Rediscovering Christmas

This month I've been preaching about Rediscovering Christmas during our church worship services.  Why? Because we or at least I get so caught up in the traditions and commercialization of the season that I(we) have a tendency to crowd out the story of God's redemptive plan for the world.

I know that most of you know the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.  You would have to close your eyes and cover your ears in order to not see and hear this story mentioned on TV, in conversations or even on the radio.  The problem is that the story becomes chatter and it's hard to really understand chatter.  You may lean in, focus real hard and try to drown out the noise around you in order to hear it but unfortunately it still sounds like chatter.  That's what happens to me around this time of year.  And then it's all over and I look back and think, where did December go?  I want this Christmas season to be different. I need this Christmas season to be different.

I get busy trying to get the Christmas lights up, find and decorate the tree, find a good parking spot so I don't have to carry the bags so far away from the building I just invested my life savings in.  Oh, wait.  This is supposed to be about Jesus.  I really don't want to leave Him out.  His birth into this world is why we celebrate in the first place.  What can I do?  Why not go back in time and re-discover the beauty of this powerful moment in God's redemptive plan for saving you and me?

The first thing I did was to turn to the Gospel of Luke and read the story once again.  Why not take some time and reread it yourself?  Read Luke 2:1-20 or click to view (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A1-20&version=NIV ) 

This baby boy is the promise of God the Jews had been waiting for, for 400 years.  And here He is.  It was said that He would make things right that were wrong in this world or at least set things in motion to be made right.  And He did.  He would reveal His glory to and through unsuspecting people.  And He did.  All through out the bible, God seemed to be at a distance, but in this baby boy, He would visit up close and personal.  And here He is. 

What that means is, God is faithful to the promises he makes.  God will restore the brokenness in our lives and in this world.  God will show his power and glory in me and through me and He wants me to know that He is not some distant creator but a close friend.  Wow.  That is what Christmas is all about.  That is why He is so special.

Take some time and rediscover the beauty of God's story this Christmas and Have a Merry Christmas! 

Marriage Under-Construction: The well of intimacy goes deep!

Wells have always fascinated me. A well feeds my home but it doesn't quite look like this picture.  While I was in Ethopia, some of the locals, a missionary and I loaded a truck to find the nearest well.  With empty containers in the back of the truck, we made our way through the bumpy terrain and found the well we would be pumping for water.  It didn't look like this picture either.  It looked like a teeter totter with a spout to retrieve the water.  We filled jug after jug.  Some of the locals filled their jugs, balanced them with a long stick and carried them home.  I appreciated the truck and so did my back.

I've seen a few wells like this picture that are no longer in use.  They fascinate me because I want to know how deep the well goes.  There are some wells that I can't even see the bottom.

This is a picture of marriage.  There is so much more to marriage that awaits us.  The well goes deep.  The question is, will I explore the depth of my marriage?

When was the last time you learned something new about your spouse?  Are you looking for something new?  Many times we become familiar and start to loose the passion in learning about who we married.  We think we have them figured out the first year of marriage.  It is highly unlikely that you know everything there is to know about your spouse.  Take some time and just look at them.  Listen to them.  Find out what stirs passion within them.  Find out something new that makes them smile.

When was the last time you said something intimate to your spouse?  I'm not talking about, "Hey baby, you interested?"  I mean, when was the last time your commented on her beauty or intelligence?  When have expressed something that you admire about him?

How about serving your spouse for a change?  When was the last time you did something for them that they normally do, like wash the car or sweep the floor?  That would get my motor running to see my wife washing the car in more ways than one!

How about touching your spouse in such a way that communicates that they are loved and appreciated?  Sex is a great way God designed for us to touch intimately.  Enjoy your spouse and allow them to enjoy you.

You will find that intimacy with your spouse goes deep.  There is so much more for you.  What are you waiting for?  In the words of Steven Curtis Chapman's song, "I'm diving in!"

Marriage Under-Construction: How differently do you communicate?

Do you remember finding two empty cans and tying them together with yarn?  My sisters and I do.  Every child at one time or another will try to see if this works.  My children have tried it and suspect yours, if you have children, have too!  The only problem is that it doesn't work.  How often have we said that about our communication with our spouse? Phrases like, "You don't understand what I'm saying." or "Why can't you see what I'm trying to say?" are spoken throughout the marriage relationship.  Until.  Until what?  Until we learn that each of us communicates quite differently than the other.

My wife and I attended a marriage conference a few years back.  The conference was called, "Weekend to remember."  We had a wonderful time together, without kids, a private bedroom, talks about improving our marriage and time.  During that weekend the conference speaker was talking about the different ways we communicate.  He said that some of us are Land the Plane kinds of speakers, which are people who want to find the shortest path to the goal.  They are the readers digest kind of communicators.  Also, there are Enjoy the Ride communicators.  They relax and tell the whole story.  Every detail.  Which of these two are you?

Then there are Sharing your feelings kind of communicators.  They share how they felt about everything. Not the facts kinds of communicators.  They only share the facts.  Which are you, facts or feelings?

Finally, there are Thinking out loud people who ask questions, interrup, makes comments as they think of them.  The Let's take turns like to listen completely, think through and then take their turn in sharing.  They dislike interruptions.  Which are you?

My wife and I sat next to each other listening to these things and started to identify which ones that reflected us.  We were opposites.  No wonder we didn't communicate well with each other.

Maybe you and your spouse are in the same boat.  Maybe that is why you stuggle in understanding each other.  Give each other a break and try your best.  Be patient with each other and forgive each other when the time comes that you need to.

  

Marriage Under-Construction: Do you understand each other?

I loved the television show, Home Improvement.  I still do.  You can watch some of the episodes on youtube.  For me, I couldn't wait for that familiar tune and manly grunt to start the shoe.  One particular episode, Tim was not understanding what his wife Jill was saying to him.  Later on in the show, Tim is talking about saftey on the job site and how good communication makes for a safe place to work.  Holding a stop sign in the air, Tim said, "When a man, holding a stop sign, says 'stop', he means stop.  If a women held up a stop sign, it would mean, "If you really knew me, you'd know what this means."  And over the next ten minutes Tim and Jill would learn how to communicate so that each other knows what the other means.

There are times that I don't understand my wife.  I'm sure she would say the same thing about me.  There are moments I tell you that we are speaking a foreign language to each other.  Have you ever felt that way with someone you love?  How do we pull this thing together?

1.  God's Word teaches us to listen for understanding and then respond thoughtfully.  James 1:19 says to be quick to listen.  To really understand what the other is saying.  Then you can respond well.  How is your listening skills? Are you really listening or are you just quiet, thinking about how to respond?  Do you find yourself really understanding what the other is saying?  How often are you saying, "I'm sorry. I misunderstood what you were saying,"? 

2.  Be willing to forgive each other for the lack of understanding and seek to understand.  Colossians 3:13 says to forgive each other with the same intensity as Jesus forgives you your sin.  Are you will to forgive them?  Can you accept the fact that misunderstandings happen?  Will you do your best to communicate more clearly?

I remember this saying, "Seek to understand, then to be understood."

Ask God to help you and your spouse to understand each other better and as you do, God will improve your marriage!

Generous Believer

Are you generous?  I so want to be.  I hate the desire to hoard from within my heart.  I want to be someone who is generous with money, possession, time and prayers.  How about you?  All throughout scripture we read about a generous God who desires His people to be generous themselves.  He not only desires it, He practices it.  He gave us this beautiful earth to enjoy.  He gave us the ability to live life.  He provides us with whatever we need.  He provides us with relationships.  He provides us with money.  He provides us with meaning in life.  He is generous and He wants us to reflect that same generosity.  But He leaves how much we are generous up to us.  2 Corinthians 9:6-7 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+9%3A6-7&version=NIV

Paul tells us that if we give little, we will receive little.  If we give much, we will receive much.  How much will I give?  How generous will I be?

All through out this September I'm preaching on the subject of giving.  Are we generous people?  As you listen to these talks, consider how God's Spirit is speaking to your heart about your level of generosity.  Is He telling you to open your hands a little more? 

Personal Revival - Grace on Monday!

How did Grace on Monday go for you?

What am I talking about?

I challenged everyone in our church on Sunday to consider all the ways that God provided grace for their every activity on Monday.  Everyone was to thank God for providing everything we need to accomplish everything He had for us through out the day.

When I was eating breakfast, it dawned on me that I hadn't thanked God for giving me breath that day.  So I stopped and thanked Him. 

All through out the day I tried to remember to thank Him for everything He had provided because I could nothing without His grace.

So the challenge was for you to consider how God's grace enabled you to do all that God wanted you to do for Him on Monday.  How did you do?
If you did well to remember and thank God for His grace, way to go.  Think about it again.  How about Grace on Wednesday?

If you didn't do well, try try again. 

Philippians 4:13, Paul tells us that he can do all things through Christ because Jesus will be the one giving him the strength to do it. 

You can't do anything apart from God's grace.

Take a moment and thank God for His abundant grace that He freely gives to you.

Go in His grace today! 

Personal Revival - Never underestimate the power of story!

I love stories, especially the ones that showcase God's glory! 

Last night my wife was telling me a story of how God used her to encourage someone to attend church.  She was excited to tell me her story and I was moved by her excitement. 

This morning I sat across from a man who recently had been changed by God.  He experienced a physical healing and a heart healing at the same time.  I sat there listening to him retell the story.  I was reminded again how big and powerful our God is. 

Do you have a story to tell?

If we want to experience revival in our relationship with God, we need to start looking at the ways God is changing our lives.  He is always at work, whether we know it or not.  He is always whispering in our ear exactly what we need to hear when we need it.  The problem is us.  Sometimes we have closed our eyes and we aren't looking anymore at how God is moving in our lives.  Once you see how God is working, then tell your story to someone.

There was a man born blind who experienced a healing.  Jesus had given him his sight and the religious leaders wanted him to retell the story.  Read about it in John 9 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+9&version=NIV) 

This man tells his story to the pharisees and they refused to believe him.  After asking him to tell it again the man said, "Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciple too?"  That wasn't exactly what they wanted to hear but isn't that the point of telling and retelling these stories so others can follow Him too?

What is God doing in your life right now?  Tell your story.  It will bring God the glory He deserves and it may be just the right word to impact someone's life.

Personal Revival - Alright, I confess!

I need to confess a deep secret that I don't often share with people; I like to watch Star Trek.  There it is, I said it.  I like to see the goofy characters, similar set designs, and listen to the annoying sounds.  I'm addicted to watching it.  When I here the sound of the theme song...........Where was I?  Oh, when I hear the sound of the theme song......Sorry, I catch myself daydreaming about the show.

Wow, I can't believe I said this outloud.  I feel so much better.  It's like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.

Is there anything you need to confess?  It's funny how freeing we feel when we confess those deep secrets that we keep.

We are learning about personal revival at our church and part of revival involves confession and repentance.  Confession is admitting to God the wrongs we've kept secret and repentance is about changing our behavior.

You may have some things deep in your heart and mind that you would never tell anyone.  You possibly wouldn't even tell God your secrets.  Those secrets will weigh you down and defeat you.  Why not confess them to God right now?  The Apostle John says in I John 1:9, (Click to view, http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A9&version=NIV) to confess our sins to God and when we do that, we find something of great value.  What do we find?

Forgiveness.  To be forgiven, is to feel free again.  To remove the weight from our shoulders. 

What do you need to confess to God right now?  Anything?  Confess it to Him right now.

Next entry we'll discuss repentance.
   

Personal Revival - Catching my reflection

When I saw this picture, I was intrigued by it.  I like the creative idea of taking a picture of something that is actually a reflection.  So here I am, sitting and staring at it.  I look at all the details.  What is that in the far corner?  What is on the picture frame hanging on the right shoulder of the seated man?  Who is this guy I'm looking at?  All this  thought from a reflection.

A mirror can tell us what others see when they watch us.  It can tell us when something is amis or out of place.  It can tell us when we have something in our teeth or when we are fishing out an eyelash from underneath an eyelid. Mirrors tell us a great deal.

Our children are a mirror of us as their parents.  They learn how to react to situations by watching how we react to situations.  They say the same things we say.  Sure they have their own uniqueness but much of what we see in them is what they see in us.  Just today my daughter did something that often times I do.  My wife was quick to point out where she got that from.  Ouch! I don't like seeing that.  If I act like that, then I don't like how I act in that situation. 

We are also a mirror of Christ.  As a follower of Jesus, people see who Jesus is by watching me.  They also watch you.  Is Jesus really compassionate?  Is Jesus really forgiving?  Is Jesus really serious about truth?  People find out who Jesus is by watching His followers.  The Apostle Paul tells us to follow his own reflection as he follows the reflection of Christ.
(I Corinthians 11:1 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A1&version=NIV)

We are a mirror of who Jesus is.  Are you happy about that? Ashamed? 

Sometimes I'm ashamed.  Just like when I saw my daughter doing something I did that isn't right, I'm ashamed and I'm equally ashamed that sometimes others catch a glimpse of Jesus in me that isn't right.  I feel terrible about that.  So what do I do?

I ask questions.  Is there anything in my life, what I do or say, that would bring shame to the name of Christ and His character?  Ask a friend, a spouse, a family member or even your pastor.  Ask God!  See what He says.

 


  

Personal Revival: The destructive power of pride

Pride can be a destructive force.  It can give us the confidence we need to do things we never thought possible and it can also lead us down a path of total destruction.

When I think about the destructive power of pride, I remembered the story of the Titanic.  Thought to be the greatest ship of its era.  The unsinkable ship.  Because of the that pride, they misunderstood the power of an iceberg.  The unsinkable ship now lies on the ocean floor.  That is the exact destructive power of pride.

God knows the destructive power of pride and does His best to communicate to us our need of His leadership in our lives.  He knows that we can choose to live our own lives with pride but He also knows that it will come to a terrible end. Or we can surrender our lives to Him, to His guidance and find what we need, to do the things we never thought possible.

Is pride getting in your way with your relationship with God?  If it is, it will end like the Titanic. 

Why not come to God in humility and submit your thoughts, words and actions to Him right now?

Read James 4:6-10 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A6-10&version=NIV)

Today is the day to humble your life before God and find what you need, in order to stay afloat in this life!

Personal Revival - Giving up the white hat!

Today is the day I gave up the white hat for good.  What does the white hat symbolize?  It symbolizes leadership.  When I worked with my dad during the summers of college years, the leaders wore white hats.  They were the authority over the orange hats.  The workers wore orange hard hats and that was my situation working with my dad.  I did whatever the white hats wanted me to do.  If I didn't follow the instructions of the white hats, I could've lost my job.  I knew my place and there was comfort in that.  In experiencing personal revival, what hat do you wear in your relationship with God? White or orange?

Unfortunately, I have struggled wearing the white hat in my walk with God.  I have tried to control the areas of my life that I subconsciously felt God couldn't handle.  I did what I wanted to do with money.  I did what I wanted to do with my temptations.  I did what I wanted to do with my family.  God allowed me to wear the white hat but it didn't get me anywhere.  I was more stressed, more impatient and less content.  So I quit.  I gave up the white hat and gave it to the One who can truly handle it.

I Peter 5:5-7 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A5-7&version=NIV) Peter encourages us to give up the white hat so to speak and humble ourselves under the mighty leadership of God. He will guide and provide for us what we need, when we need it.

Are you wearing the white hat in your relationship with God?  Surrender it today.  Commit to His instructions for living life and find peace, contentment and joy.

Personal Revival

The desert could be a beautiful place to visit.  The rock formations, all the sand and the big blue sky are worth a visit once in a while.  I wouldn't want to live there but I would mind a visit, especially during the winter months. 

But there is one thing that depresses me about the desert, it lacks the evidence of vitality and life.  It actually looks dead to me.  Not a place I would want to establish a farm, that's for sure.  Very little would grow in that environment.  So why would God want to take us to the desert?

Hosea 2:14 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea%202&version=NIV1984) says, "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her."

In the desert, we find that all the distractions are removed.  There is little internet connection,  little cell phone reception, no outlets to recharge laptops and Ipods, and miles of loneliness.  We are forced to slow down in the desert and actually listen to God.

What does God want to say to you right now?  Are there too many distractions that cause you to miss His whisper?   Get alone with your bible, away from the distractions and listen to God Word today.   

X-Ray: Sardis, Day 2

I love boats.  Weekends as a high schooler was devoted to the water with my friends and a speed boat.  We would ski, tube and just drive around enjoying the weather.

Something I've learned about the water is that you can easily drift without even knowing it.  One minute you are at one place and another you are 15 feet away from it.  This is where the anchor comes into to play.  The purpose of an achor is to keep one steady and in one place.

Because of the winds of society, we need to hold on to something that will keeps us steady and in one place.  That anchor is Jesus.

So, let me ask you, who are you anchored to, Society or Jesus?

Paul writes about this is 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1.  Read it or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6%3A14-7%3A1&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return.)

Paul tells us that we need to be careful what we get connected to.  We have no benefit being anchored to the world but we have everything God has promised when we anchor our lives to Jesus Christ.

How do we know who we are anchored to?

First of all, if you are anchored to the world you will desire the things of this world and the personal pleasures it brings.  Or if you are anchored to Jesus, you will desire to please Him and do whatever it is He wants for your life.

Second of all, if you are anchored to the world you will find that your values are vastly different than the Biblical values presented in the Bible.  (i.e. money, sex, power, pleasure, work, etc.)

These are just a few ideas and thoughts to help us discover who we are connected to.

So, who are you anchored to? World? or Jesus?

As you close:  God knows how difficult it is to live in this world and be anchored to Him.  Ask Him for His guidance and strength to remain true to Him.

God Bless!

X-Ray: Sardis, Day 1

  I don't know if you realize this or not, but the battery in our cars are very important.  If you battery isn't working, you aren't going anywhere.

I have two vehicals that will need to have the batteries replaced pretty soon.  My van still has the original from 2004.  My truck still has its original and it's an 2007.  You can tell everytime I try to start them up that it takes a lot to turn over the engine.  My dad tells me that I'm running on borrowed time.

One day I went out to my vehical and it wouldn't start.  How frustrating is that.  I have places to be and people to see.  I don't have time for a dead battery.  Battery charger, here I come.  So why don't I just replace it?  Because I'm cheap!

There is something to be learned from this battery about the spiritual life.  It doesn't matter if you have a battery hooked up to the car, you still have to have the power the battery provides for the car to work.  Some people have dead batteries. 

There were many people in the church at Sardis who had the reputation of being alive, but they were dead on the inside.  Jesus saw that and pointed it out to them.  They need to wake up, return to Christ and follow Him.  This would be the battery charger they were in desperate need of. 

How do you know if your battery is dead spiritually? 

1.  If you don't care about God's leadership in your life, your battery is dead or dying.
2.  If you have a bible but don't care to read it and learn from it, your battery is dead or dying.
3.  If you think just being a nice person is all that you need to please God, your battery is dead or dying.

So how is your battery?

The Spirit is God desires to bring life to your battery.  Read about in Galatians 5:16-26 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A16-26&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

Live, led, keep in step with the Holy Spirit is your responsibility.

As you close:  Why not pray and ask God to help you to live by, be led by and to keep in step with the Spirit.  He will then begin to recharge your battery and you will see life begin again.

God Bless!

X-Ray: Pergamum, Day 2

Learning from yesterday, I decided to read a book last night.  What happened you say?  Well, I was speaking about being careful what influences us and I had a moment when I was not paying attention to what was influencing me.  Not this day.  So I started a book.  I thought, "I need to be careful what is influencing me, especially at night when I'm tired and my guard is down."  So last night I went to my personal library and looked through the titles.  I have some great books on my shelf but nothing was really sticking out for me.  Then I found it.  I remember wanting to read this book but everytime I thought about it, I was terribly busy and wouldn't be able to get to it yet.  Until now.

The book is called "Uprising."  I took this book off the shelf and began my journey through it.  So far, this book is focused on helping people experience the life that God intended them to experience.  We get used to the mundane and live there.  God has so much more for us and will we take Him up on the journey.

That reminds me of the time when Jesus invites the disciples on a journey.  He would be with them forever even though they wouldn't be able to see His face.  Read about it in Matthew 28:16-20 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A16-20&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

They were going on a journey to tell others about Jesus.  There will be some that will accept this good news and others who will reject.  Some will grow deep in their relationship with Christ and others will walk away.  And He will be with us the whole way.

But you have a choice to join Him on the journey or play it safe in the mundane.  So what will you choose to do?

That is the power of a good book.  This book has influenced me in one chapter. How will it impact me in chapter two.  But this couldn't have happened unless I cared about what was influencing me.

Do you care about the influences around you?  You should.  Take control and make sure a positive influence is on your shelf.

As you close:  Ask God to point out a book in the bible that He would want you to read and/or a book that would impact you in a specific area.  Ask Him.  He'll answer.

God Bless!

X-Ray: Pergamum, Day 1

Yesturday I had a Homer Simpson moment.  You know when he realizes he did something stupid and he says, "D'oh!!"  I was watching a show on Netflix and some language was being used that I find inapproapriate.  I let it go and my wife walked into the room and commented about it.  After a moment, I came to the conclusion, "Yeah. She's right.  Time to shut it off."

During church our pastor was talking about influence.  He was saying that we influence others by what we are influenced by.  That pastor is me.  I  remember what i said, but the problem was, I wasn't living it out. 

Do you ever catch yourself in moments like that?  I know I shouldn't be watching this or doing that or saying something inapproapriate.  It doesn't matter what you know.  What is matters is what you do with what you know.  Thank God for do overs.

The disciples had a moment like that.  They said something that Jesus did not like.  He even rebuked them for saying it.  Read about it in Luke 9:51-56 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9%3A51-56&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

Really?  Call down fire on them?  What they were saying was, "They should be killed. Eliminated."  Jesus had been teaching them about love and mercy and this is what the disciples come away with.  This was the disciples "D'oh!!" moment.  Open mouth insert foot moment. 

But the good news it, they moved on.  Jesus gave them a second chance.  They would need a lot more when this journey was over and Jesus was full of fresh starts.

Be careful who is influencing you.  And when someone points out a dangerous influence, listen to them.  Think about it.  And start over fresh.

As you close:  Ask God if there is anything in your life that is bad influence.  We become blind to those influences and we need His help to discover them.

God Bless!

28 Days of Loving - Day 5

I'm sure many of you have watched the Toy Story movies with your kids, or grandkids, or even for yourself.  They are fantastic movies.

During the first movie, the audience is introduced to a child named Sid.  Sid is an evil boy.  He loves to play with toys, but he loves to destroy and recreate toys even more.   Sid is the villian in the movie. He makes parents think, "If he were my child, he would be disciplined."

Children are precious to all of us.  Our children's future is especially important to us.  We want our children to grow up and be valued members of society.  To use their talents to better our society and to raise a family to do the same.  To love God and live for Him.  So, how are we doing with these goals?

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way they ought to go and when they are old, they will not turn from it."  Our job is to train them up.  To train means to discipline.  To teach and guide them in what is right and good.  It is our job to parent them.

Moses tells us how to train them up to love God.  Read about it in Deuteronomy 6 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+6&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

Talk about God when you sit down in the privacy of your own home.  Talk about God on the road when you are out and about in society.  Talk about God through out your day, when you rise and when you go to sleep.  God is meant to be in your whole day.  That is how you instill a love for God in your children.

Too often parents keep God in the church building.  Couldn't He come into your home?  When was the last time you prayed together?  Read the Bible together? Talked about Godly things together?  Talked about His wisdom in making good decisions?

As you close:  Thank God for children and thank Him for the privilege in parenting.  Ask Him for His help to raise them to love Him completely.  Ask for His help in talking about Him at home and at various moments in life.

God Bless!

28 Days of Loving - Day 4

My wife and I were at a wedding this past Fall.  Some old friends were getting married and they had asked Tiffany and I to join them for the ceremony.  We accepted their invite and had a weekend getaway from all of our responsibilities.

At lunch, prior to the wedding, Tiffany and I got into an arguement.  Suffice it to say, we were not in too good of a mood and then to head off to a wedding made it worse.  I'm sure she was thinking, "How can I warn the bride of the impending doom she is about to commit to?"  I was thinking, "I hope he has a lot of patience.  He is going to need it." 

At the reception, which is where this picture was taken, I was reminded again of my own wedding day.  Almost 15 years ago, Tiffany and I were in the same shoes of these two newlyweds.  She is a wonderful woman even though she has bad days.  I hope the same can be said of me.  We were dancing on the dance floor, yes I know how to cut a good rug, and I had one of those moments.  The kind of moments when the world stops and you thank God for the spouse whom God brought to you.  The argument faded and the ride home was much more sweet.  All in all, it was a good weekend.

But, am I the kind of husband God wants me to be?  His Word explains a few thoughts about marriage.  Read Ephesians 5:22-33 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A22-33&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

God tells us to love our wife and for a woman to submit to her husband.  This is the love and respect principle in marriage.

How are you doing with this?  If you are brave, consider asking your spouse how they feel you are doing.  It may open up a new avenue of dialogue that you've never had before.

As you close:  Thank God for your spouse and ask for His help to be the kind of spouse He longs for you to be.

God Bless!

28 Days of Loving - Day 3

Did you know that there are millions of bacteria located in your mouth?  Yuck! Sorry if you are eating and reading this.

The purpose of those bacteria is to help your body digest the food you are eating.  Even though it causes your mouth to be unclean, it does actually help things along.  According to Dr. Oz, vegetarian mouths are cleaner because those who eat meat leave it between their teeth which feeds the bacteria.  Kissing actually transfers bacteria to the other person and they start growing in a new place.  Think about that the next time you kiss your spouse.

But I'm not talking about bacteria of the mouth today.  I'm talking about respecting what goes in and what goes out of it. 

The things you say are quite powerful.  They have the power to heal and the power to destroy.  They have the power to build up or tear down.  Your heart is on display when you speak.

Jesus talked about this in Matthew 12:33-37 or click to view  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12%3A33-37&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

Jesus cares about what is coming out of your mouth.  If you really understand how God loves you, you will learn to care for your mouth.  You will care about the words you use.  You will think through your words. 

Have you ever regretted saying something?  Wish you could take it back? We all have.  We may have been right or maybe we were wrong.  Regardless, words are powerful and should be considered carefully.

So when your boss is frustratingyou, or your children are testing you, or a friend is challenging you, consider your words carefully.  They reveal the heart. 

As you close:  As God for His help to control your tongue.  To speak the truth in love.  To say what is needed at the moment.

God Bless!

28 Days of Loving - Day 2

This past Sunday I was talking about how the love God has for us changes our view of ourselves.  At least it should. When we truly realize that God values us as special and sacred, it should change the way we look at ourselves.

Are we allowing the things of this world to damage our value?  I Corinthians 6:19 says that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Because of this, we should honor God with our bodies.

That means we should care about what we allow our eyes to see.

Do you remember that song, "Oh be careful little eyes what you see..."  Already you are singing that song in your head.  Well, this simple nursery rhyme is a powerful song.  Why? Because we should be careful what our eyes ponder on. 

This week the new cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue came out.  All the talk is about the new girl on the cover page.  She may be a beautiful woman who is dressed in a very revealing swimsuit.  But do I really need to be looking at her like that?  Is that good for my mind?  Is that good for my image of my wife?  Will I be thinking of her instead of my wife?  All because I took a peek at a Magazine cover.

God wants you to be careful with what you look at.  He knows how impressionable our minds are just by simply looking around us. Learn from King Davids mistake.

Read 2 Samuel 11 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+11&version=NIV (Click Back Arrow on web browser to return)

David's eyes caused a great problem.  Did he flinch when he saw her bathing?  Did he try to walk away? Did he justify his thoughts?

Oh be careful little eyes what you see...David was not careful with his eyes and the thing he did, displeased the Lord.

I want to please the Lord with my eyes.  So I need to guard them.  I need to be thinking ahead so that I can protect them.  Are you doing the same?

As you close: Ask God for his help to keep your eyes pure from the filth in this world.  Ask God to give you wisdom to know what is good to look at and what is not. 

God Bless!

28 Days of Loving - Day 1

During the month of February, we will be talking about love.  I know that sounds so cheesy, but hey, we be cheesy at least once.

We all have a need to love and be loved.  Many flower shops and candy stores see their revenue go up just because of this need within each of us.  Every February, commercials flood the airwaves to remind us of our duty as husbands.  What do you do for your wife, obviously if you are married, for Valentine's day?

My wife is lucky to get anything from me before Valentines Day.  I wait until the day after and get it 50% off.  While most people have moved on, I'm expressing love to my wife and saving money at the same time.  I hope she finds it as romantic as I do.  Giving is an act of love and it doesn't matter when you give it.

God gave something very precious to us to show us how much He loved us.  He sent His Son to live here and to die for us.  Read about it in I John 4:7- 21 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A7-21&version=NIV  (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

The kind of love that God showed us is different than we are used to.  We understand romantic love and brotherly love.  But we have no idea what Divine love is all about.

This is the kind of love He came to give us.  This kind of love is unconditional, unselfish, and sacrificial.  We would never know this kind of love unless God showed it to us first.  That is how special this kind of love is.

And when you exprience this kind of love, John writes that your heart will be complete.  His love is totally satisfying.

So how do I experience this kind of love?  By surrendering your heart to Jesus.  By asking Jesus to forgive you of your sin and live in your heart.  When you believe it and tell it to Jesus, the Bible says the Holy Spirit will come and live in your heart and you will know first hand the Divine love God wants you to have.

Do you have this divine love? Surrender to Jesus today.

As you close:  Thank God for His Divine love and ask Him today who you can share that love with.

God Bless!

I Love My Church - Day 10

On Tuesday, when the big snow storm hit our area, Tiffany, the kids, I and another family were on our way for a scheduled mini-break at Kalahari Waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio.  Imagine this picture with snow covering the ground and people wrapped up in winter coats.

We were able to stay ahead of the storm and return after everthing was plowed.  We even came home to a plowed driveway and shoveled sidewalk.  It was such a blessing to come home to that loving act and I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you.  You know who you are and you are much appreciated.

While we were enjoying the waterpark, something caught my attention.  It was both our families enjoying each others' company.  Laughing, talking, eating and playing (and the momentary emotional breakdowns, but that is to be expected with kids.)  On the drive home I kept thinking, this was a great trip.  A great break and a great time with friends.  This must be what heaven will be like. 

Audio Adrenaline wrote a song, "A Big House" describing what they thought the glories of heaven will be like.  Whether they are right or off by a little, it will be a place for God's people to enjoy Him and to enjoy each other.  And He instructs us to take time off each week to have a touch of heaven here on earth.

He says in Exodus 20, "Honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy."  We are to be a people who take a break each week and enjoy life with our family, friends and God.  Jesus also addresses this issue of the sabbath when he answered the Pharisees about the sabbath in the Gospel of Mark. 

Read Mark 2:23-28 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+2%3A23-28&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

The Sabbath was made for man.  We were given a weekly gift from God; the Sabbath.  It is a time to refresh and enjoy life.

Are you taking time to enjoy life? Family? Friends? God?

What are you waiting for, take a day off and you will see what God can do through it.

As you close: Take some time to thank God for your family, friends and the gift of the sabbath.

God Bless!

I Love My Church - Day 9

The Super Bowl is next Sunday and many people are gearing up for it.  Who will win and who will lose?  Which has the best offense and which has the best defense.  Who will be victorious in the end?

I love watching the big game.  The thrill of victory.  The smell of chips and salsa.  Children running in front of the television. Women playing board games.  Ahhhh.  What a night. Sunday night can't get here fast enough.

Something to consider though, at the end of every game, there is a winner and there is a loser.  It's all part of the game.  And when it's your team that wins, the victory makes it a sweet event.

We are in the middle of a contest and that contest is between Elohim and Diabolos.  Huh?  Who are they?  Elohim is the Hebrew name for God and can you guess who Diabolos is?  Yep.  That is the Devil.  The Devil has been at odds with God since the creation of the world. 

You can examine their offenses and defenses.  You can examine their players.  You can look at the stats.  But in the end there really is no contest.  The Devil is completely outmatched on every detail.  And we already know the end of the game.  The book of Revelation describes for us how God finishes what He started.  The Devil is thrown into the lake of fire and the children of God enjoy eternity with Elohim in paradise.

Read about it in Revelation 20:7-10 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20%3A7-10&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

You have reason to be excited.  Our team wins.  We are still in the middle of the game but we already know that Elohim wins.  You are victorious because you are His child.

How do you become His child?  By surrendering your life to Jesus Christ.  When you ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, He will do just that.  At that moment you become His child and you my friend join the winning team.

If you are a child of God, are you living a victorious life?  Are you living with Hope?  Are you living with joy?  Are you living with love?  Because the game has already been won, you can live a life that is victorious.  Let's get a little excited.  Put a smile on your face and walk a little taller.  Give a helping hand to someone...

As you close: Thank God for the victory we have because of Jesus.

God Bless!

I Love My Church - Day 8

I was at Winter Jam last night with my daughter and many others from our church family.  For those of you that don't know, Winter jam is a Christian Music Concert featuring many bands.  It was terrific.  Food was okay, music was good, and daughter and friends to enjoy it with, priceless. 

One thing did stick out to me though.  The entire stadium was filled to capacity and something happened when we all worshipped together.  The Holy Spirit became visible and I felt the heart of God must have been pleased.  This must be what God's heart longs for.  A place filled with people who are worshipping Him.  Why?  Because He is worthy of all praise.

Read Psalm 93 or click to view  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2093&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

Can you imagine a sea of people lifting up their voice in worship and praise of Almighty God?  We have moments of it here during our worship services but one day is coming when every tongue will confess and every knee will bow to Jesus Christ who is Lord over all.

That is why I love the church.  I have the opportunity to praise Him and join the ranks in practicing for the day that is to come.

If you need a pick me up, sing Him a song.  He'll love it!

As you close: Thank God for the privilege for worshipping Him.

God Bless!

I Love My Church - Day 7

I like to eat.  Eating is a good thing.  I find it can be very fulfilling, especially when I'm hungry.  What satisfies your tummy when you are hungry?

What about the soul?  How do we satisfy the soul?  Since birth, there is a hunger in the soul that many feel but have no idea how to satisfy.  So we satisfy it with sexual addictions, food addictions, beverage addictions, material addictions, adrenaline fixes, you name it.  We are trying to find something that will satisfy the soul.

There is only one place where you can find satisfaction for the soul, it is in God's Word, the Bible.

God told the people of Israel to remember He is the provider and sustainer in life.  They will find satisfaction for the soul in Him.  Read about it in Deuteronomy 8 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%208&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

"Man doesn't live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."  God's words will satisfy the soul.  Where do we find His words?  We find in the age old book that has stood the test of time; the Bible.  We find satisfaction as we read and obey His words.

You've read one chapter today already.  Make that a habit of yours to read a passage or chapter every day.  You can reach for the protein bar and have your tummy filled.  Reach for the Soul satisfaction bar found in God's word and satisfy the soul.

As you close: Thank God for His Word, the Bible.  Thank God it is trustworthy and life giving.  Ask God for consistency in reading it.

God Bless!

I Love My Church - Day 6

One reason I love the church is that we get the chance to develop wonderful friendships. 

Facebook has become the face of our friendship world. It gives us an opportunity to see how people are doing and an opportunity to connect quicker than ever.

What is friendship?  Wikipedia defines friendship, "In a comparison of personal relationships, friendship is considered to be closer than association, although there is a range of degrees of intimacy in both friendships and associations."

In short, we have varying degrees of frienships but the intent is that it is closer than just knowing someone exists.  The degree of intimacy, closeness, is up to each individual.  I choose to get closer to some than others. Others I keep at an arms distance.  I know you do the same.

Frienships are meant to be a part of your church family experience.  You are meant to find a friend, someone you can be open with and be someone for others to open up with.  Do you have that kind of friend in the church? 

King David was a friend of Jonathan.  Jonathan's father, Saul was king of Israel and desired to kill David over a jealous spirit.  David was a mightier warrior than Saul and that produced an anger in Saul and it drove him to attempt murder of David.  God protected David and used Jonathan to protect him.  In I Samuel 20 we read about their last time together as close friends.

Read about it in I Samuel 20 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+20&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

Do you have this kind of friendship in the church?  Being new to Brighton Chapel, it will take some time but I look forward to friendships God will develop in my life in our church. 

That is another reason why I love this church!

As you close:  Thank God for friendships.  Ask God for a good friend.  Ask God to help you be a good friend to someone in our church!

God Bless! 

I Love My Church - Day 5

Whenever I see snow it reminds me of Psalm 51. 

Read Psalm 51 and pay attention to verse 7 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+51&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

Kind David had committed a terrible sin.  In this passage David is pleading with God to forgive him.  To remove the stain of sin from his heart.  He's asking God to wash away all his iniquity.  And that washing will make him whiter than snow.

Every year when snow falls, at least once I'm reminded of this wonderful blessing in being a part of God's family through Jesus.  This snow reminds me that I'm forgiven.  And boy, do I need it.  I need forgiveness.  I mess up.  At times I say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, and think the wrong thing.  It would be a miserable life not having the forgiveness of God.

Do you realize that your life is a testimony of God's forgiveness?  Yours and mine are His testimoney to the world.  That is one of the many reasons why I love the church.  I'm forgiven and God uses me to point others to Him in order for them to find forgiveness.  Wow! 

Is there someone in your life who you know needs to know that they can be forgiven?  They may not feel worthy of forgiveness and choose to reject it from Him.  Mercy is not earned, it is given/received.  Offer that hope of forgiveness to someone.  Pay attention to the stories of their lives.  They may be carrying baggage around that Jesus can free them from.

Is there something you haven't found forgiveness with?  Is there something in your past that you feel God could never forgive and that you should hold onto it to remind you of your guilt?  Be free today.  Ask for His forgiveness.  He will offer it to you freely.

Forgiveness is why you can love the church.

As you close:  Thank God for the forgiveness found through His Son.  And then next time you look at snow, let it remind you of the washing and cleansing power of God in your life.

God bless! 

I Love My Church - Day 4

I don't know about you, but saying goodbye is hard to do.  It could be a friend who is moving away; it could be a spouse who has to travel for work or family emergencies; it could be someone who leaves the church.  Regardless of the situation, it's still hard to say goodbye.  But there is good news in the sadness.

When Jesus died on the cross, people were weeping as they were saying goodbye to a major influencer in their lives.  He has given them wisdom, healing, hope and encouragement.  At that moment, He was gone.  But Jesus knew it would be for only a moment.  He knew that He would be alive again.  So He gave His disciples some hope in response to their sorrow.

Read John 14:1-4 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A1-4&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return).

The hope Jesus gave to the disciples was that they were going to see Him again.  Life doesn't end when the last breath is exhaled.  We have Heaven.

That is the good news we all have.  In every moment we say goodbye to someone, we are reminded again that we will see each other again.  It may be here, there or in Heaven.  But the fact still remains, we will see each other again.

That is why I love our church.  We have the opportunity to build friendships that will last forever.  Sure, people move away; sure people die; sure people leave for work.  We have hope that we will see each other again.

I hope this encourages you today as it does me.

As you close:  Thank God for eternity.  Thank God for heaven.  Thank God for friendships/relationships.  Thank God that in the church, those relationships will last forever.

God Bless!

I Love My Church - Day 3

Have you noticed how quickly certain things go out of fashion?  I was at the Outlet Mall the other day and saw the new lines for winter.  After looking at those styles and then reviewing mine, I concluded that I was out of fashion.  The fashion world moved on and I guess I stayed behind.

Things come and go in our world.  Few things really stand the test of time.  Aside from the basic necessities of life, there is one thing that has stood the test of time: the Church.

Those committed followers of Christ have stood the test of time.  People still gather, people still read the Bible, people still fellowship, people still prayer, etc.  While other things have come and gone, the church has remained.  Why?  Because Jesus said, "...I will build my church upon this rock and the gates of Hell will not stand against it."  What Jesus started 2000 years ago is still going strong. 

When Jesus left this earth and ascended to Heaven, the disciples could have just turned their backs and went home; they remained.  They remained faithful. Read about the beginning of the church in Acts 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return).

Did you notice what happened?  They pressed on.  They replaced Judas and moved on.  Because they moved on and were faithful in following Jesus, we have the message, and the church body today.  This family has been together for over 2000 years and it doesn't go out of fashion.  Now some churches thrive and some take a dive but regardless, what Jesus started is still kicking.

Another reason why I love the church and I love my church family with it.

As you close:  Thank God for His guidance and protection over His church.  Ask God to move your heart towards love for the church family.  They will always be there for you. 

God bless!

I Love My Church - Day 2

One reason why I love the church is because there is a strong passion for this book; the Bible.

This book is filled with God's words whispered to humanity.  The Apostle Paul writes, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, sot hat the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

This book is God-breathed.  It breathes life into everyman.  Just like in the beginning when God breathed life into Adam, He breathes life into our soul through these words.

When was the last time we took the time to read these words?  Really read these words and learn who God is, what God has done and what He desires to do in our lives.  For some of us, we get too busy with everyday things that we lose sight of this book and the power it contains to help us live a great life.  For some of us, we get too confused and we lose motivation in digging for the truth that isn't that far under the surface.  And the great thing about this book, the more you dig the more you find.  It marvels us.

We presently enjoy the freedoms in reading this book at any time, anywhere.  Are you taking advantage of those freedoms? 

Paul and Silas traveled to a town called, Berea, in order to teach them about the scriptures.  And they made sure that what Paul was teaching was correct.  Read about it in Acts 17:10-12 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A10-12&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return).

They examined the scriptures every day.  Could I be that passionate for God's words?  I hope this year I will be even more passionate for His life giving words.  How about you?

As you close:  Thank God for His words.  They were written down and preserved for you to be able to be read on your own.  Thank God for the ability to read and the ability to read His words in your language.  Because there are many who don't have His words in their language.

God Bless! 

I Love My Church - Day 1

God treasures you as grandparents treasure grandchildren. This is a photo of my parents with eight of their ten grandchildren.  This was taken during our recent christmas vacation.  We had such a wonderful time.  My parents treasure all of their grandchildren. 

God treasures you as well.  He is so emotionally connected to you, that whatever happens to you, impacts Him personally, emotionally causing Him to react.  Whether it is joy or sorrow, He is so connected to you that you will see Him move.

Sometimes we think God feels very distant, but in fact, He is truly up close and personal.  That is the way He intended things to be with His creation. 

Read about it in Genesis 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=NIV (Click Back Arrow on Web Browser to return)

This text says that He made you in His image.  You and I can never be God.  We could never take His place.  Many will try and fail.  The word "image" means shadow, resemblance or likeness.  We were made to be very close in likeness to Him.  He did it for the purpose of relationship.  He did it so that we can have an up close and personal relationship with Him.  To be able to understand Him and be confounded by Him all at the same time. 

He is emotionally connected to you.  He cares for you.  He is working in your life in ways you will not know immdiately but will come to understand eventually.  He knows your name and calls you out.  He knows what you need and when you need it.  He is emotionally connected to you.

This new year, let us remember how God feels about us.  That connection is not just between you and Him, it is a connection He wants you to feel in the family of God, in your local church.  We'll talk more about that this week.

As you close:  Thank God for making you in His image.  To bear a resemblance to Him in many ways.  Thank Him for being there for you even at times He seems distant. 

God Bless!