Choose Wisely!

Joshua 24: 15         NKJV

¹⁵ And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...                                                                                                                                              

One subject that should almost never come up at family gatherings, are politics and religion.

I’m finding out more and more though, that all sorts of people want to talk about religion, in light of politics.

I find it fascinating, that of all the topics that come up the most, it happens to be the rock bottom dollar.

“Will I have enough to retire on?” “How will I ever pay for child care?” “How will I pay my college tuition?”

It’s seldom to hear people talk about topics that in God’s eyes, probably matter the most.

Marriage...Religious Freedom...Sanctity of Human Life...The Nation of Israel...just to a name a few.

Each of us in November, will exercise our right to choose.

I wonder how many people will actually consult God, on who to really vote for?

And yet our choices according to public opinion, aren’t choice...are they?

One party obviously seems to stand more in alignment with God. That you’ll have to figure out for yourself.

Have you done your homework, when it comes to this year’s election?

Do you know what party will line up more with the Word of God?

Personally, not being a part of the election process at all, is a right no one should ever surrender.

Might I suggest that we all take this to prayer, for we should purposely choose wisely... 

Growth Focus!

2 Peter 3: 18            NKJV

¹⁸ ...but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It’s always fun for me to see the people who are a part of my church family, grow in grace and knowledge.

On Tuesday mornings, we’ve been going back to the basics of our faith, and I’m surprised at how much folks desire to grow.

Yesterday morning was especially meaningful to me, and I guess I don’t tell this group that as often as I should.

16 people gathered for fellowship...true fellowship, and the intimate study of God’s Word.

There are two groups of ladies who meet on Monday mornings and Thursday evenings, all because they want to grow.

Some ladies attend all three (3) studies. It’s like they can’t get enough!

We know that Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines GRACE as, (Charis) the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life...

In the Strong’s there are a number of accompanying words next to the definition...acceptable, benefit, favor, gift, joy, liberality, pleasure & thanks.

What is the ultimate goal of every believer in Christ? To bring Him glory.

Do you think growing in GRACE and knowledge, brings God more glory?

The people participating in various Bible studies in our church, are focused on knowing God, which in turn brings Him more glory.

Focusing on growth will also bring a person to another greater spiritual level.

Let’s not forget that Paul told us that we we’re not only created by Him...but we were created for Him.

Keep growing, and you’ll find yourself being changed and transformed into the very image of Jesus.

These are the people that God will use to straighten out this mixed up world. We’re supposed to growing, not slowing...

Why?

Psalm 43: 5              NKJV

⁵ Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?

When my wife Debbie got home from work last night, she asked me... “Is everything alright?”

I could’ve handed her a line, but because she’s very perceptive, she would’ve known I wasn’t being totally honest.

Do you ever have low, sort of melancholy days?

The older I get, the more I reflect on the life I’ve already lived, and the days I have remaining.

Even Jesus had a wide range of emotions. He was compassionate, angry, distressed, filled with sorrow, and obviously there were times of great joy.

Then I began to wonder, if Pastor’s/Preachers/Minister’s have those same sort of various emotions. Maybe all followers of Christ feel that way?

Before I was a Pastor, I’m not sure I felt the ways I sometimes feel, now.

Loneliness, sadness, disappointment, and sometimes just downright frustrated.

The only people who seem to understand my fickle feelings, are other Pastor’s.

St. Paul seemed to embody the emotions of Jesus when He said... “I long for you with the compassion of Christ.” (Philippians 1: 8)

Maybe when a person focuses on the life of Jesus, that might just bring His emotions into light.

I realize that some theologians will argue that God isn’t at all swayed by feelings, and I get that.

Could it be that as we gaze into the glory of Jesus, maybe we are being transformed into His likeness? (2 Corinthians 3: 18)

The fact of the matter remains, that just because I serve God fulltime, doesn’t mean I’m always on my, “A” game...

Deceived?

James 4: 8

⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

I’ve been going to Physical Therapy the last few weeks, for a persistent shoulder problem from my 4/29/16 accident.

When I entered the waiting area the other day, I noticed something sort of strange...but not so strange.

There were 7 other people waiting for their appointment, but each one seemed to be preoccupied.

Even the 70+ year old women were glued to their i-phones.

God desires intimacy with us, but I have to wonder how much we desire to spend time with Him?

As we call out to Him, He draws us into His inner chamber.

It is suggested that even the millennia’s will vote in lower numbers in this year’s November election.

Many in that age group would say that they’re too busy to vote.

A retired Pastor once told me... “The answers to the secrets of God, are found in the secret place”.

How often do you go to the secret place? Are you too busy to spend time with God?

Jesus said in Matthew 6: 6... “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray...”

It would appear that we have an issue with closing the door to the distractions of life.

I wonder if we haven’t instead, closed the door on God?

I’m also curious, if we too, haven’t been deceived by taking a big bite out of the APPLE...(Apple logo)

How is your faith?

Hebrews 11: 6            NKJV

⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

On Tuesday night, my wife Debbie and I went to the onetime movie event, “To Joey with Love”.

It was the life story of Rory and Joey Feek, and their daughter Indiana.

From the very start of the movie, you could testify to their deep faith in Christ.

When cancer struck, their faith seemed to grow larger than life, in spite of the terminal diagnosis for Joey.

Even with the birth of their daughter, Indiana, who was born with Down Syndrome, their collective theme was... “God has a plan”

I have to admit, that when I left the theater, I wondered how strong my faith is. Does my faith please God?

How strong is your faith? Do you diligently seek the God of the Bible?

Would you say your faith is stronger today, than it was a year ago?

I am convinced, that Joey is currently receiving her eternal reward for her deep, and powerful faith.

That same reward awaits her husband. What reward does your faith deserve?

Celebrate!

Luke 15: 7

7 “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents...”

When I was a kid in grade school there was something called, “Lost & Found”

It was a place that was filled with single mittens, shoes, hats, and all kinds of clothing.

Whenever something went missing of a personal article, you could go to search through lost and found.

To find something there that belonged to you, was a personal triumph. Not to mention that it put my Mom in a pretty good mood!

The religious big shots during Jesus’ time, didn’t understand what brought about Heavenly joy.

And yet Jesus said there was great joy in Heaven, when a soul is found, that once was lost.

Picture the greatest party or celebration you’ve ever been to, and then multiply that times 1,000.

When a lost soul is saved and recovered and restored, there is a great celebration in Heaven.

I wonder how excited the church is, when a lost person is found?

If we really understood the depth of that Heavenly joy, we might see more people active in evangelizing the world.

I wonder how often those of us who have been found, celebrate the day we were recovered?

Do we demonstrate the overwhelming joy of Jesus, or the doubtful attitude of the Pharisee?

Jesus placed a high priority on seeing the lost come home.

I wonder if the church places such a high priority on trying to locate the lost? Maybe we’d have more celebrations than we currently do, if we did... 

Evil to Good

Genesis 50: 20

²⁰ But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good...

I can’t speak for you necessarily, but I’ve had some bad things that have happened to me, that I thought at the time were devastating.

The longer I walk this walk of faith, the more I know I’ve met people who have suffered a familiar fate.

One can learn some valuable lessons from the life of Joseph.

Talk about bad luck!?! Or was it?

So many people through unfair circumstances they’ve had no control of, now go home to empty houses every night after work.

Then those quiet moments are often followed up with times of depression and emptiness.

Sometimes it takes months or even years for the veil of grief to be lifted.

Are you in such a place today?

Don’t give up hope, because the God of the Bible says that He can work all things out for our good.

The Lord has used many of my painful moments, to bring about wonderful healing.

I’m not sure I’d want to go through the gauntlet again, but on the other side of grief, God is there waiting.

The one thing I like to read in the 39^th chapter in Genesis, are these words... “The Lord was with him...”

Even if you’re walking through the valley right now, be encouraged that you don’t travel alone.

God is indeed, the God of second chances...

Control freak

Colossians 3: 1

1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

                                                                          

Do you ever feel like you’re on the wrong path in your walk of faith?

I know I do, and I sometimes struggle to get on the right path.

Most people who know me well, would know that I’m sort of a control freak.

Nahhhhh!?!?!? Actually, Yahhhh...

Making a confession like this one isn’t always very easy for me.

Would you say you’re a bit of a control freak?

I meet people from all walks of life every day, who are a bit reluctant to give up total control to God.

I took me a long time after I was saved, where I could clearly and openly sing the old hymn of the faith... “I Surrender All”

I wonder if it’s enough just to trust Jesus, so we can into the doors of Heaven?

Refusing to give up total control, makes a person weary and tired and very frustrated. Trust me on this one!

I didn’t experience the joy of walking with Christ, until I was willing to totally submit to His plan for my life.

How’s that plan working for you?

Maybe His plans for us to have a better life, are actually better than our best laid plans?

What are you waiting for already? Surrender totally to His perfect will today!! 

Serve!

John 12: 26  NKJV

²⁶ “If anyone serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, him my Father will honor.”

Last night I traveled up to Appleton to take part in the arrival of some Honor Flight dignitaries.

A man from our church was one of the men being honored. I’ve only experienced this event one other time, when a dear friend was honored too.

It’s an ceremony that the average person should really see.

What you’ll see, in no certain order are...tears...smiles...Flags everywhere...hugs...music...clapping and lots of cheers.

Not everyone gets to go on an honor flight.

Only those who have served have that right and privilege, and so it should be that way.

One day soon, the church of Jesus Christ is going to go on an honor flight of its own.

The dead in Christ will rise first, followed by those who remain on the earth.

What you’ll see in Heaven, is a banquet honoring those who have served, and the One they have served.

Mind you, only those who served faithfully, will have a chance to be honored, and to honor.

So if that honor flight happened today, where would you stand?

Is there anything that would stand in the way of you receiving honor?

It’s a day I look forward to. You’ll also find this at that time of glorious honor...Tears...Smiles...Hugs...Music...Cheers, and lots of Clapping!

And those deserving, will hear these words from the Father...”Well Done”...what an incredible honor...

Weeping!

Jeremiah 31: 9        NKJV

⁹ They shall come with weeping, and with supplications I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters...

I spoke to a dear old Pastor friend yesterday, whose been in ministry for over 50 years. He’s now 78 years old.

Dr. Ralph Rice and his wife Marianna have literally crisscrossed the globe to bring the hope of the Gospel to many.

As expected, Dr. Rice and I talked about many things. Family...the condition of the church...the waywardness of the world.

He still speaks lovingly about a lap top computer our church purchased for him many years ago.

But one thing that not only brought him to tears, brought him to a place of weeping uncontrollably.

I told him about the 25 people who entered the waters of baptism on Sunday, as a display of obedience to Jesus.

Our family have known the Rice’s since our last Sunday morning, at the church we came from when we first traveled to Winneconne.

For over 14 years we have enjoyed a deep friendship and common bond.

He’s the guy I can go to, to confess my many shortcomings in ministry, and yet he still loves me so.

When our conversation came to an end, he prayed for me and my family, like he always does.

He dearly prayed for Debbie, and Jake, Ashley, Carter & Maycn...and the baby on the way...and then he directed his attention to his friend, Benjamin.

As he went to the finish, he prayed for the people of our church, and the testimony of the faithful who entered the water on Sunday.

As he did, he cried like a little boy, but they were not tears of sadness, but they were wonderful crocodile tears of great joy.

I wonder if the church has forgotten to weep with joy? I wonder what makes any of us cry anymore?

Dr. Rice (“Mr. Enthusiasm”) knows, that as time becomes shorter and shorter, events like Sunday’s baptism service, should give us every reason to praise God with our tears...

Parting ways!

Acts 15: 39   NIV

³⁹ They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.

When we consider people leaving churches to go to another, that sometimes sends out shock waves.

And yet I believe people can have disagreements in the church, without even sinning.

Paul and Barnabas must have had a real donnybrook (a big heated argument)

But they went separate ways, and the Gospel still went out.

Over my course of years of preaching and teaching the Gospel, I have had a few disagreements with folks.

Some I have had without sinning, and yet others I would love a mulligan on.

I’ve literally met scores of people whom I have had wonderful fellowship with over time, that I no longer have relationships with.

Some have gone their separate ways to share the Gospel of love, and others have just gone away angry and upset.

My Dad used to say to me... “Boy, don’t go away mad...just go away!!”

May Dad was a wise man.

On Sunday, our church baptized 25 people. Talk about an exciting time!! Am I boasting? Just in the power of Jesus to overcome.

And even as there’s disagreement in the church sometimes, the Gospel of love and peace still goes out. Most times even in spite of me, I must confess.

The church of Jesus Christ can certainly maintain unity, without there being any bitterness...

Forward Focus!

Luke 9: 62

⁶² But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Throughout the course of my limited time in ministry, I’ve found that people are often captivated by the past.

The past can be filled with either warm memories, or many memories that we’d just as soon forget.

Since Jesus is coming again, and instead of considering the things of the past, I suspect Jesus would want us to be forward thinkers.

Yet so many people can’t let go of the past.

Jesus was saying that if we focus on the physical things, we’ll be very disappointed.

He even said that if we do that, we’re not even fit for the Kingdom of God.

That sounds like very harsh language, doesn’t it?

And yet I’ve discovered, that I don’t know, what I don’t know.

Jesus wants our forward focus to be on the spiritual things of the age to come.

His Kingdom will have no end, so maybe we should focus on that? Maybe Jesus is worth more, than considering what’s behind?

The physical brings with it visions of grandeur for the moment, but there is no lasting satisfaction.

Are you constantly looking in the rear view mirror?

If you know anything about farming at all, plowing with your head looking backward, well, the result will show up at harvest time.

Have you put your hand to the plow? Then start this new week looking toward the spiritual harvest of the future.

You’ll probably be very disappointed one day, if you don’t...

Care-frontation

Ephesians 4: 15      NKJV

¹⁵ but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ...

The word, “confrontation” brings with it a number of negative emotions.

It may be because of the modern English definition; “oppose, or challenge each other in an angry way” (Miriam Webster Dictionary)

Speaking the right words are important.

A Pastor friends, Mom, uses a nicer, softer word, for confrontation: “CARE-FRONTATION”

What’s the goal in CARE-FRONTATION? That the two might become more mature in their faith walk with Jesus.

“GROW UP!!” - Maybe that’s why we’re supposed to speak the truth in love?

Many years ago, my wife Debbie had a very dear friend and co-worker, who had a problem.

She knew this person had a severe drinking problem, and when they called to talk to her on the phone, she asked the right questions...and spoke the right words.

“Where are you now?” “Are you driving?” “Have you been drinking?”

They answered all of her questions, and also affirmed her worst fears.

This person was driving near a local elementary school during the time children were just getting out.

The most... “CARE-FRONTING” thing she could do, was call the police...and she did.

Later, this person thanked Debbie for... “care-fronting” as much as she did. This person has been sober now for over 31 years.

Speaking the truth in love, benefits all kinds of people....the speaker...the listener...and in this case...the innocent school children too...

Confrontation

Matthew 18: 15      NKJV

¹⁵ “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.”

Jesus presented a pattern for confronting those who have fallen into blatant sin.

I’m not sure this is the step we should take if someone forgets to genuflect when they come into church.

Our church in the last 24 months, have learned that confrontation isn’t a bad thing, although there still are some moderate skeptics.

Most would rather go to the dentist, than confront anyone who has fallen into sin.

So if you saw someone sprinkling Decon on their Cornflakes, would you warn them?

Would there be any sense of urgency on your part to open your mouth?

Or would you like so many in the church, pat them on the back while the poison went down the hatch?

Sadly, that’s where most people are when they consider confronting a brother or sister in Christ who has fallen.

The modern day evangelist, “Ray Comfort”, says this:

“Friendship evangelism never warns people of any pending danger...”

So friends never allow friends or family to go to Hell? What if a person’s sin unchecked, leads that person to such a place?

How would you feel if you had the chance to personally see that person’s eternal outcome?

“I don’t want to ruffle any feathers...I mean, it’s almost Christmas...right?!?”

Are you the type of person that puts off, what you know you must do?

If Jesus put these words in the Bible, then it must have been for very good reason...

Be Wise!

Proverbs 1: 5

⁵ A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels...

Throughout the course of the summer, a number of people from our church went through a revealing sort of experience.

We willfully submitted (most of us were willing J) to giving up total control by being blindfolded.

The general pretense was to consider what it would be like to hear the voice of God, and to be directed by it.

Following the experience...one of a few revelations were discovered;

1 1)    That many people do not hear the voice of God, and don’t give up control to God...

2 2) That people don’t take direction from God on a regular basis...

3 3) That the voice they may be hearing, isn’t God’s voice at all...

4 4)    Or that the experiment had no lasting impact...

I have to admit, I’m still struck by what I miss when I’m trying to do things in my own power.

If you’ve went through the experiment, has the luster faded away by now? Did it have any impact? Was there a good reason why you didn’t participate?

Why is listening to God’s voice such an important skill set in the life of a follower of Jesus?

It helps us mature...it helps us keep on the straight and narrow...it leads us to good decisions...it gives opportunity to gain excellent things.

Listening to God’s voice shows that we are a respecter of His holiness and deep wisdom.

Maybe there are some things in this world that we listen too much to...rather than that still, small, powerful voice of God...

Grudge holder

Proverbs 19: 11

¹¹ The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.

The quote of the day in the news cycle this morning is this; “It takes more than few hours, to cover up a year’s worth of insults!”

That may be true in our world, but not in God’s...and no...I am not trying to politicize a spiritual problem.

One of the persistent problems in the church today, is the problem of holding onto grudges.

Holding onto an offense, is in direct contradiction to the holy scriptures.

I have people when I see them even today, who would rather run me over, than offer a half hearted welcome.

I have decided that they have a huge problem, but I can’t be too prideful to consider that the same bug might bite me.

If we are willing to carry an offense, it means that we have not understood forgiveness.

A person that is totally unloving and unforgiving by nature, they’re salvation should be strongly questioned.

Bearing a bad spirit leads people to all sorts of dark places.

Holding on to those dark places, will bring a spirit of disunity to a church.

For the benefit of the church, that person should strongly consider moving on, or fall to their knees in repentance.

The closeness in a family or in a church can be severely compromised, with this sort of jesting going on.

If you saw this spirit being manifested in your church, would you have the wherewithal to address it?

Let’s be safe to say, there’s no room for bitterness in the life of a follower of Jesus.

An ill willed feeling will keep people from worship, and if left uncorrected, it will lead the person back to whom that spirit comes from in the first place.

Bad blood in the sanctuary, keeps the power of the blood of Jesus, totally at bay...