I love Thanksgiving. Our culture has taken us to a place where we jump from Halloween to "the Holidays" aka Christmas and New Years. I heard today through a friend that there were people already setting up a tent in the Best Buy parking lot next to his house. They were of course doing this so that they could hit the Black Friday Sales. My question is, "Are these people celebrating Thanksgiving?" Our culture has become so consumed with the next best sale and buying the best gadget, that they are missing out on one of our calendar's best holidays, Thanksgiving.
There are many texts in Scriptures that talk about Thanksgiving. The one that I get hung up on every time comes from Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Give thanks in all circumstances." Now, I don't know about you, but I have a hard time swallowing that verse. Paul is saying that no matter what life throws at you, be thankful.
Jesus is a prime example of someone who understands this admonishment. Any passage you read that records what took place at the last supper in the upper room, with Jesus and His disciples, tells us that Jesus gave thanks before He administered the first communion. At the last supper, Jesus is getting ready to fulfill His purpose for coming to earth, ultimately to die. He was getting ready to be betrayed. He was getting ready to face mockery and beating. He was getting ready to face crucifixion which meant being nailed to a cross. He knew this was coming, and yet on the night He was betrayed, He paused and gave thanks.
I could think of a hundred reasons why it would be difficult to give thanks in all circumstances. Our sister church in town lost their church building in a fire last week. A friend of my wife and I lost her son, who was 12 years old, to a battle with cancer last week. Another friend of ours is asking the Lord to heal his mother who was badly injured in a serious car accident last Friday. This last year, when my son fell into a fire, that was a time when it was difficult to give thanks to the Lord.
The Greek words used for give thanks, as recorded in the gospel account of what Jesus did at the last supper, is the same as the Hebrew word barak which means "to kneel down, to bless or praise God as an act of adoration." Giving thanks is synonymous with worship. Jesus took time to praise God even though He was about to face death.
In light of this, the reason Paul challenges us to give thanks in all circumstances is because of the fact that even when life is bad, God still deserves our thanks and praise. No matter how difficult life may be, Jesus is still worthy of our praise because of who He is and what He has done for us. Jesus paid the price for our sins. He was sacrificed for us so that we might receive salvation. Because of that, He is worthy!
Let me encourage you, no matter what you are going through right now, take time to praise the Name of Jesus. Take time to consider His goodness and faithfulness. He is good and His love endures forever. God is good, all the time!
From the Heart of Hartley
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Jesus and Politics
I don't know about you, but I'm tired of the political adds and the candidate bashing that has gone on. Because this race is so close and the last 4 years have gone so poorly, both parties have received their share of stomach punches. People are calling this the election of the century. I'm absolutely ready for this election to be over and recorded in the history books.
However, with that being said, what takes place tomorrow is of utmost importance. Four years ago, President Obama promised change and was himself change as our country has never elected an African-American President. In the last four years, our country has experienced change alright, change for the worse: a failure to protect unborn babies, a failure to defend historical marriage and healthy families, the national debt is higher, more people are out of work, a failure to deal with Islamic terrorism, and a failure to preserve freedom of religion with governmental involvement in churches. There are other issues, but these are the main ones. If we don't confront these issues in the next four years in a biblical and Christ-centered way, we will continue our downward spiral away from being one nation under God. If we desire to be one nation under God and seriously strive to see God bless America, then how can we put people into governmental positions who will not uphold biblical values?
As I have prayed and studied Scripture the last month, leading up to this election the Lord has put three tangible "things to do" on my heart as we face this election and as we face the next four years: PRAY, VOTE and DISCIPLE
The Lord has used 1 Timothy 2:1-6 in my life to direct me in this election season. We read of Paul's teaching to Timothy that prayer should be at the center of all worship. Specifically that prayer be made for all of those who are in authority. At the time of this writing, Nero was the ruler of the Roman Empire. His name makes me cringe as he was a killer of Christians. Imagine Timothy being challenged to pray for such a man. The message is the same for us today. We need to pray for those who are elected whether we agree with their politics or not. My prayer is that God will raise up godly politicians within my church. I shared with a few of our children's Sunday School teachers last week, what a shame it is that we don't have a born-again Christian on this year's ticket for president. I said, maybe the future council members, senators governors and perhaps a president will come from their Sunday School classes. Our country needs more elected officials who will rule and make decisions according to biblical and kingdom values.
The Roman world at the time of this writing was not a democracy, so the only thing Timothy could do was to pray. However, I believe if they were able to vote, Paul would have challenged Timothy to do so. As Americans, God has given us the privilege to vote. Praying allows us to share our desires with God. Voting allows us to share our desires with the government. I want to align my desires with God's desires. Jesus gave us a mandate as we call the Great Commission before ascending into Heaven, "Go and make disciples." It says in 1 Timothy 2:4, "Our Savior desires that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." This is God's agenda and should be our agenda. We must vote for Jesus. This means voting for the unborn, voting for the family, voting for the church, voting for a balanced budget, etc.
I have friends who are not voting at all this election or are writing in Ron Paul or someone else. They site various reasons, but the one I hear most often is because neither candidates are born again Christians. This is true as one claims to be a Christian and doesn't act like it, and the other candidate is a devout Mormon. My answer to this is that we must look at their convictions and platforms. Will they uphold biblical values? Also, a no vote or a vote for a third party is just the same as voting for the worst candidate. So, the answer is this, get out and vote for one of the two candidates. Vote for the candidate who will do their best to bring God's blessing to our country.
The final word that the Lord has challenged me with as it involves our election is disciple. As I mentioned above, Jesus has commanded us to reach the nations, starting in our own backyard. As a pastor, it is my role to lead my church in leading our neighbors, classmates, and co-workers to faith in Jesus Christ. Then it is our role to see those people brought into fellowship and walk with them to become established in their walk in making Jesus Lord of their lives. This is what the church is called to do. This is not the government's job. The government's role, as we read in Romans 13, is to encourage what is good and discourage what is evil. That is all. However, it is not their role to do the churches job. In addition, it is not the government's role to tell churches what they can and can't do. The government goes beyond it's responsibility when they try to keep the church from doing what God has called the church to do. As a pastor of a local church, I have felt the government breathing down my neck in different ways in the last couple years and it's beginning to get scary. God has called me to make disciples, and I don't want any restrictions in doing so.
With all of that being said, this election, I'm voting for Jesus. I want to cast the vote that He would be most pleased with. I plan to vote for the unborn, the family and the church. I realize that ultimately this election is in God's hands. He already knows the winner. He is in complete control. As I vote, I hope to see God bless America once again. Psalm 33:12 says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Proverbs 14:34 says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." This election, I challenge you to weigh the issues, not from the perspective of a donkey or elephant, but weigh the issues from the very Word of God. Please join me in casting a vote for Jesus.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
The Lord continues to speak to me about His longing for faithfulness in the lives of His children. In a previous blog article entitled Lifesong, I addressed the idea of our life being a message to the world. I want to continue those thoughts here.
Actions speak louder than words. Do you agree with that statement? Everyone can talk a good game, but not everyone can always back it up. I recall a heated argument that developed on a practice putting green, before a multi-school golf tournament, my senior year in high school. Yes, surprisingly enough, there is trash talk that can happen even in the sport of golf. Golf tends to be a gentlemen’s sport and has always been a sport played with an emphasis on etiquette. However, that day on the practice green, all it took was one student telling his opponent that he would out-drive and out-putt him the entire round. This led to a heated exchange. Golf is a game that requires intense concentration and if your mind is elsewhere during your round, you will end up having to take penalty strokes because of poor shots. To make a long story short, this golfer from the other school wasn’t able to back up his talk. He tried to get his opponent thinking negatively, and as a result it backfired and he found himself being negatively affected by his words.
In my experience as a pastor, I have come across so many people who settle for spiritual mediocrity. These people have a lot of head knowledge but it doesn’t bring life transformation. These people have trusted Jesus as their Savior and it seems they have done so only to avoid an eternity in hell. They attend church on Sunday or youth group on Wednesday night; they may even interact and answer questions about faith and Scriptures. But, when it comes to Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and the weekends, they run their life on their own. Their lives are no different than those who have yet to trust Jesus. Their mouths pour out lies or profanity. Their computers are filled with garbage. Their social media accounts are used as a place to air their dirty laundry. Their lifestyle is camouflaged because they want to fit in with the world.
This last year, the Lord has spoken to me about the importance of godly character. Jesus, in Matthew 5:13-16, calls His followers to be salt and light. Our character is what enables us to be salt and light. Our culture is full of darkness and only we have the ability to bring the light of Jesus. Salt prevents decay. Our culture is decaying with immorality, greed, and pride. It’s only as we become salt, that we can prevent the decay that is happening all around us.
This fall, I am teaching our youth about the Fruit of the Spirit. I have sensed a need to define what a follower of Jesus looks like. We have studied the last part of Galatians 5. There is a battle going on for each of our hearts/souls. It is a battle between our sinful natures and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The enemy wants nothing more than for us to believe his lies and fall into sin. However, as we trust Jesus, the Holy Spirit wants to work through the Word of God to sensitize us to the character qualities of Jesus. Each Wednesday night, we are looking at a different fruit of the Spirit. These fruit are not optional. Fruit are not like spiritual gifts. A follower of Christ may only have one spiritual gift. However, each of us should strive to display each and every fruit.
The first of the nine fruit mentioned in Paul’s list in Galatians 5 is love. Love should be at the center of all we do and all we say. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This is simply because love should be the igniter for all the other fruit. We can experience joy because of love. We can live at peace because of love. We can be patient because of love. We are kind because of love. We enjoy goodness because of love. We are full of faith because of love. We are gentle because of love. We can be self-controlled because of love. Love is what defines God and if we are followers of Christ, love will be at the center of all we do. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: 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.” May the Spirit of God empower each of us to live for Jesus each and every day. May we be known as those who don’t just talk the talk, but we walk the walk!
In my experience as a pastor, I have come across so many people who settle for spiritual mediocrity. These people have a lot of head knowledge but it doesn’t bring life transformation. These people have trusted Jesus as their Savior and it seems they have done so only to avoid an eternity in hell. They attend church on Sunday or youth group on Wednesday night; they may even interact and answer questions about faith and Scriptures. But, when it comes to Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and the weekends, they run their life on their own. Their lives are no different than those who have yet to trust Jesus. Their mouths pour out lies or profanity. Their computers are filled with garbage. Their social media accounts are used as a place to air their dirty laundry. Their lifestyle is camouflaged because they want to fit in with the world.
This last year, the Lord has spoken to me about the importance of godly character. Jesus, in Matthew 5:13-16, calls His followers to be salt and light. Our character is what enables us to be salt and light. Our culture is full of darkness and only we have the ability to bring the light of Jesus. Salt prevents decay. Our culture is decaying with immorality, greed, and pride. It’s only as we become salt, that we can prevent the decay that is happening all around us.
This fall, I am teaching our youth about the Fruit of the Spirit. I have sensed a need to define what a follower of Jesus looks like. We have studied the last part of Galatians 5. There is a battle going on for each of our hearts/souls. It is a battle between our sinful natures and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The enemy wants nothing more than for us to believe his lies and fall into sin. However, as we trust Jesus, the Holy Spirit wants to work through the Word of God to sensitize us to the character qualities of Jesus. Each Wednesday night, we are looking at a different fruit of the Spirit. These fruit are not optional. Fruit are not like spiritual gifts. A follower of Christ may only have one spiritual gift. However, each of us should strive to display each and every fruit.
The first of the nine fruit mentioned in Paul’s list in Galatians 5 is love. Love should be at the center of all we do and all we say. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This is simply because love should be the igniter for all the other fruit. We can experience joy because of love. We can live at peace because of love. We can be patient because of love. We are kind because of love. We enjoy goodness because of love. We are full of faith because of love. We are gentle because of love. We can be self-controlled because of love. Love is what defines God and if we are followers of Christ, love will be at the center of all we do. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: 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.” May the Spirit of God empower each of us to live for Jesus each and every day. May we be known as those who don’t just talk the talk, but we walk the walk!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Who's Got Your Back?
I just recently returned from a youth retreat and the theme for our weekend was: Who's got your back? When you hear the phrase, I've got your back, It leads us to a place of confidence, companionship, security, relationship. It’s hilarious, in the last 2 weeks, I’ve heard that phrase come up so many different times. I was down at our theater with my family watching Ice Age 3. (Which BTW is hilarious!) There was a scene where the saber tooth tiger says to his new friend, I’ve got your back. Then a couple weeks ago, I was playing short stop at a church softball game and I overheard our right center-fielder tell our left center-fielder, I got your back.
Those words bring life! Each of us have a longing to be loved. When we know that someone has our backs, it makes us feel loved. There is nothing more encouraging. There is nothing that propels you to greater things. There is nothing that energizes us more. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that someone has our back.
Now, as an associate pastor, I have many roles in our church. I’m the youth pastor. I oversee Christian Education. I preach on occasions. I run the Anchor (our Christian youth center). I visit people in the hospital. I meet with people for counseling. I’m officiating a wedding next month. These are all important roles. But, in addition to knowing Christ, my primary role is to support our senior pastor. As his associate, it is my primary role to support him. No matter what, I need to be loyal, I need to pray for him, I need to be there for him. I have his back no matter what!
Unfortunately, too many people in this world will turn our back on us. We may have a best friend who loves us one day and then leaves us the next. When storms come into our lives, we need to know that we have someone who will support us, love us, be there for us no matter what. We may receive this from our parents, we may receive this from our children, we may receive this from our spouces, we even may receive this from friends. However, there is a love that exists that is far greater and more sufficient than any human love and that is the love that we receive from our Heavenly Father.
Check out these verses:
Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5-6 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”
John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
My desire is for you to know beyond a shadow of doubt that Jesus has your back. That no matter what you do, what happens to you, no matter where life takes you, Jesus has your back! He loves you, He died for you and He lives today to be your best friend!
Those words bring life! Each of us have a longing to be loved. When we know that someone has our backs, it makes us feel loved. There is nothing more encouraging. There is nothing that propels you to greater things. There is nothing that energizes us more. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that someone has our back.
Now, as an associate pastor, I have many roles in our church. I’m the youth pastor. I oversee Christian Education. I preach on occasions. I run the Anchor (our Christian youth center). I visit people in the hospital. I meet with people for counseling. I’m officiating a wedding next month. These are all important roles. But, in addition to knowing Christ, my primary role is to support our senior pastor. As his associate, it is my primary role to support him. No matter what, I need to be loyal, I need to pray for him, I need to be there for him. I have his back no matter what!
Unfortunately, too many people in this world will turn our back on us. We may have a best friend who loves us one day and then leaves us the next. When storms come into our lives, we need to know that we have someone who will support us, love us, be there for us no matter what. We may receive this from our parents, we may receive this from our children, we may receive this from our spouces, we even may receive this from friends. However, there is a love that exists that is far greater and more sufficient than any human love and that is the love that we receive from our Heavenly Father.
Check out these verses:
Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5-6 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”
John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
My desire is for you to know beyond a shadow of doubt that Jesus has your back. That no matter what you do, what happens to you, no matter where life takes you, Jesus has your back! He loves you, He died for you and He lives today to be your best friend!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Can you hear me now?
My favorite human being on the face of the earth is my wife. I better be careful or I might just score some brownie points. In all seriousness, she is the most inspiring individual I have ever met.
Let me explain. Joanna was born with severe hearing loss and profoundly deaf in both ears. She has worn hearing aids since she was a toddler to help increase her ability to hear. She is a phenomenal lip reader and relies on that skill to help her communicate. However, it is still frustrating for her. She's not able to sit in a group and follow every word that is shared. She's not able to enjoy music the way a hearing person does. She won't hear you if you're talking behind her back. If you have a long mustache and a soft voice, she wouldn't even know you're talking. The sounds that a hearing person takes for granted, she will miss most of them.
With this being said, I hardly ever hear Joanna complain. Joanna has an incredible ability to listen with her heart. Yes her ears don't work well, and her eyes work pretty well, but her heart is a treasure full of gold. She has a genuine love for people and God's creation. Because she sees life through a different lens due to her deafness, she has a God-given ability to see the needs of people more than the average person. She takes me to school all the time with lessons in compassion. When one of our children gets stung by a bee, they know who to go to for comfort. Joanna's level of concern will warm the heart of anyone.
Joanna has embraced who God has created her to be. The Bible says in Psalm 139 that we are each fearfully and wonderfully made. Joanna has embraced her inability to hear. She realizes that there is nothing she can do and that God has a reason for her being deaf. There have been times when she has been frustrated because she can't hear, or she'll come home tired from trying to follow a busy conversation. But at the end of the day, she knows that she is God's special creation.
For the last two years, we have been praying more persistently that Joanna would be healed. In Mark 7, we read of a man who was deaf and was healed. We believe that Jesus is in the process of healing Joanna. In moving to Minnesota this last year, we found out that we only live 4 hours from Mayo Clinic, which has one of the premier Cochlear Implant departments in the country. Last Friday, Joanna underwent this surgery to improve her capacity to hear. As she heals and awaits the activation, we are waiting with much anticipation to experience the changes this will bring to Joanna's ability to hear. During surgery, the doctor ran a test to make sure the device was stimulating her hearing nerves and all the tests were passed. We praise the Lord for His goodness to us! These are exciting days ahead for our family with the prospects of Joanna hearing better.
As I have reflected on my wife's hearing in recent days, I am reminded of my need to hear the voice of God. How often does God have to ask us, Can you hear me now? In a world that severs our hearing nerves with the garbage of media, sin and busyness, we often block out the voice of God. My prayer has been, as recorded in Revelation, "Give me ears to hear what the Spirit is saying." In other words, God, give my heart a cochlear implant. I want to position myself in a place where I can hear the voice of God. As a husband, I must hear the voice of God. As a father, I must hear the voice of God. As a son, I must hear the voice of God. As a pastor, I must hear the voice of God. I can't be the man that God calls me to be unless I am spending time knowing and experiencing the presence of God. When I am still, then I can know God.
God has taught me a lot through my wife. These are just a few examples of that. I am blessed to have a wife who loves Jesus, who loves me and cares for me and allows me to be the man that God has created me to be. Joanna is a blessing and as we read in Proverbs 18, "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." I thank God for my wife! I look forward to the end of this month when we go back to the hospital to have her hearing device activated, I may just ask her, Can you hear me now?
Let me explain. Joanna was born with severe hearing loss and profoundly deaf in both ears. She has worn hearing aids since she was a toddler to help increase her ability to hear. She is a phenomenal lip reader and relies on that skill to help her communicate. However, it is still frustrating for her. She's not able to sit in a group and follow every word that is shared. She's not able to enjoy music the way a hearing person does. She won't hear you if you're talking behind her back. If you have a long mustache and a soft voice, she wouldn't even know you're talking. The sounds that a hearing person takes for granted, she will miss most of them.
With this being said, I hardly ever hear Joanna complain. Joanna has an incredible ability to listen with her heart. Yes her ears don't work well, and her eyes work pretty well, but her heart is a treasure full of gold. She has a genuine love for people and God's creation. Because she sees life through a different lens due to her deafness, she has a God-given ability to see the needs of people more than the average person. She takes me to school all the time with lessons in compassion. When one of our children gets stung by a bee, they know who to go to for comfort. Joanna's level of concern will warm the heart of anyone.
Joanna has embraced who God has created her to be. The Bible says in Psalm 139 that we are each fearfully and wonderfully made. Joanna has embraced her inability to hear. She realizes that there is nothing she can do and that God has a reason for her being deaf. There have been times when she has been frustrated because she can't hear, or she'll come home tired from trying to follow a busy conversation. But at the end of the day, she knows that she is God's special creation.
For the last two years, we have been praying more persistently that Joanna would be healed. In Mark 7, we read of a man who was deaf and was healed. We believe that Jesus is in the process of healing Joanna. In moving to Minnesota this last year, we found out that we only live 4 hours from Mayo Clinic, which has one of the premier Cochlear Implant departments in the country. Last Friday, Joanna underwent this surgery to improve her capacity to hear. As she heals and awaits the activation, we are waiting with much anticipation to experience the changes this will bring to Joanna's ability to hear. During surgery, the doctor ran a test to make sure the device was stimulating her hearing nerves and all the tests were passed. We praise the Lord for His goodness to us! These are exciting days ahead for our family with the prospects of Joanna hearing better.
As I have reflected on my wife's hearing in recent days, I am reminded of my need to hear the voice of God. How often does God have to ask us, Can you hear me now? In a world that severs our hearing nerves with the garbage of media, sin and busyness, we often block out the voice of God. My prayer has been, as recorded in Revelation, "Give me ears to hear what the Spirit is saying." In other words, God, give my heart a cochlear implant. I want to position myself in a place where I can hear the voice of God. As a husband, I must hear the voice of God. As a father, I must hear the voice of God. As a son, I must hear the voice of God. As a pastor, I must hear the voice of God. I can't be the man that God calls me to be unless I am spending time knowing and experiencing the presence of God. When I am still, then I can know God.
God has taught me a lot through my wife. These are just a few examples of that. I am blessed to have a wife who loves Jesus, who loves me and cares for me and allows me to be the man that God has created me to be. Joanna is a blessing and as we read in Proverbs 18, "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." I thank God for my wife! I look forward to the end of this month when we go back to the hospital to have her hearing device activated, I may just ask her, Can you hear me now?
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Why do bad things happen to good people?
This is a question that is often asked and is also a question that is not easily answered. Ever since the plane high-jacking incident of 9/11 happened, I have wrestled with this question. This is a question that was raised last weekend as a part of the TV coverage of the Aurora massacre. Why does God allow this to happen?
Furthermore, each of us know of situations that hit a little closer to home. For example, I know of a couple families in our church who are dealing with husband – wife separations and possible divorce. There are several people in our church who are battling cancer. Joanna and I have been through a crisis this year that I have written about in a previous blog as our son fell into a fire and burnt his hand and then our van broke down.
I honestly admit that I don’t have all the answers. I wish that there was some sort of formula for dealing with this issue. Volumes have been written on this subject. But, I do want to share with you what the Lord has spoken to me as I have wrestled with this question. If anything, I want to bring this topic to the forefront of your thoughts as it is relevant to what is happening in our world.
First of all, I have understood that it is alright to get upset with God. As I read Psalm 10, I can just sense the anger that David had because God seemed distant. He felt as if the wicked were getting away with too much. David was a man after God’s heart and even he was upset with God. God is big enough to handle our anger. Anger is a part of every relationship, although anger is often based on misunderstandings. We must deal with our anger appropriately.
Secondly, bad things happen because there is evil in the world. Ever since Adam and Eve fell in sin, humanity was knocked over the head with the sinful nature. God had two options when He created us. He could have created us in some form of robot that would be holy all the time, quick to worship Him, and quick to do what’s right, but with no real choices. Instead He chose to give us a free will which allows us to choose between good and evil. God hates sin. God is just and will punish those who do evil. When Cain killed his brother, he was punished and was never able to settle down in a land. Unfortunately, many of the tragedies that we face today are a direct result of the sinful state of our world.
Our tendency is to settle on a reason for everything that happens. Unfortunately, that is not always possible, and forcing a fake reason doesn’t do us any good. It’s so easy to get consumed with the here and the now, that we often forget that God is in control of the big picture. Our lives are like a piece to a puzzle, we get to see some of the picture, some of the colors, but we don’t see how it all fits together. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” It is so easy to want answers right away, but God wants us to rest in the fact that He is in control. God is sovereign and we can rest in that fact. He says in his word, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Even though God allows bad to happen, we can rest assure that He is in control.
As we seek God in regards to this area, may He grant us wisdom. The people in our community have questions. If you haven’t been cornered on this issue, you will very soon. I trust the Lord will use you to help frustrated people see the light of Jesus and embrace His love during these rocky roads of life. I leave you with this, James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
Furthermore, each of us know of situations that hit a little closer to home. For example, I know of a couple families in our church who are dealing with husband – wife separations and possible divorce. There are several people in our church who are battling cancer. Joanna and I have been through a crisis this year that I have written about in a previous blog as our son fell into a fire and burnt his hand and then our van broke down.
I honestly admit that I don’t have all the answers. I wish that there was some sort of formula for dealing with this issue. Volumes have been written on this subject. But, I do want to share with you what the Lord has spoken to me as I have wrestled with this question. If anything, I want to bring this topic to the forefront of your thoughts as it is relevant to what is happening in our world.
First of all, I have understood that it is alright to get upset with God. As I read Psalm 10, I can just sense the anger that David had because God seemed distant. He felt as if the wicked were getting away with too much. David was a man after God’s heart and even he was upset with God. God is big enough to handle our anger. Anger is a part of every relationship, although anger is often based on misunderstandings. We must deal with our anger appropriately.
Secondly, bad things happen because there is evil in the world. Ever since Adam and Eve fell in sin, humanity was knocked over the head with the sinful nature. God had two options when He created us. He could have created us in some form of robot that would be holy all the time, quick to worship Him, and quick to do what’s right, but with no real choices. Instead He chose to give us a free will which allows us to choose between good and evil. God hates sin. God is just and will punish those who do evil. When Cain killed his brother, he was punished and was never able to settle down in a land. Unfortunately, many of the tragedies that we face today are a direct result of the sinful state of our world.
Our tendency is to settle on a reason for everything that happens. Unfortunately, that is not always possible, and forcing a fake reason doesn’t do us any good. It’s so easy to get consumed with the here and the now, that we often forget that God is in control of the big picture. Our lives are like a piece to a puzzle, we get to see some of the picture, some of the colors, but we don’t see how it all fits together. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” It is so easy to want answers right away, but God wants us to rest in the fact that He is in control. God is sovereign and we can rest in that fact. He says in his word, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Even though God allows bad to happen, we can rest assure that He is in control.
As we seek God in regards to this area, may He grant us wisdom. The people in our community have questions. If you haven’t been cornered on this issue, you will very soon. I trust the Lord will use you to help frustrated people see the light of Jesus and embrace His love during these rocky roads of life. I leave you with this, James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
Monday, July 9, 2012
Blessings in the midst of trials
In my last blog post I shared about our recent trial and outlined my theology on suffering and the soverignty of God, that God has a reason for everything we face in this life. In the middle of a difficult trial, the Lord met me. Not only did I receive His strength, but the Lord whispered to me, "prepare for the blessing." I felt as if the Lord was telling me that He was about to overwhelm me with gifts. I took Him at His word, but I had no idea what we were in for.
As we were getting settled into our hospital room (for Luke's burn), we remembered that my brother's Mom and Dad in-law live in the Minneapolis suburb of Shoreview. I quickly got on the phone with them. Let me just say, my brother married into a wonderful family. They came to visit us that night in our hospital room. They brought love as if we were a part of their family. In addition they brought Joanna some clothes to make our stay more comfortable. Before they left, we prayed together and believed God to provide healing for Luke and peace for our family. God brought us peace as we rested that night in hospital chairs.
Early the next morning, I started thinking about our van. How would we get it fixed? If you didn't read my last blog post, our van was at a Minneapolis mechanic with a broken timing belt with estimated repairs at $2,000. My first call was to a friend in Verndale, who is also a mechanic. He had already been thinking about our van as someone in our church had told him of our situation. He worked it out for our van to be towed from the mechanic in Minneapolis to his garage in Verndale. What a blessing!
The next chore would be to find a ride back to Verndale. After a few phone calls, I talked with one of my youth sponsors who's brother happened to be driving to the cities that day for a high school graduation. He was going to be driving back with his family and wouldn't need his truck. Praise the Lord! All we would need to do was to find a ride to the church where the graduation was being held. That was easy because the church where the graduation was held is the same church where my brother's in-laws worship on Sundays. They picked us up when we were discharged from the hospital and then dropped us off at the church. What a blessing to be able to get back home without having to rent a car! When we pulled up to our house a friend had left their car for us to borrow until our van was fixed.
Fast forward to just this past week. The Lord continues to pour out His blessings. We received a large check in the mail. We also found out that our van has been repaired as a gift to our family. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! To God be the glory, great things He has done! ...and I haven't even mentioned the cards, emails and phone calls!!!
Where's God? There's God! So often, people allow the trials of life to get them bent out of shape and if only we could see from God's perspective. He is pushing us to press into Him deeper. He desires for us to be refined in the fire. He is developing perseverance. In the midst of my trial, the Lord worked.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
As we were getting settled into our hospital room (for Luke's burn), we remembered that my brother's Mom and Dad in-law live in the Minneapolis suburb of Shoreview. I quickly got on the phone with them. Let me just say, my brother married into a wonderful family. They came to visit us that night in our hospital room. They brought love as if we were a part of their family. In addition they brought Joanna some clothes to make our stay more comfortable. Before they left, we prayed together and believed God to provide healing for Luke and peace for our family. God brought us peace as we rested that night in hospital chairs.
Early the next morning, I started thinking about our van. How would we get it fixed? If you didn't read my last blog post, our van was at a Minneapolis mechanic with a broken timing belt with estimated repairs at $2,000. My first call was to a friend in Verndale, who is also a mechanic. He had already been thinking about our van as someone in our church had told him of our situation. He worked it out for our van to be towed from the mechanic in Minneapolis to his garage in Verndale. What a blessing!
The next chore would be to find a ride back to Verndale. After a few phone calls, I talked with one of my youth sponsors who's brother happened to be driving to the cities that day for a high school graduation. He was going to be driving back with his family and wouldn't need his truck. Praise the Lord! All we would need to do was to find a ride to the church where the graduation was being held. That was easy because the church where the graduation was held is the same church where my brother's in-laws worship on Sundays. They picked us up when we were discharged from the hospital and then dropped us off at the church. What a blessing to be able to get back home without having to rent a car! When we pulled up to our house a friend had left their car for us to borrow until our van was fixed.
Fast forward to just this past week. The Lord continues to pour out His blessings. We received a large check in the mail. We also found out that our van has been repaired as a gift to our family. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! To God be the glory, great things He has done! ...and I haven't even mentioned the cards, emails and phone calls!!!
Where's God? There's God! So often, people allow the trials of life to get them bent out of shape and if only we could see from God's perspective. He is pushing us to press into Him deeper. He desires for us to be refined in the fire. He is developing perseverance. In the midst of my trial, the Lord worked.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Where's God? There's God!
When we decide to follow Jesus, He doesn’t promise us that life will all of a sudden be a bed of roses. Some people paint a picture that a life in Jesus is full of joy and happiness all the time. Well, a life in Christ is characterized by that, but it’s not that way all the time. Job 5:7 says, “As surely as sparks fly upward, so a man was born for adversity.” If you are human, you are going to deal with hard times, whether you are a follower of Christ or not.
Last week, my family and I found ourselves in the middle of a crisis. I was in my office plowing through some Summer scheduling for the youth group and received a phone call that my youngest son had fallen into a fire and burnt his hand. I then took him to our family doctor to find out that this was no sunburn! He had a very serious burn that required special attention because of his age and because it was his hand. So, Joanna and I took Luke down to a hospital and burn unit in the Twin Cities. Well to make matters worse, two blocks from the hospital, our mini-van broke down and wouldn’t start. Joanna and Luke had to walk and check into the hospital by themselves and I was left to call a tow truck.
Now, someone who isn’t walking with the Lord, would take the opportunity in that auto mechanic waiting area to shake their fist at God and question Him. There would be others who would hear of our story and think, “Where is God in that situation?” “How could God allow this terrible thing to happen to such nice people?” “If they love Jesus and serve Jesus, then why would He put them through that?”
I remember sitting in the waiting area of the repair shop and crying out to God, I said, “God reveal Yourself to me!” Through prayer, God’s presence and love came rushing in like a river into my soul. I felt an overwhelming strength and faith knowing that God had everything under control. I was reminded of James 1 that says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Notice the word, whenever. It doesn’t say if you face trials, it says when you face trials. No matter how strong your faith in Jesus is, trials will surely come. God uses those trials to build our faith.
I heard a statement one time from a pastor that has stuck with me to today, “Nothing that is under God’s control is ever out of control.” No matter how difficult life can seem sometimes, God is sovereign and He has everything under control. God is right in the middle of every circumstance we face and He allowed it to happen. I could write another article on all that God did in our lives because of this trial. The answer to the question, “Where’s God?” is “There’s God!” He will never leave you or forsake you!
Last week, my family and I found ourselves in the middle of a crisis. I was in my office plowing through some Summer scheduling for the youth group and received a phone call that my youngest son had fallen into a fire and burnt his hand. I then took him to our family doctor to find out that this was no sunburn! He had a very serious burn that required special attention because of his age and because it was his hand. So, Joanna and I took Luke down to a hospital and burn unit in the Twin Cities. Well to make matters worse, two blocks from the hospital, our mini-van broke down and wouldn’t start. Joanna and Luke had to walk and check into the hospital by themselves and I was left to call a tow truck.
Now, someone who isn’t walking with the Lord, would take the opportunity in that auto mechanic waiting area to shake their fist at God and question Him. There would be others who would hear of our story and think, “Where is God in that situation?” “How could God allow this terrible thing to happen to such nice people?” “If they love Jesus and serve Jesus, then why would He put them through that?”
I remember sitting in the waiting area of the repair shop and crying out to God, I said, “God reveal Yourself to me!” Through prayer, God’s presence and love came rushing in like a river into my soul. I felt an overwhelming strength and faith knowing that God had everything under control. I was reminded of James 1 that says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Notice the word, whenever. It doesn’t say if you face trials, it says when you face trials. No matter how strong your faith in Jesus is, trials will surely come. God uses those trials to build our faith.
I heard a statement one time from a pastor that has stuck with me to today, “Nothing that is under God’s control is ever out of control.” No matter how difficult life can seem sometimes, God is sovereign and He has everything under control. God is right in the middle of every circumstance we face and He allowed it to happen. I could write another article on all that God did in our lives because of this trial. The answer to the question, “Where’s God?” is “There’s God!” He will never leave you or forsake you!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Lifesong
It has been said that actions speak louder than words. I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. I can think of several instances over the years where I have heard someone talk a good walk, but when the rubber met the road their lifestyle didn’t match what came out of their mouth. God desires and deserves so much more.
We live in a fallen world. The world we live in today is more sinful than it was ten years ago. There are so many temptations that cloud our vision every day. God has called us to holiness. Holiness means set apart, different. Just as God Himself is holy, so He desires us to be holy, striving to live a sinless life. So often believers can get caught in a rut of taking advantage of God’s grace. We can catch ourselves thinking, “God will forgive me and therefore I can continue sinning.” That’s the wrong mindset to have. The Bible says in Romans 6:1, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase, by no means, we died to sin!” Our lives should not conform to the world around us. We should not desire to be camouflaged Christians. God calls us to stand out, to be salt and light!
As believers, God has given us absolute freedom. Scripture says in John 8:36, “If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed.” What a joy it is to be called children of God. We are loved with an everlasting love. We are able to love because He first loved us. This freedom we experience in Christ should cause our countenance to be different from the world. The inner freedom that we experience should cause our personality to overflow with the joy of the Lord. Our lives should be different.
Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” This is a great verse, and I have, over the years, debated in my mind about what that exactly means. I have concluded that as believers God has called us to worship Him with our lives. This happens 24-7-365. This is not just something we do on a given Sunday morning or simply during a Bile study experience. This is daily dying to ourselves and taking up our cross and putting Jesus first. It is complete surrender, saying, “Lord, not my will, but yours be done.” It is doing everything in life to the audience of One, for His praise and for His glory.
Several years ago, I took a group of middle school students to Night of Joy at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando FL. One of the featured bands at this event was Casting Crowns. They had previously released an album entitled Lifesong (lyrics below). The title song is featured first on the CD and has become one of my all-time favorite songs. This song speaks of this challenge we face as believers to allow what happens at church to be carried over into our daily lives. Our lives should reflect Christ’s work in us. A statement that lead singer Mark Hall made that Friday night, years ago and has stuck with me today is: “All of life is worship.” He hit the nail on the head. That statement has continued to resonate in my mind as I strive to worship Jesus no matter what I'm doing.
In conclusion, I want to ask you, what song is your life singing? When people observe your life and character, what do they see? Are you above reproach in every area? When you do mess up, are you quick to admit you were wrong? My challenge to you is to take a spiritual inventory and allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to live a life that is without compromise. A life that says, “I am in madly in love with Jesus.”
Lifesong by Casting Crowns
© Copyright 2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI)
Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words that I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sing Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord, I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words that I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to you
We live in a fallen world. The world we live in today is more sinful than it was ten years ago. There are so many temptations that cloud our vision every day. God has called us to holiness. Holiness means set apart, different. Just as God Himself is holy, so He desires us to be holy, striving to live a sinless life. So often believers can get caught in a rut of taking advantage of God’s grace. We can catch ourselves thinking, “God will forgive me and therefore I can continue sinning.” That’s the wrong mindset to have. The Bible says in Romans 6:1, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase, by no means, we died to sin!” Our lives should not conform to the world around us. We should not desire to be camouflaged Christians. God calls us to stand out, to be salt and light!
As believers, God has given us absolute freedom. Scripture says in John 8:36, “If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed.” What a joy it is to be called children of God. We are loved with an everlasting love. We are able to love because He first loved us. This freedom we experience in Christ should cause our countenance to be different from the world. The inner freedom that we experience should cause our personality to overflow with the joy of the Lord. Our lives should be different.
Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” This is a great verse, and I have, over the years, debated in my mind about what that exactly means. I have concluded that as believers God has called us to worship Him with our lives. This happens 24-7-365. This is not just something we do on a given Sunday morning or simply during a Bile study experience. This is daily dying to ourselves and taking up our cross and putting Jesus first. It is complete surrender, saying, “Lord, not my will, but yours be done.” It is doing everything in life to the audience of One, for His praise and for His glory.
Several years ago, I took a group of middle school students to Night of Joy at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando FL. One of the featured bands at this event was Casting Crowns. They had previously released an album entitled Lifesong (lyrics below). The title song is featured first on the CD and has become one of my all-time favorite songs. This song speaks of this challenge we face as believers to allow what happens at church to be carried over into our daily lives. Our lives should reflect Christ’s work in us. A statement that lead singer Mark Hall made that Friday night, years ago and has stuck with me today is: “All of life is worship.” He hit the nail on the head. That statement has continued to resonate in my mind as I strive to worship Jesus no matter what I'm doing.
In conclusion, I want to ask you, what song is your life singing? When people observe your life and character, what do they see? Are you above reproach in every area? When you do mess up, are you quick to admit you were wrong? My challenge to you is to take a spiritual inventory and allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to live a life that is without compromise. A life that says, “I am in madly in love with Jesus.”
Lifesong by Casting Crowns
© Copyright 2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI)
Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words that I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sing Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord, I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words that I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to you
Friday, March 30, 2012
Infancy
Joanna and I have had the privilege of caring for 3 infants thus far. Infants are so precious. They are so small. They are also completely dependent. Infants would not be able to survive for very long if they were left in their crib for a number of days. They aren't able to walk to the kitchen to get food and water to help them grow. They are dependent on their Mom to feed them. Imagine how bad a diaper rash would be if they were left for a few days without a diaper change. Infants are totally dependent on the care of their Mom and Dad. Infants grow fast through the love, commitment and nurture of their parents.
In the same way, a new follower of Christ is totally dependent in their early stages of infancy. As a person steps out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to work in them, making them new and free. However, infant believers or new disciples are dependent on the body of Christ to assist them in growth.
The parenting of infant followers of Christ is often neglected in the church. So often churches do well at seeing that people have the opportunity to trust Jesus and receive salvation, or certain churches will have a focus on the deeper life of a disciple, and therefore in both situations infants are left in their crib. When this happens, the infant is not able help themselves and in most cases fall back into the same sin traps they dealt with before trusting Jesus. We must do something about this.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:2-3, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." An infant needs someone to come alongside them and train them in the Word. They need someone who is willing to hold the bottle of milk so they can get nourishment. They need someone who will show them Scripture that will empower them as they begin their journey. Someone who will teach them the core principles of walking with Jesus.
Here is a list of core principles/practices:
1) Daily nutrition in the word
2) Communicating with God in prayer
3) Understanding faith
4) Sharing our faith in evangelism
5) Putting on the armor for battle
6) Worship and giving thanks
7) Plugging into a local church
8) Embracing God's plan for the nations
9) Understanding baptism and communion
10) Tithing
Last week, I started a beginner's Bible study for a group of youth who have just recently trusted Jesus as their Savior. I have to tell you, sitting at the table and looking into the eyes of these students reminded me of each birth of my children. I had a sense of astonishment and wonder. I was thinking of all the exciting days that are ahead for these students as they begin their new life.
Trusting Jesus is the most important decision a person will every make. However, it doesn't end there. Trusting Jesus isn't just about avoiding eternal damnation, it is about living a life that is surrendered to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, Jesus. Baby Christians need nourishment and care to begin their new life in Christ, and with the help of the Holy Spirit and godly men and women, they will enter into a new life of joy and freedom that will last a lifetime!
In the same way, a new follower of Christ is totally dependent in their early stages of infancy. As a person steps out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to work in them, making them new and free. However, infant believers or new disciples are dependent on the body of Christ to assist them in growth.
The parenting of infant followers of Christ is often neglected in the church. So often churches do well at seeing that people have the opportunity to trust Jesus and receive salvation, or certain churches will have a focus on the deeper life of a disciple, and therefore in both situations infants are left in their crib. When this happens, the infant is not able help themselves and in most cases fall back into the same sin traps they dealt with before trusting Jesus. We must do something about this.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:2-3, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." An infant needs someone to come alongside them and train them in the Word. They need someone who is willing to hold the bottle of milk so they can get nourishment. They need someone who will show them Scripture that will empower them as they begin their journey. Someone who will teach them the core principles of walking with Jesus.
Here is a list of core principles/practices:
1) Daily nutrition in the word
2) Communicating with God in prayer
3) Understanding faith
4) Sharing our faith in evangelism
5) Putting on the armor for battle
6) Worship and giving thanks
7) Plugging into a local church
8) Embracing God's plan for the nations
9) Understanding baptism and communion
10) Tithing
Last week, I started a beginner's Bible study for a group of youth who have just recently trusted Jesus as their Savior. I have to tell you, sitting at the table and looking into the eyes of these students reminded me of each birth of my children. I had a sense of astonishment and wonder. I was thinking of all the exciting days that are ahead for these students as they begin their new life.
Trusting Jesus is the most important decision a person will every make. However, it doesn't end there. Trusting Jesus isn't just about avoiding eternal damnation, it is about living a life that is surrendered to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, Jesus. Baby Christians need nourishment and care to begin their new life in Christ, and with the help of the Holy Spirit and godly men and women, they will enter into a new life of joy and freedom that will last a lifetime!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Leap B 4 U Look
When was the last time you dared to do something that you've never done before? I mean something that you would consider risky. Doing something risky always comes with hesitation. Each of us like to calculate the odds of getting through and surviving whatever it is we are attempting. Some of us have a high threshold for fear and some of us are afraid to walk in the dark.
Last Summer, my son and I enjoyed a father-son retreat to the North Georgia mountains. We had a blast together! We enjoyed experiences together such as making s'mores, building a fort in the woods without tools, and participating in a father-son scavenger hunt. Each of these events were fun, but by far my favorite part of the whole weekend came toward the end of our free time one afternoon. Allan and I went down to the lake to swim and ride the water slides. We also discovered that they had a 50-foot high jump over the deep end of the lake. We had to try that out! Allan and I both climbed the steps leading up to the wood platform that led to the end of this high-dive. He and I both stood there, on the edge, looking down on what seemed like a massive drop. It was somewhat unsettling for both of us as we looked down. Allan decided that he wanted to watch me take the plunge and jump down first. I took a few steps and took the leap, and felt the rush of the few seconds it took in the air to get down, before splashing into the water below. I thought my demonstration was going to be enough for Allan to join me in the lake. Little did I know that it wasn’t going to be that easy. I tried to encourage and cheer him on from the water. Meanwhile, there were other kids jumping off the high-dive, some who were younger than Allan. They too were trying to encourage him. There were several times that Allan looked as if he was going to jump, and then he would get to the edge, and then he would clam up and chicken out. Forty-five minutes had passed and we were running out of time for Allan to make this happen because it was almost time to get cleaned up for supper. With four or five other fathers and sons watching and cheering Allan on, he began to cry and climb down the stairs as if he was about to give up on trying. Deep down, Allan wanted to jump, but every time he got close to the edge and looked down at the lake, he wasn’t sure if his body would survive the plunge. I met him with a hug as he climbed back down the steps to the high-dive. Then I looked at him in his eyes and told him, “Allan, you can do this!” I coached him and challenged him to conquer this fear. After a few minutes he made the climb back up the stairs and made his way out to the edge of the high-dive. By this time, he had a small crowd of fathers and sons cheering him on from the edge of the lake. He took one glance down at the lake, then walked back a little, and then Allan took a leap of faith and jumped down into the lake below. (See picture)
That day, Allan did more than jump into that lake. Allan conquered a fear. Allan stepped out in faith and did something that wasn’t easy for him, something that involved great risk for an eight year old. Needless to say, I was very proud of him. He will be able to look back on that day his whole life, whenever he is faced with a mountain of risk, he can remember the day that God gave him strength.
There was some serious symbolism in that jump. While enjoying our retreat, Allan and I were also anticipating our family’s move to Minnesota. We had spent the last six years living in the South, and we were moving twenty-five hours North to a small town in the heart of Minnesota. We were use to living close to our extended family and this would put us more than a day’s drive away. Why would we make this move? Yes it was risky. Not many people would even consider it. Our family moved to Minnesota because God called us to serve Him. If we aspire to obey the Lord, He will often call us to take great risks for Him.
God asks us to have a risk-taking faith – to move outside our comfort zones and do things to serve others that we can’t do on our own, to follow God into places that cause us to rely completely on Him. Risk-taking faith isn’t for the faint of heart. It stretches us. It breaks us out of mediocrity and it gets us to live out a relentless, nothing holds you back faith in Jesus Christ!
Throughout Scripture we ready of many people who took giant leaps of faith. Abel brought his offering. Noah built his ark. Abraham took his son to be sacrificed. Moses went to Pharaoh. Joshua took charge and rallied the troops. David picked up some stones for his sling. And these examples are just the tip of the iceberg.
God desires obedience. When we walk in obedience, and step out in faith and are empowered by His Spirit, we will do great things for Jesus!
Friday, March 23, 2012
It's Spring-time
Spring is here! Spring is a time of new beginnings. In the winter months the ground is dormant, the vegetation is dormant, but Spring-time brings new life and growth! The last six months have been a time of new beginnings for my family. It has been fun for us to adjust to our new life here in Verndale. We have enjoyed building new friendships, getting established in our church and getting settled in at school and in our home. We praise the Lord for calling us here for such a time is this!
The student ministry, that I pastor, is also enjoying Spring-time and growth. We have seen an influx of students over the last two months on Wednesday nights. We have seen around 20 first-time guest come for the first time in the last two months. Our attendance has doubled in the last six months. To God be the glory, great things He has done! We are currently seeking the Lord for wisdom in how to accommodate this growth. Please be in prayer for our youth coaches as we make decisions about splitting the high school and middle school. If we decide to split and meet on separate nights, we will be in need of more youth coaches as well.
On a recent Wednesday night, we saw several students launch into new beginnings as they gave their hearts to Jesus. Our youth coaches planned a gross and messy games outreach, and we had six students give their hearts to Jesus that night. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” When a person admits the fact that they are a sinner and confesses their sin to Him for cleansing, that person is made new! These students are experiencing a new beginning! I will be starting a new beginnings Bible study with these who have trusted Jesus, on Wednesday nights before youth group. Please pray for these students as they begin to establish a new relationship with Jesus.
This Spring, as we anticipate the warmer months, as we enjoy the longer days and beautiful gardens, let’s also be reminded of God’s faithfulness. No matter how difficult the winter’s of life can be, there is always springtime ahead. As long as God is on His throne, we can trust His sovereign plan for our lives. The Winter may have been long, but Springtime has arrived!
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