Capturing the Blessed Life

God wants you to live in the blessed realm.  It brings great joy to Him to bless you.  God has created each of us for His blessings.  We need to do our best to internalize this message.  We are being raised up and positioned to receive God’s best - His blessings - the abundance of His goodness.  When we understand this, life takes on a new look - a new perspective.

Nobody taught this like Jesus taught it.  Jesus came into the world at a time when very few had any connection with God.  Most had learned to live life accepting that life was what it was, seldom looking for anything more than what they were dealt.  Although their hearts cried out for something better, in their minds something better was not to be a reality.  Then enters Jesus!  He comes offering hope, healing, joy, good news, freedom from oppression, and an introduction into the realm of the kingdom of heaven.  All of a sudden life’s focus begins to change.  Maybe there is a chance of being blessed. Maybe there is a better life.  Maybe Jesus does have something to offer.  Possibly God has favored Jesus and He has come to make it known.

Suddenly the possibility of the blessed life is staring them in the face.  How cool is that?  Really cool!  And it is what we can know today.  Jesus has come to reveal to us the blessed life.  He’s come to introduce it to us, and to have us walk in it.  Here is what He taught regarding it.

Blessed (happy) are those who realize it’s not about them, but about others.  Jesus taught us what it was to give one’s self away.  His attitude and actions were completely selfless.   Jesus said I didn’t come to be served, but to serve.  I’ve come to give away what God has given me.  That which I have was given me to enrich the lives of others.  Jesus never saw His life to be about Him.  It was always about what God wanted to do through Him. How He could introduce God’s favor and goodness to those who were otherwise blinded to it.

I’m convinced the greatest joy Jesus felt when He walked this earth and conducted ministry was when He saw individuals connect with the favor of God.  A person is healed and Jesus is filled with joy.  An individual is set free from demonic activity and Jesus celebrates God’s goodness.  A rigid cold body lies lifeless, but at His word life re-enters it and Jesus praises His Father.   Blind eyes are opened and Jesus celebrates with the now sighted person. Spiritual blinders come off those held in the devil’s grip and Jesus says “YES!”  I don’t know that Jesus knew any greater joy than when He was giving the blessed life away.  Why?  Because it wasn’t about Him.  It was about others.

We easily get trapped thinking the blessed life is about us, to be enjoyed by us, for our own personal purposes.  When we think this we’re missing the point.  And as a result missing a good portion of the blessings God so freely pours out.  The greater joy is in seeing others get equally blessed – maybe even more blessed. You have no doubt seen others overcome by the Spirit, or overtaken with holy laughter.  When Christians live with this kind of joy it makes the world wonder what’s up. 

Jesus taught we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  What would make us shine brighter than to be possessors of the blessed life - only to freely give it away?  What would create a greater thirst in individuals than for us to salt our sphere of influence with the blessings of God?  No wonder Jesus was so popular and people came from the towns and villages to see Him.  No wonder people brought their sick and diseased to Him.  He was giving away the blessed life so they could connect with God.  And He told us to do the same.  Jesus said, “Don’t hide your light under a basket.  Let it shine for the world to see.  Do it, so that men may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

God wants you to be a good steward of the blessed life.  He wants to practically drown you in His blessings, but for good purpose – to bless others. Part of the reason we are to carry the blessed life is to help others connect with God, however when we think it’s all about us – for our consumption – we miss the whole purpose of the blessed life, and surrender much of it because we are less than good stewards of it.  Jesus understood it.  He said, “Freely you have received; freely give what you’ve received to others.”  We need to understand that God gives us – showers us – with the blessed life when we learn to be good stewards of His gifts.  Listen, give it away.  Give yourself away.  The less you own of yourself the more God will bless you and use you.

Secondly, the blessed life comes as we get hold of the character of God.  The blessed life reflects God’s character.  It proves you are a child of God. Every one of the characteristics Jesus talks about in the Sermon on the Mount are a reflection of God’s character.   God is saying if I could just automatically shape you, this is what I’d make you.  Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who mourn.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, and the pure in heart.  Blessed are the peacemakers  - those who want God’s best and His richest blessings poured upon others.  Blessed are those who endure persecution for the cause of Christ while at the same time forgive, pray for, and bless their enemies.  Jesus said these are those who are most happy.  These are those who experience the ultimate well-being and distinctive spiritual joy that fills those who are part of the kingdom of God.

Here’s what I gather from this; blessed is the individual who becomes consumed with God’s character so that God is lifted up and exalted in all things.  The best thing we can do – the greatest place we can be – is aligned with the character of God.  When our character reflects God’s character life is enjoyable; stress is gone; peace dominates; the cares of the world don’t consume us.  We become productive.  We impact others for Christ.  God rules our life; and all things come into perspective.  It doesn’t get any better than that.

However, the moment we set ourselves up for that, what happens?  The flesh rises up and tries to rule us.  The flesh doesn’t want to be surrendered to God.  It doesn’t want to take on the character of God.  As a result, if we give into it we give up the blessed life.  It’s why Paul challenged us to crucify the flesh daily.  It’s why Jesus challenged us to hunger and thirst after righteousness.  It’s why He said we are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness so that once we have done this, all these other things can be added to us.

Once we have captured God’s heart and His character, the blessed life can be rightly discerned.  We possess it rightly.  And we realize it ours to advance God’s kingdom.  There is one purpose for the blessed life – to advance God’s kingdom.  That’s what Jesus did.  He lacked for nothing of value as He walked this earth – and all He had He used to advance the kingdom of God.  If you had a double- portion of the blessed life would you use it to advance God’s kingdom?  What if you only had a single portion, would you still use it to advance God’s purposes?  That’s how you know whether or not you’ve captured the character and heart of God.

Notice the progression.  Once you’ve come to the place of capturing God’s heart and knowing it’s not about you but about others look at the benefits of the blessed life.  Jesus said, for these they shall know a different side of life.  Here’s what they gain.  Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  They shall be comforted.  They will inherit the earth.  They will be filled.  They’ll be shown mercy.  They will see God.  They will be called sons of God.  Great is their reward.

Is there anything in that other than the blessed life?  Anything which places us at odds with God?  Anything that strips us of God’s best?  No, just the opposite.  This indicates that within the blessed life we have a favorable position before God.  God’s blessings are bestowed upon us.  God’s hand is stretched out toward us.  Consider that God opens the doors to His abundance and says you shall inherit the kingdom of God.  Consider that it says we shall see Him.  Consider that Jesus said we will be filled, and comforted, and receive mercy.  That’s some cool stuff.  That puts me in a place and position to know God’s best.

Look at this carefully because some of this is eternal, and some is for this life, and some for both.  Being filled is for this life; being comforted – for this life; inheriting the earth – for this life; receiving mercy – for this life; seeing God – for both this life and the life to come; being called sons of God – for this life and eternal life; greatly rewarded – in heaven.

I don’t know how you see, but I see that as having the best of both worlds.  God wants to bless me here, and He wants to bless me in heaven.  He wants to bless you here and bless you there.  That’s life, and it abundantly.  Jesus said He came to give life and it more abundantly; this is some of what He is talking about.

Paul writes (1 Cor. 2:9), “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”  And Paul prays for us saying, “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:14-22)

There is no greater entrustment of power, authority, and responsibility than that which we gain when we are visited with the blessed life.  Recognize what you have, and use it for God’s glory; so that men may see your good deeds – men might see your blessed life - and praise your Father in heaven.

The cry of my heart for today's church

I never thought I would see the day when I would plead with the congregation God entrusted to me to be faithful in church attendance.  However, I feel it necessary to do so.

 

It appears the enemy of our souls has lulled the church to sleep.  Like the steady rocking of a mother holding her baby as she rocks back and forth, back and forth, we have slowly been lulled into a heavy sleep.

 

The problem is we have not been rocked to sleep for our benefit by a loving parent.  We have been put to sleep by the devil who seeks to disarm and ultimately separate us from God.  It is a sign of the times - the last days.

 

The casualness with which some treat church attendance is alarming to me.  Church is where we are encouraged, strengthened, built up and equipped for whatever we might face throughout the week.  But many are missing this opportunity and facing week after week without God's armor and without being refreshed on an ongoing basis.

 

I plead with you to make church attendance a priority.  Make it a weekly habit.  Now is the time for the church - for each one of us to awaken from our sleep - and be in God's house and amidst His presence.

Loneliness – The Silent killer

He was born to aspiring parents on Christmas Eve.  But times were tough and things came hard.  In spite of it, soon due to a few strategic business ventures his parents would come into wealth.  You might say he grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth.

He was never much for schooling.  He’d rather be experimenting, tinkering, dreaming.  And socially, well his social life was non-existent.  It is said of this man that “He never really had any friends.”

At the age of 16 his doting mother died, soon after his father too.  He would inherit his father’s estate – literally millions – at the age of 19.  He married, but it didn’t last.  He married again – again it did not last.

He tried his hand at film-making and had some success, but his passion was aviation.  He loved everything about it.  He built the largest aircraft to ever fly – and millions rolled into his bank account.

He moved to Las Vegas, and when the hotel he was staying in threatened to evict him, he bought it.  Never was money to be an object for him.  And possessions – he had them all.

But, there was just one thing missing – he was lonely – so very lonely.

Years went by.  He jutted around the world – many times; but still he was lonely.

And so it was that at the age of 70, he died after being a recluse for most of his life – especially the last 20-25 years of his life.  He was the wealthy – but lonely – Howard Hughes.

She was just the opposite.  She grew up in a lower class neighborhood.  There seemed to be no dad in the picture – some said he was in prison, and seldom did you see her mother.  Mom seemed to do her best for her and her siblings – but the best was far less than what others seemed to have in their own lower class existence.

Life was cruel to her.  Never a new dress, or shoes, or anything for that matter.  Often sent home from school for head-lice.  Never found at a school dance.  Always the last to be chosen when picking teams on the playground.  The subject of mean-spirited jokes and hurtful riddles.  Never included in the backyard games of touch football, or kick-the-can, or hide and seek.

Oh yea, there was that one friend – Chad Gunther* - the friend we all should have been.

Standing in the shadows – her silence crying out, “I’m lonely.”  Within her eyes you read distance.  Her actions cried out for love and acceptance – but we gave her only distance.  Day after day, year after year, from her spot of loneliness she cried out in silence, “I’m lonely, I am so lonely.  Would anybody be my friend.  Will somebody be my friend?”  But we did not see it then and we refused to hear her.  Whatever became of her my heart wonders – the unwanted person of Gabbie Steele*?  If I had it to do over – I’d be her friend…. Because loneliness hurts that badly.

(*The names have been changed.)

Do you know who I am?  Do you notice me?  Really notice me?  Can you sense my pain?  Have you any clue of the gnawing ache eating away at my inside?

No, I don’t think you do.  You see me at my best.  You think I have it all together.  You observe me in my strongest moments.  You paint my life as bright, and fun, full, and without suffering.  Not so.

I function.  I get my work done.  I cover it pretty well.  However…I know differently.

Although filled with faces, and people who deem me a friend, my life is cold, closed, painful, lonely.  Among a thousand, I am still alone.  Among a dozen – still alone.  And when alone – so all alone.

It is killing me.

What can I do when nothing seems to change this feeling?  What should I do when this feeling consumes my entire state?  Call on God – you say?  Maybe that’s it.  Maybe, God is my answer. But maybe – just maybe – you would be my friend – my dearest closest friend.  Maybe, you’d allow God to use you to be a true friend.  I won’t ask for much.  I won’t put many demands upon you.  I just need a person to care; to listen; to hold me; to let me vent; and to say the world is a better place with you here.  Maybe that would help my loneliness.

Don’t You Hate It When…

It seems increasingly so.  I can be on the phone with an individual who specifically asked me to call them.  As the conversation unfolds – and believe me I don't talk for endless minutes on the phone – the person will inevitably say, "Can you hold on a minute?  I have another call coming."  And before you know it, even before I can respond, I am beeped onto "Hold", until the party comes back on the line.             What is wrong with this picture?  When I went to school I was taught telephone etiquette.  And what makes the person think that I am any less important than the person calling?  Or, that the person calling may be any more important than I am?  Am I THAT boring that a person beeping in - any person beeping in – is a better alternative?  If so, don't ask me to call you.  I would rather keep my thoughts to myself. Typically when I am on the phone with a caller and I have another call coming, I ignore the incoming call.  The most important person at that moment is not the person calling, but the individual I am already speaking with.  Even when the person may hear the new call beeping in, and they encourage me to take the call; I say, "I can only speak to one person at a time while on the phone, and right now I am on the phone with you."             Here's my thought – it seems this is the way we treat God when it comes to prayer or our worship time.  We have time for our Lord as long as someone or something else isn't asking for our attention; but get a call, text, or hear our Facebook push notice say there is a message, and God goes on "Hold", and we're off to do whatever.             Does that grieve God?  It grieves me when it happens to me.  How can it not grieve God?  Come on folks, let's give God our full attention when it is time to worship and petition Him with our prayers.  Listen, you can never recapture the moments spent with God once you have dumped Him for a lesser demand.  And to place God on "Hold"…I don't think so! And by the way, seldom is the incoming call worthy of dumping the person you already have on the line.  That person already engaged in a conversation deserves your full attention at that moment – after all that's why you have voice mail, and it is how you keep friends.  Just saying it like it is!

Five Weapons the Devil Uses

The weapon of intimidation Nehemiah, as he rebuilt the walls and gates of Jerusalem, often said that his enemies tried to intimidate him.  That is they tried to make him look small and themselves bigger, stronger, and more powerful.  Likewise, our enemies prevail when they make us believe that they are bigger, stronger, and more powerful than we are.  It's what we allow the devil to do to us – even more we make him out to be bigger than our God, stronger than our faith, more powerful than our prayers which prevail against him.   The weapon of fear The moment Elijah heard that Jezebel put a contract out on his life he became afraid.  Wait a minute!  Didn't God help him defeat 450 prophets of Baal?  And didn't God meet him again and again miraculously?  Then, why is he afraid?  He was afraid because he responded to a weapon the devil uses against God's people, and it became a critical spiritual battle for Elijah.  When we succumb to fear the devil will beat us with that spirit of fear until we give up and surrender.   The weapon of fatigue Have you ever noticed how much worse things seem when we are completely exhausted and worn out?  Nothing goes right; everybody is against us; we're the only one who has ever walked through the valley we are facing; nobody understands – that's how it is when we are overly exhausted. Elijah cried out to God, "I am the only one left who loves and serves you, and now my life is in danger."  However, look what God does.  He gets Elijah to a place where he can rest and take in nourishment.  So that Elijah could see things as they really were, and so he could be useful to God's kingdom. Whatever you do, try not to fight the devil when you are exhausted.  And if you find yourself there anyway against your wishes, make no permanent decisions regarding your future until God has had the opportunity to refresh you.   A fourth weapon - discouragement and depression Elijah says, "I want to die.  I don't want to live anymore.  The fight is too hard; the battle too great.  Just let me die."  Why would he say this?  He's discouraged – depressed.  He's at an all-time low. Ever been there?  Listen, we can confess with our mouths all we want that life is good and we're the blessed of the Lord, but let's get real – there are times when we get discouraged.  We need to recognize it for what it is.  It's a tool the enemy uses to bring us down so he can defeat us.  It's one reason why we need to gather godly faith-filled people around us, who speak positive things into our lives.  In addition, we have to be rehearsing the goodness of God's mercies over our lives.   Another weapon the devil uses is lies and half-truths. He loves to whisper in our ear things that are not true.  "Well, did you hear what the doctor said?"  "Do you realize what people think about you – what they're saying about you?"  "Do you know that God doesn't love you like He loves others?"  "See, you were prayed for, and things didn't work out for you."  "God is not going to work a miracle on your behalf."  "God doesn't hear your prayers."  All lies and half-truths.  We should expect them and recognize them when they come. After Jesus had fasted and prayed for forty days and nights, Satan came to Him and began quoting the Scriptures to Jesus.  Telling Him it would be perfectly within reason to turn a stone into bread to feed His famished body.  He said, "You could throw yourself off the highest point of this Temple so all those who watched would know that you are someone special, and you'll not hurt yourself, because God's Word says, 'He will give His angels charge over you.'"  And the devil said, "If you will bow down to me, I will give you everything you lay your eyes upon – all the splendor and the kingdoms of the world."  To every one of these half-truths Jesus had to respond with the truth of the Scriptures as God meant them. The way to fight the devil with all of his lies, half-truths and weapons is to stand on the Word of God, gather godly people around you, and believe God – even confess - that greater is He who is in you than he who is against you; and that you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who loves you.

Casey Anthony – My thoughts

The last six weeks has been a media frenzy in Central Florida, and possibly throughout parts of the country as Casey Anthony was tried.  We have watched two well –versed eloquent legal teams hash every detail, launch accusations, and defend their belief.  And the verdict?  Not guilty.  Social polls say, "The jury got it wrong.  Casey got away with murder.  Another injustice."  What do you say?   I would like to weigh in on this matter, but truthfully I cannot.  I am not attempting to skirt the issue.  I just don't know that I have enough of the details to make an accurate assessment of guilt or innocence.  I must trust the system.  What concerns me even greater is that there is a more accurate – no, in fact, most accurate - system we will all face someday.  And the jury won't be that of 12 individuals.  The jury and judge will consist of One.  Jesus.  The charge – he or she is a Christian; a Christ-follower; a lover of God.  Will there be sufficient evidence to convict you?

Free Indeed!

My wife and I took a few days vacation and visited one of the great historical cities of our nation. Once booked, we embarked on a guided tour of the old city.  Just as we pulled up to one of the city's historical hotspots the tour guide stated, "If you'll look off to your right you'll see the actual spot where years ago the Emancipation Proclamation was read.  On that day men and women showed up as slaves, and left free from their slavery."   The crispness with which the tour guide said this rung in my ears and heart.  I thought this is so neat.  Within minutes people who were once owned, once ruled, once bound, and once enslaved, were set free from their bondage.   I couldn't help but think, that was exactly what happened when I met and accepted Jesus Christ.  I showed up enslaved, bound, owned, and ruled by sin and was immediately set free.  Did you hear me?  Immediately – I was set free!  What a glorious day that was!

Praising Through the Pain

I did a stupid thing yesterday!  At my age, I tried to pick up a television from the floor injuring my back.   A visit to the chiropractor has brought little relief – very little relief.  As I driving to the church thinking about our time of worship this Sunday morning – and thinking about my pain, I had an "aha" moment!  Many times throughout life we have to praise God, even as we go through the pain.

I am sure as Jesus hung on the cross every fiber of His body screamed out in pain.  But, He never uttered a bitter or complaining word.  It's the perfect picture of honoring God through our pain.

I am not sure what kind of pain you carry this day.  Maybe you are facing the pain of losing a loved one; maybe the pain of a spouse walking out on you; maybe physical pain; or the scars of a painful past.  Whatever it may be, Jesus understands.  He carried that pain as He too bore pain – our pain.

We know Jesus is our Healer.  Today, as I sit here in my pain, I trust Him for healing.  But, until I receive it, I am going to praise Him through the pain.  Let me encourage you to trust and praise Him through your pain.  He cares for you.  In fact, He cared so much that He has already carried that pain to the cross, and now He hears your cries to be set free from that pain.  So until you fully experience His healing, praise Him through the pain.

Where's The Fire?

Jeremiah described his passion.  No wait, he was its passion.  Whichever.  It was consuming him.  Escape it must.  He said, "I have a fire shut up in my bones; I am weary of holding it in – indeed I cannot."

 

A raging inferno was ablaze inside of him.  Like a drowning man seeking the surface, this fire was seeking an escape.  Crying out for oxygen, it demanded to be released.  Sheer will-power could contain it no longer – not for even a second longer.   Burn it must – even burn it's hottest.

 

Where's the fire in believers these days?  It seems we have settled for "the show" at church.  We've bought into the performance.  We have entertained ourselves with the charisma of eloquent preachers.  BUT where's the fire?  Not just on the platform, but within our hearts?

 

Why does it seem like most Christians barely survive from week to week before they run out of spiritual gas?  I'll tell you why, because there is no fire in their bellies - nothing that gives them a reason to burn brightly.

 

Where did we sacrifice it?  When did the fire leave us?

 

It left us when we felt it no longer necessary to find ourselves face down at an altar crying out to God for fire.  It departed from us when we felt it more important to get to the restaurant after a service than to spend precious moments wailing before God asking for fresh fire; for a new touch of His Spirit; for souls; saying "God, I can't live like this anymore.  I need you to come and renew me, fill me, anoint me; use me.  God, I am not willing to go another day without your fire consuming me."  That's when we lost it.

 

If you want it back, back up to the middle of the last paragraph and make it your prayer.  Pray it until fire fills your insides to the point where you can contain it no longer.  Then go set your family, church, city, and your work-place ablaze.

Things In Common

 What does Columbus discovering America, the final episode of MASH, Compact Disc recordings, and the first time Jay Leno appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson have in common?  They all happened during the month of March sometime along history's timeline.  You might want to tuck these facts away in your mind for the next time you play Trivial Pursuit!

Know what else happened in March?  Victorious Life Church, Port Orange (formerly Bethel Assembly of God) was founded.  In March 1999 godly people came together under the pastoral leadership of John and Bobbie Jean Anderegg and prayed God would raise up an Assemblies of God church in Port Orange to His glory.  They believed against all odds - and prevailed.  These who have walked, served, and possessed faith before us are our "great cloud of witnesses."

Seldom do we look back to honor those who have carried the torch before us.  Somehow they get lost in the course of events that becomes history.  But remember and honor them we must.  While the things I mentioned in my first paragraph hold little, if any, spiritual significance the founding of a church for God's glory holds profound importance.

Think of the lives touched, those saved through our efforts, those who know healing because they found faith-filled believers who prayed.  Think of those who were filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized in water, changed by the power of God - and think about those who went on to heaven confessing Jesus as their Lord while they worshipped Him and were members of Victorious Life Church.  That's significant!  And even though it may never be a fact you will ever have to recall as you engage in Trivial Pursuit, they're facts written down in God's Book of Remembrances and Significant Dates.  Truth is - I'd rather be engaged in that which makes God's history books than that which makes this world's history any day.  Get involved in God's work.  Make a mark in the spiritual history of your church.

 

Mission and Miracles

A group prayed in earnest as they gathered in the predawn hours asking God to watch over them and direct the missions trip they were about to embark on.  With the last bag crammed into the already overloaded van they were on their way.  Miami was the airport that would ultimately lead to their destination of Barahona, Dominican Republic.  Their arrival at the Miami airport was pretty routine until….until it was realized one team member had not come with her passport.  She thought it was there, but "there" it wasn't.  Would the dream of taking her first missions trip, the one she worked so hard to raise money for and set her sights upon for so long, go up in smoke before it even started?  Not a chance.  It was determined she could still leave the country; it was reentry to the States that might cause the problem.  Nonetheless, she would go in hopes her passport could be overnighted to Barahona to guarantee her return.

As the team made their way through security time was growing very short.  The flight was to leave within minutes.  As each member's carry-on bag was carefully checked a hammer was found in one member's bag.  A hammer - after all the team was going to engage in some light construction work, so a hammer didn't seem to be so unusual.  "Nope.  Not allowed in the seating area of the plane.  It has to be shipped with the under-stored luggage."  As two team members dash off to box and check the hammer with baggage the final boarding calls are beckoning.  You could feel every second ticking away as the doors of the plane are pulled shut, but not without the two team-members scooting through the open crevice of the closing door.  One second later and the team would've been minus two members.

The packed flight of several hundred people went much as expected until...until final descent.  Upon descent the plane made several sudden jerks downward.  What was going on?  Why such a rough ride all of a sudden?  The pilot's voice soon brought the news.  It was uncertain if the plane's nose gear was engaged in the landing position.  The plane's instrument panel did not indicate it was down and locked into place.  After repeated sweeps by the airport the plane would circle over the ocean again, dump it's fuel, and prepare to belly-flop onto the runway.  Emergency fire and rescue personnel were already preparing for the mop up.  With one last sweep and a multitude of prayers ascending to heaven the plane meets the runway, and as we roll to a stop we realize the hand of God that kept us safe and had been with us since we prayed that morning - the hand of God that performs miracles when people are engaged in His mission of spreading the gospel to every corner of the world.

 

Refuse to live in the valley of the shadow of death

 

David writes, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."  There is a huge difference between walking through and living in the valley of the shadow of death.  We have to make a choice as to whether we are going to live and die in the valley of the shadow of death, or if we are simply going to walk through the valley.

Let me paint the picture of the valley of the shadow of death for you that David speaks of.  According to Phillip Keller, author of a Shepherds Look At Psalm 23, the valley of the shadow of death would be faced twice a year when shepherds would lead their flocks back into the mountains for grazing, then back from the mountains for wintering near the homefront.  It was as they made these journeys through the hills, clefts and mountains that the sheep and shepherd faced some perilous situations.  They faced the dangers of flash floods, avalanches, rock slides, narrow passages, steep cliffs, poisonous plants and snakes, and the possible attacks from ferocious mountain lions and other predators.  The trip was truly at the risk of death every time they made the passage.

Here is the parallel – every Christian faces the valley of the shadow of death.  It is that valley in which your spiritual life is put to the test.  There you will either live or die.  But notice, it is not a place where we are destined to linger.  It's a valley we walk through, but it is not a lodging place.  Yet this is where many make their mistake – some choose to live in the valley of the shadow of death.  So, all they talk about sounds like death.  "Do you know who died this week?  Did you hear the bad news about so and so?  I am feeling so badly; I'm not sure if I am going to make it.  My finances are at rock bottom; my situation is bad, bad, bad."  With every statement they dig their grave as they linger in the valley of the shadow of death.

Do yourself a favor and refuse to live in the valley of the shadow of death.  Might you have to walk through it occasionally?  Yes, but you don't have to vacation or live there.  We simply pass through it.  We'll face the dangers on both sides; we may even have a few scares along the way (David did); but we continue to walk through it, never allowing ourselves to get snagged there.

God tells us we can walk through this valley with confidence.  David said as he led his sheep through this valley again and again, "I will fear no evil, because you are with me."  God, you go with us.  And David said, "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."  In other words, Lord God, you offer me security.  In the midst of every threat, God, you offer protection.  You say, 'It is going to be okay.'  You keep me from being afraid.

Here is the difference.  If you are simply walking through the valley of the shadow of death as a part of your journey through life, God has your back.  But, if you have chosen to linger there, even live there, you're in a heap of trouble.  Your spiritual well-being is at risk.  The devil is about ready to pounce on you and take you out.  Listen, determine now to get out of that valley – refuse to live or linger in that valley.  Change whatever has to be changed - because it won't take you to your desired end or bring God's blessings to your life.

 

My Two Cents Worth

Believe me I am not going to go deep here (as if I could being that math and science were not my strength in school), but there is a law of physics that says for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  Simply put - there are consequences for your actions.  You may think nothing of one more swipe of the credit card for the sweater "I absolutely adore and can't live without" or, the new cell phone that's "got the cutest little ringtones" or, dinner at that favorite restaurant where "the food is to die for."  Guess what.  There are consequences for those actions.  It's called a credit card bill at the end of the month.

You may feel one more dessert, that extra plate of food, and the super-sized burger may not catch up with you, but guess what.  There are consequences for those actions.  Those things translate into unwanted pounds, cholesterol, heart-disease, and more - and it literally demands a pound of flesh (and fat!) to shed those unwanted pounds.

You may think laying off one more Sunday, or dropping Wednesdays or your small group from your church routine, isn't going to have much of an effect.  Oh yea!  The famous last words of every backslider!  All of these things have consequences.

There are two words we do not hear or practice often anymore - discipline and moderation.  We live during a time of excesses.  We demand more, always more, even when budgets, waistlines and our spiritual beings are crying ENOUGH ALREADY.  Whatever happened to disciplining our desires against that which we can afford?  Whatever happened to denying ourselves that "one more" little item that takes us over the edge?  It's time to give new consideration to living lives of discipline and moderation.

Now is the time to serve notice on yourself.  You must get a grip on these things (and/or other things not mentioned above).  If you are to have a healthy, happy and prosperous new year you must begin the regiment of discipline and moderation.  Otherwise you will pay the price, and believe me it will cost you big time.

 

Worship His majesty

 

Present day hymn-writers are few and far between, but several years ago Jack Hayford penned a new hymn titled, Majesty.  I'm not sure of all Dr, Hayford had in mind when he wrote the words of that hymn, but he captured a few truths we cannot overlook.

The first is that of worship.  From the very beginning we were fashioned to be worshipers - worshipers of the Eternal God, our Creator and Redeemer.  The truth is we all have a need to worship something or someone.  Our worship will be expressed in some fashion or another.  I believe it is within our inner-being to worship God, but some have displaced that desire and directed their worship to a secondary longing.

The second concept within Dr. Hayford's hymn is the concept of majesty.  When we are captured by something so grand, so majestic, it takes our breath away.  Who, what, can be any more majestic than God Himself?  There are some amazing breathtaking sights in this world, but nothing compares to the majesty and splendor of Almighty God.

Third, it is His Majesty that is to capture our hearts.  This speaks to the person of Jesus, not His attributes, but His person.  The Scriptures declare that as Jesus came to earth His majesty caught everybody off guard.  So much so wise men came from afar, angels announced the good news to shepherds watching their flocks in fields.  Even King Herod was overly concerned with this One born with such majesty.  It's not simply the concept of something majestic that we worship.  It is His Majesty - the fullness of His Majesty - so tremendously beyond comprehension as it may be!  That Jesus would step outside His majestic heavenly splendor and come down to us is beyond belief.  But He did.  He became flesh, so that we might draw near to Him, and be reconciled to God, and worship Him.  We are privileged to worship whatever we desire.  I will worship His Majesty.  Turn full face with me and worship Him this Christmas

I Stand Appalled

 New Survey Raises Concerns

(Taken from The Pastor's Weekly Briefing; A publication of Focus on the Family Ministries)

 

If ever there was a need to return to the ministry of discipleship, this report shows it is now.  We cannot allow another week to go by without educating believers in what the Bible teaches.

 

"According to a study released last month by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life, atheists, agnostics, Jews and Mormons are among the highest-scoring groups on a new survey of general religious knowledge, outperforming evangelical Protestants, mainline Protestants and Catholics on questions about the core teachings, history and leading figures of major world religions.

Of the 32 religious knowledge questions, the average number of correct answers was 16. Atheists and agnostics averaged 20.9 correct answers, Jews averaged 20.5 correct answers and Mormons averaged 20.3 correct answers. Catholics answered an average of 14.7 questions correctly and Protestants, as a whole, gave an average of 16 correct answers. Of the 12 questions dealing with Christianity, Mormons answered an average of 7.9 correctly and evangelical Christians answered an average of 7.3 correctly.

The survey also dealt with perceptions relating to the separation of church and state, and found some confusion over the line between teaching and preaching in public schools. Among the questions most often answered incorrectly is whether public school teachers are permitted to read from the Bible as an example of literature. Two-thirds of those surveyed (67%) said "no" to this question, even though the Supreme Court has stated that the Bible may be taught for its "literary and historic" qualities, as long as it is part of a secular curriculum. The single question that respondents most frequently got right is whether U.S. Supreme Court rulings allow teachers to lead public school classes in prayer. Nine-in-ten (89%) correctly said this is not allowed. (The results of the U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey were based on interviews with 3,412 randomly sampled adults from May 19 through June 6, 2010. For the complete report go to The Pew Forum.)"

 

Could it be that as more and more churches have done away with the Sunday morning Discipleship hour (i.e. Sunday School), they have set the stage for the "dumbing-down" of Christians?  Let us return - NOW -  to teaching the Bible, and away from many of the fads that have prevailed in many churches these past several decades that have set this stage.  If you are in a church that does not offer a Discipleship Training hour or small group, ask you Pastor to begin one.  If you are a Pastor who has opted out of Discipleship hours for the conveneince of compacted service times, or some other reason, reconsider what you are doing.  We cannot do in 30-45 minutes in the pulpit what needs to be done in training and making disciples.  I call you to return to the making of disciples through diligent systematic studies of the Bible, that is Sunday School or its equivalent..

This Is A Critical Hour

I don't often use my role as a pastor to address political issues, but I sense our nation is facing a critical hour politically.  The direction our nation has been going the last fifty years or so has set us on a course where "we are no longer a Christian nation".  Our nation may have been founded on Christian principles, but we have strayed far from them.  I remember so vividly reading my "Weekly Reader" as I left school as a child.  I remember when prayer was offered in our schools, and then how it turned to a moment of silence, and now is completely absent from our schools.  I remember when we offered the Pledge of Allegiance with passion, and when someone chose not to stand to pledge allegiance to our flag it was frowned upon.  Not anymore.  Within me there is a certain sadness and disbelief that we have come so far.  Also within me is a raging plea to return to our roots, back to a Christian nation, back where God is lifted up, and a banner of righteousness is proclaimed and promoted.

I offer two ways for this to happen.  One, is for every believer to exercise his or her right to vote.  The elections are just around the corner, and probably before you receive our next newsletter you will have had the opportunity to vote.  Do it.  Vote.  Secondly, pray for our nation, it's leaders, and for godly men and women to get into office.  Our battle will never be won on the picket lines.  It will be won on our knees, crying out to God to raise up a standard of holiness and righteousness.  The Bible says, "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (individual) avails much."

Enough of criticizing our government and those in governmental leadership positions.  Now is not the time for criticism - it is time to pray and vote.  Let's do it.  Let's take our petitions before God, on our knees, and let's let our convictions be heard as we go to the voting polls.

"Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven…"

Are You Ready?

Jesus taught candidly about His return to gather the saints to Him.  He taught it so emphatically that all the early disciples believed the coming of the Lord would occur during their ministry lifetime.  Among the disciples, Paul had an especially keen knowledge of the return of Christ.  He describes the day to be like the coming of a "thief in the night."  If we knew that a thief was coming to rob us we'd prepare carefully for that moment.  But, since we don't know when a thief may come, we must always be ready as if one would come at any moment.  Jesus said we don't know the time or hour of His coming, but we must be ready.  Are you ready should Jesus come back today, maybe tonight?

What would be different about your life if you knew today was your last day on this earth?  What would your priorities be?  What last minute details would drive you? What would you most communicate to others?  You see, the limits of time cause us to see what is really important.  When the critical hour is upon us the really important stuff gets done.  We like to roll the dice when it comes to that critical hour.  We go through life thinking, "Well Jesus isn't coming today.  I'll have time to get my things in order."  Oh really, "Jesus said nobody knows the day or hour when He will return, except the Father."

Given this fact we're left with only one option – live as if today was our last.  Live so there is no doubt concerning our future.  Paul writes, "So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.  But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet."  He says, "Encourage one another and build each other up; test everything, hold on to what is good, and avoid every kind of evil."

The good news is while there remains time we can do something about who we are if we need to.  God accepts us at our point of beginning.  We can start a new walk with Him today.  We can renew our relationship with Him.  We can invite the Holy Spirit into our life.  We can begin to live like we are supposed to.  We can make the first thing – the first thing.  His priority can be our priority.  We can choose to live our lives so there is no doubt concerning our future.  Are you ready?

New Beginnings

The number eight has always been associated with new beginnings. With this in mind August, the eighth month of the year, would be a great time to think about establishing some new beginnings. Throughout the course of life we need moments where we reassess where we have been and where we want to go.

Don't like what you've been getting out of life? Feel like your in a rut and you can't get out? Want more bang for your buck? Maybe it is time to reassess where you are and what you've been doing. Maybe it's time for a new start - a fresh beginning.

There is no better place to start than with your spiritual life. Where are you in your relationship with Jesus? If you are not right spiritually everything else follows suit. Not always, but many times the disappointments and dissatisfaction in life can be traced back to a faltering relationship with Christ. Somewhere your relationship fell by the wayside. And your struggle is not so much with life as it is with the fact that you are out of fellowship with the One who speaks life into your being. The One who sparks vision, and creates dreams, and renews aspirations in you has not been invited into the inner recesses of your heart where life takes on real meaning and purpose. Oh, how desperately Jesus wants to be included in the inner parts of your very being. That is if we will allow Him entry.

As you enter into the final third of the year, could it be time to consider a new beginning in your walk with the Lord? How about starting new with inviting Jesus to come walk with you, to launch you on a new beginning with Him, to start you down a path that will grant you a fabulous new future. One that will grant your heart's desire and make life a journey full of excitement and reward. One worth living and above your wildest expectations. Go ahead - soar into a new beginning! And take Jesus along with you. As Helen Keller said, "One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar." So soar!