Church is a funny business. Things can be going along very well and then the bottom falls out. It often comes unexpectedly and from someone you wouldn't believe. Sadly, when it happens it's worse than an earthquake or hurricane. Somehow you hope to be able to clean up after the destruction and salvage what you can. So many of our churches have huge buildings and small congregations because of that funny business the devil brings into the church.
When Jesus told Peter that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church that's exactly what He meant-His church! It's difficult to admit but we love many things about the organization or structure much more than we love Jesus. If we loved Jesus where we met or when we met wouldn't really matter as much as it does to most individuals. Serving God should be a privilege and opportunity rather than a requirement.
As I said earlier church is a funny business. It's funny because people think if you don't do it a certain way it's not holy or sacred. If the pastor preaches anything but the King James Version he's a hypocrite. If the KJV was good enough for Jesus it ought to be good enough for us. Sorry to burst your bubble, but King James came a long time after Jesus and his version wasn't available to the Son of God. Or mention that some hymns have the same tune as old tavern songs of their day and it's a sacrilege. That's why I say church is a funny business when it comes to facing the truth and messing with people's conception of what church ought to be.
It is a different day and the times have changed along with the seriousness of what church ought to be. Some will appeal to the older generation and others to the millennial crowd. Yet, who's to say which model is correct or incorrect because neither is patterned after the churches of the Bible. Man's traditions have influenced and tampered with the way the church operates for years and will probably continue to do so.
So the best advice to anyone who reads this is quit looking for a reason to stay away from the house of God and find you a place to worship. Young or old need to support, love, and pray for their pastor and congregation and support them with your finance and attendance. It's not a laughing matter, but one that has eternal ramifications.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
One Man
Luke 23:39-43 NIV “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don't you fear God,' he said, 'since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise'."
ONE MAN WAS DYING TO SIN!
ONE MAN WAS DYING IN SIN!
ONE MAN WAS DYING FOR SIN!
ONE MAN WAS DYING IN REBELLION!
ONE MAN WAS DYING IN REPENTANCE!
ONE MAN WAS DYING IN REDEMPTION!
ONE MAN LOST HIS LIFE!
ONE MAN FOUND HIS LIFE!
ONE MAN GAVE HIS LIFE!
Friday, October 14, 2016
The Garbage Truck
Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Every pastor has dealt with someone like this from time to time no matter how good a pastor you are.
However, don't take it personally. Just smile, say a prayer for them, and then move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people in the church, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that godly people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right and forgive the ones who don't. We're not always responsible for everything that happens to us, but we are
responsible for how we react to what happens.
Life is ten percent of what you make it and ninety percent of how you take it. Don't be a stinker, but a fragrance of hope to those addicted to the garbage.
However, don't take it personally. Just smile, say a prayer for them, and then move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people in the church, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that godly people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right and forgive the ones who don't. We're not always responsible for everything that happens to us, but we are
responsible for how we react to what happens.
Life is ten percent of what you make it and ninety percent of how you take it. Don't be a stinker, but a fragrance of hope to those addicted to the garbage.
There's Got To Be A Pony Somewhere
I'm sure you've heard the story about the little boy who prayed for a pony. On his birthday he went to his grandfather's farm on the day the stables had been cleaned out. Outside was a large pile of manure that had been gathered from the stalls. When the little boy got out of the car he ran and dove into the huge pile. Both his parents and grandparents were upset and started screaming for him to stop digging in the pile. They could not comprehend his reasoning. He responded to their request to stop with this answer: "With a pile this big, there's got to be a pony somewhere!"
Here's the point of it all-we go through a bunch of mess in our life. Sometimes it piles up so high that we can't see the top or bottom.Yet, somewhere in that mess is a blessing that is about to take place. You can't see it, but you believe it's there. It doesn't seem any good can come out of it, but something good is about to happen, because of your faith.
Just like the little boy believed the evidence pointed to the existence of a pony, you've got to believe your trial points to a blessing. For some reason you were chosen to endure and for some purpose God knew you could do it. It wasn't a guess on His part. He saw your faith and persistence and knew you wouldn't give up. You didn't see the mess-you saw the pony!
Our heavenly Father promised that He would never leave or forsake us. Sometimes it feels He's nowhere near the mess we are going through. We keep searching and searching, but the pile keeps getting bigger. Its at that moment faith kicks in and says I can overcome. I can find the answer. I can solve this equation with the Lord's help. He hasn't left me, but was right here all the time.
Hopefully this will make supernatural sense to you. In spite of the mess there's got to be a pony somewhere. Why not let your faith find it?
Here's the point of it all-we go through a bunch of mess in our life. Sometimes it piles up so high that we can't see the top or bottom.Yet, somewhere in that mess is a blessing that is about to take place. You can't see it, but you believe it's there. It doesn't seem any good can come out of it, but something good is about to happen, because of your faith.
Just like the little boy believed the evidence pointed to the existence of a pony, you've got to believe your trial points to a blessing. For some reason you were chosen to endure and for some purpose God knew you could do it. It wasn't a guess on His part. He saw your faith and persistence and knew you wouldn't give up. You didn't see the mess-you saw the pony!
Our heavenly Father promised that He would never leave or forsake us. Sometimes it feels He's nowhere near the mess we are going through. We keep searching and searching, but the pile keeps getting bigger. Its at that moment faith kicks in and says I can overcome. I can find the answer. I can solve this equation with the Lord's help. He hasn't left me, but was right here all the time.
Hopefully this will make supernatural sense to you. In spite of the mess there's got to be a pony somewhere. Why not let your faith find it?
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Walk A Mile In My Shoes
Joe South sang a song years ago entitled, "Walk A Mile In My Shoes". It basically emphasized the idea of understanding before you made a judgement. We continue today to ignore this truth and make remarks about people and things we don't understand. Righteousness is not regulated by our perception, but by understanding what people are facing today in their daily lives as Christians. Denomination or personal convictions cannot put you in the mindset that you are holier or better than someone who is struggling to spiritually survive. You would know that if you walked a mile in their shoes.
I know that Jesus warned us that there would be those that identified with Him in these perilous times that had no real relationship with Him. He also warned us of doctrines of deceit that would permeate the culture around us. You and I have lived to see these things happen. Yet, He also warned us that our attitude about people could alter our relationship with Him. Too many people are dwelling on other's past, rather than seeing their attempt to change for today. This is dangerous territory for a believer.
I've never smoked, so I despise cigarettes, but I have seen the desperate attempts of someone trying to serve the Lord and break that habit. Years ago, folks would not even allow them to be called Christians because of their tobacco dependency. From what I've been told that's a terrible habit to break and many people struggle with it. Jesus never said it was my responsibility to break people's habits first before He could save them. All I was called to do was lead them to Him and then let Him take care of the rest. He's the one that has the power to break every habit that would create a void in people's relationship with Him. Because I never smoked I don't always understand their struggle to quit-but He does.
It was grace that changed me and mercy that birthed me. I didn't earn it or deserve it, but He freely gave it to me. There are many trials I never had to face because of my upbringing, but everyone didn't walk in my shoes. Some had no church background. Some had habits and addictions. Some were abused and mistreated. Some committed sins and atrocities that scarred them for life. Yet Jesus died for all of them just like He did for me and you. Pointing fingers and rejecting people because of their past and their struggles isn't your job or mine. We are to live and teach by example, not judge and reprimand. Remember, everyone has a skeleton in their closet. Aren't you glad Jesus forgot yours?
I know that Jesus warned us that there would be those that identified with Him in these perilous times that had no real relationship with Him. He also warned us of doctrines of deceit that would permeate the culture around us. You and I have lived to see these things happen. Yet, He also warned us that our attitude about people could alter our relationship with Him. Too many people are dwelling on other's past, rather than seeing their attempt to change for today. This is dangerous territory for a believer.
I've never smoked, so I despise cigarettes, but I have seen the desperate attempts of someone trying to serve the Lord and break that habit. Years ago, folks would not even allow them to be called Christians because of their tobacco dependency. From what I've been told that's a terrible habit to break and many people struggle with it. Jesus never said it was my responsibility to break people's habits first before He could save them. All I was called to do was lead them to Him and then let Him take care of the rest. He's the one that has the power to break every habit that would create a void in people's relationship with Him. Because I never smoked I don't always understand their struggle to quit-but He does.
It was grace that changed me and mercy that birthed me. I didn't earn it or deserve it, but He freely gave it to me. There are many trials I never had to face because of my upbringing, but everyone didn't walk in my shoes. Some had no church background. Some had habits and addictions. Some were abused and mistreated. Some committed sins and atrocities that scarred them for life. Yet Jesus died for all of them just like He did for me and you. Pointing fingers and rejecting people because of their past and their struggles isn't your job or mine. We are to live and teach by example, not judge and reprimand. Remember, everyone has a skeleton in their closet. Aren't you glad Jesus forgot yours?
When I Get What I Want
The biggest lie on the planet is, "When I get what I want, I will be happy." How many of you feel that way? I've always loved a Ford Mustang and have had the opportunity to own several over my lifetime. Yet, they like every other automobile I've owned, lost their appeal to me as they got older. Even though their value has increased with the years gone by the happiness they brought me was shot-lived.
When Becky, Shane, and I toured Graceland years ago and saw all the memorabillia of Elvis Presley I was stunned. Looking at his costumes, guitars, automobiles, bikes, and other belongings let us see how much wealth he had. Yet, he died very young and as a very lonely man. The King of Rock and Roll had what many would say would make any person happy, but he wasn't. He was always searching for more.
The Bible says the treasures of this world will one day pass away and you can't take it with you. There was a man buried in his Cadillac in New York a few years ago. He said he wanted to spend eternity in luxury. Sadly, if you opened that grave today you'd fine his decomposed body and a rusty hunk of metal. Friend, if you're waiting to get something that you think can make you happy in this life, you need to try Jesus. What He gives lasts for eternity and never fades away. It will bring you joy in this life and blessings in the life to come.
Cars won't do it, neither will houses or lands. Stuff becomes cluttered and you can see that once the new wears off, it's just another thing you've accumulated. Even if it makes you happy for a while, it won't forever. Salvation can change that scenario. It can bring peace in trials, joy in adversity, and hope when all things seem lost. It will never rust, deteriorate, or fall apart. It will be the greatest gift you ever receive.
Don't listen to the lies of now, but focus on what is to come. Enjoy your success, but don't be a slave to things that lose their value. Invest in an eternal plan that brings joy unspeakable and full of glory.
When Becky, Shane, and I toured Graceland years ago and saw all the memorabillia of Elvis Presley I was stunned. Looking at his costumes, guitars, automobiles, bikes, and other belongings let us see how much wealth he had. Yet, he died very young and as a very lonely man. The King of Rock and Roll had what many would say would make any person happy, but he wasn't. He was always searching for more.
The Bible says the treasures of this world will one day pass away and you can't take it with you. There was a man buried in his Cadillac in New York a few years ago. He said he wanted to spend eternity in luxury. Sadly, if you opened that grave today you'd fine his decomposed body and a rusty hunk of metal. Friend, if you're waiting to get something that you think can make you happy in this life, you need to try Jesus. What He gives lasts for eternity and never fades away. It will bring you joy in this life and blessings in the life to come.
Cars won't do it, neither will houses or lands. Stuff becomes cluttered and you can see that once the new wears off, it's just another thing you've accumulated. Even if it makes you happy for a while, it won't forever. Salvation can change that scenario. It can bring peace in trials, joy in adversity, and hope when all things seem lost. It will never rust, deteriorate, or fall apart. It will be the greatest gift you ever receive.
Don't listen to the lies of now, but focus on what is to come. Enjoy your success, but don't be a slave to things that lose their value. Invest in an eternal plan that brings joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Turmoil In The House
Turmoil is a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. Synonyms are confusion, upheaval, turbulence, tumult, disorder, disturbance, agitation, unrest, disquiet, trouble, disruption, chaos, and mayhem, just to mention a few. This describes the home life of many families in America today. There is so much happening in society that effects our families and many of us have allowed those events to invade our lives. We are paying for it here in 2016.
How many children are growing up without a father in their home? How many only get to see a parent every other weekend? As the rate of adultery and fornication rises so do the crime rates in our nation. Adults have sunken into the depths of depravity on may levels that have infected the lives of their children and others around them. Isn't it time for a moral compass to point us back in the right direction?
We, in Pentecostal churches, sing and shout about the blessings of the Lord. We lift up His name in worship while we are in church, but many of our families are living in turmoil. Mothers and Fathers are concerned about job security, raising their children, paying the bills, and making ends meet. They're also fearful of what their child or children will face in the future. Children are facing attacks by bullies, social media, and an ever changing cultural attitude about lifestyles that bring terror and confusion. Sometimes the pressures are so great on the home and family that they feel as though they are going to explode.
I have stated time and time again in these blogs that we as Christians are not immune to the adversities of the world. The main difference is we have a Savior who loves us and will help us through these turbulent times. However, you still have to face many of these situations in your home fulfilling the responsibilities that God has given you. Turmoil may invade the home temporarily, but it doesn't have to live there. In the name of Jesus you can deal with it and move forward.
I could give you a lot of scripture here and end on a high note, but then I wouldn't be responsible to my calling. Problems are real and turmoil in the house has to be dealt with daily. Its like treating a wound. If you leave it untreated it will get infected. If you're not willing to address a problem it will continue to grow. So many families could have been saved if only they had dealt with the turmoil the family was going through. Let me leave you with three things:
-Don't ignore the turmoil! If there's an elephant in the room tactfully address it, deal with it, and get it out in the open. You can't solve a problem if you can't talk about it.
-Don't let stress stop you! It's not easy to address turmoil in your house, whether it's with your companion or children. Stress will kill you or destroy what you have if you allow it to. Meditate on God's Word. Seek an amicable conclusion to the turmoil and move forward. Sounds easy, but it's not. Just do the best you can to not let your emotions ruin you mentally or physically.
-Don't forget who's on your side! Jesus never promised an easy voyage, but He did declare the safety of the harbor. If He can't help you, then nobody can!
I wish I could say that every dilemma had a solution, but that's no always the case. In spite of great efforts, some turmoil leads to divorce and desertion. Not every prayer is answered in the way we expect or every family is saved as we hoped. But, if Jesus lives in the house there is hope to solve the turmoil. Put it in His hands by faith and believe when you've dealt with it things will be all right.
How many children are growing up without a father in their home? How many only get to see a parent every other weekend? As the rate of adultery and fornication rises so do the crime rates in our nation. Adults have sunken into the depths of depravity on may levels that have infected the lives of their children and others around them. Isn't it time for a moral compass to point us back in the right direction?
We, in Pentecostal churches, sing and shout about the blessings of the Lord. We lift up His name in worship while we are in church, but many of our families are living in turmoil. Mothers and Fathers are concerned about job security, raising their children, paying the bills, and making ends meet. They're also fearful of what their child or children will face in the future. Children are facing attacks by bullies, social media, and an ever changing cultural attitude about lifestyles that bring terror and confusion. Sometimes the pressures are so great on the home and family that they feel as though they are going to explode.
I have stated time and time again in these blogs that we as Christians are not immune to the adversities of the world. The main difference is we have a Savior who loves us and will help us through these turbulent times. However, you still have to face many of these situations in your home fulfilling the responsibilities that God has given you. Turmoil may invade the home temporarily, but it doesn't have to live there. In the name of Jesus you can deal with it and move forward.
I could give you a lot of scripture here and end on a high note, but then I wouldn't be responsible to my calling. Problems are real and turmoil in the house has to be dealt with daily. Its like treating a wound. If you leave it untreated it will get infected. If you're not willing to address a problem it will continue to grow. So many families could have been saved if only they had dealt with the turmoil the family was going through. Let me leave you with three things:
-Don't ignore the turmoil! If there's an elephant in the room tactfully address it, deal with it, and get it out in the open. You can't solve a problem if you can't talk about it.
-Don't let stress stop you! It's not easy to address turmoil in your house, whether it's with your companion or children. Stress will kill you or destroy what you have if you allow it to. Meditate on God's Word. Seek an amicable conclusion to the turmoil and move forward. Sounds easy, but it's not. Just do the best you can to not let your emotions ruin you mentally or physically.
-Don't forget who's on your side! Jesus never promised an easy voyage, but He did declare the safety of the harbor. If He can't help you, then nobody can!
I wish I could say that every dilemma had a solution, but that's no always the case. In spite of great efforts, some turmoil leads to divorce and desertion. Not every prayer is answered in the way we expect or every family is saved as we hoped. But, if Jesus lives in the house there is hope to solve the turmoil. Put it in His hands by faith and believe when you've dealt with it things will be all right.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)