Make It Right Now...Not Later

There are two questions that I ask this time every year, maybe you have similar ones;

"What are you going to start doing in the new year?"

"What are you going to stop doing in the new year?"

• I ask these questions of myself. 
• I ask these questions about our family. 
• I ask these questions of our church leadership. 
• I ask these questions of as many people as I can in regard to as many situations as I can. 

In years past these two questions have helped me to get to the heart of what must happen in the year that lies ahead. This morning I sat to reflect on these two areas and to evaluate how I did - personally, as a husband, as a father, and as a church leader. And that's when it hit me, there is a huge problem with these two questions. 

When we sit to evaluate a situation - whether it be a relationship, an attitude, or an action - whether it relates to our life, our family, our home, or our career - if we come to the conclusion that something must start or stop, we must do it immediately! 

The problem with starting something or stopping something in the new year is that we have such a broad time frame to correct it. So this new year's eve, I am changing my questions and will be asking;

"What are you going to start doing today?"

"What are you going to stop doing today?"

Don't aim to make things right in 2013, aim to make them right now!

Are You Happy?

Are you happy? Happiness is a funny thing. It's an emotional feeling that we sometimes take for granted. We all want to be happy and yet, if we stop to think about it - if we were to survey those we interact with - many would admit that they are not all that happy. We have periods of happiness that are often short-lived and are dependent on circumstances or environments that we find ourselves in. We all want to be happy, but not simply happy, we want long-term happiness.

Definition of HAPPINESS

1

obsolete : good fortune : prosperity

2

a : a state of well-being and contentment : joy

b : a pleasurable or satisfying experience

Americans are promised certain things, the Declaration of Independence calls them "inalienable rights", and this documents says that we, as Americans, are endowed with these rights by our Creator. We are promised life, liberty, and "the pursuit of happiness". So, we are given a guarantee for life and for freedom, yet, when it comes to happiness, good luck!

Are you happy?

Because happiness is an emotion and not a tangible thing, the question is often asked; "What will make you happy?" or "What will bring you happiness?" The problem with these questions is that, as human beings, we immediately think of tangible, short-term things - for some this is money, for others it may be food, and still for others it is a possession (house, car, electronic device).

For me happiness comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. It is important that I point out that I am writing about a relationship and not a knowledge or an acceptance of His presence. Happiness in Jesus Christ comes through the knowledge that He came, lived, and died on this earth for us. Happiness in Jesus Christ come through the understanding that He gave up His life so that we can share in His for all of eternity. Happiness come through an acceptance of these things and of Him as our Savior - The One that saves us from our sins. Happiness comes through a relationship with Him as the Lord of our lives and the master of our every way. Happiness comes through a relationship - faithful and committed - with Jesus Christ.

For me happiness comes through God's plan for me - the distinct purpose that He has created me for. Happiness comes through doing the will of God the Father in this life. Happiness comes through an openness to His Holy Spirit - allowing Him to guide my steps and lead my life. Happiness comes through the many blessings that God has given to me - time talents and resources that he has entrusted to me. Happiness comes through God's gift of my wife and family - His call to lead my family as a husband and a father. Happiness comes through our Heavenly Father.

What brings you happiness?

As I look to the start of a new year just around the corner, I am asking myself the question; what can I do to be happier next year than I was this past year. For me - and perhaps for you as well - all of the ingredients for happiness are present. For me it is an attitude of pursuit. How will I pursue happiness? After all, it is an "inalienable right" given to me by my Creator.

Now, rather than answering this question immediately, I encourage you to contemplate on it, pray over it and work at it. Consider all that you have to be happy for; God the Father who has created you in His image - for a distinct purpose - and sustains you by His mighty hand, Jesus Christ who died on your behalf to bring you life and freedom, the Spirit of God who brings you feelings of happiness and joy, and all of the blessings you have of health, relationships, finances, and material possessions. Consider what brings you happiness and decide how you must pursue it. Then make a plan to do just that - and live it out - pursue happiness!

How will you pursue happiness?

May God bless you and keep you. 
May He reveal more of Himself to you. 
May He reveal true happiness to you.
And may He enable you to pursue it always. 

To Church Leaders: Ezekiel 34

God has a high call on these individuals and He has high expectations for them. for pastors and leaders of The Church. In Ezekiel 34 God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the leaders of His people in Israel. Yet this passage is a particularly insightful for the shepherds of His Church today.

Ezekiel 34:1-16;
The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. “‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them. “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

Twas' 11 days before Christmas

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Journey of Faithfulness: Belief

Luke 1:26-45

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^[c] the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

To be used and blessed by God we must be available to Him.

 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

To be used and blessed by God we must believe that he will do what He says He will do. 

DON'T GIVE UP - keep praying

The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’”

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

In other words, "DON'T GIVE UP - KEEP PRAYING"

Sunday

This past Sunday a gentleman walked to the front of the church. He picked up the microphone and smiled. As music began to fill the Sanctuary he began to sing...

"I'm a thief, I'm a lier, I'm a murder..."

Fearfully, a six year old screams out from the back "what's he doing here?

Deep & Wide by Andy Stanley

Deep & Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy Stanley

I was asked to read and review "Deep & Wide; creating churches that unchurched people love to attend" by Andy Stanley. Although I am only 3/5 the way through, here are my thoughts thus far:

The book is divided into five sections, providing the reader with the opportunity to jump straight to a particular section if so desired (and required).

Section 1 - "My Story" - contains the basics of Andy Stanley's adolescent years, the years that he spent watching his father (Charles Stanley) in ministry, from points of confidence, humility, peace, and conflict. "My Story" not only explains Andy's past, it also reveals his approach to ministry and why NorthPoint Church is the way it is.

Section 2 - "Our Story" - gives a glimpse into the story of Christ's Church, the worldwide Church. More than this, section two reveals the mindset and structure of NorthPoint Church - a "church that unchurched people love to attend".

Section 3 - "Deep" - is an outline of the discipleship process, called the formation model, of NorthPoint Church. In these chapters Andy Stanley outlines the "Five Faith Catalysts" of NorthPoint Church and the discussions - or questions - that led to these catalysts. Further he offers questions and topics for church leaders to ponder in each of the five areas of ministry.

Section 4 - "Wide"

Section 5 - "Becoming Deep and Wide"

Although I am only through section 3 at this point I have thoroughly enjoyed the reading of this book. Andy brings to light many of the struggles that leaders in the mainline church has in our culture today. More importantly, he offers topics that must be wrestled with and discussed within any church that truly desires to "win" the lost for Jesus Christ.

Not only is this book a good read and packed with insightful points for church leaders, it presents tools that can be used (and adapted to fit) in any church, of any size, and in any location.

Backed by Scripture, experience, and results, Andy Stanley presents church leaders a tool for leading people into committed and faithful relationships with Jesus Christ. I will highly recommend this book to ANY leader in ANY church setting.

A Thankful Perspective

A couple of things happened this last week that has brought me a new perspective:

Saturday: our youngest son was taken to the emergency room and we spent a total of five hour with him there as the doctor and nurses evaluated his condition.

• While at the hospital I was advised that the tire on our van was flat, soon finding that we had run over a nail.

Sunday: our youngest son was taken to the emergency room twice, then hospitalized overnight. 

• Both my wife and I stayed late into the night with our son in the hospital and stayed up until the early hours of the morning praying, worrying, and praying.
• My wife also spent the night and entire next day with him in the hospital, her absence was felt in a major way.

Monday: our oldest son woke up with a cold, he was unable to go to school.

• My wife and youngest are able to come home in the late afternoon but we are all exhausted from the previous days hospital visits.
• Our youngest wakes up at 3:30 a.m. and decides that he has enough sleep for the night.

Tuesday: our daughter woke up with a slight cold, we were sure she would be the next to get the full-blown virus. 

• Our oldest is still not able to go to school instead we decide to take him to the doctor, finding out that he has croup. 
• Our youngest has adopted a new sleeping schedule that does not include the hours of 3:00 to 6:00 a.m. (some of my favorite hours to sleep).

Friday: our car is unable (or unwilling) to start, the battery is dead.

• The new vehicle models completely lock up when the battery is dead, the trunk will not open, the key is locked in the ignition, and the transmission is locked in park.   
• We have inconveniently parked the car in front of the garage and are unable to get our van out.

Saturday: I threw my back out.

Now, given all of these things, some might think that our family had a right to be a bit tired or grumpy, or even to complain a few times. I might agree if it weren't for what happened on Thursday. On Thursday I had the opportunity to listen to a sermon from Gateway Church located in Caledonia, Ontario (not one of the typical podcasts that I listen to) on the topic of giving thanks to God. In this message they spoke  about the need to be thankful for the large and small gifts from God and introduced the concept; "1,000 to be thankful for". 

Not only did I grab a notebook on Thursday and begin to list some things that I am thankful for, I began sharing them with my family and church family, and I have continued, these last few days, to write more and more things that I have to be thankful for - gifts that God is bringing to me and to our family every day. 

And, through this process I have gained a new perspective, in marriage, in parenting, in pastoring, and in life. 

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

I praise God because He exists

I praise God because He exists!

First of all, God is worthy of my praise because He has existed since before time began.

Next, God is worthy of my praise because He will exist throughout all of eternity.

And finally, God deserves my praise because without His existance life would not exist.

So, for all these reasons and so many more, I praise God because He exists.

Humbled, Honored, and Confused

After having preached for a few years now, I know right away if the words I am speaking from the pulpit are not clear or when I am not connecting with the audience. As Professor Howard Hendricks says; “If it is a mist in the pulpit, it is a fog in the pew." 

As I consider this morning's sermon I fear that I may have left our church family with an very unclear message. Yet, I walk away, seeking God's guidance, mercy, and direction for the next time I enter His pulpit. And, when I stand before others proclaiming God's Word next I will, as always be honored and humbled and the opportunity, while being continually confused that anyone would listen for any amount of time to my thoughts and understanding of God's Holy Word. 

Keeping versus Reaching

These insights to the local church were written by Pastor Tony Morgan a few weeks back. After reading through them a few times and giving some consideration I thought I would pass them on.

These insights will be helpful to my Pastor friends and colleagues and also to laity within the church, especially those individuals that are reluctant to change and more progressive models of ministry within the church.

When churches value keeping who they have over reaching people outside the church and outside the faith, their thinking, language and actions tend to look like this:

They program for people who already attend the church.

They create environments that assume only Christ-followers will be present.

They use insider language that’s confusing to people new to the church.

They assume any growth that happens will be initiated by a heart-change outside the church rather than one inside the church.

They never stop ministries because that might offend someone inside the church.

They are slow to do something new because it might offend someone inside the church.

They think it’s a choice between “going deeper” and “reaching the lost” when it’s actually both.

They choose personal preferences over potential ministry impact.

They make decisions based on who they’ll keep rather than who they’ll reach.

Thoughts on Titus 3:1-2

This past Sunday our class was reading from Titus 3;

1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Of course, just as this verse points to, we began to discuss our view of government, authorities, and politics. We began to talk about a believer's role regarding these matters and when we are to stand up, step forward and declare that "enough is enough".

In light of this, I considered this passage from Titus, Verse 2 specifically struck me, especially the words "slander", "peaceable", and "considerate".

First Paul writes that a believer is to slander no one. This speaks of our leaders and those in authority, but also of our family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors - everyone! This means no gossip, no ill talk, no lies - nothing - no slander.

But then Paul writes that we are to be peaceable. Yet this isn't always easy. There are things that really seem to get my blood boiling and things that upset me and make me downright angry. Is Paul stating that we truest need to be peaceable at all times? Weren't there times when Jesus wasn't peaceable? And, aren't there things in our culture that we are to stand for and to stand against? As believers aren't we called to speak for the rights of the oppressed and persecuted? Aren't we called to preach the Word, be salt in the world, and to be a light for the world? So, how can we do all of this and still be peaceable at all times?

See, that's where the third word comes in; "considerate". There will be things that strike us, upset us, or even upset us. And these are the moments that we must remember to be considerate. As believers we must step back, even remove ourselves from the situation for a time, to evaluate and consider the larger picture. Ask; "Am I angry because this inconveniences me or causes me some sort of personal difficulty?" or "Am I angry because this us something that God's Word speaks against and breaks His Heart?"

If your angry stems from a personal inconvenience than peaceable you must be! Pray for it and it will come. But, if yourconcerned based on an attack on God's will and His way, you must stand against the matter and peace may not be the answer. Yet here is where Paul's final statement cones in; "always to be gentle toward everyone".

Whatever the case, in peace or in conflict, we are called to be gentle. As believers we are called to be hard on sin but not harsh toward sinners.

Politics Today

Yesterday I got into a discussion about politics with a couple other people at church. I try my best to avoid any sort of political discussion at church, but this one was friendly and purely motivated.

The question was raised as to why it seems that this year do many people seem to be into the election and politics in general. And it does seem to be true, even those who are not typically involved or interested in politics are wrapped up in them now, staying educated and informed.

But why? What's the big deal? I believe the reason is that the stakes are so high. There is so much to be gained and do much to be lost in this next election that suddenly everyone feels an urgency to get involved and to make sure their voice is heard.

Not only are the stakes high for us today, the stakes are high for our children, grandchildren, and for our entire nation. Therefore, we must have our vote, our opinion, and our voices heard loud and clear. We must vote!

We All Need Encouragement

I wrote earlier today about the power of encouraging words, how some words from Barnabas enabled Saul to fulfill The Lord's call to ministry.

We all need to hear encouraging words in order to receive the confidence and ability to make it through this life. Yet if we do not belong to a community we will not receive the encouragement needed. And, in a world filled with depression and loneliness, encouragement and community seem to be our highest need and desire.

It seems to be a vicious cycle. People are depressed and so they withdraw from community - the community of church, the community of family, the community of friends, and the community of love and fellowship. As they withdraw from community they receive less and less encouragement and they grow more depressed.

THIS IS NOT GOD'S PLAN! The only solution is to get into a community again - maybe even by force.

See, all of us - at one point or another - feel as though we are alone and we need encouragement, love, and support. And it is at these moments that we are overwhelmed with feelings of rejection - perhaps even that we are an outsider.

It is at these very moments - as we wonder why no one cares or why no one calls - that we need to consider others. It is at these very moments that we need to pick up the phone, pick up a pen, or pick up the keys, and pour some needed love and encouragement into the life of another person.

Encouraged To Do Ministry

This morning our men's ministry director shared with us on the topic of encouragement from Acts 9:26-30;

"When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus."

Many things come to mind as I read through this passage, but I'll only share a couple.

Paul had been called and equipped to do the work of The Lord, yet without the support of the disciples, he was unable to do this work. Barbaras did two things; he took Saul to the disciples, and he spoke encouraging words about him.

Because of Barnabas' words and deeds the other disciples welcomed him, listened to him, protected him, and enabled him to continue in The Lord's work.

We can learn from this. Following Barnabas' example we must bring those that have been called and equipped by The Lord and we must speak encouraging words about them to others. Following the disciples' actions we must welcome, listen, and protect those that have been called and equipped. And, in doing this we will enable others to further The Lord's ministry.

Thoughts on Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5 

1 Be followers [who imitate] God, therefore, as dearly loved children [who are led by the Spirit of God and are closely related to God] ² and live a life of love [and affection], just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us [in life and death] as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity [such as lust and wrong motives, or of greed [and coveting of the things that do not belong to you], because these are improper for God’s holy people [who are called to stand out as saints among the culture you live in]. 

⁴ Nor should there be obscenity [in actions], foolish talk [such as gossip and slander] or coarse joking [about matters that do not please our Holy God], these things are out of place, but rather give thanksgiving to The Lord. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure [or unclean—in thought or life] or greedy person [who covets and lusts after things in this world] —such a man is an idolater —has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

I want to receive the inheritance of the Kingdom of God. I want to receive all that God has in store for me. I want to receive all that Jesus is preparing for me. Likewise, I want a lot of things in this world; money is tempting, power and prestige sure sound good to me. However I will not inherit any of this if I do not do away with the desires in this life and the idols of this world. 

This leaves me with a choice. I can cling to the desires that come in this world —sex, money, power —I can continue to lust after the things in our culture, valuing them above my commitment to God. Or I can pass up on the idols of this world, completely focusing and committing to God —in doing this I am looking to the inheritance of the Kingdom of God and to all that God has in store for me.  

See, we will all receive an inheritance —we can demand our inheritance now or we can wait for the one that Our Heavenly Father has in store for us. 

Elders: Worthy of Reproof

This past week I had a great discussion with a man about a former pastor of his, particularly the way he questioned him on a matter of the local church. As we talked we began to discuss the roles of the pastor, elders, deacons, and other key leaders. It occurred to us that many Christians have been misguided into thinking that the pastor and other ministry leaders should not be questioned, and that every decision of the church should be endorsed.

So, I thought I might look to The Source and find out what The Bible has to say about such matters.

1Timothy 5; 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

God, don't wake me up!

This week the kids and I have been reading about Samuel. Saturday we read about Hannah at the temple praying for a son. Monday we read about Hannah dedicating Samuel to the Lord and leaving him to work for the priest Eli. And tonight we read about the Lord speaking to Samuel in the middle of the night.

Each night after we have read through these Bible stories we have had a brief time of discussion with some very profound questions from a three-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl. But, what has struck me the most is the prayers that have followed our time of devotions and discussion.

Tonight we talked briefly about the story and ways that God may be speaking to us, we talked specifically about God speaking to us through prayer and through the Bible. Zion, my three-year-old son, followed our discussion with his prayer;

God, thank you for this day. And, God thank you for all the things we have done today. God thank you for my bed and my pillow, and Wubzzy, and thank you for Wocket in my pocket. Thank you for my chocolate milk, and Blue. And God, thank you for speaking to me. Make sure you speak to me when I am done with my prayer. And don't wait and speak to me after I go to sleep tonight and wake me up. Amen!

I thank God that He has given me this time with my children. I thank God that He has given me the opportunity to share with my children. I thank God that my children are listening to His Word. I thank God that He is applying His Word to their young minds and tender hearts. I thank God that He speaks; that He speaks to me, that He speaks through me, and that He speaks to my children.

Handing Out Cold Water

The county fair was this past week and we were under a heat advisory the entire week - at one point hitting 106 degrees. Because our church wanted to reach out and help we loaded up in cars, vans, and trucks with coolers filled with ice and cases of water and we passed out more than 1,000 bottles to fair goers!

We tried various methods of distributing the water until we found out what would work best. First we reserved a booth space and sat down at a table hoping to reach those that walked by and also provide a "water station" where people could come to throughout the week and grab a bottle of ice cold water. This worked well, but we weren't reaching enough. So, we changed our method a bit and located ourselves in the bed of a truck just outside the barn where the livestock shows and auction happened and we passed out bottles of ice cold water to those that went in and came out. This method was working better, but we still wanted to reach more. So, keeping both of these previous methods intact, we took to the ground, walking with coolers, pulling wagons, and asking anyone and everyone that was walking, sitting, standing, riding, sleeping, showing, judging, buying, or selling. We handed out water to children, teens, adults, and the elderly.

As we walked the fairgrounds this afternoon the though occurred to me that our process of water distribution and our method of handing out water can be applied to churches too. If we were just to sit in our church building praying for people to come by and worship God with us we might wait a long time and we may never reach the very people that are in need of Him the most. Yet, when we hit the streets, sharing the love of Christ through our words, actions, and lives and sharing the Gospel message of Jesus as He has called us to, we see the influence of our service and we reach the people God desires for us to reach - connecting them to God and teaching them about His love for them.

Notes from Friday evening's worship service

FMC Wabash Conference Family Camp
Evangelist John Paul Clark

"God, show me my heart".
Jeremiah 17:9

Inwardly we desire to be pure and clean; that is what Christ died for.

Romans 6:1-7

Christ's followers live victoriously over sin!

Romans 7:8-27

Personal willpower and strength is not the answer to purity and cleanliness.

Psalm 51

Verse 1 - plural "transgressions"
Verse 2 - singular "sin"

Only through getting to the root of his sun could David be free, clean, and pure.

Romans 8; Holy Spirit (18 times)

Christ is set to baptize each of us with His Spirit.

The normal Christian life is one where the Spirit enables us to be victorious over sin and purified.

Why do so many settle with a Romans 7 existence.
Because the HS has not been given full access - not been baptized by the HS.

How can we give free access to the HS?
Through a personal crucifixion (Romans 6).

Have you experienced a personal crucifixion where you have died to your flesh?

Notes from Thursday evening's service

FMC Wabash Conference Family Camp
Evangelist John Paul Clark

Do we Free Methodists know what it means to remain in prayer?

Have you worked and worked and worked without ever knowing the magnificent power of the Holy Spirit? This power is astonishing!

Ephesians 1 - incomparable power, like when God raised Christ from the dead!

We have been endowed with power TO WITNESS!

Acts 2:22

POWER TO WITNESS!

The difference between Peter's witness in the Gospels and his witness after? THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Jesus' idea of witness is much different than we might think; exciting, risky, and thrilling.
The Greek word for witness is martyr!

"Playing it too safe is making me dead!"

What would your life be like if it were "captured by a cause"?

The problem with our evangelism is not more or better techniques. We need passion - for souls. This happens only through the power of The Spirit.

The present indifference toward lost souls is sinful, unkind, and wrong.

We need a baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Notes from Wednesday evening's service

FMC Wabash Conference Family Camp
Evangelist John Paul Clark

Baptism by immersion; to completely immerse in water until they are completely covered - similar to being hurried.

There is water baptism.
There is fire baptism.

Acts 2 - everyone in the 120fellowship was baptized with the Holy Spirit.

When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit it is as if Jesus covers you with His Spirit and every part if your being is filled with His Spirit.

When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit it is both profound and pervasive.

Have you personally been baptized with the Holy Spirit? If not, would you like to be?

Ephesians 1:13-14
Ephesians 5:18

There is a difference between having the Holy Spirit and being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit - having free reign of the "house".

John 4:13-14; a spring of living water
John 7:37-39; streams (plural) of flowing water

DIVE IN - get full immersed and fill submerged in the waters of the Spirit!

Salvation is synonymous with transformation - WE ARE IN NEED OF TRANSFORMATION!

Free Methodists; we used to be a holiness people. Are we still?

Notes from Tuesday Evening's Service

FMC Wabash Conference Family Camp
Evangelist John Paul Clark

The fire of the Holy Spirit

Jesus wants to baptize you with the fire of the Holy Spirit

John 15:3
Acts 1 and 2

Action steps for baptism with fire.
Wait 1:4-5
Focus 1:6-7
Work 1:10-11a
Pray 1:14
Believe 1:8a

Do you believe that the baptism of fire that comes from the Holy Spirit is for you?

Notes from Monday Evening's Service

FMC Wabash Conference Family Camp
Evangelist John Paul Clark

God has commissioned us to be world changers. WE ARE CALLED

The means are clear; by The Spirit's power.

If there is a neglected part of the Trinity it would be the person of The Holy Spirit.

Perhaps the Holy Spirit is saying; "don't be a stranger".

Three ways to avoid being a stranger to the Holy Spirit:
1) Acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is God.
a) Omnipresent -Psalm 139:7
b) Omnipotent -Luke 1:35
c) Omniscient -1 Corinthians 2:11
2) realize that the Holy Spirit is a person.
a) Mind -Romans 8:27
b) Emotions -Ephesians 4:30
c) Will -1 Corinthians 12:11
3) Comprehend that the Holy Spirit is like Jesus. (Acts16:7 & Romans 8:9).

When you wonder what the Holy Spirit is like , just think about Jesus.

If we have disrespected the Holy Spirit in the past, our response MUST BE apologizing and repenting.

Acts 7; "you always resist the Holy Spirit" - Are you?

Too Busy Not To Pray

"I have so much to do that I must spend the first three hours of each day in prayer." - Martin Luther

This same idea was penned by Bill Hybels (Willow Creek) some years back in his book; "Too Busy Not To Pray". I am reminded of this often, we are all far too busy -- with work, family, friends, and life -- not to pray and ask for God's guidance, support, encouragement, and strength to make it through the tasks before us. 

Likewise, prayer -- and other vitally important activities -- are often the ones that we allow to fade into the background when our schedules seem to get fuller and busier. But, when we stop and access our lives and the things that we have scheduled, most of us would come to realize that we are not busy on things that truly matter. 

Just this morning I was reading from Luke 10 (vs. 41/42); Jesus says; Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. This phrase can and should serve as a reminder to many of us that we too are busy, worried, and upset about many things, but there is one thing that truly matters and that is what we must concentrate on. 

God Is In The Room

This picture is the wallpaper on my laptop. An artist, with the assistance of a smoke machines, has found a way to produce clouds indoors and has taken several stunning pictures. And while these pictures are quite remarkable I could not help but think of one thing as I looked at them; "God is in the room". 

SEE, no matter where we are, no matter what we are doing God is in the room with us. God is all-present or omnipresent, meaning that He is in all places at all times - that is one of the characteristics that defines Him as God.

AND, because God is omnipresent, He is here for us when we need Him the most. Likewise, He is there when we would rather Him not be, that is when we are doing things that we know He does not approve of - when we are doing things contrary to His will and His purpose.

YET, if we could simply remember that "God is in the room" with every decision that we make, every action that we take, every thought that we think, and every word that we speak, we would do better to obey His will and fulfill His purpose.

AND, although we do not have the benefit of seeing God in the form of a visible cloud in the room with us at every moment of the day, what we do have is His Spirit living in us and working through us. Through God's Spirit we are able to achieve all that God has called us to, all that He has desired for us, and all that He has created us for.

Understanding Temptation

One of my favorite verses of Scripture is 1 Corinthians 10:13;

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

The quoting of this verse is very helpful when I find myself being tempted at many times and in many ways.

This morning I was reading from Luke 4; Jesus' temptation in the desert following His baptism. Verse 1 sets the stage for the chapter and serves as a reminder that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit of God and that the Spirit of God led Him into the desert, where he was tempted. Understand that I am not implying that God is the one that tempted Jesus in the desert, for James 1:13 points out;

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

 And, although God is not the one that tempts anyone, and He is not the one that tempted Jesus, His Spirit had filled Jesus and was The One that led Him into the desert where the temptation took place. It is important to recognize that when a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, it is the Spirit that leads them, there is no other way!

While Jesus is in the desert He is tempted on three occasions, by Satan, and He is tempted, in three distinctly different ways. First Jesus was tempted in the physical manner (verse 3);

The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Next Jesus was tempted in the spiritual manner (verse 6);

“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down."

And finally, Jesus was tempted in the psycological manner (verse 9);

“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 

 All of these things are important to remember when we find ourselves being tempted, and we will all find ourselves being tempted.

• Am I filled with he holy Spirit? If so, it is the Holy Spirit that is leading you into this exact situation. Is this a place the Holy Spirit go? Is this a place the Holy Spirit would have taken you?
• No temptation that you have faced or will ever face is beyond what another human being has faced in the past. No temptation that you have faced or will ever face is beyond what you have been created to bear the weight of. No temptation that you have faced or will ever face is beyond the sovereign and faithful control of God the Father. 
• Am I being tempted in the physical manner? Am I being tempted in the spiritual manner? Am I being tempted in the psycological manner? Satan knows you weakness and He attacks that weakness. Satan has a target on your back and a plan to strike. Understanding the way that you are being tempted by evil will allow you to know how you must reach out to God and how you must pray through the temptation to overcome it. 

Pentecost Sunday

Today is Pentecost Sunday, a special day in the life of The Church. It was on Pentecost Sunday (40 days after Jesus' resurrection, and 10 days after His ascension) that the Holy Spirit of God came to rest on and in believers. The account of this day can be read about in Acts 2:1-4 (and 5-41);

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

The men that were gathered int he upper room on the day of Pentecost were gathered, waiting and praying. We see that throughout the Bible, especially the New Testament, powerful things happened when believers gathered together to pray. As Rev. Jim Cybala says, "when God's people pray things happen". And, on this particular Sunday, some 2,000 years ago, when God's people prayed His Spirit moved upon them. But, these men weren't simply praying for their needs or for themselves, these men were praying for God's Spirit to move. 

In order to better grasp this, it is important that we look back to Acts 1, to Jesus last words on this earth, and to His direct instructions to His disciples. 

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 

The men that were gathered in the upper room on this particular Sunday were waiting just as Jesus had told them to. And, as these men waited, they prayed. They were praying for this gift that Jesus had promised to them as He spoke His final words. They were praying for the baptism of  the Holy Spirit that Jesus had told them about. And, they were praying for the power (more literally the strength or the ability) to carry out the mission and the ministry that Jesus had called them to. 

On this Pentecost Sunday we, as faithful believers, need to pray as well. We need to pray that this gift that Christ has promised us would be made real to us. We need to pray that the baptism of the Holy Spirit would come over us. And, we need to pray for the power (the strength and the ability) to carry out our mission and Christ's ministry would be granted to us.

Without the Holy Spirit nothing makes sense. Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit we do not have the gifts to carry out the ministry of Jesus. Without the power of the holy Spirit we do not have the power to achieve the mission of Christ. And without prayer we will not be given any of these!

Perfection on your Knees

I enjoy cleaning! I am not entirely sure why this is. Perhaps it has to do with the fulfillment of knowing that the job is complete, once a room has been cleaned you can move on and know that it has been done! Perhaps it has to do with the gratification of looking at a clean room and knowing that it is, in fact clean. But, for whatever reason, I like to clean!

The other day my my wife, Kim, asked me if I would sweep the kitchen floor. So I swept the kitchen floor. I picked up the rugs, I pulled the trash can out, I pulled the refrigerator out, I pulled the kitchen table and chairs out, and I swept the kitchen floor. Then I grabbed a mop and I mopped the kitchen floor. It looked perfect! It was done! So, I moved on to the bathroom...

The next afternoon, however, I walked into the kitchen and noticed some crumbs under my feet. How could this have happened? This floor was perfectly clean yesterday! Soon I found myself on my knees picking up the most minuscule crumbs off the floor. I know this sound ridiculous, and believe me it is, but I wanted this floor to stay perfectly clean for at least twenty-four hours. So, I stayed on my knees until the crumbs were picked up and the floor was perfectly clean once again.

That is when the thought occurred to me. If we want to keep certain things perfect, we must get on our knees and take the time to labor, making things right until everything is perfect once again. This applies to a clean kitchen floor and to our life as believers in Jesus Christ.

At church these last few weeks we have been focusing on holiness and Christian perfection. And, in order for Christian perfection to be a reality for us we must get down on our knees, lifting our praise, our needs, our concerns, our trials, and our burdens to Jesus. And, this must happen daily.

If we want to keep our Christian lives perfect we must get on our knees and take the time to labor, communicate, and fellowship with our Lord, and we must make things right with Him until everything is perfect once again. Only Christ can bring a person to perfection. It is vitally important that we get on our knees with Him regularly.

"It is hard to stumble when you're on your knees."

Setting Your Heart for Holiness

Holiness is possible! If it wasn't God would be a liar (Romans 6) and there would be no hope of heaven (Hebrews 12:14).

Set your heart on Christ-like peace

 John 14:27; Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

John 16:33; I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

o   This is a heart that has the peace and knowledge that Christ was victorious over death

o   This is a heart that has the assurance and faith  in Christ’s  promise to us that He will grant us victory as well

o   This is a heart that is confident that Christ is in control of the large and small matters of life.

Set your heart on Christ-like worship

Matthew 15:8-9; “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”

o   This is a heart prepared to receive the God of all creation

o   This is a heart that craves more of Jesus

o   This is a heart that is deeply connected with His Spirit

Set your heart on Christ-like treasures

Matthew 6:19-21; Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

o   This is a heart that is concerned with matters of heaven

o   This is a heart that desires to build the Kingdom of God

o   This is a heart that longs to do the will of Jesus

Set your heart on Christ-like thoughts

Matthew 15:17-20; Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’  For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man ‘unclean’

o   This is a heart that has been cleansed from selfish desire

o   This is a heart that is aligned with the will of God

o   This is a heart that has pure motives and actions always.

Set your heart on Christ-like speech

Matthew 12:33-37; “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

o   This is a heart that seeks to honor God with respect

o   This is a heart that aims to encourage fellow believers

o   This is a heart that strives to inspire others with truth

Holy living is all of this – holiness is a heart that is Christ-like. And setting your heart for holiness is all about motive.  

So, what is the motive –  the intent – of your heart?

Remember Hebrews 12:14; “without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

Jesus said it a different way in Matthew 5:8; “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

What motives of your heart must you give up - and do away with - for holiness to be a possibility in your life? 

What motives of your heart must you embrace - and better take hold of - for holiness to be a reality in your life?