Courage!

2 Samuel 12: 5 - 7

⁵Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die,

6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” 7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man!

Can you begin to consider what courage it took for Nathan to tell King David the truth?

King David could’ve had Nathan’s hide, but Nathan was more interested in the truth.

Are you interested in the truth?

If you had a friend who you knew was disobeying God, would you have the stomach to tell them the straight up truth?

I’m not sure I see that as much as I used to.

In this politically correct circus we live in, I’m not sure I see people telling the truth, even if it meant their life was on the line.

I think we need more Nathan’s in this crazy, mixed up world.

I think we need men and women who are willing to tell it like it is, no matter the cost.

After Nathan mixed it up a bit with his King, David was quick to respond.

The consequence of David’s actions, surely followed him all the days of his life.

The good thing though, was that his relationship with God was restored.

Shouldn’t that be the sought after outcome of truth?

Who do you know right now, that needs to hear the truth?

Why would we knowingly cover something up, when we know God’s going to deal with it one day anyway...                     Light Reflections will return on 2/8/16...

Pay Attention!

Proverbs 7: 1

My son, pay attention to my words. Treasure my commands that are within you.

In yesterday’s devotion, I quoted the wrong address of the Bible verse I used.

I earmarked Proverbs 23: 27, when I should’ve ear marked, Proverbs 4: 27.

Only one person caught my slip of pen, or in this instance, the slip of my mind.

That actually happens more as a 58 year old, than it did when I was a 40 year old.

It made me wonder, of the 100’s of people I send this devotional to, how many truly caught my gaffe’?

I actually had wondered how many even read the devotional in the first place? The person that did, has been a great influence in my spiritual life.

It also made me consider...How close do we pay attention to God’s Words?

Do we treasure the commands that should be within us?

I remember leading a Bible study long ago, and almost no one brought their Bible’s.

I asked people why they didn’t bring their Bible’s, and for most, there was this completely blank stare.

If you don’t read your Bible, or use your Bible, then I could almost tell you anything, and you might even believe it.

PLEASE don’t take my word for it...take God’s Word for it!!

I love the people in my life who hold me accountable.

I love the people in my life, who for my own good, bring correction, and who pay attention to my words...and God’s Word’s...  

Hours of Influence!

Proverbs 23: 27

²⁷ Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

I have people in my life on purpose, who influence my spiritual direction.

I spent some time last night with a group of men I’m accountable to.

These men influence me a great deal.

My sons are two spiritual giants that constantly keep my foot from turning toward evil.

I serve with men of God at my local church, who would influentially tell me the truth.

Do you have that kind of person or people in your life?

I surround myself with folks, who make me a better believer in Christ, when I’m with them.

Many of the men receiving this devotional, are men who are not afraid to tell me the truth.

I have people in my life who are influenced by Jesus, and who in turn influence me.

I’m about to go and spend some Bible study time at church this morning, with some folks who I am called to influence.

Who has God brought into your life, that He’s called you to influence?

Will you influence them with the Word, or with the World?

If you’re one of the many people receiving this devotional who influence me...Thank YOU!

If you’re not sure you’re a very good influence, it’s time to get some skin in the game!

Pay The Price!

Psalm 40: 7

⁷ Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me...

Have you ever tried to do something hard, without having anyone there to teach you?

Every time I try to counsel someone about life, I realize then just how hard life is.

God has given us every tool to teach us about life.

Then when someone comes to me about the tough issues of life, I wonder how much they study the word of God.

Actually, it’s one of the first questions I ask, when people come to me for help.

Generally, their time of worship or study of the Bible always seems to be on the back burner.

Some of those folks have even said to me... “I can’t tell you the last time I read from the Bible...”

Really? So we’re supposed to “study” to show ourselves approved, and we don’t read the Bible?

The word “study” (thank you Pastor Wayne), means to... “pay the price”.

So if we don’t read our Bibles, how in the world does anyone think they can be approved?

You don’t have to have any special training to understand the directive from God’s Word.

You need the Holy Spirit. Granted, if you don’t have Him, you’re in for a tough road.

The Bible is filled with thoughts about God, and about us.

Maybe we just need to stop thinking about ourselves so much... 

Have Nothing to do with it!

2 Timothy 2: 23 - 24

²³ Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. ²⁴ And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone...

Misunderstandings in the church, and in the workplace are pretty common.

Trust me on this one!

This weakness affects quite a few people...me included.

When we come across something that doesn’t make sense at first, it can take more time than we care to invest, to bring about clarity.

An emotional response doesn’t seem to get people any closer to solving the problem.

Getting frustrated never seems to work.

And then I read a verse in the Bible like this one, and it says I’m not supposed to become quarrelsome.

But let’s wait a second here, I think we’re not supposed to address foolish or ignorant issues, that could lead to a quarrel.

Now I feel a little bit better.

What good is it to have dialog with someone about something foolish or ignorant? There are some important issues going on in the church that we should address first.

I’m not supposed to strive to have an argument.

Actually, I’m supposed to be kind.

I think I just learned something about myself this morning.

How about you?

So Far...So Great!

Psalm 103: 11 - 12

¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Every time I read and consider this verse, it just blows me away.

But something has to happen for this verse to come true.

The forgiveness of our sins against God can be removed, that’s true.

He removes them all right, but confession and repentance needs to come first.

God is merciful indeed, but mercy is just delaying the judgment we deserve.

The thought of that is just as incredible, as considering the removal of my transgressions.

I wondered why this verse didn’t clarify this truth by suggesting that the measurement could be considered from north to south?

Actually, there’s an exact measurement from north to south. East to West is hard to measure.

God recently reminded me that I sometimes have a hard time forgiving those who have wronged me.

There are times I just can’t shake that, and I need some help in that area of my life.

Can you relate? Am I the only one who has trouble in this spiritual area of my life?

Gracious Father, thank You for forgiving me of my transgressions, and not bringing them back up, when I confess and repent of them.

Help me in being the Kind of follower of Your Son, that not only finds satisfaction in this verse, but help me to leave the faults of others way behind me.

Help me to be an east to west lover of all my brothers & sisters in Christ. Amen.

Choose this day!

Joshua 24: 15

¹⁵ And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve...

Once again, each of us are faced with choices today.

I think if any of us are really honest with ourselves, we serve all kinds of things, don’t we?

I know people who follow their favorite presidential candidate from city to city in support of this person.

They choose to passionately serve in this area of their life.

I think serving in a passionate way is a good thing.

Have you chosen an area in your life, where you serve passionately?

When we serve an interest in our life, it should be for the right reason, and in the right way.

This people group wanted to serve the interests of God, but Joshua knew this was only idle talk.

Joshua knew that these people were serving other things in private.

The way they acted at home, was not the way the acted in church.

These folks could talk the talk, but they in no way, could walk the walk.

It seems that the western church is in the same kind of predicament.

That’s why I believe God called me to serve the interests of His Kingdom.

When you serve the interests of God’s Kingdom, you should probably plan on having fewer friends...

Choices!

Luke 10: 42

⁴² “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

 

This morning is the first day of the standard work week, and yet it’s filled with all sorts of choices.

I read last night the verses that detail this exchange between Martha & Jesus.

 

It’s almost like this is a representation of the church, and the choices each of us face.

Mary chose the good part, and it would never be taken away from her.

 

I wonder how often I choose the better part?

I mean yesterday was as cold as a toilet seat in an igloo, but I still chose to go and preach the Gospel.

 

I know I still could’ve chose something else to do, but I guess I wanted the better thing that would never be taken away from me.

But I realize that we’re not all alike.

 

Mary and Martha were probably polar opposites.

Martha was probably as type A as a person could get, and Mary was just willing to sit at the feet of Jesus.

 

People like Mary kind of annoy me, especially if there’s important work to be done.

But what could be more important than spending time with my Savior?

 

What will you choose today? What did you choose yesterday?

Hectic schedules, housework, meals, laundry, and church appointments seem to dictate our choices in the Gibson home.

 

But this isn’t a choice between good and bad. No, today begins a choice between good and better...

A greater Judgement

James 3: 1

My brothers, not many of you should become teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment.

When I first thought I had received the calling to preach the Gospel fulltime, my mentor spent a whole afternoon telling me every bad thing about fulfilling the Pastoral call.

I almost got the feeling that he was trying to talk me out of it.

When he got all done telling me the dangers of the Pastorate, I told him... “I’m still going to follow Jesus...”

His answer was... “I figured as much.”

I think this verse I shared today, was in the back of his mind.

He knew that I would be in a place of receiving greater judgment if I didn’t do my job effectively.

Teaching doctrine to church people is risky business.

Leading sheep down the narrow path certainly has it’s risky moments.

But I wouldn’t trade it for the world, or even a Powerball ticket.

Even when people think you’ve lost your marbles, or when they think you didn’t handle a situation just the right way, I wouldn’t change a thing.

My mentor was right...this is extremely hard business.

I think I’ve cried puddles of tears in 13 years while in the midst of it.

But when did Jesus ever say that truly following Him, would be easy?

Suffer!

Philippians 1: 29

²⁹ For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake...

I received an e-mail from someone yesterday, telling about a young woman who just had a baby, who is also suffering with stage 4 breast cancer.

I get these kinds of stories that come my way every day. I saw her picture, and it almost broke my heart.

I like many of you, wonder... “Why in the world does this woman have to go through something so trying?”

Have we missed that hardship is actually a part of the Gospel?

So can we believe in Jesus, apart from suffering?

That doesn’t appear to be what Paul is telling the church at Philippi.

Did you ever stop to think, that some people suffer, just so we can have an opportunity to bring them compassion?

Maybe God uses the suffering of other saints, to show our true heart?

Maybe instead of being overwhelmed with other people having to go through tough times, we should actually count these as opportunities for us?

Has He shown you an opportunity as of late? Have you prayed for that person/persons?

What’s keeping you from showing compassion?

Have you misinterpreted the Gospel, as this free and easy walk in the park?

Looks no further than the cross, and you’ll see that walking faithfully with God has a price to pay.

The cost of following Jesus, will one day be worth the price of admission.

Frankly, if you think you can get to Heaven one day without turmoil, then maybe you need to read the red letters in your Bible again...

Know Ye the Truth!

John 8: 32                            KJV

³² “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

One of the lines from the movie, “A Few Good Men”, is an all time favorite of mine.

Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) makes a statement to, Col. Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson)… “I want the truth!”

And the response we’ve all grown to love from Col. Jessup… “You can’t handle the truth!!”

I have to wonder if American’s today can handle the truth?

Frankly speaking, I wonder if the universal church wants the truth anymore?

If I go to the doctor, I sure as heck hope he/she tells me the truth.

I mean, what good would it do if he/she told me something other than the truth? The answer is, I might just die!

And yet people leave Bible believing churches all the time, so as to steer away from the truth.

You can always find a church on every corner, that’s willing to steer people the wrong way.

Telling the truth isn’t good for offerings.

Telling the truth isn’t good for church attendance.

Another great line from that movie, came from Col. Jessup, but it’s one that a lot of people miss…

“You have the luxury of not knowing what I know!” In these devotions, I will not tell you what I think, but I will tell you what I know.

The truth is what will set us free.

Changing the color of truth to appease people, won’t make anyone free… 

Imperfect People!

Numbers 21: 4 - 5             ESV

And the people became impatient on the way.  And the people spoke against God and against Moses…

For literally thousands of years, people have been questioning the leadership style of church leaders.

Moses was no exception.

I don’t often receive a compliment for my role as Pastor, but I did receive two messages yesterday (Sunday), from some folks that seem to be paying attention.

Church is often filled with delicate situations, and it always hard to know the perfect scenario to play out.

It would be easy to handle delicate issues in the secular world, because there’s a specific path to follow if someone doesn’t like the style. The result is often the unemployment line.

That’s not how it works in the church, and everyone’s concerns need to be heard.

These are the two notes I received yesterday, late:

“Pastor, I really enjoy coming to WCF. Your sermons are truthful and they keep me accountable and encourage me to do better.”

“I just wanted to say thanks for the way the leadership dealt with a difficult issue. Well done good and faithful servants…outstanding message today as well!”

I’ve never really understood the call that God places on the lives of people, who He want  to lead people.

Why anyone would want to be a church leader on purpose, is anyone’s guess.

People certainly get impatient on the journey, and I fully understand why that would be.

Sometimes even church leaders make mistakes. I know that all too well.

I thank God for the folks who appreciate the efforts of the leaders who really do care.

I also appreciate the people who are willing to tell the truth, whether they agree or not.

It all comes down to this. God chooses imperfect people, to lead imperfect people…

Heart broken?

Jeremiah 8:  4 - 5

⁴ “You shall say to them, Thus says the Lord: When men fall, do they not rise again? If one turns away, does he not return?
⁵ Why then has this people turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return…

Can I ask you a hard spiritual question this morning?

What breaks your heart anymore, as it has to do with the things of God?

Jeremiah is known as the… “weeping prophet”.

He had good reason to cry, and this Pastor can relate.

Do you know what broke Jeremiah’s heart? The people in his day continually turned away from God.

They actually had no desire to return to God’s protective covering, and they refused to repent.

Of all people, the Hebrew children should have known better.

Shouldn’t the people of the church know better?

Jesus said in Luke 5: 32… “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

One of the great problems of the church of Christ in America, is that we know all about confession, but rarely practice repentance.

One of the hardest things a Pastor has to do, is to allow someone to go, even while knowing they will most likely never return.

It actually breaks my heart.

Have you ever asked God to break your heart, for the things that break His? Take a moment today, and do that while you listen to this song…

https://youtu.be/hWehMG14ybo

God"s Power

1 Corinthians 2: 4 - 5

⁴ And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

⁵ that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

A close colleague in ministry posted this note on their Facebook page recently. (And no, I’m not a Facebook person, and I strongly doubt that I will ever become one)

“Destination Addiction: The idea that happiness is in the next place, the next job, or even the next partner.

Until we give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, we’ll never find it where we are.”

I wonder if that’s what’s become of the church?

Is the first thing we think of is fleeing where we are, because we think getting our own way somewhere else is the answer?

My daughter-in-love told me a story yesterday, about her precious grandparents.

They have been in the same church for many-many years.

Over the course of the last ten years, things have been turbulent to one degree or another in their home church

40 years ago though, they made a covenant with God to stay and serve in that church, no matter what. That had to have been hard.

And in that covenant, God has been faithful to make things right again in their place of worship.

They trusted not in the power of men, but in the superlative power of the Most High God.

I think old people have so much experience in life experiences.

Maybe we should watch them more, we might just learn a thing or two.

Are you disgruntled where you are in life?

Maybe we need to make our lives about God again, and not in our selfish selves…

Make a list!

Matthew 6: 31

³¹ “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”

Have you ever just stopped to consider all the ways that God provides for us?

I asked the prayer group that meets on Sunday morning at our church, to consider the overwhelming blessings of God, this past Sunday.

Almost everyone that made a list of 20 items, considered how God has provided us with a way to Heaven, (Salvation) through His Son.

It seemed to be just the thing our prayer group needed, to grasp a proper perspective for the early morning.

I think sometimes it’s easier to consider all the ways that God has blown it.

Our list of… “have nots”, is sometimes much longer than the, “haves”.

How is your level of anxiety these days?

Maybe the thing that will calm your nerves, is to consider counting your blessings and naming them one by one.

When’s the last time you made a list like that?

Honestly, in my line of work I hear way more griping, than I ever do praising.

At times, I want to scream at people who seem to be so blind at how God continuously provides.

But screaming wouldn’t be an appropriate emotion for a minister of the Gospel…or would it?

Which attitude will you chose today?

Stinking thinking…or Raising Praises? 

Suffering!

Colossians 1: 24                ESV

²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church…

Paul was talking here about being conformed to the sufferings of Jesus.

I wonder how many followers of Jesus, suffer now days? I wonder how many people rejoice in them?

Instinctively, people in Western cultures can’t relate to suffering.

Paul was willing to suffer for the sake of the Body of Christ.

How willing are you, to suffer for your church?

I know that since that language isn’t in many of our church doctrine documents, that’s a foreign subject.

If we are part of the Body of Christ, and we desire to be like Jesus, we should probably expect to suffer just as Jesus did.

Have you ever prayed… “Jesus, make me just like you!!” Just so you know, that can’t happen unless we’re willing to suffer.

Yesterday we started a New Year in the church calendar, and some people suffered through colds and sickness just to be in the worship service.

It’s not exactly the same thing, but when we put Christ ahead of our selfish desires, that’s pretty close.

Suffering does some pretty powerful things:

·         It brings us closer to Jesus…

·         It produces blessed assurance within…

·         It brings about rewards in Heaven when we get there…

·         It might result in others being saved…

·         It also shuts the big mouth of the devil…

How are you currently suffering for your church?

It’s a New Year, and maybe it’s a good time to take some personal inventory…