Prayer, Principle, and Participation

Prayer, Principle, and Participation

The Lord has given America’s people a unique opportunity in the electoral system.  Many people throughout history have not had a say as to who would be in authority.  Elections are a tremendous responsibility the Lord has given.  Participation in each primary and election is good stewardship of this unique opportunity.

The Bible has much to say about government.  Observe:

  • Ecclesiastes 10:20 “Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.”
  • Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
  • Proverbs 29:2 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

The Constitution of the United States established this nation with a republic form of government.  Article IV, Section 4. states: “The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government.”  Even our pledge declares:  “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for all.”

Republic – is defined by Encarta as a “political system with elected representatives.”  The representatives take the needs and issues of those they represent and enact legislation, justice, and safety to be established.  The representatives are not to be padding their wallets – they are benefiting the people they serve.  Individual people vote for the persons or platform most likely to represent some of their values, positions, and understandings.

Democracy – is defined by Encarta as “free and equal representation of people.”  Democracy is what these United States are trending toward.  When each individual voice is heard louder than the representative’s voice, we tend to get a “mob rule” mentality.  The people shouting the loudest tend to drown out the rest and instead of a larger portion of society being protected and represented, individual rights trump what is collectively best.  This shift in thinking away from the Constitution could be a contributor to the mass protests, and social re-engineering that is taking place.

Many people today have an expectation of society and government that is different than what the Republic offers.  The fragmentation of America is seen in responses to the National Anthem protests from “professionals” all the way down to high school athletes.  There is a globalism goal as people today marginalize the America we have learned of in history.

One of our early Presidents, John Adams aptly stated:  “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”  This is a keen observation that is extremely relevant today.  In fact – we see this playing out in the news every day.  The majority of our nation has shifted away from Bible principles.  Because the fabric of America has shifted so drastically, we are seeing horrendous policy, detrimental games with the political electoral system, and much abuse of “power.”

I hope we have another election in 4 years.  If Jesus has not returned for believers by then, we may or may not have an election like we have grown accustomed to and may even take for granted.  This is why I am writing about participation today.

We have always been able to vote for the “lesser of two evils.”  Jesus has never been on a ballot.  If you think like me, the top of the ticket has people that I do not really like or approve of.  However there is much more at stake than liking the top of the ticket.  My feelings about individual candidates may not be the best way to make a decision.  I am choosing to vote based on future policy, not current personalities.

Perhaps it’s for the best that elections not be decided by our feelings.  The media is very successful at sensationalizing the candidates and causing secondary issues to be at the forefront of the conversation.  I challenge you to dig deeper.  See the facts and positions.  Avoid voting based on how you may feel.

Here are several factors that I am considering and hope you will prayerfully consider as well.  The first factor is on a personal level.  The second two factors are on a policy level.

For No Alcohol:  Proverbs 31:4-5 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.  Leaders must be especially careful to not be inebriated because they may be called upon for lifesaving measures at any given moment.  If a candidate is known as being a drunk or “tipsy” I choose to avoid that candidate.

Think of Daniel and Belshazzar in Daniel chapter 5.  Being consumed with alcohol leaves no room for good decision making.  That is why the police arrest drunk drivers.  Inebriated drivers place themselves and others in danger.

For Life, Not Death:  Psalm 127:3 “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”  Psalm 139:13-14 “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”  Life is a gift from God.  Conception is a blessing the Lord gives a man and a woman.  It is a shame when children are viewed as an inconvenience and disregarded as garbage.  Some people treat their dogs and cats with more dignity than they treat the unborn.  The innocent unborn babies need a leader to cherish them.

The elderly can also become vulnerable.  They need a leader to ensure their lives are valued as well.  There could be a day – very soon, when health care is rationed out and the elderly are left to fend for themselves or die.  They need an advocate who values life.

For Nationalism, Not Globalism:  This is more evident each day as the Election Day approaches.  My prayer is “Even so come Lord Jesus” like John wrote in Revelation.  It is true that when the Tribulation begins, Antichrist will be revealed and he will consolidate all the countries, militaries, economies, religion, and more, into a One World Order.  Following the Rapture, the nations of earth will be ready for a United World.  I am not suggesting that we can stop or even slow down prophetical events.  I am suggesting that helping Antichrist today is not something that I am interested in.

The proposition of globalism is older than the Book of Genesis.  Nimrod consolidated the people of the world in order to control them and make himself their leader.  Following the global flood (Noah and his family survived on the Ark) God told the people to scatter the globe and repopulate the earth.  Nimrod rebelled and forced the people to live and serve him in Babel.  The Tower of Babel is the result.  This tall wonder stretched into the sky as man’s attempt to reach into the heavens and become a god.  The Lord put down the first attempt at a One World Order.  Read about it in Genesis 11.  Globalism is rooted in humanism.

This is already taking shape with carbon taxes, health care, surveillance, education mandates, and trade agreements.  I even heard on the news last week a USA military general say that he was willing to fight with Russia because the Russians are not wanting to assimilate with the rest of the world.  More laws, more central government, more dominions and greater rule of individual leaders are not the real need today.  As the government grows larger so does its control of the people.  As government widens it becomes more authoritarian; especially of ideas and movements leaders may perceive as a threat to their power.  The real need of the hour is more God – not more government.

Both the life issue and the nationalism issue will be greatly impacted by the Presidential appointees to the Unites States Supreme Court.  These issues will swing to either more death and more globalism or more life and more nationalism based on how many honorable judges will be appointed.  Have you seen the judges lately?  It is possible that nearly 3 could be replaced in the next 4 years.  Check each presidential candidates proposals as to whom they would nominate to this lifetime position if elected.

No candidate has ever been or ever will be a perfect choice.  The platforms may not be much better either.  Be sure to notice however the stark contrasts in each platform on these important issues.  You may not find agreement on many other issues, but the issues listed above are a great considerations as you plan to participate in this election cycle.  Listed below are some website to help you with the platforms.

PLEASE REMEMBER:  No matter who wins the election this year, the Lord is still God. Proverbs 21:1 encourages us by saying:  “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” 

We probably would not have voted for David, Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar, or Pharaoh (Study their lives and policies to see what I mean), but God put them in their respective governments to fulfill His will.

Pray for mercy on this nation – then participate in the election.  Voting is stewardship of opportunity.

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Below are several sites that offer articles and voting guides based on facts and not on how we feel.  I hope they will help you as you decide to cast your vote this year.

Overcoming Addiction

Overcoming Addiction

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.  I Corinthians 6:12

Between health-care, lost work productivity, and crimes, addictions are costing America greatly.  Drugabuse.com says that $295 billion is lost to Tobacco, $224 billion is lost to Alcohol, and $193 billion is lost to illicit Drugs.  Yes, the numbers are in the billions.  Look at the American culture and you will realize that many people are addicted to something.  If you are not addicted to something; chances are, someone you know very well – is.

It could be an addiction to stimulants, such as drugs or other stimulants such as TV and mobile device screens.  Some addictions are to fleshly and lustful things that are clearly sin.  Some addictions are to things that many not even be sinful of themselves.  For example, not all TV shows are bad.  Drugs (medicine) can be prescribed and help a person heal.

Addictions are anything that becomes a controlling power in your life.  It could be the next smoke, or vape.  It could be the next tv program.  It could be the lustful images on a screen.  It could be an addiction of social acceptance and applause.  Some people live for the approval of others and getting that approval causes a similar “high” as a reaction to a drug.  Some kids are even addicted to video games.   Paul was not willing to allow anything – whether a good thing or a sinful thing, be controlling of his life.  While Christian liberty gives variety in living, it does not give the freedom to allow any substance, response, or desire to be the controlling factor in our life.  The Christian is to be controlled by the Spirit of God as He directs in the Word of God.

Many are crying out for “help.”  The way the cry is sounded is different in each case.  Some drop hints.  Others go further into their addiction.  No matter what some “professionals” say, the Bible is clear that addictions do not need to control the Christian.  You can have victory!  It will be a challenge; but change is possible!  Here are some steps to victory.

God’s Grace Teaches Us to Deny Worldly Lust.  Titus 2:11-12 declares, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”  To reject a sinful action, thought, or addition as wrong is a great place to start.  Repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of choices and direction of living. 

Godly Structure Helps When Tempted with Addictions.  Psalm 119:133 states, “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”  Having a structured day with Biblical plans and goals will help you fend off the temptation to an addiction.  Memorizing a Scripture that deals with your particular addiction then reciting that verse in “care free” moments will help you have victory.  Order your steps with God and others being involved in your daily routines.

God’s Power is Greater.  Notice how Paul says in I Corinthians 6:12, “I will not be brought under the power of any.”  As powerful as the urge, drive, desire, lust, high, or hit may be, God is more powerful.  Rely on Him.  Your flesh is weak, but God is strong.  Since we can only serve One Master, make the choice to not put any other master in front of the Lord.  An addiction in a moment of fleshly or sinful temptation becomes another master.  God is greater.

Ask the Lord for victory.  Pray.  Rely on His grace.  Set parameters in your life with goals for living.  Embrace the power of God to find the win over the addiction.  While short and simple – these truths are a great start to overcoming addictions.  Other helpful ideas are accountability to others, eliminating excess money (limit money to limit usage), and the replacement principle of exchanging right in the place of wrong.

Get some help from a pastor or Bible counselor today.  May the Lord help you in your search for victory over addiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting the New Year Right

This article was posted a year ago but is still helpful to those heading to school in the next few days.

Starting the New School Year Right

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.  Proverbs 21:5

You may enjoy this humorous story as much as I did:  “A college freshman was giving her friend a tour of the college she attended. She pointed out the various recreational sights in the area and the numerous places for eating out. When they returned to the dorm, the freshman reminded her visiting friend that they needed to be quiet because her roommates were studying. Before they entered the room she whispered to her friend, “All they do is study. Honestly, I don’t even know why they came to college.””  (Ministry127)

It was Francis Bacon who said: “Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them.”  We must be wise in our approach to the new school year.  Thinking and planning ahead is commended in the Scripture.  The person who is diligent in his thoughts will have results that end in plenty.  Nearly all of us would want not only “passing grades” but “excelling grades” for each class we take!

Apply this truth of diligence to the education department of your life and you can learn how to become successful in your pursuit of learning in this new school year.  Go for more than an “A+.”  These truths can work no matter if you are entering kindergarten or college.

Whether a student or a parent of a student, this list will help you think through the start of the new year to enable you to “Start the New School Year Right.”

  • Have a Good Attitude. Attitude is of paramount importance as you plan for a new school year.  Whether you have 0 or 15 years of schooling, each year is new and different.  There can be some intimidation that comes with new teachers, new subjects, and new classmates.  Speak with enthusiasm about the new school year.  Talk openly of fears, then resolve to have Bible faith to face those fears and move past them.  Avoid those who speak ill of teachers, class, or school.  Don’t listen to them.   Focus on the positives and be consistent to speak often of the great potential for learning and growing.  Good attitudes are reflected in our words and actions.  Your effort in studies is affected by your attitude.  Have a good attitude and purpose to look forward to each school day.
  • Have Personal Discipline. Leave early for class.  If school starts at 8:10 AM.  Plan to arrive at 8:00 AM.  If it takes you 20 minutes to drive to school, leave 30 minutes early.  Much of the hasty, rushing feeling and frustration on the first day can be avoided by being more disciplined with your time and when you actually leave the house or dorm room to make it to class.
  • Have a Healthy Breakfast. You have heard that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”  Not only does it help maintain metabolism and even fights against obesity, breakfast can stimulate the mind and get the “thinking juices” going after a night of sleep and “fasting.”  Breaking the fast is important to the developing mind and body.  Inattentiveness, sleepiness and attitudes are all affected in a positive way when a healthy breakfast has been enjoyed.
  • Have a Devotional Time. Take a few moments to pray for each day to be the best day of this school year.  Read some Scripture and meditate on the Bible verses you have read to help encourage you and to guide your learning ethic and relational skills throughout the school day.  Dedicate your pursuit of learning to the Lord each day.
  • Have a Flexible Spirit. Not everything will go as planned.  That is all right!  God is still in control and He will help you through each day.  Things will come up that delay you, sidetrack you, and even slow you down from reaching your daily goals.  If you stop and focus on the distractions, then you will not achieve the learning that you need for that day.  Be flexible, and then learn how to refocus.

Those who rush thoughtlessly to the classroom may make a passing grade, but they may not learn all that they could have if they do not have these principles guiding them.  Many people come up short in knowledge because they do not think, plan, and execute their plan for success in the classroom.

You can do better than merely get a good grade on paper.  Ask the Lord to help you start the new school year right.  Then go on to have the best year in school that you have ever had!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Place Where Revival Begins

The Place Where Revival Begins

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me….Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.  Psalm 51: 10, 13

I like the following quote concerning revival: “Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.”  What a fantastic definition!  David had just sinned, committing adultery with one of his soldier’s wife, attempted to cover it up, and then set up Uriah to be killed in battle.  He recognizes the need for the sin in his life to be confessed.  He also sees the importance of experiencing cleansing from his sin.  David confesses his sin, then asks the Lord to clean up his life.  Thank the Lord that we can be forgiven our sin because of Jesus Christ!  David desired to have a clean, right heart, as he lived before the Lord.  We have the same need in our life!

Before David was going to be able to witness and give testimony about his great God, he saw the need to be cleansed.  He is having a personal revival – then he is able to teach transgressors the ways of the Lord.  Before we will see people saved and the baptismal waters flowing in believer’s baptism, we must see personal revival.  We all have loved ones and co-workers or classmates that need the Lord.  Before we can effectively share the gospel, we need to be revived ourselves!  Fall in love with Jesus all over again.  Give up any sin, or uncleanness that is in your life.  Be like David and search your heart.  David had revival in his heart.  The heart is the place where revival begins!

Too Much of a Good Thing

Too Much of a Good Thing

Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.  Proverbs 25:16

Hundreds, perhaps thousands of books have been written about dieting.  Eat this.  Do not eat that.  Stick with Carbs.  Avoid carbs.  Go protein.  No meat.  No bread.  No sugar.  Less starch.  Natural this.  Natural that.

In an effort, not to give medical advice but Bible advice, please note the above verse.  Finding something sweet to eat is ok, but too much of a good thing can cause pain, hurt, and suffering later.  I love Snickers bars, but man cannot live by Snickers bars alone.  It is possible to get too much of a good thing!

The best principle for what and how we eat, what we possess, and how we behave is the word “moderation.”  Having too much of something, even something good, can actually affect the quality of living in a negative way.

Moderation is a term that is unfamiliar to American culture today.  We live in a day of excess.  Excess food. Excess weight.  Excess games.  Excess work.  Excessive riches.  Excessive expectations.  People act as if they deserve the best, they deserve it now, and not many are willing to pay the true price in the present.  That is why many people file bankruptcy and rack up tremendous amounts of credit card debt trying to live a “good life.”  Most are unfamiliar with moderation and a terrible example of this is the national average of debt for the Federal Government per US taxpayer.  It is and astonishing….. $154,161!  (Forbes.com)

Words related to the term “moderation” include:  restraint, self-control, temperance, and balance.  Do these words characterize your life?  How about your relationship?  Finances?  Or even eating candy bars?  Here are three ways “Moderation” can help you today:

  • Moderation Shows –Dependence upon God. When we are not so focused on amassing “stuff” we demonstrate and evident dependence on God.  When we are able to be balanced and not excessive we show that God is able to provide, meet needs, and solve the issues we face.  Having nice things is terrific, but it is not the goal for living the Christian life.  The goal is to be more like Jesus.
  • Moderation Proves – Contentment in the non-tangibles of life. As humans we tend to place value on rare items such as gold, silver, or precious stones.  Bling and glamour are attractive to the human nature.  A person living in moderation may have gold, silver, or precious stones, but does not find these items inherently valuable in themselves.  Value in God’s economy is rooted in faith, hope, and love.  Things that you cannot touch or even hold can actually have greater value than material things.  I like the old saying : “Some people love things and use people; but we really should use things to love people.”

Peace, joy, and hope are worth more than all the things money can buy.  Contentment, fulfillment, and faith cannot be bought but can be uncovered and enjoyed by the person living with a spirit of moderation.  Fighting, longing, and working to achieve excess can actually cause the intangibles to flee away.  Some people own so much stuff, their stuff actually owns them.  Ie.  Some cannot get away from the 2 boats, 5 cars, or 3 retreat cabins and have to spend their time maintaining their stuff.  Immoderate living can be controlling.

  • Moderation Provides – Satisfaction in Spiritual, Emotional, Relational, and Physical ways. The whole person (body, soul, spirit) benefits from the perspective of moderation.  A sigh of relief, a spirit at ease, and a mind at rest are possible – with contentment.

The solution to moderation is truly finding our very contentment, meaning, purpose, and value in Jesus.  It is Jesus – Who is the cause of true satisfaction in living.

How are you doing with moderation?  Do you see balance in your eating and exercise?  Do you see temperance in how you relate to other people?  Are you restrained in finances for earthly things?  Thank the Lord for “good things” while keeping in mind that it is possible to have too much of a good thing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Friend Who Finally Opened the Door

Prayers of Importunity

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.  Luke 11:8

I love it when church members describe with excitement that they are seeing God answer prayers in their lives.  We serve a living God who can hear and respond to the prayers of His people!  Perhaps you have a prayer request that the Lord has answered recently.  I rejoice with you!

Speaking about prayer, Jesus used one particular word only one time.  In fact, only one time in the whole Bible is this word used.  This word is illustrated many times in Scripture.  Even though it is seldom used, it is a BIG word when it comes to prayer.

“Importunity” is the word.  Encarta says it means “wearisome persistence and persistently demanding.”  Have you ever kept asking someone for something until you got what you were asking for?  That is what “importunity” is.

The disciples of Jesus have just asked Him to teach them “How to Pray.”  He gives the “Model Prayer” in Luke 11:1-3.  It is better known as the “Model Prayer” than the “Lord’s Prayer.”  This is because in the prayer, Jesus instructs the one praying to confess sin.  Jesus had no sin of His own.  He was sinless, unlike you and me.

After giving the “Model Prayer” Jesus relates several examples or illustrations about the consistency, priority, and value of prayer.  The first example is where we find this word “Importunity.”

Imagine with me for a moment…  Your next door neighbor has a friend travel to visit from a far-away place.  It is getting late in the evening – way past dinner time.  Your lights are out and everyone in the house is asleep.  The doorbell rings, someone is knocking on your door.

It is your neighbor.  You shout out the window in the second floor “leave us alone.”  The window is open already because you do not have air conditioning, so the breeze keeps everyone cool at night.  The neighbor says “I need your help – a friend has come to visit me and we ran out of food!”  He is persistent and asks for only 3 loaves of bread.  “Go away!” you shout.  He keeps knocking.  You have bread in the kitchen – but that is on the first floor.  You were awakened out of a “dead sleep” and do not want to get up out of bed.  The kids are asleep.  If he keeps ringing the bell and knocking on the door he will wake the kids up!

When you do rise up, go down to the first floor, get the bread, and give the bread to your neighbor – it is not because he is your friend (in a sleepless moment, you may not even like him!).  It is not because he is your friend that you open the door – it is because he kept knocking.  The wearisome persistence was in the listener in the house– not the one doing the knocking.  His persistence paid off and demonstrated to the one in the house– “You are my only hope. Only you can help me.”  When we pray with importunity – we express the same thing to God.

God is better than this sleepy neighbor.  In fact, as His children – we are already in the household of faith with Him!  He never sleeps.  He is quick to respond but we must ask and keep on asking!  He does not grow weary of our prayers.

This is the lesson that Jesus connects in relation to prayer – we need to keep asking God.  Keep knocking at Heavens door.  Do you pray with “importunity” seeking the will of God to take place in your life and in the life of others?  Why or why not?

In verses 9 and 10, Jesus instructs further:  “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Learn to pray with persistence today.  Demonstrate God your complete dependence on Him.  Keep taking the same requests to the Lord each day and see how the Lord responds.

 

 

 

 

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Children are Worth the Cost

Children are Worth the Cost

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. 

Mark 10:13-16

“Seen and Not heard.”  “Underfoot.”  “Stop bothering me.”  “Why are you asking me so many questions?”

Adults tend to be dismissive of young children.  Not many parents would admit it, but there are probably times you have said something to the effect of one of the above statements.  It is important to understand that God values the life of each person and of each young person.  Value to family, society, vocation, church and life in general increases with… children.

Note the following observations of the scene with Jesus and the children in Mark 10.

  • Jesus made time for kids.
  • Jesus gave attention to kids.
  • Jesus taught kids.
  • Jesus valued kids.

Many Christian churches are in the middle of busy summer season with Bible Clubs, Vacation Bible Schools, camps, and Community Kids events.  This is good.  As Kids Ministries unfold in your church you do not want to be like the disciples in this passage of Scripture.  They did not see the need for children’s ministry.  Jesus corrected them and then demonstrated how important kids are.  Avoid complaining about normal church services being adjusted for kids ministry.  Watch out for being critical of anyone assisting in youth ministry or children’s ministry.  Lots of time, money, and effort are given to children’s ministry.  Be a person who participates in this.  Here are 3 ways to help.

Give.  Make yourself available to help.  Cleaning, teaching, registering, assisting are all areas that could use some help.  Bring cookies or other items that are asked for.  Children’s ministries cost a lot.  Give special financial gifts to help cover some of the expenses of a big VBS or camp.

Encourage.  Tell others who are serving how well they are doing.  Offer words of encouragement.  Give positive feedback about progress.  For example, our church was thrilled when I announced recently that children were pre-registered early from a flyer that was handed out the previous Saturday.  There are other ways to show support and encouragement.  Find a way in your context and encourage others to keep making a difference ministering to children.

Pray.  Pray for children to be saved and for families to be touched with the Gospel.  Pray the church grows and that new members are added as a product of the children’s ministry.  It can happen.  God can.  We should pray.  Thank the Lord for the children.  Bless them like Jesus did.

Kids today are like the ones who met Jesus years ago; they are looking for more than what they see in life.  Children are worth the cost.  Be a person who helps to introduce children to Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embracing the Day

Embracing the Day

Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.  Ruth 3:18

Boaz was on a mission of love.  Ruth was suspended hopeful in apprehension.  Naomi speaks words truth and comfort.  Ruth 3:18 is a description of Boaz and his relentless pursuit of the woman he loved.  He needed to secure the assurance that he, and not the closer kinsman, would marry Ruth.

“Who will I marry?” is on the mind of Ruth and perhaps you have pondered a similar BIG decision.  As Ruth is playing the “waiting game” that most of us do not enjoy, she is comforted by the words of Naomi.  Sitting still is difficult for most of us.  Waiting for the day, week, month, or year to unfold can be challenging!  “I can’t wait until…”  I have been guilty of saying this too.  “What is going to happen?” is a statement sometimes rooted in worry.  We should look ahead and live for eternity with “eternity’s values in view.”  While waiting, we are to strive to please the Lord in thoughts and actions.  A Godly woman waits patiently while embracing each day.

Think about the attributes Naomi gave to Boaz.  They are attributes any loving, motivated, and faithful man can have in his life.  A faithful man embraces the day the Lord has given to him.

What can we do in the day the Lord gives to us?  Here are 3 brief truths:

  • A faithful man who is on a mission will not rest until the mission is accomplished.
  • A faithful man who has a mission and job to accomplish will see it through until completion.
  • A faithful man will jump every obstacle, while not giving up hope, to accomplish his mission.

Embrace the day God has given to you.  Make the most of the moments you have with family, church ministry, and occupational work.  If you are a student, embrace the schooling days of your life to learn and grow.  Don’t’ look so far ahead that you miss serving God today.  Be relentless like Boaz in fulfilling the will of God and showing your love towards Him.

Whether waiting to see what happens or working until the day is over, be focused on making the most of the day the Lord has given you.  Embrace each day as a gift from God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elevate Your Head

Elevate Your Head

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  Colossians 1:18

This sounds like medical advice, but it is also a practical reality of our humanity.  As humans we tend to elevate your physical heads.  Think of this for a moment.  Our head (comprised of everything above our neck) is held high when we walk.  We hold our head up above our body when we are seated.  Even lying down in bed, we use a pillow to elevate our head above the rest of our body.  Reasons for the head being above the body are practical and range from health, function, blood flow, balance, and protection of the head and brain.

With even greater care than our body places on holding up our physical head, we are to lift up the head of the Church.  Jesus is the head of believers and must be elevated above individual Christians.  Our thoughts, opinions, and goals must be subservient to the Lord.  In a way, our thoughts, opinions and goals must be formed by Jesus rather than ourselves.

Our human nature screams and rebels at placing someone else above us in authority and power.  Submitting to God and yielding to His Word and Holy Spirit is how we elevate Jesus above ourselves.  We can take it personally and choose to rebel and side with our sin nature, or we can willingly submit with humility to the Lord.

When you find yourself in a conflict with a spouse, it could be that you are elevating yourself above what the Lord would have you do or say.  When you are disappointed or even angry with someone or something at church, it could be that you are placing your will above the will of God.  When the workplace seems troublesome, it could be that your expectations are not the expectations that the Lord has for your work.

Who is the head of your life?  If you are making “all the calls” for your life, then you are missing the point of Colossians 1:18.  Let Jesus have the Preeminence in your life.  Because Jesus rose from the dead; He is worthy of being the head of our lives.

Jesus does not want to be an important part of your life.  Jesus wants to be the preeminent part of your life- your head.  Consult God’s Word.  Pray.  Seek counsel of your pastor.  Place God above all your choices and lifestyle decisions.   Follow the leader.  When we lift up Jesus instead of ourselves, our lives then honor the Lord and He has room to work incredible miracles in our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Stay in the Same Church for 30 Years

How to Stay in the Same Church for 30 Years

“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:21

Dorsey and Barbara.  Loren and Tammy. Doug and Debbie.  Glen and Norene.  Ray and Nancy.  I have been blessed to witness many individuals and couples remain in the same church for 30, 40 and even 50 years.  How can a regular church member remain in the same church for such a meaningful amount of time?  Great question!

If the members of the Ephesus church were church members one day and not the next, or skipped around from church to church, how would they have been included in the “glory in the church” by honoring the Lord?  They couldn’t.  Something about long-term commitment resonates with the Lord.

Charles Colsen described the church with these words: “Biblically the church is an organism not an organization—a movement, not a monument. It is not a part of the community; it is a whole new community. It is not an orderly gathering; it is a new order with new values, often in sharp conflict with the values of the surrounding society.”

Yes, the church is a local body of believers, the bride of Christ, and His building.  It is comprised of sinful human beings who have been “called out” from being like this world.  Unity, working together, and getting along for any amount of time can be challenging!

Attorney Bryan Likins tweeted: “Most people want extraordinary careers, ministries, marriages, & kids. But they’re only willing to put in ordinary effort!”  Very true.

Here are several Bible truths that help in long-term relationships.

Be a Good Forgiver.

Speaking to the church and relating church life to relationships, Colossians 3:13 instructs, “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” 

Since Christ forgave us of all our sin, we can forgive others.  The depth of sin, the pain it caused, or the trouble it started can and should be forgiven.  Forgiveness can be granted – even before another person confesses and asks forgiveness.  If the potential of personal harm persists, please get to safety.  Forgiveness does not mean to put yourself in a position to be hurt again, nor does it mean that trust is automatically restored.

Forgiveness is the ability to look at the person and hold no hatred or animosity in your heart over the head of that person.  I like how William Arthur Ward described forgiveness.  He said, “Forgiveness is a funny thing—it warms the heart and cools the sting.”  It certainly does your heart good to not have negative emotions every time you see a fellow church member, family member or neighbor.

Pointing at others and saying “He is why I no longer go to church” is lessened when we choose to be good forgivers.

Fine Tune your Forgetter. 

An old Chinese Proverb speaks truth in saying: “For the sake of one good action a hundred evil ones should be forgotten.”  Speaking of God’s choosing to not remember our sins, Hebrews 8:12 declares, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”  And again, Hebrews 10:17 says, “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”

The omniscient, all-knowing God chooses to not remember.  When we allow our minds to dwell on hurts, pain, or possible wrongs, it changes our perception of the people around us.  While we may never forget, we can choose to no longer remember.  Life happens.  People will purposefully and accidentally hurt us.  When we say we “forgive” and then continue to think about it, we have not truly forgiven.  Forgetting is choosing not to constantly dwell on the unfulfilled expectations we place on others.

Sometimes the expectations violated are sins in the life of others and are true wrongs that have occurred.  Other times, we have an expectation that we place on another that has nothing to do with sin, but merely our preference for them.  Anytime our real or perceived expectations of others are violated, we have the potential to remember, dwell on it, and let that thought damage our relationship.

This does not have to happen.   While most of us are trying to memorize Scripture and remember applying the Bible to our situations we are also in need of “fine tuning” our forgetter.  Make a decision to forget.

Get with the Program.

Every church has a statement of faith in doctrine and a declarative purpose for its establishment.  Most churches say something to the effect of “exalting the Lord, edifying believers, and evangelizing the lost.  These are great mission purposes.  These are foundational statements upon which the ministry is built.  How these purposes are pursued in practical ways is where many differences are found between churches.

Some people say they want to see people saved.  If that is true, that means new converts will then be baptized, discipled, and become part of the church.  Any church fulfilling the above ministry purpose will grow in attendance.  Numerical growth is a secondary benefit of fulfilling the churches mission statement.

Have you ever heard someone say “The church is getting too big?”  How about this: “I want a smaller church.”?  When Christians say statements like this, they are not only reflecting a selfish motive to either be comfortable or controlling of others (individual influence is lost when a church grows), but they are also demonstrating that they have left the mission purpose of the church and are now following their own mission purpose.

Get with the program and stay with the program of the local church.  There are various methods of evangelism that work well and are acceptable to God.  There are various ways to get together and see new converts grow in discipleship.  Exalting Christ is evident in seeing people saved and those saved becoming more like Jesus, not merely on outside appearances, but also in attitude and affections of the heart.  Utilizing sports, or spoons (for meals), studies, or social media are all ways that the Word can be imparted to people.  It is a matter of preference and style – then of obedience to the purpose statement to get the job done.

Those who refuse to update with fresh ideas as the church updates should still be driving model T’s and reading paper pages in books by candlelight if that is really how they feel.

Pastors come and go.  Church members come and some move away.  “Church is always in transition” one pastor aptly stated.  Adjust expectations.  Embrace opportunity.  Find an old, new, or similar way to get the same thing accomplished: Exalting Jesus, edifying believers, and evangelism of the lost.

Make the Decision to Love.

Love is a choice.  Not to love is also a choice.  Paul said in Colossians 3:14, “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”  The mark of maturity in relationships with others is the ability to continue to love others.  No. Matter. What. Charity towards others is God’s will for your life. Whenever you find yourself keeping a knit-pick list for other people watch out- your love for others is waining.

As Peter summarizes this teaching in 1 Peter 4:8 he says, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”  Overlooking the faults, sins, and expectations on others is the only way to see long-term spiritual and numerical growth.

Assimilation of new believers is such an important factor in the length of time a long-term member will have in the church.  If a person accepts the newer members, encourages, edifies, and helps the new members feel welcome, the long-term member is then fulfilling part of his purpose in being a church member.  If a long-term member reminisces constantly “about the good old days” when he knew everyone by name, his living in the past is preventing him from making a difference in the present.  Determine to know the new folks and accept them as much as a long term member.  Both parties have made the same commitment to God and each other.

Most churches that have had consistent leadership and faithful members who are good at these 4 principals have grown both in spirit and in numbers.  They have stuck together through good and difficult times.  They have been blessed by God.

Could you stay in the same church for 30 years?  I challenge you to give it a try!  You will not be able to do it without implementing these 4 truths into your life.  With God’s help – you can.  You can remain in the same church for a meaningful amount of time.