would have stayed in bed and watched movies all day together on Christmas Day. We have an awesome opportunity this time of the year to show people who are struggling with celebrating Christmas true and real Christian love and concern. Let’s make sure we don’t accuse them of being an atheist. Let make sure we don’t give off the impression that their faith is weak or they are committing a great sin. Let’s make sure we give them the freedom they need to do what they need to do to get through it. This week I had a good cry with someone, sometimes its all we need. Later that day they texted me with, its all comming into place. Lets be people that encourage, build up, and seek opportunities to minister to people this time of the year. And in doing so we will ensure that we are celebrating the true spirit of the Christmas season.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Christmas-The best time of the year.
This time of the year it seems as if a lot of Christians turn super spiritual or something over the idea of how a Christian should celebrate Christmas. What I mean is you begin to hear how it is so sinful to have parties, have Christmas lights, put up a Christmas tree, believe in Santa Claus, etc. They sight the fact that many of the roots of these Christmas practices stem from the pagan traditions ofChristmas. It seems as if you always have a well-known pastor speak out against the evil of celebrating certain Christmas traditions and you can get into heated arguments with other believers in your life that tell you how sinful some traditional practices are. We hear the words secular more in the month of December than we do the rest of year. People cry, don’t make Christmas secular, don’t say Happy Holidays, don’t bring Santa into it, don’t make it about the presents, it’s become so secular. I wonder why we don’t have this same attitude the rest of the year. 11 months out of the year most of these people speaking out against these evil, sinful and secular Christmas practices fill their lives with all kinds of secular and sinful practices. For example I wonder if being in the practice of watching a show lets says like, Desperate Housewives, a show filled with woman and men having as much sex with anyone they can as much as possible is that practice somehow not evil, sinful and secular as lets say telling your kids there is a Santa Claus. It seems to me as if people think two ways, #1 you can do only what the Bible commands. Or #2 you can do anything but what the Bible forbids. It seems to me that many people choose number 2 for the most part of thier lives and but when they want to make an arguemnt against some Christian freedom such as some of the fun things of Christmas they begin to say you can only do what the Bible commands. So I think if you are against Santa, against gift giving, against the parties, against the secular traditions that have come to be associated with Christmas that is your choice. I also believe that if a Christian wants to practice those things that they can do so without it being sinful and that to argue against it makes Christ look foolish. With all that in mind, the point of this time of year(also the othr 11 months) is for us to point to Jesus. Behind it all is the great celebration of the birth of a baby names Jesus that would grow to become a man and go to the cross and become the Savior of the world. The way we make Christmas sinful is the way we make any aspect of our life sinful, not to make Jesus the center. Some will say how do you have Santa, the presents, the parties, the decorations and still have Jesus center? For me and my family that’s easy we do what we do the 11 other months of the year. Nothing changes except we add the fun, excitement, joy, awe, magical moments that come with this season. Our family has Christ in the center the rest of year so there is not much of anything we change to make him the center of Christmas. If that wasn’t much of a help here are some helpful tips from Mark Driscoll, pastor at Mars Hill Church. These are directed toward dads.
A dad needs …
… a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what’s your plan?
… to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is your family going to adopt, bless, and serve?
… to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that are fun and point to Jesus. Dad, is you calendar ready for December?
… to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how’s your joy?
… to make memories and not just give gifts. Dad, what special memories can you make this holiday season?
… to manage the extended family and friends during the holidays. Dad, who or what do you need to say “no” to?
… to schedule a big Christmas date with his daughter(s). Dad, what’s your big plan for the fancy Daddy-daughter date?
… to schedule guy time with his son(s). Dad, what are you and your son(s) going to do that is active, outdoors, and fun?
… to help get the house decorated. Dad, are you really a big help to Mom with getting things ready?
… to ensure there are some holiday smells and sounds. Dad, is Christmas music on the iPod, is the tree up, can you smell cookies and cider?
… to snuggle up and watch fun shows with the kids. Dad, is the DVR set to record old classics and holiday shows?
… to connect with Mom during the holidays. Dad, do you have some fun date nights or getaways planned for you and your wife?
… to help Mom get the kids’ rooms decorated. Dad, do they get lights or a small tree in their room?
… to read about Jesus with and pray over his kids. Dad, how’s your pastoral work going with each of your kids?
… to repent of being lazy, selfish, grumpy, or just dumping the holidays on Mom. Dad, are you a servant like Jesus to your family?
Merry Christmas! Hope you have a great season filled with awe, making memories that your children will remember forever, and most of celebrating the birth of a baby that has changed many lives including mine.
A dad needs …
… a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what’s your plan?
… to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is your family going to adopt, bless, and serve?
… to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that are fun and point to Jesus. Dad, is you calendar ready for December?
… to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how’s your joy?
… to make memories and not just give gifts. Dad, what special memories can you make this holiday season?
… to manage the extended family and friends during the holidays. Dad, who or what do you need to say “no” to?
… to schedule a big Christmas date with his daughter(s). Dad, what’s your big plan for the fancy Daddy-daughter date?
… to schedule guy time with his son(s). Dad, what are you and your son(s) going to do that is active, outdoors, and fun?
… to help get the house decorated. Dad, are you really a big help to Mom with getting things ready?
… to ensure there are some holiday smells and sounds. Dad, is Christmas music on the iPod, is the tree up, can you smell cookies and cider?
… to snuggle up and watch fun shows with the kids. Dad, is the DVR set to record old classics and holiday shows?
… to connect with Mom during the holidays. Dad, do you have some fun date nights or getaways planned for you and your wife?
… to help Mom get the kids’ rooms decorated. Dad, do they get lights or a small tree in their room?
… to read about Jesus with and pray over his kids. Dad, how’s your pastoral work going with each of your kids?
… to repent of being lazy, selfish, grumpy, or just dumping the holidays on Mom. Dad, are you a servant like Jesus to your family?
Merry Christmas! Hope you have a great season filled with awe, making memories that your children will remember forever, and most of celebrating the birth of a baby that has changed many lives including mine.
Blessed According To Jesus Part 2
1. Blessed are those who forgive and have compassion v7“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Being merciful is being forgiving and showing compassion. It is so important for us to be this way because it is who God is. God is a God of mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Being merciful is being like God. “For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. Deut 4:31. If God is a God of mercy then we should be a people of mercy. It seems that some of the most unforgiving people are those who are in church. It should not be this way. We should forgive much and often. Jesus told us a great parable in Matthew 18:23-35 that speaks to us about being merciful and forgiving. Hopefully we are more like the king than the servant. But I must admit many times I initially react like the servant more than the king. I want people to forgive me without forgiving people. Mercy involves patience. In this parable the king calls for all his debt to be paid to him. This one slave comes and can’t pay his debt and ask for patience. The king was patient. Actually he was more than patient. We need to be a patient with people. We must realize people will fail us and people will hurt us, but we need to have patience with them just as God has patience with us. Mercy involves being compassionate. The king had mercy on this slave. It was patience that prodcued compassion. We need to be compassionate toward people and show them mercy and have pity also. Mercy involves restoration, or forgiveness. The king had pity on this slave and forgave him his debt. That is what God does with us over and over. His forgives us our debt and restores us. For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.” 2 Chronicles 30:9. We should also be the same way. Listen if you don’t show mercy, don’t expect any in return. The king forgave this slave all his debt but as soon as he saw a fellow slave that owed him money what did he do, he choked him and demanded his money and when he could not pay he had him put in jail. The king heard about this and brought the slave before him again and basically said since you did not show mercy I will not give you any and he threw him in jail. Jesus then said that God will do this also to any person that does not forgive from the heart.
An unforgiving Christian is an oxymoron. An unforgiving Christians is a illusion, it doesn’t exist. A person who has received the forgiveness that Christ offers on the cross will not habitually be a person who can’t forgive. It is impossible. Who do you need to forgive. What relationship do you need to restore?
2. Blessed are those who care more about the inside rather than the outside v8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Are you a Pharisee or tax collector? Luke 18:10-14 The Pharisee went before God and was bragging about how grateful he was that he wasn’t like the tax collector and then went on to pray to God about all the good stuff he did. The tax collector wouldn’t even approach God and humbly admitted his sinfulness and Jesus said that the tax collector is the one that left justified. Why? Because for the Pharisee it was all about the outside and the tax collector it was about the inside. The pure in heart are those who care more about what God thinks than what people think and they are focused on being clean on the inside more than the outside. The pure in heart are alive to God spiritually. What comes out is an indication of the pureness of your hear. Jesus taught us that in Matthew 15:10, 17-20. Jesus tells us something here about how we can judge the pureness of our heart. And it’s very simple. Whatever came out of your mouth and life indicates what came out of your heart. A spring doesn’t produce salt water. Likewise one who is pure will produce pureness from their heart.
3. You are blessed when you are a fixer instead of a breaker. V9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Is Making peace really a sign of salvation? Jesus said that peacemaker will be called sons of God. Wow. This means if you are into making trouble, stirring up the pot you are the opposite of a son of God. That is scary to me and makes me want to make peace as much as I can. We can’t control anyone and we don’t need to-There is only one condition that needs to be met for you to make peace and that is a willingness on your part. How do you think when it comes to making peace? Do you put conditions on it? I will make peace when this happens or when that happens, when some things get changed around, when the sun stops rising. The bible says 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, llive peaceably with all. Romans 12:18. Quit making a stink and strive for the common good. The message puts verse 9 like this, “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”As Christians we should all be striving to make God glorious. I think sometimes we need to ask two questions when it comes to whether or not to confront and in confronting not making peace. -Does this involve sin? And Am I taking away from another’s person freedom they have in Christ? If the answer to those questions are no and yes then its not time to confront it is at time to be a peacemaker. Clearly one of the things that gets in the way of us making peace and being at peace is that we don’t zip our lips at time when we should.
4. You are blessed when you suffer and are made fun of for doing what is right
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. I encourage you to go to this link http://www.jdgreear.com/my_weblog/2010/11/time-for-action-on-behalf-of-the-persecuted-church.htmland read about this man who is suffering for his faith in Christ and then ask if you would be willing to follow Jesus if it meant you would face the same thing’s. Jesus said you are blessed when you suffer for me.
Being merciful is being forgiving and showing compassion. It is so important for us to be this way because it is who God is. God is a God of mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Being merciful is being like God. “For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. Deut 4:31. If God is a God of mercy then we should be a people of mercy. It seems that some of the most unforgiving people are those who are in church. It should not be this way. We should forgive much and often. Jesus told us a great parable in Matthew 18:23-35 that speaks to us about being merciful and forgiving. Hopefully we are more like the king than the servant. But I must admit many times I initially react like the servant more than the king. I want people to forgive me without forgiving people. Mercy involves patience. In this parable the king calls for all his debt to be paid to him. This one slave comes and can’t pay his debt and ask for patience. The king was patient. Actually he was more than patient. We need to be a patient with people. We must realize people will fail us and people will hurt us, but we need to have patience with them just as God has patience with us. Mercy involves being compassionate. The king had mercy on this slave. It was patience that prodcued compassion. We need to be compassionate toward people and show them mercy and have pity also. Mercy involves restoration, or forgiveness. The king had pity on this slave and forgave him his debt. That is what God does with us over and over. His forgives us our debt and restores us. For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.” 2 Chronicles 30:9. We should also be the same way. Listen if you don’t show mercy, don’t expect any in return. The king forgave this slave all his debt but as soon as he saw a fellow slave that owed him money what did he do, he choked him and demanded his money and when he could not pay he had him put in jail. The king heard about this and brought the slave before him again and basically said since you did not show mercy I will not give you any and he threw him in jail. Jesus then said that God will do this also to any person that does not forgive from the heart.
An unforgiving Christian is an oxymoron. An unforgiving Christians is a illusion, it doesn’t exist. A person who has received the forgiveness that Christ offers on the cross will not habitually be a person who can’t forgive. It is impossible. Who do you need to forgive. What relationship do you need to restore?
2. Blessed are those who care more about the inside rather than the outside v8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Are you a Pharisee or tax collector? Luke 18:10-14 The Pharisee went before God and was bragging about how grateful he was that he wasn’t like the tax collector and then went on to pray to God about all the good stuff he did. The tax collector wouldn’t even approach God and humbly admitted his sinfulness and Jesus said that the tax collector is the one that left justified. Why? Because for the Pharisee it was all about the outside and the tax collector it was about the inside. The pure in heart are those who care more about what God thinks than what people think and they are focused on being clean on the inside more than the outside. The pure in heart are alive to God spiritually. What comes out is an indication of the pureness of your hear. Jesus taught us that in Matthew 15:10, 17-20. Jesus tells us something here about how we can judge the pureness of our heart. And it’s very simple. Whatever came out of your mouth and life indicates what came out of your heart. A spring doesn’t produce salt water. Likewise one who is pure will produce pureness from their heart.
3. You are blessed when you are a fixer instead of a breaker. V9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Is Making peace really a sign of salvation? Jesus said that peacemaker will be called sons of God. Wow. This means if you are into making trouble, stirring up the pot you are the opposite of a son of God. That is scary to me and makes me want to make peace as much as I can. We can’t control anyone and we don’t need to-There is only one condition that needs to be met for you to make peace and that is a willingness on your part. How do you think when it comes to making peace? Do you put conditions on it? I will make peace when this happens or when that happens, when some things get changed around, when the sun stops rising. The bible says 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, llive peaceably with all. Romans 12:18. Quit making a stink and strive for the common good. The message puts verse 9 like this, “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”As Christians we should all be striving to make God glorious. I think sometimes we need to ask two questions when it comes to whether or not to confront and in confronting not making peace. -Does this involve sin? And Am I taking away from another’s person freedom they have in Christ? If the answer to those questions are no and yes then its not time to confront it is at time to be a peacemaker. Clearly one of the things that gets in the way of us making peace and being at peace is that we don’t zip our lips at time when we should.
4. You are blessed when you suffer and are made fun of for doing what is right
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. I encourage you to go to this link http://www.jdgreear.com/my_weblog/2010/11/time-for-action-on-behalf-of-the-persecuted-church.htmland read about this man who is suffering for his faith in Christ and then ask if you would be willing to follow Jesus if it meant you would face the same thing’s. Jesus said you are blessed when you suffer for me.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Blessed According To Jesus
Being Blessed According To Jesus Part 1
As thanksgiving approaches I had some question come to mind? What does it mean to be blessed? Who is blessed? When are we blessed? If I had to objectively look at what the bible says about being blessed would it match with what I believe and the way I live? I want you to consider filling in this question: I am most happiest when____________________________ ! Now I wonder if you had a friend or your spouse or parents fill it in for you would your reality and their reality match or even come close? As I was thinking about this Matthew 5 came to mind and when we think of Matthew 5 and the beatitudes we normally don’t think about them in the light of how to be blessed. I think they do and I think Jesus was giving us a clear picture of how and what and when we should think about being blessed!
Some things God pressed in my heart
1. You are blessed when you realize your broken sinful nature
“They are blessed who realize their spiritual poverty, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. V3 NCV. We should consider it a blessing to realize our spiritual brokenness and sinfulness according to Jesus. Part of the why is this: Spiritual poverty leads to spiritual BIRTH. This is why it is a blessing when we realize we are poor spiritually, that we are sinners in need of Jesus. When we do, it makes us run to the cross and we are born again and inherent the kingdom of Heaven.
2. You are blessed when you suffer hardship and loss v4
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” V 4 Msg. Consider it a blessing when you have trials, experience pain and hurt and have death come into your life. These are times in which we are told that we are blessed. Count your trials as a BLESSING-so contrary to the way we live and what we are taught
James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1: 2-3. I am comforted by the fact that Jesus wants me to know it’s a blessing to mourn because I am going to receive comfort. We must realize that the pain, the hurt, the trial, the cancer, the death is not the blessing, but if we mourn as though we are blessed comfort comes. The blessing of mourning is the comfort God gives. As times we act as if God s a genie in a bottle. We are so wishy-washy. God is so good and great and we want Him to be in and apart of our lives when things are going good. For many though the minute things become hard, or the minute a trial begins to brew in our lives we react as if God is a bum, or the cause, or the bad guy and we blame Him. This is why many people do not see mourning as blessings because they are not receiving comfort because they are blaming God instead of relying on Him.
3. Blessed are people who give up control of their lives v5
Jesus said “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” When I first read this I have to admit I had no clue what the word meek meant. Honestly I have not used very much in my life and I have not heard it used it much. So I looked it up in a dictionary (yes they still make those). Meek defined is “humbly patient or docile or overly submissive or compliant.” Now I know why people don’t use the word meek more often. Could it be because it does not describe traits that are very highly esteemed in America? We are told to be anything but meek yet here Jesus tells be meek and you are blessed. Be submissive and you will be blessed. The message puts it this way 5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. Now doesn’t that go against the self help growth in America? How many self-improvement books have you read? Here we see the Word of God says, be content with who you are, no more or no less. The last thing many people need is self improvement, they just need to submit their lives to the authority of God and His word. Meekness helps us receive the promises of God into our lives while here on earth. When we submit ourselves over to God and His will for our lives we begin to practice an aspect of being meek. When we do that we allow God’s plan to unfold into our lives here on earth. When we are living according to Gods plan, there will be no need for self help books in your life. God says, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare2 and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. There is a great promise. God has a plan for you and this plan is for the good. Part of how we get in on God plans is when we are meek toward God. We say God I am going to be content for what you have for my life. Lord I am going to live according to your plans for my life. Lord I am giving you my life take and use it as you want. Lord I am being meek, I am going to submit my life to your authority. Listen when we do this God says we will inherit the earth. I believe this means we will inherit all the promises that God promised to give us while we were here on earth serving Him. If you read your Bible and begin to look at it from the view of seeing what God has promised, you will be amazed. We can get in on those promises when we submit our lives to Him.
4. People who seek righteousness will be blessed v6
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and xthirst yfor righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. God needs now more than ever a generation to rise up and say, “We are hungry and thirsty for what is right. We want to live our life based upon what God tells us to live on.” Being thirsty and hungry for righteousness means that we are going to call sin what it is. It means we are not going to comprise what the bible says about lifestyles. It means we are not going to ignore what the bible says about the fruit Christians should produce in their life as a believer. It means as a believer I am going to make all out war against the things that God despises and hates. When we do this we are promised to be satisfied. We need to remove the log from our eye to receive this blessing. We are really good at seeing our neighbor’s sins. We are really good at knowing what is wrong with our friend’s life and how they are sinning. But for us to receive this blessing we need to be good at seeing our sin so that we thirst and hunger for what is right. Listen this has to be based off what Gods word says. You do not thirst and hunger for righteousness based upon the rights and wrongs you want to make up and believe. People have stopped wanting to live and know what is right according to God and His Word and this is why many people are not satisfied. Here is what Jesus said. Live your life in a way in which you admit and confess your sin, make war against your sin and make it your all consuming desire to live your life according the principles laid out in the Bible and you will be satisfied. Far too many Christians want to have a foot in the world while having a foot in the church. We want to know we are going to Heaven while we live like hell here on earth. It doesn’t work that way. You want the best of both worlds and so you are miserable. You are constantly seeking that next thing or that next person that going to make you fulfilled. The American dream is a lie from satan. Americans mind set of how to be fulfilled, how to be satisfied goes something like this. As soon as I get that newer bigger house my life will be better, as soon as I get that new car I am going to feel great, as soon as a I get that new outfit I will feel good, as soon as I get that new man or woman, as soon as I get divorced and get me a new spouse then l will be satisfied, as soon as I reach retirement life is going to be great, and the list goes on and on. The things of this world will ever do is leave us helpless and hopeless, always seeking the next “thing”. This is why so many Americans need to drink, need to do drugs, need to look at porn, need to go to buffets(guilty but making war), need to have affairs, need prescription drugs, need to be in a relationship even if it is with a dirt bag, etc, etc, etc. The very thing we need is more of the Word. The fact is you and I both could stand a little more of God in our lives. We all could use a little more of living according to what is right. Jesus made is clear for us. Give me all or give me nothing. There is no room in Christian faith for half commitment; there is no room in Christian faith for wanting the world and Jesus. We all need to choose. Do we want the world or do we want Jesus? Jesus said when you get to that point of wanting me and my rightness then you will be satisfied. I don’t know about you but I am choosing satisfaction. I am choosing to go all in for Christ. Join me it’s really not hard. All it involves is giving Him EVERYTHING. All it involves is giving UP everything. All it involves is being in a constant FIGHT with your sin. All it involves is that you daily DIE to yourself and live to Christ. All it involves is total, radical commitment. That is not the picture many people are told when they are asked to become a Christian yet it what Jesus tells us. Will you be blessed according to Jesus?
As thanksgiving approaches I had some question come to mind? What does it mean to be blessed? Who is blessed? When are we blessed? If I had to objectively look at what the bible says about being blessed would it match with what I believe and the way I live? I want you to consider filling in this question: I am most happiest when____________________________ ! Now I wonder if you had a friend or your spouse or parents fill it in for you would your reality and their reality match or even come close? As I was thinking about this Matthew 5 came to mind and when we think of Matthew 5 and the beatitudes we normally don’t think about them in the light of how to be blessed. I think they do and I think Jesus was giving us a clear picture of how and what and when we should think about being blessed!
Some things God pressed in my heart
1. You are blessed when you realize your broken sinful nature
“They are blessed who realize their spiritual poverty, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. V3 NCV. We should consider it a blessing to realize our spiritual brokenness and sinfulness according to Jesus. Part of the why is this: Spiritual poverty leads to spiritual BIRTH. This is why it is a blessing when we realize we are poor spiritually, that we are sinners in need of Jesus. When we do, it makes us run to the cross and we are born again and inherent the kingdom of Heaven.
2. You are blessed when you suffer hardship and loss v4
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” V 4 Msg. Consider it a blessing when you have trials, experience pain and hurt and have death come into your life. These are times in which we are told that we are blessed. Count your trials as a BLESSING-so contrary to the way we live and what we are taught
James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1: 2-3. I am comforted by the fact that Jesus wants me to know it’s a blessing to mourn because I am going to receive comfort. We must realize that the pain, the hurt, the trial, the cancer, the death is not the blessing, but if we mourn as though we are blessed comfort comes. The blessing of mourning is the comfort God gives. As times we act as if God s a genie in a bottle. We are so wishy-washy. God is so good and great and we want Him to be in and apart of our lives when things are going good. For many though the minute things become hard, or the minute a trial begins to brew in our lives we react as if God is a bum, or the cause, or the bad guy and we blame Him. This is why many people do not see mourning as blessings because they are not receiving comfort because they are blaming God instead of relying on Him.
3. Blessed are people who give up control of their lives v5
Jesus said “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” When I first read this I have to admit I had no clue what the word meek meant. Honestly I have not used very much in my life and I have not heard it used it much. So I looked it up in a dictionary (yes they still make those). Meek defined is “humbly patient or docile or overly submissive or compliant.” Now I know why people don’t use the word meek more often. Could it be because it does not describe traits that are very highly esteemed in America? We are told to be anything but meek yet here Jesus tells be meek and you are blessed. Be submissive and you will be blessed. The message puts it this way 5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. Now doesn’t that go against the self help growth in America? How many self-improvement books have you read? Here we see the Word of God says, be content with who you are, no more or no less. The last thing many people need is self improvement, they just need to submit their lives to the authority of God and His word. Meekness helps us receive the promises of God into our lives while here on earth. When we submit ourselves over to God and His will for our lives we begin to practice an aspect of being meek. When we do that we allow God’s plan to unfold into our lives here on earth. When we are living according to Gods plan, there will be no need for self help books in your life. God says, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare2 and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. There is a great promise. God has a plan for you and this plan is for the good. Part of how we get in on God plans is when we are meek toward God. We say God I am going to be content for what you have for my life. Lord I am going to live according to your plans for my life. Lord I am giving you my life take and use it as you want. Lord I am being meek, I am going to submit my life to your authority. Listen when we do this God says we will inherit the earth. I believe this means we will inherit all the promises that God promised to give us while we were here on earth serving Him. If you read your Bible and begin to look at it from the view of seeing what God has promised, you will be amazed. We can get in on those promises when we submit our lives to Him.
4. People who seek righteousness will be blessed v6
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and xthirst yfor righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. God needs now more than ever a generation to rise up and say, “We are hungry and thirsty for what is right. We want to live our life based upon what God tells us to live on.” Being thirsty and hungry for righteousness means that we are going to call sin what it is. It means we are not going to comprise what the bible says about lifestyles. It means we are not going to ignore what the bible says about the fruit Christians should produce in their life as a believer. It means as a believer I am going to make all out war against the things that God despises and hates. When we do this we are promised to be satisfied. We need to remove the log from our eye to receive this blessing. We are really good at seeing our neighbor’s sins. We are really good at knowing what is wrong with our friend’s life and how they are sinning. But for us to receive this blessing we need to be good at seeing our sin so that we thirst and hunger for what is right. Listen this has to be based off what Gods word says. You do not thirst and hunger for righteousness based upon the rights and wrongs you want to make up and believe. People have stopped wanting to live and know what is right according to God and His Word and this is why many people are not satisfied. Here is what Jesus said. Live your life in a way in which you admit and confess your sin, make war against your sin and make it your all consuming desire to live your life according the principles laid out in the Bible and you will be satisfied. Far too many Christians want to have a foot in the world while having a foot in the church. We want to know we are going to Heaven while we live like hell here on earth. It doesn’t work that way. You want the best of both worlds and so you are miserable. You are constantly seeking that next thing or that next person that going to make you fulfilled. The American dream is a lie from satan. Americans mind set of how to be fulfilled, how to be satisfied goes something like this. As soon as I get that newer bigger house my life will be better, as soon as I get that new car I am going to feel great, as soon as a I get that new outfit I will feel good, as soon as I get that new man or woman, as soon as I get divorced and get me a new spouse then l will be satisfied, as soon as I reach retirement life is going to be great, and the list goes on and on. The things of this world will ever do is leave us helpless and hopeless, always seeking the next “thing”. This is why so many Americans need to drink, need to do drugs, need to look at porn, need to go to buffets(guilty but making war), need to have affairs, need prescription drugs, need to be in a relationship even if it is with a dirt bag, etc, etc, etc. The very thing we need is more of the Word. The fact is you and I both could stand a little more of God in our lives. We all could use a little more of living according to what is right. Jesus made is clear for us. Give me all or give me nothing. There is no room in Christian faith for half commitment; there is no room in Christian faith for wanting the world and Jesus. We all need to choose. Do we want the world or do we want Jesus? Jesus said when you get to that point of wanting me and my rightness then you will be satisfied. I don’t know about you but I am choosing satisfaction. I am choosing to go all in for Christ. Join me it’s really not hard. All it involves is giving Him EVERYTHING. All it involves is giving UP everything. All it involves is being in a constant FIGHT with your sin. All it involves is that you daily DIE to yourself and live to Christ. All it involves is total, radical commitment. That is not the picture many people are told when they are asked to become a Christian yet it what Jesus tells us. Will you be blessed according to Jesus?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Are You Really Free? John 8:32
So we just finished a nice three day Memorial holiday weekend. Many Americans spent a lot of time talking about their freedom and they spent time honoring and remembering those who fought and who served for our freedom. I also did this. It is so great to know that we live in a country in which we are free to live and act and think in any way as long as we are in the boundaries of the laws that are in place here. Just as many men and woman died to give us this freedom there was One Man who also died to give us freedom. The freedom that this Man gave us is some what different that the freedom we have as Americans. This Man that I am talking is Jesus Christ. He went to a cross and gave His life and because of that He accomplished many things. One of those things is giving people freedom. Jesus said in John 8 verses 32, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus told this to a Jew who had believed in Jesus’ name for salvation. Jesus wants us to understand that there is freedom available for those who want it. All it requires is knowing the truth. What is the truth, well Jesus Christ is the truth. Knowing Christ is knowing freedom. As I thought about this freedom, I thought about three things in which in Christ we are set free from.
1. We have been set free from Hell. All people are free to say yes or no to Jesus. Everyone is free to choose to believe in Jesus Christ or not to believe. Everyone has the freedom to make this choice, yes I believe in Jesus Christ or no I do not believe in Jesus Christ. And since we are free to choose yes or no to Jesus we are also free to choose Heaven or Hell. Part of the truth setting us free is in the very fact that we are freed from eternity in Hell separated from God in a place called Hell. Make no mistake Hell is not some fairy tale, it is not some imaginary place, it is not some symbolic place. It is a real physical place in which everyday people are going because they used the freedom that Christ gave to choose to say I don’t believe.
2. We have been set free from sin. You are free to be freed from your sin. You are free to be real about your sin. You are free to say I am a sinner that falls short of God glorious standard and when I confess this to God and make war against it by fighting not to practice it, it does not affect my standing with God. You are free to confess this sin to other believers also and not have to be ostracized about it. Don’t confuse this with a license to sin, I do not mean that. Because part of our freedom to be freed from sin is that we acknowledge sin as sin and in acknowledging it as sin we confess it to God and because of doing that God forgives us and remembers the sin no more. There is great freedom in the Christ centered life to be freed from the burden, shame and guilt of sin, only when acknowledged and confessed. Part of the truth setting us free is being freed from the pain, guilt and shame of sin. If we use our freedom in Christ to be real about our sin and go before God as a humble sinner and admit our wrong doing we are freed from the bondage that sin puts us in.
3. We have been set free from legalism. In Christ we have been set free from a list of does and don’t of the law and we are free to develop a relationship with God through his Son. Getting this freedom means we no longer have a relationship with God by the outward appearance of obeying the law but by the inward relationship through Christ. This means that our righteousness is no longer measured by how well we can keep a set of rules but our righteousness is measured by what Christ did on the cross. When we experience this freedom it means we no longer feel a burden to serve God but we freely serve God out of the relationship that is growing between Him and us through His Son. This means that we are free to live our life according to Gods word and not fear condemnation from Him when we fail. This also means we are free to be unique people with unique personalities that uniquely serve God. We have been set free from living a Christ centered life as if we are stuck in a box as long as we stay with in the box that the Bible outlines. (Just like we are free to live, talk and act in any way in the U.S. as long as it is within the law) There is much more we have been set from in Christ that we could talk about these are just some that I have been thinking about this morning.
So as we finish up this Memorial weekend in which we are so thankful for the freedom that we have in the U.S spend some time thanking God for the freedom He gave us through His Son Jesus Christ. As you do examine your life to see if you are living in this freedom. See if Galatians 5:1 is true for your life. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
1. We have been set free from Hell. All people are free to say yes or no to Jesus. Everyone is free to choose to believe in Jesus Christ or not to believe. Everyone has the freedom to make this choice, yes I believe in Jesus Christ or no I do not believe in Jesus Christ. And since we are free to choose yes or no to Jesus we are also free to choose Heaven or Hell. Part of the truth setting us free is in the very fact that we are freed from eternity in Hell separated from God in a place called Hell. Make no mistake Hell is not some fairy tale, it is not some imaginary place, it is not some symbolic place. It is a real physical place in which everyday people are going because they used the freedom that Christ gave to choose to say I don’t believe.
2. We have been set free from sin. You are free to be freed from your sin. You are free to be real about your sin. You are free to say I am a sinner that falls short of God glorious standard and when I confess this to God and make war against it by fighting not to practice it, it does not affect my standing with God. You are free to confess this sin to other believers also and not have to be ostracized about it. Don’t confuse this with a license to sin, I do not mean that. Because part of our freedom to be freed from sin is that we acknowledge sin as sin and in acknowledging it as sin we confess it to God and because of doing that God forgives us and remembers the sin no more. There is great freedom in the Christ centered life to be freed from the burden, shame and guilt of sin, only when acknowledged and confessed. Part of the truth setting us free is being freed from the pain, guilt and shame of sin. If we use our freedom in Christ to be real about our sin and go before God as a humble sinner and admit our wrong doing we are freed from the bondage that sin puts us in.
3. We have been set free from legalism. In Christ we have been set free from a list of does and don’t of the law and we are free to develop a relationship with God through his Son. Getting this freedom means we no longer have a relationship with God by the outward appearance of obeying the law but by the inward relationship through Christ. This means that our righteousness is no longer measured by how well we can keep a set of rules but our righteousness is measured by what Christ did on the cross. When we experience this freedom it means we no longer feel a burden to serve God but we freely serve God out of the relationship that is growing between Him and us through His Son. This means that we are free to live our life according to Gods word and not fear condemnation from Him when we fail. This also means we are free to be unique people with unique personalities that uniquely serve God. We have been set free from living a Christ centered life as if we are stuck in a box as long as we stay with in the box that the Bible outlines. (Just like we are free to live, talk and act in any way in the U.S. as long as it is within the law) There is much more we have been set from in Christ that we could talk about these are just some that I have been thinking about this morning.
So as we finish up this Memorial weekend in which we are so thankful for the freedom that we have in the U.S spend some time thanking God for the freedom He gave us through His Son Jesus Christ. As you do examine your life to see if you are living in this freedom. See if Galatians 5:1 is true for your life. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Remember Them All, Every Single One!
“You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must.” II Thessalonians 1:3 Msg
Paul begins the second letter of Thessalonians by saying that he must thank God over and over again for them because of the way they were growing in their faith, because of the way they were serving and following God. I have been thinking about this as I think about this Memorial weekend coming up. I have been thinking we should have the same urgency as Americans in being thankful for the people that have served us that Paul had for those who were diligently serving God. For Paul it was a must and it should also for us. This should be something that we do regular basis not once a year. But since it is Memorial Weekend we really should focus on it even more. So I have spent time this week just thanking God for my country and the freedom I have and all the people that gave me that freedom. I read in the Washington Post that President Obama has decided to skip memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery and instead has decided to go back to Chicago for the weekend to uphold a promise he made while campaigned. Here is what the Washington Post said, “With the long Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, President Obama is finally addressing one of the great broken promises of his administration: his early pledge to return home to Chicago every six weeks or so.” Ok that is so nice. I am glad that he decided out of all weekends this is the one that he needed to go and vacation in Chicago to fulfill a campaign promise. I mean it is only Memorial Day weekend when we honor those who have gave, gave their lives for us to have the freedom we have. And I guess it is only Arlington National Cemetery that he is skipping out on. Quite possibly the most hallowed and sacred piece of realestate in the country. After all He is only the Commander in Chief. The leader of our armed forces who commands their respect. For some reason that just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe he is just doing what most everyone else will do this weekend, just relax and have a reason for a getaway. I will admit that I am also guilty of visiting some people that are camping this weekend, I am planning in taking the kids to a park and having a BBQ. But as I do I will spend time remembering and praying for those who have served and died for the freedom that I have. I don’t know about you but I have had the honor of knowing a man that served our great country that commands my respect. I have the honor and privilege of knowing someone that literally laid his life on the line for me and my freedom, even though I was not even thought of yet, and for that I am forever grateful. He is my Dad. His name is Douglas M Noonkester I. He is a Marine. He was in the United States Marine Corps from May 1966 to May 1968. He served and put his life on the line in Viet Nam from Aug.1967 to May 1968. The Last unit he served in was 5th Force Service Regiment near Da Nang. And he is proud to admit that he “Was in country during Tet offensive .OOOO RAH! ! SEMPER FI .” I asked my dad about his time in the Marines a couple of days ago and after he told me about his serving he wrote’, “Thanks son. A lot of folks (mostly dems and libs) don't appreciate Viet Nam vets. But that's ok. We know we served with Honor, Courage and Commitment. Always faithful to God, country and corps. If the corps puts God first that tells me something. To bad our country doesn't anymore.” Pops and all the rest of you that served and protected, THANK YOU.” Maybe my dad is why right now as I write this I do so with tears in my eyes, maybe he is why on Sunday when I take time to honor and thank God for all those who have served I will have to do my best to keep it together, because I realize but will never know what he did in serving this country and how it profoundly it impacted his life. Listen as you enjoy this weekend doing whatever you like to do on this weekend, remember it was because a military man or woman served in ways that unless you did, you can never begin to understand, to give and preserve the great freedom that we have. So if you see any of them follow Paul’s example with the Thessalonians thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must.
Paul begins the second letter of Thessalonians by saying that he must thank God over and over again for them because of the way they were growing in their faith, because of the way they were serving and following God. I have been thinking about this as I think about this Memorial weekend coming up. I have been thinking we should have the same urgency as Americans in being thankful for the people that have served us that Paul had for those who were diligently serving God. For Paul it was a must and it should also for us. This should be something that we do regular basis not once a year. But since it is Memorial Weekend we really should focus on it even more. So I have spent time this week just thanking God for my country and the freedom I have and all the people that gave me that freedom. I read in the Washington Post that President Obama has decided to skip memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery and instead has decided to go back to Chicago for the weekend to uphold a promise he made while campaigned. Here is what the Washington Post said, “With the long Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, President Obama is finally addressing one of the great broken promises of his administration: his early pledge to return home to Chicago every six weeks or so.” Ok that is so nice. I am glad that he decided out of all weekends this is the one that he needed to go and vacation in Chicago to fulfill a campaign promise. I mean it is only Memorial Day weekend when we honor those who have gave, gave their lives for us to have the freedom we have. And I guess it is only Arlington National Cemetery that he is skipping out on. Quite possibly the most hallowed and sacred piece of realestate in the country. After all He is only the Commander in Chief. The leader of our armed forces who commands their respect. For some reason that just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe he is just doing what most everyone else will do this weekend, just relax and have a reason for a getaway. I will admit that I am also guilty of visiting some people that are camping this weekend, I am planning in taking the kids to a park and having a BBQ. But as I do I will spend time remembering and praying for those who have served and died for the freedom that I have. I don’t know about you but I have had the honor of knowing a man that served our great country that commands my respect. I have the honor and privilege of knowing someone that literally laid his life on the line for me and my freedom, even though I was not even thought of yet, and for that I am forever grateful. He is my Dad. His name is Douglas M Noonkester I. He is a Marine. He was in the United States Marine Corps from May 1966 to May 1968. He served and put his life on the line in Viet Nam from Aug.1967 to May 1968. The Last unit he served in was 5th Force Service Regiment near Da Nang. And he is proud to admit that he “Was in country during Tet offensive .OOOO RAH! ! SEMPER FI .” I asked my dad about his time in the Marines a couple of days ago and after he told me about his serving he wrote’, “Thanks son. A lot of folks (mostly dems and libs) don't appreciate Viet Nam vets. But that's ok. We know we served with Honor, Courage and Commitment. Always faithful to God, country and corps. If the corps puts God first that tells me something. To bad our country doesn't anymore.” Pops and all the rest of you that served and protected, THANK YOU.” Maybe my dad is why right now as I write this I do so with tears in my eyes, maybe he is why on Sunday when I take time to honor and thank God for all those who have served I will have to do my best to keep it together, because I realize but will never know what he did in serving this country and how it profoundly it impacted his life. Listen as you enjoy this weekend doing whatever you like to do on this weekend, remember it was because a military man or woman served in ways that unless you did, you can never begin to understand, to give and preserve the great freedom that we have. So if you see any of them follow Paul’s example with the Thessalonians thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Don't give Up! Psalm 17:15
Last weekend I learned a lesson on determination. Our middle daughter, Ariana, was bugging my wife and I all week about trying to learn to ride her bike without training wheels during the weekend. Finally Saturday rolled around and we ate our normal big family breakfast and I was trying to let the biscuits and gravy digest when it started. It went something like this. “Hey dad, I really want to learn to ride my bike without training wheels.” “Yes I know and we will, OK just give dad some time this morning to relax.” “OK daddy” About three minutes later she comes back in from outside. “Hey dad I really think I can learn to ride my bike without training wheels today.” “Yes I think you can also sweetie and we will try in a little. O.K” “OK” She was gone for about five minutes this time and she came back and then I knew if I was to keep my sanity I should just go teach her how to ride her bike with no training wheels. So that is what I did. My wife went before me with her to begin to practice while I was trying to take care of my son and we met her up at a parking lot near our house. When I got there my wife told me that she stinks at this job and that I was the man for the job. So off we went and our first attempt did not go very well. Lets just say that dad was not nearly as determined as daughter was and well I guess I could have just gave up then. I thought what is so hard, just balance and peddle and go. Thankfully I didn’t give up and became just as determined as Ariana was. So we practiced for about 45 minutes or so and we had some success, she had moments where she would be riding away with dad running at her side. I thought it was a great start but Ariana thought it was a complete failure and she left the parking lot crying and frustrated. How many times do we let a little opposition or frustration or failure stop us from being determined to do something? Ariana’s perceived failure did not stop her from becoming even more determined. She told Lesleigh very matter of factly on Sunday I am going outside and I am learning to ride my bike. Lesleigh just encouraged her and nothing came from it. Then on Monday night she comes in the house and told Lesleigh I can ride my bike come and see. Lesleigh goes out and she comes in and says to me you need to go outside and look at your daughter she is riding her bike. So out I went and sure enough she was determined to learn to ride her bike and sure enough there she was up and down the street riding her bike with no training wheels. I learned a great lesson from her, a simple lesson but still a great one: don’t give up. Determination in life is an important life skill that we need to learn, but not just any kind of determination we need to learn to be determined to do what is right, determined to do what God has called us to do as born again believers in Jesus Christ. We need to not give up when we sin and when we fail and when we do what we are not suppose to but we need to stay determined to finish our lives strong. The reality is it is a lot easier to give up than to stay determined. But if we are going to live and love and serve and do all the things that really matter in life than we must make this commitment to doing what God wants us to do and that takes a lot of determination. Giving up becomes habit forming just as much as being determined does. I am not sure what you are thinking about giving up on maybe it is a marriage, maybe a job, maybe a person, maybe on yourself, maybe on a hope, maybe on a purpose that God has called you to do whatever it is know that giving up is the easy choice but staying determined is the hard choice. Also remember when we live our lives determined to do what is right we have something far greater than this world and its fleeting pleasure to look forward to. Remember, “But because I have done what is right, I will see you. When I awake, I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you face to face.” Psalm 17:15. God promises us far great things waiting for us in Heaven than here on Earth, so don’t give up and keep on giving, serving, loving and worshiping our great God. One day it will all be worth it!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Who are the ones gifted by the Holy Spirit? by Juan Sanchez
Are the ones gifted by the Holy Spirit a select few? Is it only the leadership of the church or perhaps the more mature Christians? Do I have a spiritual gift?
Divisions in Corinth abounded (1 Corinthians 1:10-11) for various reasons, one of which was the idea that those who displayed spectacular gifts were spiritual, while others who did not display such manifestations were not.
In 1 Corinthians 12:1-3, Paul addressed the question of who was spiritual by stating that all who profess faith in Christ are spiritual, for no one is able to express genuine faith in Christ apart from the Spirit’s work.
Paul continues to undermine the basis for the boasting of the pneumatics (i.e., those who think they are spiritual because of the manifestation of spectacular gifts) by reminding them that All who have the Spirit are also gifted with gifts of the Spirit: charismata.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. . . . All these (gifts) are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11)
In other words, no one has any basis upon which to boast about spiritual giftedness, because each Christian not only has the Spirit but also has spiritual gifts (charismata). This was, after all, part of the promise of the new covenant (Acts 2:39) – that ALL God’s people would manifest the Holy Spirit:
And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18, ESV)
Therefore, not only may no one boast about their giftedness, no one may excuse themselves from service, for each Christian is gifted FOR service, for the common good: i.e., the profitability of all.
So, if you are a Christian, you are gifted by the Spirit for ministry! Do you believe that? If so, then serve! We are not to be consumers; consumerism is contrary to the gospel and contrary to the Spirit’s work in us. May the Lord forgive us for our American evangelical McChurches, where we invite people to “sit back, relax and enjoy the show.”
Therefore, do not neglect the gift given to you by the Spirit (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12-14)!The use of spiritual gifts is a stewardship through which we not only build up the body but also glorify God!
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Lets Get Teaching 2 Timothy 2:2
Paul wrote to young Timothy, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2. As I sit here and think upon these words I do so with a very full stomach. My family and I just finished eating our supper. For supper today I cooked one of my favorite meals not only to cook but eat, lasagna. The other favorite I love to cook and eat is chicken and dumplings. I learned to cook both of these meals from watching them being cooked over and over again by my step mom and mom. I thought about this as I came across this verse. Here Paul is teaching us a basic principle of Christianity. Just as I learned how to cook lasagna and dumplings among other things from watching and observing, we also can learn faith the same way. Paul taught Timothy and then he tells him the things I have entrusted to you, you go and teach it to others. I think a principle we see here is this; as we are taught biblical truths by Godly men and woman we should be taking what we have learned and we should be teaching it to other people in our life. This is not happening on a grand scale in our churches. Part of the reason why is because we are not encouraging it. Part of the reason is this doesn’t happen primarily on Sunday mornings, it is a process that involves more than the five minutes or so that you spend talking with someone at church. This process takes place best with one on one interaction and involves spending quality time with people. This process also involves the older getting involved with the younger. If we would all take this serious this idea of mentoring, or discipleship or whatever you want to call it, if we all would take it serious and just be responsible for one person we would see great growth within our churches. I don’t necessarily mean in numbers but in Christian maturity. So the question is who are you teaching? Who are you taking under your wing and entrusting them with what you have been taught about the Christian faith? If the answer is no one change that. Pray for God to show you a person you can mentor. And then just act like a shoe and just do it.
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