Effective immediately my blog has been moved to a new site. You can access it here:
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
All You Can Eat
I know this may not be too surprising to many of you, but I like to eat. As a typical man I live with the TV remote control attached to my hand, but will always stop when I come across the Food Network. I love it...a TV channel about one of my favorite hobbies!
Not too long ago I heard about a restaurant in Denver that's right up my ally! They charge no set price for their meals. It's called the So All May Eat (SAME) Cafe. They operate on a "pay what you want" model.
No set prices. Customers can pay whatever they want. If you're unable to pay, they ask you to volunteer for an hour.
The cafe is an alternative to a soup kitchen. The food is good enough (it's organically grown health food) that customers don't mind paying for it; it's inexpensive enough that anyone eat there. Some people pay $10 for the cafe's pizza and salads, some pay for their meals by bussing tables and washing dishes.
I don't know if the owners, Brad and Libby Burky, are Christ followers -- but this is a great model for churches to follow. It's how the early church was described.
All the believers were together and had everything in common. (Acts 2:44)
Not too long ago I heard about a restaurant in Denver that's right up my ally! They charge no set price for their meals. It's called the So All May Eat (SAME) Cafe. They operate on a "pay what you want" model.
No set prices. Customers can pay whatever they want. If you're unable to pay, they ask you to volunteer for an hour.
The cafe is an alternative to a soup kitchen. The food is good enough (it's organically grown health food) that customers don't mind paying for it; it's inexpensive enough that anyone eat there. Some people pay $10 for the cafe's pizza and salads, some pay for their meals by bussing tables and washing dishes.
I don't know if the owners, Brad and Libby Burky, are Christ followers -- but this is a great model for churches to follow. It's how the early church was described.
All the believers were together and had everything in common. (Acts 2:44)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Finally...Gordon Wins!
A beautiful Sunday afternoon was made all the more better watching Jeff Gordon win his 82nd race. He now has won a race on every NASCAR track but one...quite an accomplishment.
More importantly he leads the points standings and appears to be well on his way to a great year!
More importantly he leads the points standings and appears to be well on his way to a great year!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Random
It's been a few days since my last blog entry. I'm in the process of making some changes to the look and feel of "Life @ The Center." You'll notice them very soon!
At the moment I'm sitting in the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport waiting to board an American Airlines flight back to Philly. I've been here for a couple of days of meetings.
I've completed Sunday morning's message, which will be the final portion of the Truth Project. I'm looking forward to it...should be a great day!
The entire Truth Project has been a great experience. I've heard from many who have enjoyed their small group discussions. The Truth Project "study" may be over, but the journey will continue.
This Sunday we are going to talk about “COMMUNITY AND INVOLEMENT: GOD CARES, DO I?”
The parable of the Good Samaritan offers a challenge for each of us, just as it did for those whom Jesus first told the story to. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider who the Samaritans in our lives are.
It further challenges us because Jesus calls us to live as "neighbors" to those we may think of as "untouchables," those people we'd just as soon not have any contact with at all.
But as Jesus Christ makes so very clear in the Parable of the Good Samaritan and in so many other examples from his life, there are no untouchables in the Kingdom of God. We are all created in the Divine Image, and we are all called to love each other.
Jesus made this very clear on the last night of his earthly life, when he told his disciples he was giving them a new commandment: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
This Sunday we’ll discover the One who went to the cross for you and for me is calling us to "Go and do likewise."
At the moment I'm sitting in the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport waiting to board an American Airlines flight back to Philly. I've been here for a couple of days of meetings.
I've completed Sunday morning's message, which will be the final portion of the Truth Project. I'm looking forward to it...should be a great day!
The entire Truth Project has been a great experience. I've heard from many who have enjoyed their small group discussions. The Truth Project "study" may be over, but the journey will continue.
This Sunday we are going to talk about “COMMUNITY AND INVOLEMENT: GOD CARES, DO I?”
The parable of the Good Samaritan offers a challenge for each of us, just as it did for those whom Jesus first told the story to. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider who the Samaritans in our lives are.
It further challenges us because Jesus calls us to live as "neighbors" to those we may think of as "untouchables," those people we'd just as soon not have any contact with at all.
But as Jesus Christ makes so very clear in the Parable of the Good Samaritan and in so many other examples from his life, there are no untouchables in the Kingdom of God. We are all created in the Divine Image, and we are all called to love each other.
Jesus made this very clear on the last night of his earthly life, when he told his disciples he was giving them a new commandment: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
This Sunday we’ll discover the One who went to the cross for you and for me is calling us to "Go and do likewise."
Monday, March 30, 2009
Worst to First
I was reading this week about Cal Ripken's record. You know which one I'm talking about: He played 2632 consecutive baseball games. This is a record that may never be broken; he will always be remembered as a legend in the game.
Many sports records are set when a player gets on a hot streak – he has a good game or a good month or even a good season. Ripken's record is the result of a 'hot streak' that lasted more than 16 years. Day after day he simply took the next step in the right direction, one game at a time.
Something many people don't know about Ripken is that during his first year as a pro – while playing minor league ball in West Virginia – he made his mark in a different way: he committed a league-leading 33 errors at short-stop. Not a good start, and since his dad was already well-known in baseball circles, many pundits said he was just over-rated kid, not good enough for life in the big leagues.
But Cal kept taking one more step in the right direction, one game at a time. Later in his career he went 95 consecutive games without making an error, and committed only three in an entire season – another record he holds. Ripken's habit of taking one more step led him through his own "worst to first" journey.
It's a journey you can take, too. God wants to pour out his grace in your life. He wants to change you through and through. He wants to give you victory over sin, and the power to live the life of your dreams?
Right now, if you feel like you're the worst, he wants to help you move in the direction of becoming first.
Many sports records are set when a player gets on a hot streak – he has a good game or a good month or even a good season. Ripken's record is the result of a 'hot streak' that lasted more than 16 years. Day after day he simply took the next step in the right direction, one game at a time.
Something many people don't know about Ripken is that during his first year as a pro – while playing minor league ball in West Virginia – he made his mark in a different way: he committed a league-leading 33 errors at short-stop. Not a good start, and since his dad was already well-known in baseball circles, many pundits said he was just over-rated kid, not good enough for life in the big leagues.
But Cal kept taking one more step in the right direction, one game at a time. Later in his career he went 95 consecutive games without making an error, and committed only three in an entire season – another record he holds. Ripken's habit of taking one more step led him through his own "worst to first" journey.
It's a journey you can take, too. God wants to pour out his grace in your life. He wants to change you through and through. He wants to give you victory over sin, and the power to live the life of your dreams?
Right now, if you feel like you're the worst, he wants to help you move in the direction of becoming first.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Einstein On Faith
TIME Magazine ran a story in April 2007 about the faith of Albert Einstein. Though Einstein was not a Christ follower, his views were interesting, and unique among scientists.
After his 50th birthday, he gave an interview to George Sylvester Viereck. Here is an excerpt of Time's excerpt.
To what extent are you influenced by Christianity? "As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene."
You accept the historical existence of Jesus? "Unquestionably! No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life."
Do you believe in God? "I'm not an atheist. I don't think I can call myself a pantheist. The problem involved is too vast for our limited minds.
We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written those books. It does not know how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child dimly suspects a mysterious order in the arrangement of the books but doesn't know what it is.
That, it seems to me, is the attitude of even the most intelligent human being toward God. We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws."
Here's a link to the article.
After his 50th birthday, he gave an interview to George Sylvester Viereck. Here is an excerpt of Time's excerpt.
To what extent are you influenced by Christianity? "As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene."
You accept the historical existence of Jesus? "Unquestionably! No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life."
Do you believe in God? "I'm not an atheist. I don't think I can call myself a pantheist. The problem involved is too vast for our limited minds.
We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written those books. It does not know how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child dimly suspects a mysterious order in the arrangement of the books but doesn't know what it is.
That, it seems to me, is the attitude of even the most intelligent human being toward God. We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws."
Here's a link to the article.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Are People This Crazy?
There's a Maytag commercial in heavy rotation these days. Maybe you've seen it: It involves a four wheel drive pick up and two parallel rows of about two dozen washing machines.
As the truck drives over the machines, you see the inevitable disclaimer: "Do not attempt."
Do they really think someone will go out and purchase 50 washing machines (an investment of about $40,000) and try to drive over them with a really big, expensive truck? I guess they do.
I know it's there for legal reasons -- because maybe someone actually is crazy enough to try driving over a row of washing machines. Maytag doesn't want to get sued if the experiment ends badly.
And so for that one oddball, they're forced to protect themselves with small print.
As the truck drives over the machines, you see the inevitable disclaimer: "Do not attempt."
Do they really think someone will go out and purchase 50 washing machines (an investment of about $40,000) and try to drive over them with a really big, expensive truck? I guess they do.
I know it's there for legal reasons -- because maybe someone actually is crazy enough to try driving over a row of washing machines. Maytag doesn't want to get sued if the experiment ends badly.
And so for that one oddball, they're forced to protect themselves with small print.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Truth Project #10
This Sunday as we continue our journey with the tenth week of the Truth Project, we are going to talk about The American Experiment.
America is unique in the history of the world. On these shores a people holding to a biblical worldview have had an opportunity to set up a system of government designed to keep the state within its divinely ordained boundaries.
The Bible is not silent about nations. We learn that God is greater than all nations, nations come and go, that God uses nations as part of His plans, and that people from all nations will be part of His Kingdom.
The Bible also teaches us specifically what a nation is to do in order to receive and continue in the blessings of God. Psalm 33:12 states, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD..."
This Sunday at Christian Life Center we'll talk about America's greatness, America's God, and America's hope. We'll also discover what Christ-followers can do to bring revival to this great land!
America is unique in the history of the world. On these shores a people holding to a biblical worldview have had an opportunity to set up a system of government designed to keep the state within its divinely ordained boundaries.
The Bible is not silent about nations. We learn that God is greater than all nations, nations come and go, that God uses nations as part of His plans, and that people from all nations will be part of His Kingdom.
The Bible also teaches us specifically what a nation is to do in order to receive and continue in the blessings of God. Psalm 33:12 states, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD..."
This Sunday at Christian Life Center we'll talk about America's greatness, America's God, and America's hope. We'll also discover what Christ-followers can do to bring revival to this great land!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
On The Decline
USA Today reported earlier this week on the decline of evangelicalism in America. Reporter Cathy Lyn Grossman stated her case...
The number of people who claim 'no religion' has almost doubled in the last 18 years, from 8% of the population to 15%.
The number of Baptists has decreased from 19.3% to 15.8%. (Even though the Southern Baptist Church has continued to grow, it hasn't kept up with the growth of the adult population, mainly due to immigration.)
Those who claim to be simply "Protestant" remain the same 14% as they were in 1990.
Though we need to aware of the numbers and we can not afford to be apathetic toward apparent trends, it's also true that there are still an estimated 115 million adult Protestant Christians in the US right now, which is well over 50% of the population.
When you add 57 million Catholics to that number, it's clear that this is still (at least now) a very religious, and predominantly Christian, nation.
Interestingly, evangelical Michael Spencer wrote an excellent editorial for the Christian Science Monitor earlier this week, The Coming Evangelical Collapse. I don't know that I agree with him, and I certainly hope he's wrong on a couple of points, but it's an interestingly read.
The number of people who claim 'no religion' has almost doubled in the last 18 years, from 8% of the population to 15%.
The number of Baptists has decreased from 19.3% to 15.8%. (Even though the Southern Baptist Church has continued to grow, it hasn't kept up with the growth of the adult population, mainly due to immigration.)
Those who claim to be simply "Protestant" remain the same 14% as they were in 1990.
Though we need to aware of the numbers and we can not afford to be apathetic toward apparent trends, it's also true that there are still an estimated 115 million adult Protestant Christians in the US right now, which is well over 50% of the population.
When you add 57 million Catholics to that number, it's clear that this is still (at least now) a very religious, and predominantly Christian, nation.
Interestingly, evangelical Michael Spencer wrote an excellent editorial for the Christian Science Monitor earlier this week, The Coming Evangelical Collapse. I don't know that I agree with him, and I certainly hope he's wrong on a couple of points, but it's an interestingly read.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
CLC Team!
"Do you realize how great a pastoral team you have?" It was a question someone asked me at a gathering of ministers from Philadelphia recently. They sort of shook their head as if to say "Wow! What an awesome group of pastors working at CLC!"
I have to agree. You won't find a more talented group of men and women. My job as the coach is to model the way, inspire a vision, enable them to act, encourage them along the way; and then get out of the way as the go at it!
Given the choice between one great player and a team of good players that work together, I'll take good over great every time.
This is something we need to remember as we strive to improve areas of ministry Christian Life Center. One great musician...one great youth leader...one great pastor cannot do it alone. It takes team players!
Franklin Roosevelt said,"People acting together as a group can accomplish things that no individual acting alone could ever hope to bring about. "
I'm humbled to be surrounded by an incredible group of people. I'm honored to be a peer among equals as we work to advance the Kingdom of God...together!
I have to agree. You won't find a more talented group of men and women. My job as the coach is to model the way, inspire a vision, enable them to act, encourage them along the way; and then get out of the way as the go at it!
Given the choice between one great player and a team of good players that work together, I'll take good over great every time.
This is something we need to remember as we strive to improve areas of ministry Christian Life Center. One great musician...one great youth leader...one great pastor cannot do it alone. It takes team players!
Franklin Roosevelt said,"People acting together as a group can accomplish things that no individual acting alone could ever hope to bring about. "
I'm humbled to be surrounded by an incredible group of people. I'm honored to be a peer among equals as we work to advance the Kingdom of God...together!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Challenge!
While meeting with high-some high level executives in Washington D.C. the week after the presidential election, John Maxwell overheard one of the men say, "I sure wouldn't want to be the next president of the United States with all the economic problems facing this country."
Maxwell's response: "I would love to be Barack Obama right now...You show me a person who's a great leader, and I will show you a person who loves a great challenge. That is the DNA of leadership. Leaders are not looking for the easy way out or quick exits; they love to be 'over their heads.'"
It's like the comment that Gene Hackman made to quarterback Keanu Reeves in The Replacements: "Winners always want the ball when the game is on the line."
Leaders understand the power of Paul's words: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." (Ephesians 3:20)
His power at work within us. This is why leaders love a challenge. It's why winners want the ball when the game is on the line!
Maxwell's response: "I would love to be Barack Obama right now...You show me a person who's a great leader, and I will show you a person who loves a great challenge. That is the DNA of leadership. Leaders are not looking for the easy way out or quick exits; they love to be 'over their heads.'"
It's like the comment that Gene Hackman made to quarterback Keanu Reeves in The Replacements: "Winners always want the ball when the game is on the line."
Leaders understand the power of Paul's words: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." (Ephesians 3:20)
His power at work within us. This is why leaders love a challenge. It's why winners want the ball when the game is on the line!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Stott's Seven Stages
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
John Stott points out there are seven great stages in this statement by the Apostle Paul.
1. God is able to do because he is not idle or inactive or dead.
2. God can do what we ask because he hears us when we pray.
3. He can do what we think because he knows what we think before we think it.
4. He can do all we ask or think because he knows it all and can do it all.
5. He can do more than we ask or think because his plans are bigger than our plans.
6. He can do much more than we ask or think because there is no holding back with God.
7. He can do exceedingly abundantly beyond what we can imagine because he is the God of the superlative
John Stott points out there are seven great stages in this statement by the Apostle Paul.
1. God is able to do because he is not idle or inactive or dead.
2. God can do what we ask because he hears us when we pray.
3. He can do what we think because he knows what we think before we think it.
4. He can do all we ask or think because he knows it all and can do it all.
5. He can do more than we ask or think because his plans are bigger than our plans.
6. He can do much more than we ask or think because there is no holding back with God.
7. He can do exceedingly abundantly beyond what we can imagine because he is the God of the superlative
Friday, March 6, 2009
Out Of Proportion
Florida resident Latreasa Goodman called 911 three times on Saturday February 28. The emergency? McDonald's was out of Chicken McNuggets.
She had paid for them, but McDonald's wanted to switch them for a McDouble, and Ms. Goodman appealed to 911, saying, "This is an emergency. If I would have known they didn't have McNuggets, I wouldn't have given my money, and now she wants to give me a McDouble, but I don't want one."
She was cited for misusing the 911 system.
Last February, Jean Fortune, another Florida resident, called 911 because the local Burger King was taking too long to fill his order. What's more they didn't have lemonade. He wanted the police to come to the scene and settle the matter!
I guess you might say these were over-reactions. It's frustrating when a fast-food place doesn't get your order right, but it's not really an emergency, is it?
The truth is, many of the things that stress us out aren't really worth it. We have a tendency to take little events and blow them up into big things -- especially in relationships.
In the movie Ruthless People, Danny DeVito wants to kill his wife because "I hate the way she licks stamps." We all have a tendency to blow little things out of proportion.
An important part of living the Christian life is learning to put up with annoying situations and the annoying habits of some people, responding instead with a spirit of love and patience. When events irritate you, strive to under-react.
Paul said, "Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God." (Philippians 2:14-15)
She had paid for them, but McDonald's wanted to switch them for a McDouble, and Ms. Goodman appealed to 911, saying, "This is an emergency. If I would have known they didn't have McNuggets, I wouldn't have given my money, and now she wants to give me a McDouble, but I don't want one."
She was cited for misusing the 911 system.
Last February, Jean Fortune, another Florida resident, called 911 because the local Burger King was taking too long to fill his order. What's more they didn't have lemonade. He wanted the police to come to the scene and settle the matter!
I guess you might say these were over-reactions. It's frustrating when a fast-food place doesn't get your order right, but it's not really an emergency, is it?
The truth is, many of the things that stress us out aren't really worth it. We have a tendency to take little events and blow them up into big things -- especially in relationships.
In the movie Ruthless People, Danny DeVito wants to kill his wife because "I hate the way she licks stamps." We all have a tendency to blow little things out of proportion.
An important part of living the Christian life is learning to put up with annoying situations and the annoying habits of some people, responding instead with a spirit of love and patience. When events irritate you, strive to under-react.
Paul said, "Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God." (Philippians 2:14-15)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
CELEBRITY SYNDROME!
I don't know if you have heard the Christian Bale audio that has been posted all over the place in the last couple of months. It's better if you haven't, actually. It's a profanity laced rant that the movie star (star of the new Terminator movie) unleashed on a member of crew.
Apparently the guy blocked some of Mr. Bale's light during a scene, and Bale went ballistic. I heard a portion of it on TV, so much of it was bleeped out, but it was pretty intense.
It's not uncommon to see certain celebrities throw tantrums and demand special treatment. We just think they're spoiled, but one psychiatrist, Cornell's Robert B. Millman, says they're not spoiled, they're sick. The affliction is Acquired Situational Narcissism.
ASN develops when once-ordinary people achieve extra-ordinary success, such as winning an Oscar or being named rookie of the year. This double-dose of adulation loosens people's grip on reality and they become (according to Millman) "unbelievably self-involved because of the attention from us. We make it so." [From Reader's Digest April 2002]
Even though most of us will never be at risk of getting Acquired Situational Narcissism -- our lives are far too ordinary -- we all struggle with the temptation of becoming overly self-involved. We sometimes imagine minor-league celebrity status for ourselves and become prima donnas in the work-place, or at church, or at home.
A remedy for this tendency is to remember Paul's words...in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Apparently the guy blocked some of Mr. Bale's light during a scene, and Bale went ballistic. I heard a portion of it on TV, so much of it was bleeped out, but it was pretty intense.
It's not uncommon to see certain celebrities throw tantrums and demand special treatment. We just think they're spoiled, but one psychiatrist, Cornell's Robert B. Millman, says they're not spoiled, they're sick. The affliction is Acquired Situational Narcissism.
ASN develops when once-ordinary people achieve extra-ordinary success, such as winning an Oscar or being named rookie of the year. This double-dose of adulation loosens people's grip on reality and they become (according to Millman) "unbelievably self-involved because of the attention from us. We make it so." [From Reader's Digest April 2002]
Even though most of us will never be at risk of getting Acquired Situational Narcissism -- our lives are far too ordinary -- we all struggle with the temptation of becoming overly self-involved. We sometimes imagine minor-league celebrity status for ourselves and become prima donnas in the work-place, or at church, or at home.
A remedy for this tendency is to remember Paul's words...in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
What We Have
Someone once said, "We are successful the moment we focus on what we have instead of what we lack."
Moses faced a similar situation when God called him to lead the people of Israel out of slavery. Moses' response was "What if they don't listen to me?"
God's response was "What do you have?" Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2)
What Moses had was a rod. But it was more than a rod; it symbolized the power of God, and it was all Moses needed. That rod taught Moses not to look at what he had lacked, but look at what he had: the power of God in his life.
What do you have? Along with your talent and your determination, you can list the power of God among your assets. And needless to say, it goes at the top of the list.
Whatever challenges you are facing — whatever seemingly insurmountable odds — remember that the key to victory is focusing on what you have, not on what you lack
Moses faced a similar situation when God called him to lead the people of Israel out of slavery. Moses' response was "What if they don't listen to me?"
God's response was "What do you have?" Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2)
What Moses had was a rod. But it was more than a rod; it symbolized the power of God, and it was all Moses needed. That rod taught Moses not to look at what he had lacked, but look at what he had: the power of God in his life.
What do you have? Along with your talent and your determination, you can list the power of God among your assets. And needless to say, it goes at the top of the list.
Whatever challenges you are facing — whatever seemingly insurmountable odds — remember that the key to victory is focusing on what you have, not on what you lack
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Holy Spirit Speak
I saw an ad at a website offering an email subscription to "Daily Quotes from the Holy Spirit." Apparently, they send you an email each morning with some words spoken especially for you by the Holy Spirit. I have no idea what kind of quotes they are. The site looks kind of new-agey, so I imagine they follow that pattern.
I didn't subscribe, but I have to admit I liked the idea of hearing from the Holy Spirit everyday. Imagine starting everyday with a word from him, a word specifically spoken for you. Wouldn't that be great?
I guess you know where I'm going with this. We can start everyday with a personal word from the Holy Spirit, email not required. All you need is a Bible and willingness to listen.
I'll admit that when I read scripture early in the day, sometimes I'm reading with the intention of finishing and moving on to the next thing. Or sometimes I'm reading with the intention of finding a sermon.
Sometimes I forget that I could be listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit -- that he is ready to speak to my heart, if I will just sit still long enough to hear him.
Let's remember each day that he is willing to speak to each one of us, that he is just waiting for us to stop and listen. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
I didn't subscribe, but I have to admit I liked the idea of hearing from the Holy Spirit everyday. Imagine starting everyday with a word from him, a word specifically spoken for you. Wouldn't that be great?
I guess you know where I'm going with this. We can start everyday with a personal word from the Holy Spirit, email not required. All you need is a Bible and willingness to listen.
I'll admit that when I read scripture early in the day, sometimes I'm reading with the intention of finishing and moving on to the next thing. Or sometimes I'm reading with the intention of finding a sermon.
Sometimes I forget that I could be listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit -- that he is ready to speak to my heart, if I will just sit still long enough to hear him.
Let's remember each day that he is willing to speak to each one of us, that he is just waiting for us to stop and listen. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Give It Away
Debbie Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields' Cookies, said that her best public relations approach was a good cookie. When she was twenty years old and newly married, she wanted to sell the soft, chewy cookies that she'd been baking at home. She opened her first cookie store, and the first day nobody bought any.
So, she filled a tray, stepped out onto the sidewalk, and began giving cookies away. People followed her back to the store—to buy.
Even today, with over 700 stores, she uses the same technique. At every location, passersby are invited in to sample free cookies.
Sounds like an odd way to build a business, doesn't it? Getting people to buy your product by giving it away? It worked, because Mrs. Fields realized that her primary objective wasn't really making money; it was serving customers.
Danny Thomas said, "Success has nothing to do with what you gain or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others." This is why Thomas will be remembered for establishing St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis long after people have forgotten "Make Room For Daddy."
Jesus taught us to live by this principle of "What Can I Do For You?" He said, "Whoever wants to become great among you must become a servant." (Matthew 20:26)
Whatever secondary roles we may fill in our lives, we must keep in mind that the primary role for all believers is that of a servant. Every day offers a new opportunity to invest our lives in others.
So, she filled a tray, stepped out onto the sidewalk, and began giving cookies away. People followed her back to the store—to buy.
Even today, with over 700 stores, she uses the same technique. At every location, passersby are invited in to sample free cookies.
Sounds like an odd way to build a business, doesn't it? Getting people to buy your product by giving it away? It worked, because Mrs. Fields realized that her primary objective wasn't really making money; it was serving customers.
Danny Thomas said, "Success has nothing to do with what you gain or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others." This is why Thomas will be remembered for establishing St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis long after people have forgotten "Make Room For Daddy."
Jesus taught us to live by this principle of "What Can I Do For You?" He said, "Whoever wants to become great among you must become a servant." (Matthew 20:26)
Whatever secondary roles we may fill in our lives, we must keep in mind that the primary role for all believers is that of a servant. Every day offers a new opportunity to invest our lives in others.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Today's The Day!
Mel Fisher spent his life diving for buried treasure. In the late 1960's he began a quest for the priceless treasure cargo of the fabled lost Spanish galleon Atocha. Every day, for more than 16 years, Mel, his wife, his children, and his band of "Treasure Salvors" explored the waters off the coast of Florida, in search of riches.
He motivated his team and kept the dream alive by beginning each day's hunt with the cry: "Today's the day!" Finally, after more than 16 years of searching, that day arrived.
On July 20, 1985 Mel Fisher's team discovered the Atocha, containing a treasure worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The days of sporadic paychecks and living hand-to-mouth were over for Mel and his team.
Solomon tells us that if we'll search for wisdom the same way Mel searched for riches, we'll find an even greater reward: the knowledge of God.
The Bible makes the bold promise that within its pages you can discover foundational truths upon which you can build your marriage, your career, your family, your finances, your friendships, your relationship to God, and every aspect of your life.
And the best part is: these truths aren't elusive. It doesn't take 16 years to find treasure. When you search the Bible for God's direction for your life, you can make a new discovery every day. On one day you'll be reminded of someone you need to forgive; on another day you'll get insight in how to deal with a problem at work; on another day you'll become aware of a sin you need to confess, and on and on.
When you open the pages of your Bible, you can truly say, "Today's the Day!" We haven't been put on earth to stumble in the dark. God's light is available to us. He speaks to us each day, giving us the direction we need, if we will only search for it.
In speaking of wisdom for daily living, Solomon said, If you look for it as silver, and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:4-5)
He motivated his team and kept the dream alive by beginning each day's hunt with the cry: "Today's the day!" Finally, after more than 16 years of searching, that day arrived.
On July 20, 1985 Mel Fisher's team discovered the Atocha, containing a treasure worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The days of sporadic paychecks and living hand-to-mouth were over for Mel and his team.
Solomon tells us that if we'll search for wisdom the same way Mel searched for riches, we'll find an even greater reward: the knowledge of God.
The Bible makes the bold promise that within its pages you can discover foundational truths upon which you can build your marriage, your career, your family, your finances, your friendships, your relationship to God, and every aspect of your life.
And the best part is: these truths aren't elusive. It doesn't take 16 years to find treasure. When you search the Bible for God's direction for your life, you can make a new discovery every day. On one day you'll be reminded of someone you need to forgive; on another day you'll get insight in how to deal with a problem at work; on another day you'll become aware of a sin you need to confess, and on and on.
When you open the pages of your Bible, you can truly say, "Today's the Day!" We haven't been put on earth to stumble in the dark. God's light is available to us. He speaks to us each day, giving us the direction we need, if we will only search for it.
In speaking of wisdom for daily living, Solomon said, If you look for it as silver, and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:4-5)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Truth Project Pt. 6
This Sunday as we continue our journey with the sixth week of the Truth Project, we are going to talk about “History: The Importance of Remembering the Past.”
When we forget the past we lose the anchor that keeps us from drifting. When we forget the sacrifices made for our freedom we start taking that freedom for granted. And when we forget our spiritual roots we begin drifting away from God.
As a nation we have tried to keep our history alive through monuments. We have monuments to various wars. We have museums that contain artifacts that tell the story of the past. We place monuments in cemeteries and study family genealogical records, all in an attempt to keep our "history" alive.
This Sunday we are going to talk about the importance of doing the same thing in our spiritual lives.
From the very beginning of Israel's history in Exodus 13 God made a habit of building monuments and establishing symbols that would keep people informed.
They were designed to make people stop and remember God's power, God's love, and God's faithfulness. This Sunday we are going to examine, why we need to remember, what we need to remember, and how we can remember more effectively!
When we forget the past we lose the anchor that keeps us from drifting. When we forget the sacrifices made for our freedom we start taking that freedom for granted. And when we forget our spiritual roots we begin drifting away from God.
As a nation we have tried to keep our history alive through monuments. We have monuments to various wars. We have museums that contain artifacts that tell the story of the past. We place monuments in cemeteries and study family genealogical records, all in an attempt to keep our "history" alive.
This Sunday we are going to talk about the importance of doing the same thing in our spiritual lives.
From the very beginning of Israel's history in Exodus 13 God made a habit of building monuments and establishing symbols that would keep people informed.
They were designed to make people stop and remember God's power, God's love, and God's faithfulness. This Sunday we are going to examine, why we need to remember, what we need to remember, and how we can remember more effectively!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Adventure Continues
One of my favorite show business story is one that happened years ago. It's about the Glenn Miller band. Their bus broke down in the middle of nowhere and they were late for a gig so the band members were forced to walk a long distance into town through snow, ice and mud carrying their instruments.
While trudging through a field, they came across a farmhouse. Inside they could see a family sitting by the fire, husband reading the paper, wife knitting, children playing on the floor with their toys: a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. One of the musician shuddered and said to another, "How do people live like that?"
Performers get that joke. So should those of us in the ministry. Though there's nothing wrong with a "Rockwellian lifestyle," we need to aspire for something more. If we're not getting our hands dirty, if we're not roughing it a little bit, if we're not trudging through ice or snow, so to speak, in order to get the job done — then we're asking too little of ourselves.
Sometimes my life has the ease and comfort of a Rockwell painting, and I treasure those moments. But the crazy times — those remind me that the ministry (and the life of discipleship) is intended to be an adventure. It's inconvenient sometimes, and occasionally repetitious, and often demanding — but it's an adventure. And as for me, I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Here's Matthew 16:24 in the New Living Translation: "If anyone of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life."
While trudging through a field, they came across a farmhouse. Inside they could see a family sitting by the fire, husband reading the paper, wife knitting, children playing on the floor with their toys: a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. One of the musician shuddered and said to another, "How do people live like that?"
Performers get that joke. So should those of us in the ministry. Though there's nothing wrong with a "Rockwellian lifestyle," we need to aspire for something more. If we're not getting our hands dirty, if we're not roughing it a little bit, if we're not trudging through ice or snow, so to speak, in order to get the job done — then we're asking too little of ourselves.
Sometimes my life has the ease and comfort of a Rockwell painting, and I treasure those moments. But the crazy times — those remind me that the ministry (and the life of discipleship) is intended to be an adventure. It's inconvenient sometimes, and occasionally repetitious, and often demanding — but it's an adventure. And as for me, I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Here's Matthew 16:24 in the New Living Translation: "If anyone of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life."
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Personal Retreat
For the next few days I'll be on a personal retreat at Avalon, NJ. I look forward to these times away. Gives me an opportunity to do some extended praying, reading, planning, etc.
So, if I'm quiet for a few days you'll know why. In the meantime, if there's something I can pray with you about leave me a comment.
So, if I'm quiet for a few days you'll know why. In the meantime, if there's something I can pray with you about leave me a comment.
Friday, February 13, 2009
In The Beginning God...
"It was a dark and stormy night;" was the opening line of every book Snoopy ever started to write in the Peanuts comic strip. There's something about opening lines. You know, for example, when you hear the phrase "Once upon a time," that you are about to hear a story.
Opening lines set the stage; they introduce the plot and characters. They set everything in motion.
This Sunday at Christian Life Center as we continue our journey with the fifth week of the Truth Project, we are going to set this story in motion. You can't understand God's story without starting in Genesis 1.
The story is really quite simple. It starts out in the Garden of Eden, when the world is good. We get all the way into chapter three before man falls apart. God sets into motion a redemptive plan while man continues to rebel and fall.
God sends his son, and man rejects him. God initiates a final covenant called the church. Some people respond to it; some don't. The church is sent forth into the world to retell the story. Some people receive it; some don't. Ultimately God returns and takes us back into a garden.
When we look at chapter one of the creation story, we find ourselves with what one man calls the prelude and the plot. It is musical and poetic, and it sets up the story. The underpinning assumption is that the story begins with an act of God: "In the beginning God."
If you accept the statement "In the beginning God," then everything else about Scripture falls into place and leaves no room for debate. Genesis 1:1–2 sets the stage for everything that's going to happen!
Opening lines set the stage; they introduce the plot and characters. They set everything in motion.
This Sunday at Christian Life Center as we continue our journey with the fifth week of the Truth Project, we are going to set this story in motion. You can't understand God's story without starting in Genesis 1.
The story is really quite simple. It starts out in the Garden of Eden, when the world is good. We get all the way into chapter three before man falls apart. God sets into motion a redemptive plan while man continues to rebel and fall.
God sends his son, and man rejects him. God initiates a final covenant called the church. Some people respond to it; some don't. The church is sent forth into the world to retell the story. Some people receive it; some don't. Ultimately God returns and takes us back into a garden.
When we look at chapter one of the creation story, we find ourselves with what one man calls the prelude and the plot. It is musical and poetic, and it sets up the story. The underpinning assumption is that the story begins with an act of God: "In the beginning God."
If you accept the statement "In the beginning God," then everything else about Scripture falls into place and leaves no room for debate. Genesis 1:1–2 sets the stage for everything that's going to happen!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Grace is Amazing!
I love these quotes on grace! I especially like the one by Jerry Bridges...what a powerful thought!
Grace creates liberated laughter. The grace of God in Jesus Christ is beautiful, and it radiates joy and awakens humor. —Karl Barth
Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. —Jerry Bridges
Thank God, he doesn't measure grace out in teaspoons. —Amy Carmichael
Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected. —Jonathan Edwards
You will never be called upon to give anyone more grace than God has already given you. —Max Lucado
Grace creates liberated laughter. The grace of God in Jesus Christ is beautiful, and it radiates joy and awakens humor. —Karl Barth
Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. —Jerry Bridges
Thank God, he doesn't measure grace out in teaspoons. —Amy Carmichael
Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected. —Jonathan Edwards
You will never be called upon to give anyone more grace than God has already given you. —Max Lucado
Monday, February 9, 2009
Suspended from work for praying??
Here's a story from The Telegraph you'll find interesting. There's a link at the bottom of the post for the full story.
Caroline Petrie, a committed Christian, has been accused by her employers of failing to demonstrate a "personal and professional commitment to equality and diversity".
She faces disciplinary action and could lose her job over the incident.
Mrs Petrie, a married mother of two, says she has been left shocked and upset by the action taken against her.
The incident which led to her suspension took place at the home of a woman patient in Winscombe, North Somerset.
"It was around lunchtime and I had spent about 20 to 25 minutes with her. I had applied dressings to her legs and shortly before I left I said to her: 'Would you like me to pray for you?'
"She said 'No, thank you.' And I said: 'OK.' I only offered to pray for her because I was concerned about her welfare and wanted her to get better."
However, after the incident on December 15, she was contacted by the trust and asked to explain her actions.
The woman patient, who is believed to be in her late 70s, is understood to have complained to the trust.
Mrs Petrie said that she often offers to pray for her patients and that many take her up on it.
She insists she has never forced her own religious beliefs on anyone but politely inquired if the elderly patient wanted her to pray for her – either in the woman's presence or after the nurse had left the patient's home. She has been a committed Christian since she was ten – after her mother died of breast cancer.
"I simply couldn't believe that I have been suspended over this. I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. All I am trying to do is help my patients, many of whom want me to pray for them," she said.
Here's a link to the story
Caroline Petrie, a committed Christian, has been accused by her employers of failing to demonstrate a "personal and professional commitment to equality and diversity".
She faces disciplinary action and could lose her job over the incident.
Mrs Petrie, a married mother of two, says she has been left shocked and upset by the action taken against her.
The incident which led to her suspension took place at the home of a woman patient in Winscombe, North Somerset.
"It was around lunchtime and I had spent about 20 to 25 minutes with her. I had applied dressings to her legs and shortly before I left I said to her: 'Would you like me to pray for you?'
"She said 'No, thank you.' And I said: 'OK.' I only offered to pray for her because I was concerned about her welfare and wanted her to get better."
However, after the incident on December 15, she was contacted by the trust and asked to explain her actions.
The woman patient, who is believed to be in her late 70s, is understood to have complained to the trust.
Mrs Petrie said that she often offers to pray for her patients and that many take her up on it.
She insists she has never forced her own religious beliefs on anyone but politely inquired if the elderly patient wanted her to pray for her – either in the woman's presence or after the nurse had left the patient's home. She has been a committed Christian since she was ten – after her mother died of breast cancer.
"I simply couldn't believe that I have been suspended over this. I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. All I am trying to do is help my patients, many of whom want me to pray for them," she said.
Here's a link to the story
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Mercy
St. Francis of Assisi said, "You should not let a single person in the world, whatever sin that person may have committed, come before your eyes and depart without having found mercy with you...
And were that person to come to you a thousand times, continue to love them so as to lead them back to the right path. Always have compassion, for all of us have sinned." —St. Francis of Assisi
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4)
And were that person to come to you a thousand times, continue to love them so as to lead them back to the right path. Always have compassion, for all of us have sinned." —St. Francis of Assisi
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Truth Project Pt. 4
This week we continue our journey with the fourth week of the Truth Project. This Sunday on our Worldview Tour we’ll be talking about Theology: Who is God?
Who is God? He's been described as everything from an impersonal life-force to a benevolent, personal, almighty Creator. He has been called by many names, including: "Zeus," "Jupiter," "Brahma," "Allah," "Ra," and "the Great Spirit" to name just a few. He's seen by some as "Mother Nature" and by others as "Father God." But who is He really? Who does He claim to be?
For people who don’t believe in a Divine Presence, God is just a three-letter word, a word that is spoken as derogatory slang, in fits of rage or casual conversation. There is no meaning other than to fill up a sentence. In their search for meaning in their lives, they look to what they can visualize, touch, and feel. The word ‘god’ is given to the satisfaction of their desires.
But for a Christ follower, God is the ever-living Presence who desires to be a part of our lives that He became Life to us.
He gives us promises in the Bible that were true centuries ago, are true today, and will be true tomorrow. He has promised us ‘life and life abundantly!’
Who is God? He's been described as everything from an impersonal life-force to a benevolent, personal, almighty Creator. He has been called by many names, including: "Zeus," "Jupiter," "Brahma," "Allah," "Ra," and "the Great Spirit" to name just a few. He's seen by some as "Mother Nature" and by others as "Father God." But who is He really? Who does He claim to be?
For people who don’t believe in a Divine Presence, God is just a three-letter word, a word that is spoken as derogatory slang, in fits of rage or casual conversation. There is no meaning other than to fill up a sentence. In their search for meaning in their lives, they look to what they can visualize, touch, and feel. The word ‘god’ is given to the satisfaction of their desires.
But for a Christ follower, God is the ever-living Presence who desires to be a part of our lives that He became Life to us.
He gives us promises in the Bible that were true centuries ago, are true today, and will be true tomorrow. He has promised us ‘life and life abundantly!’
Thursday, February 5, 2009
"Get it done" Leaders
I love reading Nehemiah 3. It's a list of everyone who finished the Jerusalem Wall project they were assigned: Eliashib and his fellow priests rebuilt the Sheep Gate, the sons of Hassenaah rebuilt the Fish Gate, Joiada repaired the Old Gate, and on and on. If Hebrews 11 is the roll call of faith, Nehemiah 3 is the roll call of responsibility.
However, one verse in this chapter sticks out: The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors. (Nehemiah 3:5)
I can imagine that the nobles were the type that didn't mind helping supervise the project, but Nehemiah says that they didn't want to "put their shoulders to the work." Ever worked with someone like that? Someone who could pinpoint the problem, but was of no real use in bringing about a solution? Someone who saw themselves as being just a little above the hands-on effort required to complete a project?
British General Alan Brooke said, "It is child's play deciding what should be done as compared with getting it done."
This is what I look for more than anything else when hiring an employee or placing a person in ministry leadership: the ability to get things done. It's also one of the characteristics I most want instilled in my children. And it's a quality I try to build in myself.
The most effective leaders can do more than diagnose the problem. They can take the steps necessary to make the problem go away
However, one verse in this chapter sticks out: The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors. (Nehemiah 3:5)
I can imagine that the nobles were the type that didn't mind helping supervise the project, but Nehemiah says that they didn't want to "put their shoulders to the work." Ever worked with someone like that? Someone who could pinpoint the problem, but was of no real use in bringing about a solution? Someone who saw themselves as being just a little above the hands-on effort required to complete a project?
British General Alan Brooke said, "It is child's play deciding what should be done as compared with getting it done."
This is what I look for more than anything else when hiring an employee or placing a person in ministry leadership: the ability to get things done. It's also one of the characteristics I most want instilled in my children. And it's a quality I try to build in myself.
The most effective leaders can do more than diagnose the problem. They can take the steps necessary to make the problem go away
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Conflict Resolution
If you're married you will appreciate this. Even if you're single, however, the importance of communication can't be overlooked!
A married couple were in the middle of a long quarrel that had now deteriorated to each giving the other the silent treatment. This went on for several days.
One night the man realized that he would need his wife's help in the morning in order to catch an early flight. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence, he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5 a.m."
The next morning the man woke up to find himself alone, the sun shine was shining into the bedroom, and the clock said 7:30 a.m. His flight was long gone. Next to his pillow he saw a note from his wife. It said, "It's 5 a.m. Wake up."
A married couple were in the middle of a long quarrel that had now deteriorated to each giving the other the silent treatment. This went on for several days.
One night the man realized that he would need his wife's help in the morning in order to catch an early flight. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence, he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5 a.m."
The next morning the man woke up to find himself alone, the sun shine was shining into the bedroom, and the clock said 7:30 a.m. His flight was long gone. Next to his pillow he saw a note from his wife. It said, "It's 5 a.m. Wake up."
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Go Steelers
Wow! What a game. One of the best Super Bowls in a while. Congrats to all the Steeler fans! Only 7 months till it starts all over again.
Thoughts From An Atheist
In researching some things for The Truth Project I came across an interesting article.
Matthew Parris, a writer for the London Times and a 'devout' atheist, grew up in what is now known as Malawi, a small country in Africa. He returned for a visit shortly before Christmas, and the work he witnessed there among Christian organizations challenged his world view. In a Times column, he wrote ...
Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.
You can read the entire column here. As I read this article, I kept thinking, "This is how the church should appear to non-Christians." The article also reveals, I believe, what non-believers are looking for -- what they hope to see -- in people who profess the Christian faith.
Matthew Parris, a writer for the London Times and a 'devout' atheist, grew up in what is now known as Malawi, a small country in Africa. He returned for a visit shortly before Christmas, and the work he witnessed there among Christian organizations challenged his world view. In a Times column, he wrote ...
Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.
You can read the entire column here. As I read this article, I kept thinking, "This is how the church should appear to non-Christians." The article also reveals, I believe, what non-believers are looking for -- what they hope to see -- in people who profess the Christian faith.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Truth Project Pt. 3
This week we continue our journey with the third week of the Truth Project. This Sunday on our Worldview Tour, we’ll be talking about anthropology, the nature of man.
That may sound boring at first. “Anthropology?? I don’t know if I want to go to CLC on Sunday or not!”
It’s not boring when you find out who God made you to be according to Gen. 1:26; 2:7. One of the primary truths that come from these verses is the fact that man is the product of God’s creative power and not the result of random evolution. Man did not evolve from a single-celled organism over the space of millions of years; he is the special creation of God.
All the other animals were spoken into existence by the Word of God. Man, however, was formed by God out of the dust of the earth and God breathed life into the nostrils of man.
The fact that God singled man out for special care in the creation lets us know that there is a vast difference between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom!
That may sound boring at first. “Anthropology?? I don’t know if I want to go to CLC on Sunday or not!”
It’s not boring when you find out who God made you to be according to Gen. 1:26; 2:7. One of the primary truths that come from these verses is the fact that man is the product of God’s creative power and not the result of random evolution. Man did not evolve from a single-celled organism over the space of millions of years; he is the special creation of God.
All the other animals were spoken into existence by the Word of God. Man, however, was formed by God out of the dust of the earth and God breathed life into the nostrils of man.
The fact that God singled man out for special care in the creation lets us know that there is a vast difference between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Quotes on Preaching
No man preaches his sermon well to others if he does not first preach it to his own heart. —John Owen
Some ministers would make good martyrs: they are so dry they burn well. —Charles Spurgeon
A sermon is no sermon in which I can't hear the heartbeat. —Henry Longfellow
If you preach to hurting hearts, you will never want for a congregation; there is one in every pew. —Joseph Parker
Each time you go into the pulpit, go as if it were your first time, and your best time, and your last time. —Vance Havner
The test of a preacher is that his congregation goes away saying, not "What a lovely sermon", but "I will do something!" —Saint Frances de Sales
My grand point in preaching is to break the hard heart and to heal the broken one. —John F. Newton
Some ministers would make good martyrs: they are so dry they burn well. —Charles Spurgeon
A sermon is no sermon in which I can't hear the heartbeat. —Henry Longfellow
If you preach to hurting hearts, you will never want for a congregation; there is one in every pew. —Joseph Parker
Each time you go into the pulpit, go as if it were your first time, and your best time, and your last time. —Vance Havner
The test of a preacher is that his congregation goes away saying, not "What a lovely sermon", but "I will do something!" —Saint Frances de Sales
My grand point in preaching is to break the hard heart and to heal the broken one. —John F. Newton
Monday, January 26, 2009
In Need of an Upgrade?
Here’s a joke for you: A man applies for a job. His prospective employer asks about his previous work. The man says, “I was a dog catcher in a small Texas town, but they had to let me go when the position was eliminated.”
The employer asks, “Was it eliminated because of funding cuts?”
The man says, “No. It was eliminated because I caught the dog.”
Have you ever felt like that dog catcher — that you have outlasted your usefulness and are no longer necessary? It’s been known to happen. One way we sometimes deal with it is simply to let the dog back out on the street and chase it some more. We may not accomplish much in the long run, but at least we keep busy. There is, however, a better way.
In the Old Testament there’s a story of a Babylonian slave named Nehemiah. Nehemiah had a big dream: he wanted to rebuild the walls of the city of Jerusalem. Against all odds, he accomplished his goal. What next? Tear down the walls and build them again? Instead, Nehemiah moved to a new level. He developed a new dream, bigger and more ambitious than the first: reuniting the people of Israel.
This is what he wrote: At that time the city was large and spacious, but the population was small. And only a few houses were scattered throughout the city. So my God gave me the idea to call together all the leaders of the city, along with the ordinary citizens, for registration. (Nehemiah 7:4-5)
Instead of questioning his own usefulness, Nehemiah upgraded his goals in life; he made the transition from building walls to building people.
If your life has become a circle of letting the dog out so you can catch it again…of tearing down walls so you can rebuild them…it may be time to upgrade your goals. God gave Nehemiah an idea of what to do next.
He has an idea for you, too.
The employer asks, “Was it eliminated because of funding cuts?”
The man says, “No. It was eliminated because I caught the dog.”
Have you ever felt like that dog catcher — that you have outlasted your usefulness and are no longer necessary? It’s been known to happen. One way we sometimes deal with it is simply to let the dog back out on the street and chase it some more. We may not accomplish much in the long run, but at least we keep busy. There is, however, a better way.
In the Old Testament there’s a story of a Babylonian slave named Nehemiah. Nehemiah had a big dream: he wanted to rebuild the walls of the city of Jerusalem. Against all odds, he accomplished his goal. What next? Tear down the walls and build them again? Instead, Nehemiah moved to a new level. He developed a new dream, bigger and more ambitious than the first: reuniting the people of Israel.
This is what he wrote: At that time the city was large and spacious, but the population was small. And only a few houses were scattered throughout the city. So my God gave me the idea to call together all the leaders of the city, along with the ordinary citizens, for registration. (Nehemiah 7:4-5)
Instead of questioning his own usefulness, Nehemiah upgraded his goals in life; he made the transition from building walls to building people.
If your life has become a circle of letting the dog out so you can catch it again…of tearing down walls so you can rebuild them…it may be time to upgrade your goals. God gave Nehemiah an idea of what to do next.
He has an idea for you, too.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Attitude toward government
In case you have been somewhere else this week -- such as visiting another planet -- history was made last Tuesday when our nation inaugurated our first African American President. This was the most celebrated inauguration ever, and also the most watched. Regular programming was pre-empted so that the proceedings could be broadcast to a nationwide audience. It was this way in countries around the globe.
Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me one bit which candidate you supported. It’s no longer an issue. Barack Obama is our President. There’s a new administration in leadership. The question is, how should we respond? What should be our attitude toward our nation’s highest official? What should be our attitude toward the government? What should be our attitude toward politics in general?
1. Pray for those in leadership.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote ...(v. 1-2) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
I can say this with certainty: Our president needs your prayers. He needs you to stand in the gap on his behalf, to speak his name before the throne of grace, to wrestle with the principalities and powers that seek to destroy all that is good. Our president needs your prayers. And, bluntly, the more wrong you think he is, the harder you need to pray for him ... that God will give him the wisdom to run the country as well you could.
2. When you talk politics, speak with honor and respect.
Somewhere we have gotten the idea that if we disagree with the things a political candidate stands for, it’s OK to demonize them.
During the next four years, President Obama will make decisions, at one time or another, that every American disagrees with. Not all at once, but at various times over the course of the next four years. He will be criticized from all sides. Some of that criticism may be deserved; much of it probably won’t be deserved.
It is our responsibility as followers of Jesus Christ to respond with honor and respect to the dignity of his office, and to the position in which God has placed him. It’s why Paul said, "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Along these lines Peter wrote: "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." (1 Peter 2:17)
God wants us to honor those in authority. We don’t have to agree with them, but we do have to honor them. The best way to do that is to speak about them with respect.
Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me one bit which candidate you supported. It’s no longer an issue. Barack Obama is our President. There’s a new administration in leadership. The question is, how should we respond? What should be our attitude toward our nation’s highest official? What should be our attitude toward the government? What should be our attitude toward politics in general?
1. Pray for those in leadership.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote ...(v. 1-2) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
I can say this with certainty: Our president needs your prayers. He needs you to stand in the gap on his behalf, to speak his name before the throne of grace, to wrestle with the principalities and powers that seek to destroy all that is good. Our president needs your prayers. And, bluntly, the more wrong you think he is, the harder you need to pray for him ... that God will give him the wisdom to run the country as well you could.
2. When you talk politics, speak with honor and respect.
Somewhere we have gotten the idea that if we disagree with the things a political candidate stands for, it’s OK to demonize them.
During the next four years, President Obama will make decisions, at one time or another, that every American disagrees with. Not all at once, but at various times over the course of the next four years. He will be criticized from all sides. Some of that criticism may be deserved; much of it probably won’t be deserved.
It is our responsibility as followers of Jesus Christ to respond with honor and respect to the dignity of his office, and to the position in which God has placed him. It’s why Paul said, "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Along these lines Peter wrote: "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." (1 Peter 2:17)
God wants us to honor those in authority. We don’t have to agree with them, but we do have to honor them. The best way to do that is to speak about them with respect.
Thinking Biblically
Tomorrow at CLC we continue our journey with the second week of the Truth Project. We will look at Colossians 2:8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."
The church in Colosse faced a particular form of strange doctrine. It was a mixture of Greek philosophy (an early version of Gnosticism) and Jewish legalism. Today we face numerous forms of unusual teaching. Some of that teaching is even within the church. On one hand there is the teaching of liberalism. On the other hand there is the teaching of legalism.
Perhaps the biggest threat we face comes from the most popular spiritual philosophy in our culture today. It is what is known as New Age teaching. It may be the most dangerous teaching we are facing. It is subtle and popular.
The New Age movement is a loose confederation of networks which share a common philosophical foundation. The New Age movement is a strange mixture of science and Eastern mysticism with a liberal splash of the occult. An emphasis on the idea that "all is one" or that everything that exists composes one essential reality can be found as a common belief. God is seen as an impersonal consciousness and power.
For those of us who hold a Biblical worldview, it should be obvious that we should be concerned, and for very good reason. What we are dealing with is not a rigid cult of mindless robots who are totally dependent on their despotic leader to map out every move.
We are dealing with a philosophy which is in vogue in our culture, and which is being propagated in our public and private schools, colleges, universities, arts, cinema, television, music and government. Rather than being the salvation of our society, it is a subtle cancer for Christianity and culture, one that moves us away from the center of our faith, Jesus Christ our Lord and God, and cause us to doubt the moral center of revealed truth, the Bible.
Hope you can join us tomorrow as we outline a way of thinking about our relationship with God that is different than anything the world teaches, or any other religion teaches, or any other pseudo-spiritual guru teaches. In contrast to what "worldly philosophies" teach, Colossians boldly states that everything we need we have in Christ!
The church in Colosse faced a particular form of strange doctrine. It was a mixture of Greek philosophy (an early version of Gnosticism) and Jewish legalism. Today we face numerous forms of unusual teaching. Some of that teaching is even within the church. On one hand there is the teaching of liberalism. On the other hand there is the teaching of legalism.
Perhaps the biggest threat we face comes from the most popular spiritual philosophy in our culture today. It is what is known as New Age teaching. It may be the most dangerous teaching we are facing. It is subtle and popular.
The New Age movement is a loose confederation of networks which share a common philosophical foundation. The New Age movement is a strange mixture of science and Eastern mysticism with a liberal splash of the occult. An emphasis on the idea that "all is one" or that everything that exists composes one essential reality can be found as a common belief. God is seen as an impersonal consciousness and power.
For those of us who hold a Biblical worldview, it should be obvious that we should be concerned, and for very good reason. What we are dealing with is not a rigid cult of mindless robots who are totally dependent on their despotic leader to map out every move.
We are dealing with a philosophy which is in vogue in our culture, and which is being propagated in our public and private schools, colleges, universities, arts, cinema, television, music and government. Rather than being the salvation of our society, it is a subtle cancer for Christianity and culture, one that moves us away from the center of our faith, Jesus Christ our Lord and God, and cause us to doubt the moral center of revealed truth, the Bible.
Hope you can join us tomorrow as we outline a way of thinking about our relationship with God that is different than anything the world teaches, or any other religion teaches, or any other pseudo-spiritual guru teaches. In contrast to what "worldly philosophies" teach, Colossians boldly states that everything we need we have in Christ!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
President Obama
Yesterday while driving I had a chance to catch some conservative talk radio ... and one particular host was especially pessimistic about the next four years. He said, "As a patriot, as an American, as a conservative, and as a Christian, I'm against everything in Obama's licentious left-wing agenda." Then he said that he hopes that our new President fails miserably.
Sadly, his words echo what I have heard from a number of evangelicals in the last few months -- though it's usually not expressed quite so explicitly.
It reminds me of how some church members act when a pastor they didn't want got called or appointed/voted in to their church. Maybe it's his age or his accent or his theology, but some decide they're not going to like the new guy no matter what. It's happened to just about all of us, I would imagine.
Since most of us are fairly conservative in our political persuasions it's easy to become less than enthusiastic about the recent change in leadership. However, I encourage you to put your "lack of enthusiasm" on hold.
Let's give our new President the same fair chance we would want others to give us.
Sadly, his words echo what I have heard from a number of evangelicals in the last few months -- though it's usually not expressed quite so explicitly.
It reminds me of how some church members act when a pastor they didn't want got called or appointed/voted in to their church. Maybe it's his age or his accent or his theology, but some decide they're not going to like the new guy no matter what. It's happened to just about all of us, I would imagine.
Since most of us are fairly conservative in our political persuasions it's easy to become less than enthusiastic about the recent change in leadership. However, I encourage you to put your "lack of enthusiasm" on hold.
Let's give our new President the same fair chance we would want others to give us.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
NIV, KJV, NASB, NLT?
I have a habit of bouncing from translation to translation in my messages. For the most part, I use the New International Version, the New Living Translation, and the New American Standard. Sometimes I use the "old" Revised Standard Version.
Some have asked me, "Why switch? Why not use the same one every week?" It's a good question. I know many pastors who always preach from the same version. In my case, since I use a number of different translations in my personal study, I tend to use a number of translations in my sermons. (Not as many as Rick Warren, though. He wins the prize. Purpose Driven Life cites 15 different versions.)
I encourage people to examine different translations of the text. Though the NIV and NASV, for example, are both accurate, sometimes the way a word or phrase was rendered in one translation will resonate more with what God is saying to you through the text this time through.
As Rick Warren points out, the Bible was originally written using more than 11,000 Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic words, but the average English translation uses about 6,000 words. He says, "Obviously, nuances and shades of meaning can be missed, so it is always helpful to compare translations." (Purpose Driven Life, page 325)
The primary objective is to instill in people the habit of digging into the Word, studying it, meditating upon it, and, ultimately, incorporating its teaching into our daily lives.
Looking at each passage from as many angles (i.e. translations) as possible helps us accomplish this.
Some have asked me, "Why switch? Why not use the same one every week?" It's a good question. I know many pastors who always preach from the same version. In my case, since I use a number of different translations in my personal study, I tend to use a number of translations in my sermons. (Not as many as Rick Warren, though. He wins the prize. Purpose Driven Life cites 15 different versions.)
I encourage people to examine different translations of the text. Though the NIV and NASV, for example, are both accurate, sometimes the way a word or phrase was rendered in one translation will resonate more with what God is saying to you through the text this time through.
As Rick Warren points out, the Bible was originally written using more than 11,000 Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic words, but the average English translation uses about 6,000 words. He says, "Obviously, nuances and shades of meaning can be missed, so it is always helpful to compare translations." (Purpose Driven Life, page 325)
The primary objective is to instill in people the habit of digging into the Word, studying it, meditating upon it, and, ultimately, incorporating its teaching into our daily lives.
Looking at each passage from as many angles (i.e. translations) as possible helps us accomplish this.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
MLK Quote
Mark Batterson posted the following quote on his blog in honor of MLK day. I liked it so much I thought I'd share it with you!
Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry.
He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven will pause to say, 'There lived a great street sweeper who did his job well'."
Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry.
He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven will pause to say, 'There lived a great street sweeper who did his job well'."
Expect More From God!
Do you know why God sent his Son into the world? Paul tells us. He says...
Titus 2:14 says, [Jesus Christ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
He came to forgive us, to save us, and to change us. It’s not just that he says, "I will forgive you for being a sinful person." He says, "I will change you into a better person. I will shape you and conform you into the image of my Son. I will help you become like him."
This is what God wants for you, and he paid a tremendous price. He is absolutely committed to helping you become holy. He’s not standing away at a distance saying, "Get better. I’m waiting." He’s saying, "I’m here to help you." You can call on him and he will be there for you. King David wrote, "The Lord is near all who call on him." (Psalm 145:18)
I want you to understand how much God wants this for you. He wants you to be more holy more than you want it. He has more patience with the process than you have. He gives you more mercy than you will ever deserve. And he believes in you more than you can possibly believe in yourself.
When I say "expect more from God," here’s what I’m saying:
You can expect God to purify you. He will bring situations into your life and he will bring people into your life that he can use to teach you how to be more like him. You don’t have to say, "I will always be this way." You can say, "God has the power to change me. He wants to change and he will change me."
You can also expect God to be patient with you. He’s not going to give up you, so you don’t have to give up on yourself. He will pour out his mercy as many times as you need it; he will give you another chance as many times as it takes.
You can also expect God to empower you. When he saved you, he gave you a new nature and he gave you the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." (Acts 1:8) That power is available when you need it. When you call on him, he will help you.
You can expect these things from God. It’s his promise. That means that it’s a lot easier to practice self-control when you know you’re not in this alone, you don’t have to do life in your own strength, you’ve got the power of God on your side.
Titus 2:14 says, [Jesus Christ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
He came to forgive us, to save us, and to change us. It’s not just that he says, "I will forgive you for being a sinful person." He says, "I will change you into a better person. I will shape you and conform you into the image of my Son. I will help you become like him."
This is what God wants for you, and he paid a tremendous price. He is absolutely committed to helping you become holy. He’s not standing away at a distance saying, "Get better. I’m waiting." He’s saying, "I’m here to help you." You can call on him and he will be there for you. King David wrote, "The Lord is near all who call on him." (Psalm 145:18)
I want you to understand how much God wants this for you. He wants you to be more holy more than you want it. He has more patience with the process than you have. He gives you more mercy than you will ever deserve. And he believes in you more than you can possibly believe in yourself.
When I say "expect more from God," here’s what I’m saying:
You can expect God to purify you. He will bring situations into your life and he will bring people into your life that he can use to teach you how to be more like him. You don’t have to say, "I will always be this way." You can say, "God has the power to change me. He wants to change and he will change me."
You can also expect God to be patient with you. He’s not going to give up you, so you don’t have to give up on yourself. He will pour out his mercy as many times as you need it; he will give you another chance as many times as it takes.
You can also expect God to empower you. When he saved you, he gave you a new nature and he gave you the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." (Acts 1:8) That power is available when you need it. When you call on him, he will help you.
You can expect these things from God. It’s his promise. That means that it’s a lot easier to practice self-control when you know you’re not in this alone, you don’t have to do life in your own strength, you’ve got the power of God on your side.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Gimme Five!
When Jack Canfield was trying to get Chicken Soup for the Soul off the ground, he asked a number of best-selling authors and publishing experts how he should go about it. He received more advice than he could possibly act on -- he was overwhelmed him with possibilities and he had no idea where to start.
Then a man name Ron Scolastico told him, "If you would go to a very large tree and take five swings at it with a very sharp ax, eventually, no matter how large the tree, it would have to come down."
Out of this advice Canfield developed what he called The Rule of Five: every day he did five specific things that moved him toward the goal of getting Chicken Soup on the best seller list. He might do five radio interviews or send out five review copies or call five bookstores, and on and on.
Eventually the ax felled the tree; two years after the book came out, it made the New York Times best seller list, where it stayed for many months.
Where can you apply the rule of five in your life? Can you make a five-minute phone call of encouragement to one of your leaders every day? Or send five 'thank-you' emails each morning? Or read five pages of a book each day? Or review five memory verses?
As you survey the areas of your life that present the greatest opportunities for growth, think about how you can apply Canfield's Rule of Five. How can you take five strong swings at the tree day after day?
Solomon said, "He who works his land will have abundant food." (Proverbs 12:11) The rule of five is a great way to start working your land.
Then a man name Ron Scolastico told him, "If you would go to a very large tree and take five swings at it with a very sharp ax, eventually, no matter how large the tree, it would have to come down."
Out of this advice Canfield developed what he called The Rule of Five: every day he did five specific things that moved him toward the goal of getting Chicken Soup on the best seller list. He might do five radio interviews or send out five review copies or call five bookstores, and on and on.
Eventually the ax felled the tree; two years after the book came out, it made the New York Times best seller list, where it stayed for many months.
Where can you apply the rule of five in your life? Can you make a five-minute phone call of encouragement to one of your leaders every day? Or send five 'thank-you' emails each morning? Or read five pages of a book each day? Or review five memory verses?
As you survey the areas of your life that present the greatest opportunities for growth, think about how you can apply Canfield's Rule of Five. How can you take five strong swings at the tree day after day?
Solomon said, "He who works his land will have abundant food." (Proverbs 12:11) The rule of five is a great way to start working your land.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Words of Forgiveness
"I think if God forgives us, we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than him." C.S. Lewis
"We forgive to the extent that we love." La Rochefoucauld
"It is in pardoning that we are pardoned." St. Francis of Assisi
"If I do not forgive everyone, I shall be untrue to myself." Albert Schweitzer
"Lead us not into the temptation of believing that we have truly forgiven, while rancor lingers." Katherine Zell
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
"We forgive to the extent that we love." La Rochefoucauld
"It is in pardoning that we are pardoned." St. Francis of Assisi
"If I do not forgive everyone, I shall be untrue to myself." Albert Schweitzer
"Lead us not into the temptation of believing that we have truly forgiven, while rancor lingers." Katherine Zell
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Monday, January 12, 2009
Ant Lessons
We tend to remember where we were and what we were doing on days of special significance. For example, most of us remember where we were when we heard that Elvis had died (or John Lennon or John Kennedy, depending on your age).
For pastors, most of us remember where we were and what we were doing the day we learned that the IRS considers us "self-employed." I remember the day well. I stared at the guy and said, "Are you crazy? Is the IRS crazy? 'Self-employed' implies that you are your own boss. Nothing could be further from the truth!" At the time, I had about one hundred bosses, who had one hundred different ideas about what I should be doing each day!
We're all accountable, in one way or another, to someone else for the job that we do. Solomon tells us there is a lesson we can learn from the ant. He doesn't have anyone looking over his shoulder, no Committee or Senior Pastor watching his every step, yet he gets done what needs to be done.
Why? Because the ant, by nature, doesn't allow himself to get sidetracked; he has a firm grip on what is most important in an ant's life. He gathers his food and stores his food and makes certain he can feed himself and his little ant family. He knows the most important thing to do, and he does it.
We could learn from the ant. Regardless of how many people are looking over our shoulder, we're accountable to God for own actions, and it is up to each one of us to do what is most important.
What is most important? For an ant, it's easy to define: Gathering/Storing Food. For us, it's not always as clear cut. If you search your heart, and if you search the will of God, you can know what is most important for you to do today. Chances are, you already know.
So learn from the ant. Ignore whoever may be looking over shoulder, and focus on priority one.
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise. It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8)
For pastors, most of us remember where we were and what we were doing the day we learned that the IRS considers us "self-employed." I remember the day well. I stared at the guy and said, "Are you crazy? Is the IRS crazy? 'Self-employed' implies that you are your own boss. Nothing could be further from the truth!" At the time, I had about one hundred bosses, who had one hundred different ideas about what I should be doing each day!
We're all accountable, in one way or another, to someone else for the job that we do. Solomon tells us there is a lesson we can learn from the ant. He doesn't have anyone looking over his shoulder, no Committee or Senior Pastor watching his every step, yet he gets done what needs to be done.
Why? Because the ant, by nature, doesn't allow himself to get sidetracked; he has a firm grip on what is most important in an ant's life. He gathers his food and stores his food and makes certain he can feed himself and his little ant family. He knows the most important thing to do, and he does it.
We could learn from the ant. Regardless of how many people are looking over our shoulder, we're accountable to God for own actions, and it is up to each one of us to do what is most important.
What is most important? For an ant, it's easy to define: Gathering/Storing Food. For us, it's not always as clear cut. If you search your heart, and if you search the will of God, you can know what is most important for you to do today. Chances are, you already know.
So learn from the ant. Ignore whoever may be looking over shoulder, and focus on priority one.
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise. It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Having Faith!
Hosea 6:3 says, "Let us press on to know the Lord" (NAS). That’s always a good word, but it seems like a message from heaven for this moment in the history of Christian Life Center. This year we begin our 19th year of ministry in Bensalem.
From a tiny beginning in 1990, Christian Life Center has experienced God’s faithfulness across the years. Even though we have been in existence for 19 years, we have not arrived and our journey is not yet ended! We are not 19 years old, but 19 years young with much ground left to conquer for God and His kingdom.
This is no time to retire, no time to give up, and certainly no time to bask in past successes. No, this is a time for us to move forward by faith. As a matter of, “Forward by Faith” is our theme for 2009, because that which is before us is greater than that which is behind us!
This Sunday we’ll talk about what it means to have faith by defining it with six different statements that are derived from the 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews. Join us as we prepare to go forward by faith into 2009!
From a tiny beginning in 1990, Christian Life Center has experienced God’s faithfulness across the years. Even though we have been in existence for 19 years, we have not arrived and our journey is not yet ended! We are not 19 years old, but 19 years young with much ground left to conquer for God and His kingdom.
This is no time to retire, no time to give up, and certainly no time to bask in past successes. No, this is a time for us to move forward by faith. As a matter of, “Forward by Faith” is our theme for 2009, because that which is before us is greater than that which is behind us!
This Sunday we’ll talk about what it means to have faith by defining it with six different statements that are derived from the 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews. Join us as we prepare to go forward by faith into 2009!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Prayer/Fasting
Our theme for 2009 at Christian Life Center is Forward by Faith! Sunday we'll see what it means to have faith in our 21st century world. At the same time we're beginning our 21 day fast as we start the New Year.
Jesus teaches that a life of faith requires both prayer and fasting. Prayer grasps the power of heaven, fasting loosens the hold on earthy pleasure.
Jesus himself fasted to get strength to resist the devil. Abstinence from food, or moderation in taking it, helps to focus on communication with God.
Let's remember that abstinence, moderation, and self-denial are a help to the spiritual life. To willingly sacrifice our own pleasure or enjoyment will help to focus our minds more fully on God and His priorities. The very practice needed in overcoming our own desires will give us strength to take hold of God in prayer.
Prayer is not easy work. For the real practice of prayer—taking hold of God and having communion and fellowship with him—it is necessary that our selfish desires be sacrificed.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. (Galatians 5:24 NLT)
Jesus teaches that a life of faith requires both prayer and fasting. Prayer grasps the power of heaven, fasting loosens the hold on earthy pleasure.
Jesus himself fasted to get strength to resist the devil. Abstinence from food, or moderation in taking it, helps to focus on communication with God.
Let's remember that abstinence, moderation, and self-denial are a help to the spiritual life. To willingly sacrifice our own pleasure or enjoyment will help to focus our minds more fully on God and His priorities. The very practice needed in overcoming our own desires will give us strength to take hold of God in prayer.
Prayer is not easy work. For the real practice of prayer—taking hold of God and having communion and fellowship with him—it is necessary that our selfish desires be sacrificed.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. (Galatians 5:24 NLT)
Monday, January 5, 2009
Second Chances!
Ok, so this is a football post...nothing wrong with that except it's not about the Eagles! It's about what Kerry Collins of the Tennessee Titans can teach us about second chances.
It's been good to see the Titans having such a good season -- and especially good to see the contribution that Collins has been able to make. He's having his best year -- this after having been considered a has-been more than once in his 14 NFL seasons.
Collins has had his share of setbacks, and they were all self-inflicted. He has struggled with a bad attitude, poor on-field performance, off-field controversies, alcohol addiction, getting benched and bouncing around from team to team. There have been some good moments in his career (he played in a Super Bowl), but he has never quite lived up to expectations as a top draft pick in 1995.
Until this year. At the age when many players have retired, Collins is leading Tennessee through a remarkable season. Kerry Collins could have called it quits a couple of years ago. Had he done so, he would have been remembered primarily for the blunders. But he decided to stay, even though it meant, most likely, finishing his career as a backup player. Maybe he thought a small contribution to a team was better than nothing at all.
Then, unexpectedly, a new opportunity presented itself in 2008. This time he was ready.
There's a lesson to be learned in his story: It's never too late to change the course of your life. Your past may be marked with missed opportunities and unfulfilled expectations, but the past doesn't equal the future, and it doesn't have to define the present. As long as you stay in the game, you can change your course at any time.
It reminds of the verse in Jonah: "Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time." (Jonah 3:2)
Regardless of how your story has played out up to this point, God is ready to reveal his Word to you again. He wants to send you back onto the playing field, wants to give you a chance to capture the potential that has been there all along.
Forget the disappointments of yesterday. They don't determine who you have to be today or tomorrow. It's not too late to have your best season ever -- keep yourself in a position for a second chance!
It's been good to see the Titans having such a good season -- and especially good to see the contribution that Collins has been able to make. He's having his best year -- this after having been considered a has-been more than once in his 14 NFL seasons.
Collins has had his share of setbacks, and they were all self-inflicted. He has struggled with a bad attitude, poor on-field performance, off-field controversies, alcohol addiction, getting benched and bouncing around from team to team. There have been some good moments in his career (he played in a Super Bowl), but he has never quite lived up to expectations as a top draft pick in 1995.
Until this year. At the age when many players have retired, Collins is leading Tennessee through a remarkable season. Kerry Collins could have called it quits a couple of years ago. Had he done so, he would have been remembered primarily for the blunders. But he decided to stay, even though it meant, most likely, finishing his career as a backup player. Maybe he thought a small contribution to a team was better than nothing at all.
Then, unexpectedly, a new opportunity presented itself in 2008. This time he was ready.
There's a lesson to be learned in his story: It's never too late to change the course of your life. Your past may be marked with missed opportunities and unfulfilled expectations, but the past doesn't equal the future, and it doesn't have to define the present. As long as you stay in the game, you can change your course at any time.
It reminds of the verse in Jonah: "Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time." (Jonah 3:2)
Regardless of how your story has played out up to this point, God is ready to reveal his Word to you again. He wants to send you back onto the playing field, wants to give you a chance to capture the potential that has been there all along.
Forget the disappointments of yesterday. They don't determine who you have to be today or tomorrow. It's not too late to have your best season ever -- keep yourself in a position for a second chance!
Friday, January 2, 2009
A New You For A New Year!
We all have attitudes and habits and thoughts and ways of reacting and responding to things that “are out of date.” They were habits and attitudes that were appropriate in the past but they will be ineffective in 2009.
Your happiness in this New Year is determined to a large degree by your willingness to change, your willingness to be changed by God.
If we don’t change and if we don’t grow we just tend to perpetuate the same old problems over and over. We go into each New Year with the same old hang ups, the same problems, the same responses to life, making the same mistakes and we never grow.
Some people are constantly changing. They’re changing their jobs, they’re changing their homes, and they’re changing their friends, even changing their spouses. But they never think of changing themselves.
As you go forward into 2009 you’ll be facing a lot of new situations. Specifically you’ll face new problems, you’ll face new pressures, and you’ll face new possibilities. And each of these will require a new response, a new attitude, a new adjustment, and a new action.
So this Sunday, the first of the New Year, we’ll focus on Luke 5:36-39 and talk about “A New You For A New Year” and discover what’s required to face 2009!
Your happiness in this New Year is determined to a large degree by your willingness to change, your willingness to be changed by God.
If we don’t change and if we don’t grow we just tend to perpetuate the same old problems over and over. We go into each New Year with the same old hang ups, the same problems, the same responses to life, making the same mistakes and we never grow.
Some people are constantly changing. They’re changing their jobs, they’re changing their homes, and they’re changing their friends, even changing their spouses. But they never think of changing themselves.
As you go forward into 2009 you’ll be facing a lot of new situations. Specifically you’ll face new problems, you’ll face new pressures, and you’ll face new possibilities. And each of these will require a new response, a new attitude, a new adjustment, and a new action.
So this Sunday, the first of the New Year, we’ll focus on Luke 5:36-39 and talk about “A New You For A New Year” and discover what’s required to face 2009!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year - Goals for '09!
Happy New Year! It’s amazing how quickly this day comes. Doesn’t it seem only a couple of months ago we welcomed 2008? I guess it’s true what they say: the older you get the faster time flies by!
As I blogged a couple of days ago I’ve been reviewing and reflecting on 2008 and 2009. 2008 was a year of transition for me; both personally and publicly. In some ways it was one of the hardest years of my life, and in other ways it was the greatest.
Nevertheless, looking to 2009 I’m excited about the potential of what is to come! That which is before us is greater than that which is behind us!
As I’ve pondered over the days ahead I’ve written out several goals I’m aiming for in 2009. I’m a little gun-shy to put all this out in public, but feel it’s therapeutic to make them known publicly. Below are some of the things I’ve designated as goals in my life for 2009. There are a few others that are more personal and private; only God and I know about those.
Hopefully, these motivate you do establish your own list.
GOALS FOR ‘09
1. Read at least 40 books this year…from fiction to non-fiction
2. Read the Bible in chronological order completely
3. Maintain my weight under 200lbs…this one is gonna kill me…I’m too much of a “foodie”
4. Run a Half Marathon…this one is gonna kill me…see above!
5. Lead CLC to 2,000+ in attendance…we were there once and we can get there again!
6. Improve as a Leader/Coach… for my kids, my staff, and other leaders/pastors I serve
7. Do a 40 day Daniel Fast…this one is gonna kill me…you get the picture!
8. Start initial work on a Doctoral Degree
9. Do a personal retreat at a monastery
10. Take a vacation with my entire family…the older my kids get the harder this is.
11. Live with vision…ask God to enlarge my view of things so I can see the possibilities of his work in my life.
12. Husband my wife…my goal is to help Marvina see the beginnings of the fulfillment of God's 'word' on her life.
As I blogged a couple of days ago I’ve been reviewing and reflecting on 2008 and 2009. 2008 was a year of transition for me; both personally and publicly. In some ways it was one of the hardest years of my life, and in other ways it was the greatest.
Nevertheless, looking to 2009 I’m excited about the potential of what is to come! That which is before us is greater than that which is behind us!
As I’ve pondered over the days ahead I’ve written out several goals I’m aiming for in 2009. I’m a little gun-shy to put all this out in public, but feel it’s therapeutic to make them known publicly. Below are some of the things I’ve designated as goals in my life for 2009. There are a few others that are more personal and private; only God and I know about those.
Hopefully, these motivate you do establish your own list.
GOALS FOR ‘09
1. Read at least 40 books this year…from fiction to non-fiction
2. Read the Bible in chronological order completely
3. Maintain my weight under 200lbs…this one is gonna kill me…I’m too much of a “foodie”
4. Run a Half Marathon…this one is gonna kill me…see above!
5. Lead CLC to 2,000+ in attendance…we were there once and we can get there again!
6. Improve as a Leader/Coach… for my kids, my staff, and other leaders/pastors I serve
7. Do a 40 day Daniel Fast…this one is gonna kill me…you get the picture!
8. Start initial work on a Doctoral Degree
9. Do a personal retreat at a monastery
10. Take a vacation with my entire family…the older my kids get the harder this is.
11. Live with vision…ask God to enlarge my view of things so I can see the possibilities of his work in my life.
12. Husband my wife…my goal is to help Marvina see the beginnings of the fulfillment of God's 'word' on her life.
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