This coming Monday will be our last and final meeting together as a young adult ministry. I wanted to use this last blog to give a sort of "farewell" as this chapter of our lives closes.
First, I want to encourage you all to read the blog previous to this one. I wrote it with my "stepping-down" in mind. I know some of you really appreciated and valued the young adult ministry and so I wanted to keep you mindful of your proper foundation, lest you stumble. Examine yourself and make sure your foundation is not laid on myself or the young adult ministry. If your foundation is solely on Christ, you will remain stable even though we're not meeting anymore. I encourage you to get plugged into another ministry in order to stay accountable and engaged in fellowship. Our church has an abundance of healthy ministries for you to get involved in. Christ is your foundation, not Surrendered. Its understandable if you're sad that its ending, my heart goes out to you and I'll be praying for the Lord to supply you with a new ministry. I have been super blessed to pour into a lot of you and watch your growth in the Lord; my prayer is that it continues.
Also, I want to thank all of you who've served the Lord alongside of me over these few years. Your service to the Lord has been helpful to me in the ministry and a blessing to witness. You have been faithful to serve tirelessly and sacrificially and I am humbled that the Lord brought all of you to be my co laborers in Christ. I appreciate your labor of love and your work of faith. Beyond my gratefulness, you have a far greater reward awaiting you when you stand before the Lord.
Finally, I can't close without saying that my wife and I love you guys. We really do. We have been extremely blessed to be a part of some of your lives. I cant' help but cherish all the times we've hung out, prayed, laughed, and borne our hearts with some of you. You have been a huge blessing to us and we can't thank all of you enough for being so loving and sweet to Crysti and I. We love you! It has been a privilege and an honor to minister with and to all of you. Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and love in this transitional season of our lives.
I'll leave you with Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders: "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Acts 20:32
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Our Foundation
Well, I only got a few responses to the previous blog. However, in the event that more might visit this blog in the future I'll share what has been on my heart lately.
Sometimes without realizing it, we can start building our spiritual foundations on things other than Christ. It usually never is a conscious thing. As we hear so many Bible studies about how we're to rely solely on Christ and nothing else, we all are quick to vocally and mentally ascent to the foolishness of trusting in other things. Although, without realizing it, we can begin to depend too heavily on things in an unhealthy way.
This can be seen when some lay a foundation on things that are spiritually helpful and good. Even though those things are good, they are only meant to help us build on Christ, not to be the things on which we lay our foundation. There are times when we lay our foundation on fellowship or an influential person in our lives. We come to depend on such things so heavily that our foundation is dangerously laid on something other than Christ. Fellowship and a godly influence are supplied by the Lord in order to help us stand on Christ alone. We must be careful to understand the importance of them and to keep them in their proper place. If not, it can be potentially damaging. There can come temporary seasons in our spiritual journeys when, for whatever reason, there isn't as much fellowship or there isn't a godly mentor. If your foundation is not solely on Christ, how will your house stand when your friends aren't around as much or when you don't have a mentor close by. While these things are extremely helpful to our walks with the Lord, there must be an understanding that Jesus alone is enough. He must be everything. He must be the One thing. He is the only One in whom we should find our life and being. A foundation laid on anything else is faulty. Good things like mentors and friends were never meant to be built upon, only to be those that help us build our own house upon Christ.
"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 3:11). If your foundation is laid rightly on Christ, you will remain solid in those tough seasons where its just you and Jesus. You will learn what Paul meant when he said, "At my first defense no one stood with me...But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me..." (2 Tim 4:16, 17). Jesus will never let you down; He will never forsake you. He is our only firm, solid, and immovable rock. On rock, foundations are sure; on sand, the house falls.
Sometimes without realizing it, we can start building our spiritual foundations on things other than Christ. It usually never is a conscious thing. As we hear so many Bible studies about how we're to rely solely on Christ and nothing else, we all are quick to vocally and mentally ascent to the foolishness of trusting in other things. Although, without realizing it, we can begin to depend too heavily on things in an unhealthy way.
This can be seen when some lay a foundation on things that are spiritually helpful and good. Even though those things are good, they are only meant to help us build on Christ, not to be the things on which we lay our foundation. There are times when we lay our foundation on fellowship or an influential person in our lives. We come to depend on such things so heavily that our foundation is dangerously laid on something other than Christ. Fellowship and a godly influence are supplied by the Lord in order to help us stand on Christ alone. We must be careful to understand the importance of them and to keep them in their proper place. If not, it can be potentially damaging. There can come temporary seasons in our spiritual journeys when, for whatever reason, there isn't as much fellowship or there isn't a godly mentor. If your foundation is not solely on Christ, how will your house stand when your friends aren't around as much or when you don't have a mentor close by. While these things are extremely helpful to our walks with the Lord, there must be an understanding that Jesus alone is enough. He must be everything. He must be the One thing. He is the only One in whom we should find our life and being. A foundation laid on anything else is faulty. Good things like mentors and friends were never meant to be built upon, only to be those that help us build our own house upon Christ.
"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 3:11). If your foundation is laid rightly on Christ, you will remain solid in those tough seasons where its just you and Jesus. You will learn what Paul meant when he said, "At my first defense no one stood with me...But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me..." (2 Tim 4:16, 17). Jesus will never let you down; He will never forsake you. He is our only firm, solid, and immovable rock. On rock, foundations are sure; on sand, the house falls.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Are You There
I havn't been on top of updating this blog lately. I've actually let it slide for quite some time now. I want to see if anyone still checks in to read our blogs. If you stop by our site to read our blog, can you leave a comment. It can even be annonymous if you like. If you only write, "Hey, I check out this blog sometimes" it would be much appreciated. Thanks!!!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Just Jesus
"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: That Christ Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Today I went to an outreach, as you know the gospel was shared, there were different preachers, so of course it was preached in different ways but it was all the same message, Jesus died and rose again so you can have life through Him. One of the preachers shared his testimony and said that when he was first presented with the gospel, he preached Jesus and nothing else, no church, no religion, just Jesus (after all, that's all we need right?). It made me remember that my friend, who led me to Christ, did the same thing. He shared nothing but Jesus, so much so that I didn’t know what church he attended or even what his “religion” was; I just knew that I wanted what he had… I was challenged because at work lately I’ve been talking a lot about my church doing this… my friends going around the world to help people with aids… but am I preaching Jesus? What He’s done for them is all they really need to know… am I preaching the Gospel of Christ? Or am I preaching just another religion?
Which one are you preaching?
Today I went to an outreach, as you know the gospel was shared, there were different preachers, so of course it was preached in different ways but it was all the same message, Jesus died and rose again so you can have life through Him. One of the preachers shared his testimony and said that when he was first presented with the gospel, he preached Jesus and nothing else, no church, no religion, just Jesus (after all, that's all we need right?). It made me remember that my friend, who led me to Christ, did the same thing. He shared nothing but Jesus, so much so that I didn’t know what church he attended or even what his “religion” was; I just knew that I wanted what he had… I was challenged because at work lately I’ve been talking a lot about my church doing this… my friends going around the world to help people with aids… but am I preaching Jesus? What He’s done for them is all they really need to know… am I preaching the Gospel of Christ? Or am I preaching just another religion?
Which one are you preaching?
Friday, July 18, 2008
Me, Myself, and I
Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23 NKJV
We naturally and subconsciously put our selves before others. In today's society the world tries to tell us that the way to achieve happiness is through boosting self esteem, personal affirmations, and focusing on self. But that is an empty philosophy that only leads to momentary happiness. As Christians we are encouraged to put others before ourselves and to not focus on earthly things, but to be focused on what we can do to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ. These are the requirements of discipleship: that we die to our selves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. The taking up of the cross involves the total submission of your will to God. Through this only will you experience true joy in your Christian walk. Remember, joy is all about priority - Jesus, Others, and then Yourself.
We naturally and subconsciously put our selves before others. In today's society the world tries to tell us that the way to achieve happiness is through boosting self esteem, personal affirmations, and focusing on self. But that is an empty philosophy that only leads to momentary happiness. As Christians we are encouraged to put others before ourselves and to not focus on earthly things, but to be focused on what we can do to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ. These are the requirements of discipleship: that we die to our selves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. The taking up of the cross involves the total submission of your will to God. Through this only will you experience true joy in your Christian walk. Remember, joy is all about priority - Jesus, Others, and then Yourself.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Knowledge & Love
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘son your sins are forgiven’” Mark 2:5
There comes a point in our Christian walk where we get so caught up in the knowledge of Christ that we forget about his love. As if dieing on the cross 2000 years ago was not enough, he comes to us daily and shows us mercy and love. The amazing thing about his unconditional love is that he wants to have an intimate relationship with us. At times we can become “paralyzed” by our personal struggles. The wonderful thing about our loving God is that, just like he touched the man in this verse, he wants to touch each one of our individual hearts daily and say, “my child, I have always loved you, and your sins are forgiven.” It is vital that we never forget the importance of his love, because without that, there would be no salvation. No matter how much knowledge we gain in Christ, it all comes down to his love.
There comes a point in our Christian walk where we get so caught up in the knowledge of Christ that we forget about his love. As if dieing on the cross 2000 years ago was not enough, he comes to us daily and shows us mercy and love. The amazing thing about his unconditional love is that he wants to have an intimate relationship with us. At times we can become “paralyzed” by our personal struggles. The wonderful thing about our loving God is that, just like he touched the man in this verse, he wants to touch each one of our individual hearts daily and say, “my child, I have always loved you, and your sins are forgiven.” It is vital that we never forget the importance of his love, because without that, there would be no salvation. No matter how much knowledge we gain in Christ, it all comes down to his love.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Focus
“I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness.” Psalm 101:3-4
It has been said that your god is whomever or whatever you designate as your master passion in life. As such, the ancients worshipped gods that represented their worldly desires, such as Baal (knowledge and philosophy), Venus (lust and bodily pleasure), and Mammon (money and the pursuit of wealth). God’s people, however, are called to focus their attention on the Lord, for He alone can give you the desires of your heart (Ps. 37:4). David had witnessed the downfall of those who center their attention on wicked things enough times to know that wickedness leads to destruction. Therefore, he made a conscious decision to refuse to focus his attention on wicked things. His declaration is made with utmost certainty and meaning of heart, saying, “…I will not know wickedness.” Each of us has to make this declaration in our own hearts if we ever want to be used by God, and we must purge our lives of the wicked things which compete for our attention. Have you made this decision in your life? Have you made Him your master passion? Paul writes this exhortation to Christians, saying, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:1-2).
It has been said that your god is whomever or whatever you designate as your master passion in life. As such, the ancients worshipped gods that represented their worldly desires, such as Baal (knowledge and philosophy), Venus (lust and bodily pleasure), and Mammon (money and the pursuit of wealth). God’s people, however, are called to focus their attention on the Lord, for He alone can give you the desires of your heart (Ps. 37:4). David had witnessed the downfall of those who center their attention on wicked things enough times to know that wickedness leads to destruction. Therefore, he made a conscious decision to refuse to focus his attention on wicked things. His declaration is made with utmost certainty and meaning of heart, saying, “…I will not know wickedness.” Each of us has to make this declaration in our own hearts if we ever want to be used by God, and we must purge our lives of the wicked things which compete for our attention. Have you made this decision in your life? Have you made Him your master passion? Paul writes this exhortation to Christians, saying, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:1-2).
Monday, July 7, 2008
Cakes and Battles
I find that we often go through many different trials as we venture on our life’s journey of walking with God. Most of the time, the reaction that I see many of us have as we go through these trials, is that we tend to look at the trial itself instead of looking at what God wants to show us in and through the outcome. Let’s take baking a cake for example: When we look at the individual ingredients--flour, eggs, salt, etc.--we would not want to consume each one of those ingredients individually. As a matter of fact, the thought of it is rather appalling. We need to look at our trials as a whole and ask, “What is God trying to show me?” instead of “Why is God doing this to me?” When baking a cake, we look at the final outcome--a nice, big, moist, delicious cake--not the individual portions.Also, when the time comes to cook the cake, we cannot become impatient and pull it out of the oven too soon, or else it will be ruined. Just as gold and silver go through the flame to be purified, we need to also go through the heat of trials to be purified in the name if the Lord! Our ending outcome will turn out to be a greater blessing than anything we can imagine! If we try to run away before completing the will of God, then we will ruin whatever plans he had for us, or we will end up making things a lot worse for OURSELVES. Just look at Jonah! He went through a LOT of chaos before turning back to God. Most importantly, we need to ALWAYS remember what the word of God says: “And we know that all things work together for GOOD to those WHO LOVE GOD..” ~ Romans 8:28
How will YOUR cake turn out?
How will YOUR cake turn out?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not boast, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
This is how to love. It is how to do the greatest thing you can do, the greatest commandment that our savior gives. It is also in Matthew 22:37-40 "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, & mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." It is important to know and understand what love is & is not. It is self controlled but not controlling. Love denies its own good for the good of others. You can lie and cheat all day long, you wouldn't be escaping the truth of God, but love might believe you, even if it didn't; love would love you anyway, and rejoice if you told the truth. I encourage everyone to read and understand this passage. God is Love. Read it over & over again and again, every word of this Corinthians verse has something. Don't destroy it or take it out of context. Embrace these words and live by them. The only way that Gods Grace is enough is that His Love is more than enough. Understand this. Love is Gods and somehow we made it worldly. Lets give it back to God in our actions, in our speech, in our lives.
This is how to love. It is how to do the greatest thing you can do, the greatest commandment that our savior gives. It is also in Matthew 22:37-40 "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, & mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." It is important to know and understand what love is & is not. It is self controlled but not controlling. Love denies its own good for the good of others. You can lie and cheat all day long, you wouldn't be escaping the truth of God, but love might believe you, even if it didn't; love would love you anyway, and rejoice if you told the truth. I encourage everyone to read and understand this passage. God is Love. Read it over & over again and again, every word of this Corinthians verse has something. Don't destroy it or take it out of context. Embrace these words and live by them. The only way that Gods Grace is enough is that His Love is more than enough. Understand this. Love is Gods and somehow we made it worldly. Lets give it back to God in our actions, in our speech, in our lives.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Have I not commanded you?
"Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
I don't like going scary places - Period. And going alone is a whole different story. But depending on who you are with, scary places seem much less frightening. If I go to a dark place with the Light of the world, it isn't dark anymore. If I go through a storm with the One who can calm wind and sea, the storm no longer seems perilous. This is where strength and courage come from. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed- remember who you are with.
I don't like going scary places - Period. And going alone is a whole different story. But depending on who you are with, scary places seem much less frightening. If I go to a dark place with the Light of the world, it isn't dark anymore. If I go through a storm with the One who can calm wind and sea, the storm no longer seems perilous. This is where strength and courage come from. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed- remember who you are with.
Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things, Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of Kings. We are living in desperate times my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is time to be done away with the things of this world and follow Jesus with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Matthew 16:24 says, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'" So many times we allow ourselves to get side tracked with very small things that we thought we had under control. We are taken away from what really matters; serving Jesus Christ with our all. I read this some time ago and it’s very simple yet forgotten by many; Chuck Smith once said, “The ground that we have taken away from the enemy through prayer, MUST be held by prayer. Let us be on our knees before the Lord asking Him to help us daily in our walks and to RISE UP as men and women of God.
All Things
"And we know all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). There is a promise I can hold on to when nothing adds up. It’s the same promise I look to when I’m drowned in the memory of my mistakes. Yes I look back to it when every thing seems to be going wrong. Over and over the Lord has used this passage to minister to me in my distress. It comforts me and reassures me that He has truly fashioned all the days of my life.
Galatians 5:13
When we were saved, we were freed from sin. Our eyes were open to see what sin is and what it does. So now that we have been set free from it, we are not to go back to it. Freedom is not a opportunity to do selfish and sinful things, but to serve one another with love. You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18). Its not just to serve one another, but also family, friends, neighbors, & people no matter what. Jesus served us no matter how sordid we were or are. We are not to serve with sordid gain, and the way to do that is to have the love of Christ in us and through us.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Sorrow & Repentance
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, that eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.” -2 Corinthians 7:10-11
Do our past mistakes condemn us or do they lead to joy in God’s deliverance and forgiveness? The devil always wants to remind us of the offenses of our past to try to destroy our future, but because of godly sorrow we are brought to a place of humility where we are able to call out to the Lord. Worldly sorrow, however, includes things like regret for being exposed, for getting caught or because we are suffering the consequences. Only through godly sorrow are we able to accept the gift of repentance leading to salvation, through worldly sorrow we reject God’s grace and choose to stay in a condemned state. The fruit of godly sorrow can be viewed as a sequence of internal events that lead to restoration. It begins earnestness and ends with readiness. This is a theme repeated throughout the entire bible; God is the Great Redeemer who wants to save us, but he requires us to have earnestly repented and desired forgiveness. Only then will we be ready for Him to save us.
Do our past mistakes condemn us or do they lead to joy in God’s deliverance and forgiveness? The devil always wants to remind us of the offenses of our past to try to destroy our future, but because of godly sorrow we are brought to a place of humility where we are able to call out to the Lord. Worldly sorrow, however, includes things like regret for being exposed, for getting caught or because we are suffering the consequences. Only through godly sorrow are we able to accept the gift of repentance leading to salvation, through worldly sorrow we reject God’s grace and choose to stay in a condemned state. The fruit of godly sorrow can be viewed as a sequence of internal events that lead to restoration. It begins earnestness and ends with readiness. This is a theme repeated throughout the entire bible; God is the Great Redeemer who wants to save us, but he requires us to have earnestly repented and desired forgiveness. Only then will we be ready for Him to save us.
Be Stretched
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you." 1 Peter 4:12
Peter writes to remind his readers that part of the christian life is to suffer as Christ suffered. Suffering will come and Christians should be prepared. Fire is a way to purify; tests and trials are the way the LORD molds and shapes His children into the vessels He had in mind since before time. The LORD tries all His children in hopes that they may be found faithful! One thing the LORD always reminds me: The LORD can only do in us what we allow Him to do! How are you allowing the LORD to mold, shape, and stretch you?
Peter writes to remind his readers that part of the christian life is to suffer as Christ suffered. Suffering will come and Christians should be prepared. Fire is a way to purify; tests and trials are the way the LORD molds and shapes His children into the vessels He had in mind since before time. The LORD tries all His children in hopes that they may be found faithful! One thing the LORD always reminds me: The LORD can only do in us what we allow Him to do! How are you allowing the LORD to mold, shape, and stretch you?
The Savior
"Immediately he spoke to them and said, 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.' Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed" Mark 6:51
In times of trouble, things can seem like they just get worse and worse; as if your efforts are meaningless and only create more chaos in your life. In the end does not the Lord see us through safely? Through tumultuous seas of temptation, burden, hardships, trials, does not the Lord see us through? Take courage, for through the hardships, burdens, temptations, trials He is teaching us. He teaches us that He is there, that if we call out to Him, He will answer: He will save us. He strengthens our faith in such a manner to show us that everything will be all right in the end, even through the worst of situations. For if we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord, and that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved; through thick and thin, Don't be afraid, for He is there and the winds will die down, and we will be completely amazed.
In times of trouble, things can seem like they just get worse and worse; as if your efforts are meaningless and only create more chaos in your life. In the end does not the Lord see us through safely? Through tumultuous seas of temptation, burden, hardships, trials, does not the Lord see us through? Take courage, for through the hardships, burdens, temptations, trials He is teaching us. He teaches us that He is there, that if we call out to Him, He will answer: He will save us. He strengthens our faith in such a manner to show us that everything will be all right in the end, even through the worst of situations. For if we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord, and that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved; through thick and thin, Don't be afraid, for He is there and the winds will die down, and we will be completely amazed.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Feeding & Filling Souls
"Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them." Luke 9:16, 17
Many times I feel inadequate in ministry, unable to give anybody anything, and useless in meeting the deep need of people's souls. Interestingly, those feelings are correct. I have nothing to offer anyone. People are blessed and spiritually filled through my ministry when I take my meager best to the Lord and let Him work with it. He'll bless and multiply it and then simply ask me to distribute and disperse what He gives me. People will be fed and filled when I simply give out that which I've first taken to the Lord. Ministry is just dispersing what He gives me. I have nothing to give and am unable to meet any one's need. I must remember that Jesus has what people need. I shouldn't expect to be the one to meet the need, just to be the go between to set things before the multitude. When this happens, souls will be fed and filled.
Many times I feel inadequate in ministry, unable to give anybody anything, and useless in meeting the deep need of people's souls. Interestingly, those feelings are correct. I have nothing to offer anyone. People are blessed and spiritually filled through my ministry when I take my meager best to the Lord and let Him work with it. He'll bless and multiply it and then simply ask me to distribute and disperse what He gives me. People will be fed and filled when I simply give out that which I've first taken to the Lord. Ministry is just dispersing what He gives me. I have nothing to give and am unable to meet any one's need. I must remember that Jesus has what people need. I shouldn't expect to be the one to meet the need, just to be the go between to set things before the multitude. When this happens, souls will be fed and filled.
Monday, April 28, 2008
God-Values
"For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumbline in the hand of Zerubbabel; they are the eyes of the LORD which run to and fro through the whole earth." Zechariah 4:10
Do you value what God values? Sometimes we can look down on small things. When we're just starting out in ministry or when we seem to be doing something menial, we can look down on it or not place the same value on it that God does. The Lord says that He rejoices to see the plumbline in the hand of Zerubbabel. He rejoices to see His work under way, yet there were some who saw Zerubbabel's work as small and insignificant. If God values it, its a great thing no matter how small you might think it is. Do you have God-values? Do you despise the day of small things that He rejoices over?
Do you value what God values? Sometimes we can look down on small things. When we're just starting out in ministry or when we seem to be doing something menial, we can look down on it or not place the same value on it that God does. The Lord says that He rejoices to see the plumbline in the hand of Zerubbabel. He rejoices to see His work under way, yet there were some who saw Zerubbabel's work as small and insignificant. If God values it, its a great thing no matter how small you might think it is. Do you have God-values? Do you despise the day of small things that He rejoices over?
Friday, April 11, 2008
Comments
Hey Everyone! Its your turn now. If you have a word of encouragement or a just a simple Bible verse on your heart, please share it with us. Click on "comments" below and post it.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Where is your heart?
“And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Hebrew 3:19.
Unbelief and Disobedience go hand in hand, and this was the root problem with those who came out of Egypt. The Holy Spirit tried to warn them by saying, “Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness”(3:7-8) when they were in the wilderness for those forty years. And those of an unbelieving heart are described as, “they always go astray in their heart, and they have not known My ways” (3:10) The result of unbelief will always be evident in disobedience. A perfect example was an unbelieving generation who did not enter because of unbelief. That’s why the author warns the reader and writes in verse 12, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God”. Then he exhorts them by saying, “but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” Keep believing in the living God even when it is difficult to believe because of circumstances. Keep obeying the Words of the Lord, and He shall bring it to pass. Why? So that you may enter into the promises God has for us. Do not go astray in your heart, but Hear His voice and believe and obey. Trust in the living God.
Unbelief and Disobedience go hand in hand, and this was the root problem with those who came out of Egypt. The Holy Spirit tried to warn them by saying, “Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness”(3:7-8) when they were in the wilderness for those forty years. And those of an unbelieving heart are described as, “they always go astray in their heart, and they have not known My ways” (3:10) The result of unbelief will always be evident in disobedience. A perfect example was an unbelieving generation who did not enter because of unbelief. That’s why the author warns the reader and writes in verse 12, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God”. Then he exhorts them by saying, “but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” Keep believing in the living God even when it is difficult to believe because of circumstances. Keep obeying the Words of the Lord, and He shall bring it to pass. Why? So that you may enter into the promises God has for us. Do not go astray in your heart, but Hear His voice and believe and obey. Trust in the living God.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Secular Music & Entertainment
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
We need to keep our hearts pure. Charles Spurgeon said “Now, the heart is just the reservoir of man, and our life is allowed to flow in its proper season. That life may flow through different pipes—the mouth, the hand, the eye; but still all the issues of hand, of eye, of lip, derive their source from the great fountain and central reservoir, the heart; and hence there is no difficulty in showing the great necessity that exists for keeping this reservoir, the heart, in a proper state and condition, since otherwise that which flows through the pipes must be touted and corrupt. May the Holy Spirit now direct our meditations.”
What you say, what you think, what you do, are all reflections of what you are. Listening to secular music and watching movies or television aren't sins. However, if the music you are listening to promotes sin and the movies or television shows you are watching glorify or encourage sexual immorality, profane language, drunkenness, greed, pride, lust and violence then that is something different. You will be polluting the source of your innermost being. We seriously need to recognize and consider the importance of guarding our hearts for the purpose of maintaining our spiritual lives and impacting the kingdom. Jesus warns us about what our hearts are capable of in Matthew 15:19, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”
Our hearts are the seat of our total personalities. What we hear is important, what we study is important, what we see is important. We should recognize that out of the heart will come all of the great issues of our lives. Jesus said that it isn’t what goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out of a man. That’s why it is important to “Keep our hearts with all diligence." If you are constantly being filled with corruption, corruption will flow out. “For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
In John 7:37 Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come after me and drink.” It is more important for the spirit to fill the reservoirs of our hearts so that His love may flow forth. Read the Word, hear the Word, and censor your TV & movie watching and the music that you listen to. Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Watch what you allow into your ears and your eyes, because what you see and hear will filter through those pipes into the reservoir of your heart. In the end it effects your meditations and how concerned you are with the more important things like salvation for the lost and the edification of the saints. Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2, "Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season."
Some of us could look at our CD collection, ITunes, TV programs, movie collection, or even carnal friends that in someway encourage or glorify sexual immorality, profane speech, intoxication, or rebellion to authority. The wisest thing we could ever do is to get rid of them to keep our hearts with all diligence and continue to run this race. Or we can be like a man who smokes a cigar and leaves a terrible smell everywhere he goes. Give your heart to Jesus Christ!! “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Out of a heart well kept will flow living issues, good fruit , the glory of God and the edification of others.
We need to keep our hearts pure. Charles Spurgeon said “Now, the heart is just the reservoir of man, and our life is allowed to flow in its proper season. That life may flow through different pipes—the mouth, the hand, the eye; but still all the issues of hand, of eye, of lip, derive their source from the great fountain and central reservoir, the heart; and hence there is no difficulty in showing the great necessity that exists for keeping this reservoir, the heart, in a proper state and condition, since otherwise that which flows through the pipes must be touted and corrupt. May the Holy Spirit now direct our meditations.”
What you say, what you think, what you do, are all reflections of what you are. Listening to secular music and watching movies or television aren't sins. However, if the music you are listening to promotes sin and the movies or television shows you are watching glorify or encourage sexual immorality, profane language, drunkenness, greed, pride, lust and violence then that is something different. You will be polluting the source of your innermost being. We seriously need to recognize and consider the importance of guarding our hearts for the purpose of maintaining our spiritual lives and impacting the kingdom. Jesus warns us about what our hearts are capable of in Matthew 15:19, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”
Our hearts are the seat of our total personalities. What we hear is important, what we study is important, what we see is important. We should recognize that out of the heart will come all of the great issues of our lives. Jesus said that it isn’t what goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out of a man. That’s why it is important to “Keep our hearts with all diligence." If you are constantly being filled with corruption, corruption will flow out. “For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
In John 7:37 Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come after me and drink.” It is more important for the spirit to fill the reservoirs of our hearts so that His love may flow forth. Read the Word, hear the Word, and censor your TV & movie watching and the music that you listen to. Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Watch what you allow into your ears and your eyes, because what you see and hear will filter through those pipes into the reservoir of your heart. In the end it effects your meditations and how concerned you are with the more important things like salvation for the lost and the edification of the saints. Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2, "Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season."
Some of us could look at our CD collection, ITunes, TV programs, movie collection, or even carnal friends that in someway encourage or glorify sexual immorality, profane speech, intoxication, or rebellion to authority. The wisest thing we could ever do is to get rid of them to keep our hearts with all diligence and continue to run this race. Or we can be like a man who smokes a cigar and leaves a terrible smell everywhere he goes. Give your heart to Jesus Christ!! “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Out of a heart well kept will flow living issues, good fruit , the glory of God and the edification of others.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Priorities and Business
At times life can be overwhelming. When I was a student, I remember tyring to juggle school projects, finals, work, family functions, chores, and ministry. There would be some weeks where I would just get fed up and shut down for a day. In seasons like this, it is imperative to get away and spend time with the Lord. Getting alone with Jesus in busy seasons is the hardest thing to do, but it's also the most necessary. After spending time in prayer and devotion, I'm able to sort through all of life's demands and re prioritize each one according to importance. Sometimes it helps to view priorities through kingdom eyes and determine their importance in light of what really matters. As we evaluate our priorities we can avoid unnecessary stress. I'm not saying we shouldn't care about getting good grades on a final or anything, but assigning its proper importance helps us not to get stressed out. Don't neglect your time with our Heavenly Father. Seeking Him is always first and most important.
Mark 1:35 "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed."
Mark 1:35 "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed."
Friday, March 14, 2008
Good For Something...or Nothing
Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
As the church, we are the salt of the earth. We are the preserving influence. But if the salt has lost its flavor, then it’s no longer doing its job and it's good for nothing. If the church is not being a purifying influence within the community, then it's good for nothing. The church needs to be a dynamic spiritual influence within the community, seeking to bring a spiritual godly influence within the community.
When the salt became unusable, they would throw it out on the pathways so that the rain would dissolve it and the sodium chloride would kill the vegetation. It was used to keep the pathways clear from weeds and grass, and so the salt was “trampled underfoot by men.” Jesus is saying, the church is to be the salt of the earth. If it is not the salt of the earth, it's good for nothing and it will be trampled under the foot of fallen man.
Jesus isn’t just giving a challenge; it is an ultimatum to the church. You either be what God intends you to be or you're not going to be, you'll be "trampled underfoot by men.”
As the church, we are the salt of the earth. We are the preserving influence. But if the salt has lost its flavor, then it’s no longer doing its job and it's good for nothing. If the church is not being a purifying influence within the community, then it's good for nothing. The church needs to be a dynamic spiritual influence within the community, seeking to bring a spiritual godly influence within the community.
When the salt became unusable, they would throw it out on the pathways so that the rain would dissolve it and the sodium chloride would kill the vegetation. It was used to keep the pathways clear from weeds and grass, and so the salt was “trampled underfoot by men.” Jesus is saying, the church is to be the salt of the earth. If it is not the salt of the earth, it's good for nothing and it will be trampled under the foot of fallen man.
Jesus isn’t just giving a challenge; it is an ultimatum to the church. You either be what God intends you to be or you're not going to be, you'll be "trampled underfoot by men.”
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
True Desire = Real Prayer
Romans 10:1 “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved”
Paul had a heart for the people of Israel. He had a heart for the lost, for the unsaved. It was not just a desire he had for them to be saved, but it was his prayer. We also ought to have a desire for the lost to be saved, and we need to put that desire into practice by praying for the lost unsaved people around us. There are many family members, friends, co-workers, so on, and so on who do not know the wonderful love of Christ. Later in that chapter Paul shows us how to be saved, he says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteous, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (v.9-10). If Jesus Christ can save someone as lost as you, is it too hard for Him to save anyone at all? Keep desiring the lost to be saved, and keep praying for their salvation. There are so many lost souls at stake.
Paul had a heart for the people of Israel. He had a heart for the lost, for the unsaved. It was not just a desire he had for them to be saved, but it was his prayer. We also ought to have a desire for the lost to be saved, and we need to put that desire into practice by praying for the lost unsaved people around us. There are many family members, friends, co-workers, so on, and so on who do not know the wonderful love of Christ. Later in that chapter Paul shows us how to be saved, he says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteous, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (v.9-10). If Jesus Christ can save someone as lost as you, is it too hard for Him to save anyone at all? Keep desiring the lost to be saved, and keep praying for their salvation. There are so many lost souls at stake.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Beyond Polite
Besides the dating/relationship issue, the ingrown clique issue is also a major concern in any young adult ministry. Over time the love and unity of the whole group diminishes. We gradually become less concerned with reaching out or welcoming new-comers, and more concerned with socializing with our elected group of friends that we're already comfortable with. We have our own inside jokes, encoded gestures, and sometimes our own language. We become ingrown and don't want to bother ourselves with loving those outside of our tight fellowship circle. Sure, we might politely greet someone new and say, "Hi, I'm so and so, nice to meet you," but how easily do we invite them into our established friendship circles? Beyond being polite at a Church event, how often do you really try to invite others outside of your comfort group to fellowship with you at non-church activities?
Sometimes cliques develop very subtly as everyone naturally gravitates towards those they have things in common with. They become "comfort" cliques in which there is no evil motive for the division, simply a desire to stay comfortable. In these cliques the members aren't really focused on loving others or dying to themselves. They don't want to go through the uncomfortableness of having to acclimate someone else into their group or extending hospitality to a stranger. So they continue on saying, "I just want to have fun with my friends that I trust and am comfortable with."
Other cliques can become slightly more unloving in that they begin to alienate or judge others unlike them. They become "cool" cliques in which the cohesiveness derives from how attractive or trendy the members are. People in cool cliques are noticeably more hospitable and friendly towards others that look attractive or dress nice. They might not speak evil of unattractive or un-trendy people, but they still alienate them by their demeanor and level of friendliness. Those in "not-so-cool" cliques are just as guilty as they begin to meanly judge the "cool" clique. They talk amongst themselves of the vanity and shallowness of those belonging to the "cool" clique. Yet, both are just as wrong.
May we fight against this and endeavor to be warm and loving to all, and enjoy the unity in Christ.
"My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the lord of glory, with partiality...If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you do well." (James 2:1, 8)
Sometimes cliques develop very subtly as everyone naturally gravitates towards those they have things in common with. They become "comfort" cliques in which there is no evil motive for the division, simply a desire to stay comfortable. In these cliques the members aren't really focused on loving others or dying to themselves. They don't want to go through the uncomfortableness of having to acclimate someone else into their group or extending hospitality to a stranger. So they continue on saying, "I just want to have fun with my friends that I trust and am comfortable with."
Other cliques can become slightly more unloving in that they begin to alienate or judge others unlike them. They become "cool" cliques in which the cohesiveness derives from how attractive or trendy the members are. People in cool cliques are noticeably more hospitable and friendly towards others that look attractive or dress nice. They might not speak evil of unattractive or un-trendy people, but they still alienate them by their demeanor and level of friendliness. Those in "not-so-cool" cliques are just as guilty as they begin to meanly judge the "cool" clique. They talk amongst themselves of the vanity and shallowness of those belonging to the "cool" clique. Yet, both are just as wrong.
May we fight against this and endeavor to be warm and loving to all, and enjoy the unity in Christ.
"My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the lord of glory, with partiality...If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you do well." (James 2:1, 8)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Jehovah Jireh
Genesis 22:14, "And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen."
The name Jehovah Jireh means that the Lord will provide, and more literally to make Himself known. This particular name for the Lord only appears in this verse as the Lord met Abraham's need in a special and unique way. God tested Abraham's faith even when he was unaware, and provided in a way probably never intended by Abraham. God continually makes Himself known in different ways and amidst various trials, but it is up to you and I to acknowledge when he does. We can be obsessed with the present circumstance and not look for what God is presently doing, or what he may want to do in the future. Trust me, God does want to work in any situation that we are in. God does love us and wants to show things exceedingly and abundantly more than we could have ever thought or imagined. He will provide, He is our sustenance.
The name Jehovah Jireh means that the Lord will provide, and more literally to make Himself known. This particular name for the Lord only appears in this verse as the Lord met Abraham's need in a special and unique way. God tested Abraham's faith even when he was unaware, and provided in a way probably never intended by Abraham. God continually makes Himself known in different ways and amidst various trials, but it is up to you and I to acknowledge when he does. We can be obsessed with the present circumstance and not look for what God is presently doing, or what he may want to do in the future. Trust me, God does want to work in any situation that we are in. God does love us and wants to show things exceedingly and abundantly more than we could have ever thought or imagined. He will provide, He is our sustenance.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Methods in Ministry
"...We must remember that methods work because of the principles behind them." Wiersbe
Some would argue that there is no bad method to "doing church," there are only "different" methods. I would suggest this is only partially true. Yes, there are varying methods of ministry from church to church and there is more than one way to achieve the same goal. But it remains that some methods are bad methods because of the principles behind them.
Some ministries place an emphasis on "staying relevent" and therefore adopt a method or style of ministry that fits in with current trends. This can be good, but great care and self examination should be taken when going this route because it can be a subtle shift from a sound principle. The principle at the forefront should be on ministering to eternal souls. We keep in mind the times and culture those souls live in so that they are reached in their own context. However, "staying relevent" isn't the principle; its a secondary thing; its a means to an end - a method. Thus, you have ministries who work hard at "staying relevent" and miss the principle. You'll see them look really "cool," trendy, and youthful, but no real ministry takes place. They've drifted from the principle and adopted a carnal motive. They are not focussed on saving souls or bringing people into maturity. They are simply cool ministries for cool people to congregate in. Their method is bad because it isn't properly attached to a principle and is motivated by the flesh.
Any method not birthed from principle or any method birthed from an unsound principle will prove itself unhealthy, even though it might yeild temporary results. The emphasis of a ministry shouldn' t be on a method but rather on the principle. Methods will vary but if you stay anchored to sound principles you will avoid bad methods (which do exist) and might breed carnality and shallowness in a church. Cultural context is helpful to consider in ministry, but we cannot drift from the solid biblical principles that we see in scripture. Today's church might look different outwardly, but inwardly it should not cease from being exactly the same as the early church we read about in Acts. "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers...praising God...and the Lord added to the church..." (Acts 2:42, 47). The principles must be the same or we'll employ unhealthy methods. Its all about Jesus, the salvation He offers, and His profitable Word. We must use good methods to get people to know & glorify Him, receive salvation, and be submitted to His Word.
Some would argue that there is no bad method to "doing church," there are only "different" methods. I would suggest this is only partially true. Yes, there are varying methods of ministry from church to church and there is more than one way to achieve the same goal. But it remains that some methods are bad methods because of the principles behind them.
Some ministries place an emphasis on "staying relevent" and therefore adopt a method or style of ministry that fits in with current trends. This can be good, but great care and self examination should be taken when going this route because it can be a subtle shift from a sound principle. The principle at the forefront should be on ministering to eternal souls. We keep in mind the times and culture those souls live in so that they are reached in their own context. However, "staying relevent" isn't the principle; its a secondary thing; its a means to an end - a method. Thus, you have ministries who work hard at "staying relevent" and miss the principle. You'll see them look really "cool," trendy, and youthful, but no real ministry takes place. They've drifted from the principle and adopted a carnal motive. They are not focussed on saving souls or bringing people into maturity. They are simply cool ministries for cool people to congregate in. Their method is bad because it isn't properly attached to a principle and is motivated by the flesh.
Any method not birthed from principle or any method birthed from an unsound principle will prove itself unhealthy, even though it might yeild temporary results. The emphasis of a ministry shouldn' t be on a method but rather on the principle. Methods will vary but if you stay anchored to sound principles you will avoid bad methods (which do exist) and might breed carnality and shallowness in a church. Cultural context is helpful to consider in ministry, but we cannot drift from the solid biblical principles that we see in scripture. Today's church might look different outwardly, but inwardly it should not cease from being exactly the same as the early church we read about in Acts. "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers...praising God...and the Lord added to the church..." (Acts 2:42, 47). The principles must be the same or we'll employ unhealthy methods. Its all about Jesus, the salvation He offers, and His profitable Word. We must use good methods to get people to know & glorify Him, receive salvation, and be submitted to His Word.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Proverbial Nugget on Liberty
Someone unwilling to sacrifice liberties for the greater good is not truly liberated. This person's motive seems to be the same as those who would use liberty as a license to sin. "Self" is on the throne of their heart, not Christ. Reaching souls is no real concern for this person.
"...Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ...For though I am free of all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more...just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 9:12b, 19, 10:33)
"...Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ...For though I am free of all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more...just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 9:12b, 19, 10:33)
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Singleness
Yeah...one of the biggest issues our age group seems to deal with. Sometimes we seem to go through seasons in our walks with the Lord. And while there are some seasons that we're perfectly content with our singleness, there are others that loneliness becomes a real struggle. What we need to guard ourselves from in such seasons is the danger of becoming consumed with searching for "the one." If we don't, we will slowly drift from the Lord because we become more concerned with seeking out a companion, than we are with seeking out Him. He knows our need and our heart, but he also knows the perfect time to bring that perfect one He has for us. His desire is that NOTHING distracts us from searching Him out, including a desire to search for someone else.
"For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:32, 33
"For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:32, 33
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