Wednesday August 6th we’ll begin a mid-week summer series called "Prayer: The Ultimate Lifestyle." For the next few weeks we'll be focusing on prayer as a lifestyle.
Paul said to the Thessalonians, Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). How do we do that? If prayer was just an exercise that we go through that required us to assume a certain posture and recite certain phrases, then following Paul's commandment would be impossible.
But prayer is much more than that. It's not just something you do occasionally, or even for a few minutes every day.
Prayer, when applied to your life the way God intended it to be, is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week conversation with God. It is a lifestyle!
I hope you can join us on Wednesdays as we learn together about this on-going conversation God wants to have with all of us.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Too Soon To Quit!
I mentioned a couple of days ago about the series, "Whatta Comeback!" we'll be starting this Sunday at CLC. It's all about the disciple Peter and his up's and down's in his faith journey. This Sunday part one is called "Stay In The Game." Norman Vincent Peale used to say, "It's always too soon to quit."
This reminds me of a quote attributed to Ross Perot: "Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the on the one-yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot away from a winning touchdown." Pretty profound for businessman-turned-politician!
On this subject, Paul encouraged us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
The "proper time" sometimes takes a little longer to arrive than we like. And sometimes it feels like the proper time will never arrive. This is when we need we need to engage our faith. It's when we need to determine to dig in and stick around a little longer. It's never a good time to quit.
B.C. Forbes said, "History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before the triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats."
The life of a Christ follower -- and more specifically, the ministry -- consists of overcoming one defeat after another. That's because we're in a spiritual battle and everyday we confront the enemy. We may lose a little ground from time to time, but we will not lose the war. We have been promised victory -- a harvest of righteousness -- if we do not give up. It's always too soon to quit!
This reminds me of a quote attributed to Ross Perot: "Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the on the one-yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot away from a winning touchdown." Pretty profound for businessman-turned-politician!
On this subject, Paul encouraged us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
The "proper time" sometimes takes a little longer to arrive than we like. And sometimes it feels like the proper time will never arrive. This is when we need we need to engage our faith. It's when we need to determine to dig in and stick around a little longer. It's never a good time to quit.
B.C. Forbes said, "History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before the triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats."
The life of a Christ follower -- and more specifically, the ministry -- consists of overcoming one defeat after another. That's because we're in a spiritual battle and everyday we confront the enemy. We may lose a little ground from time to time, but we will not lose the war. We have been promised victory -- a harvest of righteousness -- if we do not give up. It's always too soon to quit!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Comebacks Are Possible!
Hard to believe that July is almost in the history books! It's been a great summer at CLC. August promises to be just as wonderful.
This Sunday, August 3rd we’re beginning a three week series called “Whatta Comeback!” No matter how late in the game it may seem, no matter how far behind you appear to be, a comeback is possible. This series takes a look at the profound change that Peter experienced, revealing how to experience a turnaround in your life through the power of God's grace.
It's for those who feel like they're losing the game and need to turn things around. For the next three weeks we will learn some Biblical principles for creating change in your life from one of the Bible's most colorful characters, the Apostle Peter.
To say that Peter made a comeback is an understatement. In a very short period of time he went from the depths of despair and failure and hopelessness to the heights of faith and power and success. How did he get there?
I'll give away the ending right now and tell you this much: He couldn't have done it without God's help and God wouldn't have done it without Peter's participation.
Sunday we’ll look at the first step in making a comeback. It is making a decision to stay in the game as long as there is time on the clock. Many will never experience a comeback because they quit too soon. Do you want to make a comeback? Stay in the game. Stay in the game and wait for the miracles to begin!
This Sunday, August 3rd we’re beginning a three week series called “Whatta Comeback!” No matter how late in the game it may seem, no matter how far behind you appear to be, a comeback is possible. This series takes a look at the profound change that Peter experienced, revealing how to experience a turnaround in your life through the power of God's grace.
It's for those who feel like they're losing the game and need to turn things around. For the next three weeks we will learn some Biblical principles for creating change in your life from one of the Bible's most colorful characters, the Apostle Peter.
To say that Peter made a comeback is an understatement. In a very short period of time he went from the depths of despair and failure and hopelessness to the heights of faith and power and success. How did he get there?
I'll give away the ending right now and tell you this much: He couldn't have done it without God's help and God wouldn't have done it without Peter's participation.
Sunday we’ll look at the first step in making a comeback. It is making a decision to stay in the game as long as there is time on the clock. Many will never experience a comeback because they quit too soon. Do you want to make a comeback? Stay in the game. Stay in the game and wait for the miracles to begin!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Your Time Will Come
Satchel Paige threw his first major league pitch at the age of 42. Actually, he was good enough to play in the majors at the age of 18, but he couldn't: Satchel Paige was black. Seven years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, Paige, an undisputed superstar everywhere but in the major leagues, finally got his chance.
Cleveland owner Bill Veek was criticized for adding such an old man to his roster; some sportswriters and critics called it a publicity stunt. Others said Paige was finally getting the break he had deserved for years, though most doubted his ability to compete effectively at his age.
Paige silenced the critics when he won his first three games as a pro, shutting out Chicago twice in the process.
All along he knew he was good enough to pitch in the major leagues, and when he finally got his chance, he proved it. He went on to win 28 games during his pro career, and even made a brief comeback at the age of 59, pitching three innings for the Kansas City A's.
He approached his major league pitching debut no differently than he approached any of the 2,500 games he pitched during his career. "It was just another game," he said. "And home plate was where it always was."
Though Paige had the ability to make throwing a baseball look effortless, he spent his life perfecting the art. And, eventually, he got his chance to show the world he was capable of competing with the best.
King Solomon said, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29)
Solomon is emphasizing that commitment to quality is more important than self-promotion. Do your job well, he says, and you'll get your chance to serve before the best.
In the work that you do, you may have to wait years before you get your chance to play in the big leagues. And the fact is, the chance may never come in the way you would like. But you can be sure your time will come. As Christ followers we can work with the assurance that our jobs -- even the most menial tasks -- are performed before our King. Our efforts do not go unnoticed. All the more reason to pursue excellence in all we do!
Cleveland owner Bill Veek was criticized for adding such an old man to his roster; some sportswriters and critics called it a publicity stunt. Others said Paige was finally getting the break he had deserved for years, though most doubted his ability to compete effectively at his age.
Paige silenced the critics when he won his first three games as a pro, shutting out Chicago twice in the process.
All along he knew he was good enough to pitch in the major leagues, and when he finally got his chance, he proved it. He went on to win 28 games during his pro career, and even made a brief comeback at the age of 59, pitching three innings for the Kansas City A's.
He approached his major league pitching debut no differently than he approached any of the 2,500 games he pitched during his career. "It was just another game," he said. "And home plate was where it always was."
Though Paige had the ability to make throwing a baseball look effortless, he spent his life perfecting the art. And, eventually, he got his chance to show the world he was capable of competing with the best.
King Solomon said, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29)
Solomon is emphasizing that commitment to quality is more important than self-promotion. Do your job well, he says, and you'll get your chance to serve before the best.
In the work that you do, you may have to wait years before you get your chance to play in the big leagues. And the fact is, the chance may never come in the way you would like. But you can be sure your time will come. As Christ followers we can work with the assurance that our jobs -- even the most menial tasks -- are performed before our King. Our efforts do not go unnoticed. All the more reason to pursue excellence in all we do!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Teaching The Whole Bible
I came across this the other day in my reading the other day and wanted to share it with you. It's from D.A. Carson's book The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching. He states that there are six reasons why expository preaching deserves to be our primary method of proclamation. Expository preaching, in case you're wondering, is a form of preaching that concentrates on a specific text, and what that text says verses a topical approach. In other words, it's working verse by verse through a passage. Here's the six reasons why Carson considers it the primary method of bibical communication:
1. It is the method least likely to stray from Scripture. Expository preaching keeps focused on the main thing.
2. It teaches people how to read their Bibles. Expository preaching teaches people how to think through a passage, how to understand and apply God's word to their lives.
3. It gives confidence to the preacher and authorizes the sermon. If you are faithful to the text, you are certain your message is God's message. That is a wonderful feeling.
4. It meets the need for relevance without letting the clamor for relevance dictate the message. Expository preaching keeps the eternal central to the discussion.
5. It forces the preacher to handle the tough questions. You start working through text after text, and soon you hit passages on difficult topics that you will have to deal with.
6. It enables the preacher to expound systematically the whole counsel of God.
He concludes by stating "Other sermonic structures have their merits, but none offers our congregations more, week after week, than careful, faithful exposition of the Word of God."
Simply stated: The message is more important than the messenger, and deserves our full attention!
1. It is the method least likely to stray from Scripture. Expository preaching keeps focused on the main thing.
2. It teaches people how to read their Bibles. Expository preaching teaches people how to think through a passage, how to understand and apply God's word to their lives.
3. It gives confidence to the preacher and authorizes the sermon. If you are faithful to the text, you are certain your message is God's message. That is a wonderful feeling.
4. It meets the need for relevance without letting the clamor for relevance dictate the message. Expository preaching keeps the eternal central to the discussion.
5. It forces the preacher to handle the tough questions. You start working through text after text, and soon you hit passages on difficult topics that you will have to deal with.
6. It enables the preacher to expound systematically the whole counsel of God.
He concludes by stating "Other sermonic structures have their merits, but none offers our congregations more, week after week, than careful, faithful exposition of the Word of God."
Simply stated: The message is more important than the messenger, and deserves our full attention!
Monday, July 21, 2008
From Me To You...
I may not say it much, but I'm extremely honored to be the Senior Pastor of Christian Life Center. It's an incredible privilege to serve you in this capacity. Speaking for both Marvina and myself, we love you and are humbled to be included in your lives!
Every week or so I get an email from John Maxwell dealing primarily with leadership issues, etc. He tells a story about Tip O'Neill, former Speaker of the House in D.C. One election day an elderly neighbor came to him after leaving the polls and said, "Tip, I voted for you today even though you didn't ask me."
This surprised O'Neill. He said, "Mrs. O'Brian, I've known you all my life. I took your garbage out for you, I mowed your lawn, I shoveled snow for you. I didn't think I had to ask."
She answered him in a motherly tone: "Tip, it's always nice to be asked." O'Neill said he never forgot this bit of advice.
Sometimes leaders expect -- and rightfully so -- loyalty from the people we've served in the past. But we must not take this loyalty for granted. Maxwell says, "You can never tell people too often, too loudly, or too publicly how much you love them."
We truly do love you! Thanks for entrusting us with the responsibility of speaking into your lives!
Every week or so I get an email from John Maxwell dealing primarily with leadership issues, etc. He tells a story about Tip O'Neill, former Speaker of the House in D.C. One election day an elderly neighbor came to him after leaving the polls and said, "Tip, I voted for you today even though you didn't ask me."
This surprised O'Neill. He said, "Mrs. O'Brian, I've known you all my life. I took your garbage out for you, I mowed your lawn, I shoveled snow for you. I didn't think I had to ask."
She answered him in a motherly tone: "Tip, it's always nice to be asked." O'Neill said he never forgot this bit of advice.
Sometimes leaders expect -- and rightfully so -- loyalty from the people we've served in the past. But we must not take this loyalty for granted. Maxwell says, "You can never tell people too often, too loudly, or too publicly how much you love them."
We truly do love you! Thanks for entrusting us with the responsibility of speaking into your lives!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Holy Spirit
This Sunday is part two of our Experiencing God series on the Holy Spirit. I'll be speaking from the Old Testament book of Joel and the New Testament book of Acts. You cannot understand Joel 2 and Acts 2 apart from God’s great purpose to empower his people with the Spirit so they will take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Joel 2:28 contains a direct promise from God: “I will pour out my Spirit.” Break that sentence down:
I — the sovereignty of God.
Will — the determination of God.
Pour Out — the generosity of God.
My Spirit — the personality of God.
This Sunday we'll consider this amazing promise of the Spirit from five different perspectives:
I. This is a Promise for the Last Days.
(Acts 2:16)
II. This is a Promise for All People.
(Acts 2:17)
III. This is a Promise for All Groups.
(Acts 2:18)
IV. This is a Promise of Coming Judgment.
(Acts 2:19-20)
V. This is a Promise of Free Salvation.
(Acts 2:21)
God is more willing to pour out his Spirit than we are to receive his outpouring. The problem is never with God. It’s always with us. God has more he wants to do in our midst. There are new adventures in store for us if we will “catch the wave” of the Spirit.
If you have the opportunity read the second chapter of Joel and the second chapter of Acts before Sunday. We'll talk more about the power of the Holy Spirit and his influence in our lives!
I — the sovereignty of God.
Will — the determination of God.
Pour Out — the generosity of God.
My Spirit — the personality of God.
This Sunday we'll consider this amazing promise of the Spirit from five different perspectives:
I. This is a Promise for the Last Days.
(Acts 2:16)
II. This is a Promise for All People.
(Acts 2:17)
III. This is a Promise for All Groups.
(Acts 2:18)
IV. This is a Promise of Coming Judgment.
(Acts 2:19-20)
V. This is a Promise of Free Salvation.
(Acts 2:21)
God is more willing to pour out his Spirit than we are to receive his outpouring. The problem is never with God. It’s always with us. God has more he wants to do in our midst. There are new adventures in store for us if we will “catch the wave” of the Spirit.
If you have the opportunity read the second chapter of Joel and the second chapter of Acts before Sunday. We'll talk more about the power of the Holy Spirit and his influence in our lives!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Whom NOT To Marry
For those of you praying to find a godly spouse I offer the following....pretty smart advice if you ask me!
For 40 years Father Pat Connor, a 79 year old priest based in Bordentown, NJ, has been giving a talk to teens and young adults called "Whom Not To Marry." Most of his listeners are girls; they tend to be more interested -- but the rules work both ways.
The New York Times posted an article about him, with a summary of his message. I have summarized the summary and rephrased the "don'ts" into "do's." Here are the main points.
1. Marry a person who has friends; this is indication that he/she is capable of the intimacy that marriage demands.
2. Marry a person who uses money well -- not stingy, but not foolish.
3. Marry a person with a backbone, not someone whose life you can run. It's good to have a doormat in the home, but not if it's your spouse.
4. Marry a person who is capable of making his or her own decisions.
5. Marry a person who shares your sense of humor.
6. Marry a person who is able to talk things out.
7. Marry a person with character traits that you admire.
For 40 years Father Pat Connor, a 79 year old priest based in Bordentown, NJ, has been giving a talk to teens and young adults called "Whom Not To Marry." Most of his listeners are girls; they tend to be more interested -- but the rules work both ways.
The New York Times posted an article about him, with a summary of his message. I have summarized the summary and rephrased the "don'ts" into "do's." Here are the main points.
1. Marry a person who has friends; this is indication that he/she is capable of the intimacy that marriage demands.
2. Marry a person who uses money well -- not stingy, but not foolish.
3. Marry a person with a backbone, not someone whose life you can run. It's good to have a doormat in the home, but not if it's your spouse.
4. Marry a person who is capable of making his or her own decisions.
5. Marry a person who shares your sense of humor.
6. Marry a person who is able to talk things out.
7. Marry a person with character traits that you admire.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Quotes On Fear
Psalms 27:1 says, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" I recently came across some quotes on fear that I wanted to pass on to you. My personal favorite is the last one from Betty Bender...I can related to that one! How about you? Which one captures your feelings?
The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. -- Anne Frank
Experience teaches us that silence terrifies people the most. -- Bob Dylan
Fear grows in darkness; if you think there's a bogeyman around, turn on the light. -- Dorothy Thompson
Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety. -- Plato
Anything I've ever done that ultimately was worthwhile... initially scared me to death. -- Betty Bender
The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. -- Anne Frank
Experience teaches us that silence terrifies people the most. -- Bob Dylan
Fear grows in darkness; if you think there's a bogeyman around, turn on the light. -- Dorothy Thompson
Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety. -- Plato
Anything I've ever done that ultimately was worthwhile... initially scared me to death. -- Betty Bender
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Light It Up!
Elizabeth Barrett Browning once said, "Light tomorrow with today." I'm bit quite sure but I think she's talking about planting a certain type of seed: doing things each day -- even when today is a little dark -- to ensure that tomorrow is a little brighter.
This would include, for example, continuing to put money in your savings account even when things are tight financially right now. Or continuing to give your best effort at work even when your future with the company is uncertain. Or continuing to nurture a relationship that might not survive the current storm. Light tomorrow with today!
Regardless of what we're going through today, we need to continue to plant seeds for tomorrow. Sometimes it feels futile -- the future has a way of appearing all too uncertain -- but we can trust in God's goodness. Isaiah promises, "God will greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up." (Isaiah 32:20)
By planting seeds today, we are shining a light into tomorrow. No matter how dark it is today, you can begin planting seeds of light for tomorrow. God's faithfulness will ensure a great crop.
This would include, for example, continuing to put money in your savings account even when things are tight financially right now. Or continuing to give your best effort at work even when your future with the company is uncertain. Or continuing to nurture a relationship that might not survive the current storm. Light tomorrow with today!
Regardless of what we're going through today, we need to continue to plant seeds for tomorrow. Sometimes it feels futile -- the future has a way of appearing all too uncertain -- but we can trust in God's goodness. Isaiah promises, "God will greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up." (Isaiah 32:20)
By planting seeds today, we are shining a light into tomorrow. No matter how dark it is today, you can begin planting seeds of light for tomorrow. God's faithfulness will ensure a great crop.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
July Series: Experiencing God!
Everyone enjoys introducing their friends to someone whom they have met and whose presence enhances and impacts their lives. For the rest of July, both on Sundays and Wednesdays, we're going to talk about someone who can improve and deepen your entire life in a profound way. He is commonly referred to as "the third person of the Trinity" - The Holy Spirit.
Many find it awkward trying to relate to Him because they associate Him with strange and bizarre behavior. And unfortunately, this awkwardness often translates into living a life blinded to the Holy Spirit's work and role in our lives. And this, quite frankly, is a life lacking the power of God.
When Jesus ascended to heaven, He told His followers not to fear because He would send the Holy Spirit to inhabit and indwell the lives of Christ- followers...those who have a personal relationship with God.
Do you truly understand what this means to you as a follower of Jesus? Do you understand what it means to see and accept the presence of the Holy Spirit with the simplicity of a child-like faith? I hope you'll join us for this study as we discover the power and the pleasure of knowing Him who indwells us.
Many find it awkward trying to relate to Him because they associate Him with strange and bizarre behavior. And unfortunately, this awkwardness often translates into living a life blinded to the Holy Spirit's work and role in our lives. And this, quite frankly, is a life lacking the power of God.
When Jesus ascended to heaven, He told His followers not to fear because He would send the Holy Spirit to inhabit and indwell the lives of Christ- followers...those who have a personal relationship with God.
Do you truly understand what this means to you as a follower of Jesus? Do you understand what it means to see and accept the presence of the Holy Spirit with the simplicity of a child-like faith? I hope you'll join us for this study as we discover the power and the pleasure of knowing Him who indwells us.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Belated Thanks
Once again I've proved I'm not always the sharpest tool in the shed! I forgot to say thanks yesterday morning to our pastoral staff for taking the reins of the services while I was on vacation!
So, before I forget it again let me say it here first: "Thank you!!" A special thanks to Pastor John, Pastor Chris, and Pastor Steve for speaking in my absence also. They did an outstanding job.
Don't forget to pray for our missions team in Mexico this week too. I'm anxious to hear their report when they return!
So, before I forget it again let me say it here first: "Thank you!!" A special thanks to Pastor John, Pastor Chris, and Pastor Steve for speaking in my absence also. They did an outstanding job.
Don't forget to pray for our missions team in Mexico this week too. I'm anxious to hear their report when they return!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
No Place Like Home...
Be it ever so humble there's no place like home! I'm not sure who's responsible for coming up with that statement, but there's a certain amount of truth to it. After a week and a half in Florida the Smith's have returned home. While it was great to be away it's also good to be back.
I'm looking forward to being back in the pulpit Sunday! We're going to be looking at one of the most famous moments in the life of Moses: Crossing the Red Sea. We'll be talking about "When Things Seem Impossible."
Can't wait to see everyone again...see you Sunday!
I'm looking forward to being back in the pulpit Sunday! We're going to be looking at one of the most famous moments in the life of Moses: Crossing the Red Sea. We'll be talking about "When Things Seem Impossible."
Can't wait to see everyone again...see you Sunday!
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