Sorry

This afternoon I was driving back from Indianapolis and I was hungry. Because I was by myself the question came to me, "Where is somewhere that I can go for lunch that my wife and children typically will not allow me to go?" Immediately I exclaimed, "White Castle!"

I should explain that my wife hates White Castle, she hates the taste, she hates the smell, she hates the long-reaching effects (they are called "belly bombs" and "sliders" for a reason). 

So there I was, at the White Castle drive-thru, ordering a sack of burgers. And, as I placed my order, I knew that I would soon have to apologize to my wife for my actions. But, regardless, I went ahead and ordered a sack. 

Driving down the road it didn't take long before the burgers were gone. In their place was a stomach aching from an act of gluttony, a car reaking from grease, onions, and pickles, eyes filled with regret, a mind flooded with sorrow, and a heart desiring to repent. 

And even though I knew in advance that my wife would not approve of my actions, and that I would need to make amends and apologize to her for the damage I was doing to my body and to her vehicle, I went ahead, ordered and consumed multiple burgers.

 

This afternoon I am paying for my actions! 

I cannot help but reflect on how closely this resembles our spiritual life. 

So often we are tempted by a selfish desire and - even though we know that it will do damage to our body, our mind, our heart, our soul, and those who are closest to us - we move forward. 

We navigate the road, pull into the drive-thru, place our order, and consume as much as we can. All the while we know that we will soon have to appologize and repent of our ways. 

We focus on the temptation that is before us until the temptation becomes sin in our life. 

What we are left with is a body that has sinned, a mind flooded with sorrow, a heart that desires to repent, and a soul that is broken. 

You see, The most troubling aspect about our sin is that we are scarred for the future. 

Even as I sit this afternoon, still feeling the effects of the burgers, still knowing the pain that I have caused my wife (in her vehicle anyhow) I have to admit that I could eat another "slider" right now. 

It is the same way with our sin. What once was a surface level desire - a temptation that otherwise would pass by - has the ability to imbed itself deep into our life. Over time our temptation becomes sin, our sin becomes addiction, and our addiction becomes our identity. 

So, the next time you are tempted by a selfish desire, call out to God. Let him remind you of the far-reaching pain that your sin will cause - to yourself, to those closest to you, and to Him. 

Devoted To Devotions

From our daily devotional "The Word For You Today"; The word "devotion" implies total commitment to someone - giving them your time and attention, enjoying their company, seeking to please them, and making them priority in your life.

I often struggle to understand how so many followers of Jesus Christ are not actually devoted to Him. There is no daily time spent with Him, no time spent communicating with Him or allowing Him to communicate with them. This would never work with our friends or our family members. This definitely would not work with a spouse! Over time the relationship begins to corrode until Christ becomes only an acquaintance that we see from afar for an hour on Sunday morning. 

One of the first questions I ask an individual or couple that comes to talk with me about their struggles is "how do you daily devote yourself to God". I have found that many followers of Jesus Christ are not following Him, they are just hoping that He is following them. I have found that many followers of Jesus Christ have no real relationship with Him, they are just hoping that He continues to relate to them. Notice that I wrote "hoping" not praying. 

I have found that many followers of Jesus Christ are not following Him, they are just hoping that He is following them.

This is a new day, at the start of a new year. Let this be a year that you become devoted to The One that is totally devoted to you. Let this be the year that you worship Christ Jesus with passion and devotion.

I Don't Want To Be A Disciple

Below is a portion of what I recently taught to a small group of mature believers at our church.

Matthew 26:36-46

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Mark 14:32-42

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

·        What does it take to pray “Your will be done”?

·        What does Jesus ask of His disciples?

o       Sit here

o       Stay awake

·        What does Jesus ask of the inner three?

o       Stay awake

o       Bear my sorrow

o       Watch with me

o       Pray for Me

We begin as disciples of Jesus’ and we are called to “sit here” (remain connected to Him) and to “stay awake” (don’t drift away from Him). But, as we progress in our relationship with Jesus and in our maturity in our faith we become a part of the “inner core”. As mature believers we are no longer given the simple instruction of “sit here” and “stay awake” – remaining with Jesus without drifting away become the most basic points of our commitment. As mature believers we are called to bear the burdens of Christ – when His heart breaks, our heart breaks – we are called to watch with Jesus – to recognize and confront evil and sin in the world around us – and we are called to pray for Him – as the front line soldiers in this battle with Satan we pray for Christ’s ultimate return and reign.

I don’t want to be a disciple. I want to be much, much more.

Backstage Fan

This past week my wife and I went to yet another the Tom Petty concert. This was my eleventh Tom Petty concert and my wife's twelfth. Although we purchased the cheapest seats available at the concert, through a series of actions and conversations we ended up sitting just off of the side of stage.

Although we have been to several of these concerts, this was by far the closest we have ever sat. We were essentially sitting backstage! We were able to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers walking on and off of stage, we were able to see all of the technicians and stagehands preparing and making changes between sets and between songs. Likewise, we found out things about Tom Petty and the rest of the group that we never knew before - such as Tom's guitar changes and smoking preference between the various songs.

As I wrote, we have been to several of these concerts and we have called ourselves "fans" for many, many years, yet there was so much we saw on Thursday that struck us as new and very interesting.

I couldn't help but think about a book I recently read; "Not A Fan" by Kyle Idleman. One of the points that Idleman makes is that being a fan of Jesus is far different than being a follower of Jesus. Idleman writes how many people know about Jesus but they don't actually know Jesus.

And he asks the question, are you a fan - or are you more.

To be a follower of Jesus'...

John 13:1-3 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;

Understanding what “Jesus knew” is essential to understanding what Jesus did!

Jesus knew:

• The time of His Father had come (vs. 1)
• He would “leave” the world (vs. 1)
• He would return to His Father (vs. 1)
• His Father had put all things under His power (vs. 3)
• He came from God (vs. 3)
• He was returning to God (vs. 3)

John 13:4-5 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Jesus' activity:

• He got up (vs. 4)
• He took off His outer clothes (vs. 4)
• He wrapped a towel around His waist (vs. 4)
• He washed their feet (vs. 5)

As followers of Jesus, we too must:

• Get up
  • Get up from our place of honor
  • Get up from our attitudes of pride
  • Get rid of our illusion that this is in any way about us
• Take off the bib
  • We've had enough to eat
  • We've been fed long enough – most of us
• Put on an apron
  • This is going to be dirty – perhaps humiliating
  • This is going to be time consuming
  • This is going to require something from you
• Wash feet
  • It's time to lend a hand and serve
  • It's time to use the gifts God has given you
  • It's time follow the example set by Jesus
  • It's time to be a true follower – a disciple – of Jesus'

To be a follower of Jesus you must become a servant.

Picture it, Jesus is down on His knees before His disciples;

• Creator of the universe wiping away the mud that He created
• Living Water poured out on the feet of the people
• King of Kings lowered to the floor
• The God of glory serving a sinful people

It is important to note that Jesus even washed the feet of Judas – who He knew would betray Him.

John 13:11 For he knew who was going to betray him

What does this tell us about our call to serve as followers of Jesus'?

To be a follower of Jesus you must become a servant.

Saying YES to Jesus means...

Some thoughts on being a follower of Jesus from Luke 9:25-30;

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:  

Many would consider this as the mark of success in ministry, large crowds - great multitudes - of people traveling with them, hanging on every word that they spoke. Yet Jesus did not consider this success. At the moments that large crowds are traveling with Him, Jesus stops and begins to tell them of the many demands He has of them if they intend to be followers of His. 

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 

The word hate is used figuratively by Jesus to better illustrate the priority of the relationship. As a follower of Jesus, there can be no rival relationships. 

Saying "YES" to Jesus means saying "NO" to other relationships!

And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

The Roman cross had one purpose, it was a place to go and to die. As a follower of Jesus, a person must be willing to die to their selfish desires.

Saying "YES" to Jesus means saying "NO to yourself!

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 

“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 

Jesus pauses and tells two parables to bring up two distinct points about the same issue, being a follower of His. The first account of the unfinished tower tells the potential follower;

Consider the costs of your commitment to Jesus.

The second account of the king facing a potential war tells the potential follower; 

Consider the costs of opposing Jesus.  

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

Being a follower of Jesus comes with great demands - on our time, on our resources, on our finances, on our families, and on us. As a follower of Jesus, a person must be willing to give up anything Jesus demands.

Saying "YES" to Jesus means saying "NO" to everything else!

Being a follower of Jesus requires total commitment.

So, here are a few questions to consider:

What relationships in your life come before Jesus?

What demands are too much for you to carry?

What costs are you not willing to pay?

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ

No one comes before You, Jesus.

Nothing comes before You, Jesus.

I am Your disciple.

You are my Master.

You are my Savior.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Consider The Cost

I started reading the book “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman. He writes about John Oros, a church leader in Romania during the communist era who vividly lived the cost of being a Christian.

When John spoke at the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, he’d talk to individuals who had decided to become Christians.

He would say things like, “It is so good that you want to become a Christian but there is a price to be paid… why don’t you reconsider what you want to do, because many things could happen to you-you can lose, and lose big.”

He would go on to say to those who followed through and got baptized, “When you give your testimony, there will be informers who will jot down your name.

Tomorrow the problems will start. Count the cost. Christianity is not easy. It’s not cheap. You can be demoted. You can lose your job. You can lose your friends. You can lose your neighbors. You can lose your kids. You can lose even your own life.”

John wanted to get everyone to a place where following Jesus was so important to them, that if they lost everything it would still be worth it.

So, if following Jesus would cost YOU everything, would it still be worth it?

Changing Everything

Our children have always had an early bed time, sometimes they are ready for bed by 6:30 in the evening. And, for the most part, they have slept until 7:00 a.m. or later. Over the past couple of weeks our oldest son has begun to wake up earlier and earlier; 5:15, 4:45, 4:15. And, when he wakes up in the morning, he is up for the rest of the day.

Now, every morning we hear him in his room between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. talking, singing, laughing, playing. I should add that he has two volumes; loud and louder, and he shares a bedroom with his ten month old baby brother.

This leaves us with a couple of options; force him to stay in his room and listen to him scream out (waking everyone in the house up) or get up with him and begin the day. As you can see, both options result in either myself or my wife (or both of us) up at a very early hour.

Neither Kim (my wife) or I are morning people but, given the above options, we are being forced into this lifestyle (at least for the time being). So, we can either deny it or accept it, we can either go to bed at an early hour or be tired and grumpy every day. So, we accept it, we go to bed early, we get up earlier, and we change everything! Why? Because when you decide to be a parent, children change everything.

Children Change Everything!

In effect, our son is saying to him mother and I; "Since you have decided to have me as your son, you must forget about your own desires, you must give up your personal wants, you must deny yourself some sleep, and adapt to my schedule every day from now on."

As a pastor and a believer in Christ it occurs to me that Jesus said something very similar; "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23) As followers of Jesus Christ we must give up our own desires, we must give up our personal wants, we must deny ourselves some sleep, some time, some pleasure, and follow Him and His schedule from now on.

Why? Because when you decide to be a follower of Christ, Jesus changes everything.

Jesus Changes Everything!

Questions from Jesus

A couple weeks ago we were in the middle of our sermon series "Evangelism Jesus' Way" with the focus on questions that Jesus asked in His evangelism efforts. what we found was that there were three questions posed by Jesus that really strike the heart, and these three simple questions sum up all His evangelism efforts.

Not only are these questions beneficial to us as we strive to fulfill the calling that Jesus left us with, that is to make disciples in His name, these questions must be asked to keep each of us on the straight path to becoming Christ's disciples.

For the first question we look to John chapter 1:

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.

What do you want?

Jesus asks us, first and foremost; “What do you want?”

When we approach Him, He asks;

What are are your goals?

What are your aspirations?

What are your desires?

And if we respond that we desire Him, Jesus says “come, and you will see”.

Then, after we have seen, after we have witnessed His power and His glory,

He strikes us with another question.  

And for this question we look to Matthew chapter 22:

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Christ?

What do you think?

After we have seen Jesus,

after we have encountered His Spirit,

after we have experienced His love, peace, and joy,

Jesus asks; “What do you think?”

What do you think about Christ?

What do you think about Christ’s Truth?

What do you think about Christ’s will and my ways?

And, if you answer in the same way that Simon Peter did in Matthew 16,
“you are the Christ, the Son of the living God”,

Jesus will follow up in the same way He followed up with Peter, with a question.

For this final question we look to John chapter 21:

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” "Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Do you love me?

This is the heart of Jesus’ questions,

this is the goal of His evangelism efforts;

a deep love for Him.

So, Jesus asks us, “do you love me?”

Do you love me more than these?

Do you love Jesus more than your family?

Do you love Jesus more than your hobbies?

Do you love Jesus more than your addictions?

Does your love for Jesus exceed everything else?

Jesus’ evangelism came down to three simple questions:

What do you want?
What do you think?
Do you love me?

And for us, it comes down to three simple questions:

Do you desire Jesus?

Do you believe Jesus?

Do you love Jesus?

Ask yourself, and others, these questions today!

God's Time Clock

Weeks ago I talked with our church family about the great dangers of "playing church". I don't believe that our church is any more guilty, any more at fault than the modern church is of this tragedy.

You see, if the hour or two that we spend at church on Sunday morning becomes just another hour in our week, we miss out. If we allow our time with God to become just something that we have to do to be a Christian, we miss out.

If we allow worshiping Christ on Sunday morning to become an unexciting, mundane activity and if we walk out of the church unchanged and untouched by the Spirit of God, then there is no reason to come come  into His presence at all.

I think that many people have this idea, whether they realize it or not, of God honoring our worship and devotion to Him on the basis of a time clock. As if when we stand before Him on the day of judgement we are going to be able to show Him our years of devotion and service in the form of time stamps on our Spiritual time card.

BUT, IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT!

I think Dr. John Vernon McGee said it best;

"I am of the opinion that the Lord could stop many church services today and say, 'Listen, let's cut this out. Why are you going through this form? You are not getting close to Me. You are not pleasing Me. When you leave this service, you gossip, you have bitterness in your heart, you are not moral in your conduct, and you are living loose lives. You think you are pleasing Me by your religious form. I want you to know that you are not pleasing Me."

Do What Jesus Did

Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12

If you have faith in Jesus Christ you must do what Jesus did.

To do what Jesus did you must know what Jesus did.

If you want to know what Jesus did and do what Jesus did, you are following the path that Jesus led.

If you follow the path that Jesus led, you are following Him to God the Father and meeting Him there.

Jesus said: "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." John 16:13

That is, He will do whatever you ask in accordance with His will.

But, you must remain in Him and you must follow His will and His way.

Jesus said: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." John 15:7

Because, God the Father desires to be glorified through His disciples.

Jesus said: "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:8

 Do what Jesus s desires and He will do what you desire in Him and through Him!

Trikes, Bikes, and Jesus

Years ago I remember the joy (and frustration) of taking our oldest daughter out to teach her to ride a tricycle. Until these early moments of training with my daughter, I never realized just how much strength and skill went into riding a trike. First comes the strength to push the pedals to keep the trike moving forward, then comes the strength to take off from a dead stop, then comes the strength and ability to steer the trike, and finally, the coordination to take off from a dead stop, propel the trike forward, keep the trike moving forward consistently, steer the trike and keep it on a smooth path, and watch for dangers around you.   

Well, our daughter has learned how to ride the tricycle, she has moved on to a bike with training wheels and very soon we will be removing the training wheels from her bike. It has been great to watch her grow in strength, coordination, and balance as she has mastered the skills of bike riding

Robert Tuttle wrote that the "Christian walk is much like riding a bicycle; we are either moving forward or falling off". There is a great deal of truth to this statement. God calls us to so much more than simply sitting still and getting by.

What if we, as Christians were happy with sitting still and just getting by? Well, it would be much like a person that learned how to ride a trike and decided to stay on the trike for the rest of their lives, relying on this small, three-wheeled vehicle for all of their transportation needs. Can you imagine a bunch of grown men and women riding tricycles to and from work on a daily basis? Quite a comical sight, you must admit.

And, if you have ever taught someone to ride a tricycle or a bicycle, or if you have ever tried to teach yourself, you understand how much time, patience, training, and concentration it requires. Likewise, you understand that it comes with its share of bumps, bruises, and scrapes and that it requires some level of risk taking and discomfort.

It is the same with the Christian journey. Many come to Jesus Christ, accepting His call to repentance and the love, joy, and hope that He brings to their lives. But, Christ call His followers to continue to  "strict training" in His ways (1 Corinthians 9). Likewise, Christ calls His followers to be disciplined (Hebrews 12) and to endure the bumps, bruises, and scrapes that come with following Him. Then, many of Christ's followers are called to a level of risk and discomfort, called to follow the will of Jesus and give up everything for Him (Acts 15).

You see, standing still is not an option, you are either moving forward or your falling down. You will not get anywhere by simply getting on the bike if you are not willing to ride it. And riding takes training, patience, and endurance. But the destination is well worth the training and the ride.

Follow Me

Recently the media technician at our church created a video using a song by Third Day titled "Follow Me". The video goes through various slides of our church family fellowshiping, worshiping, and such.

As soon as I saw the video I realized its appeal as a promotional tool for our church as a warm-hearted group of people striving to follow Jesus Christ and inviting others along in the journey. As we follow Jesus, we invite others to do the same.

Setting an Example

Our children are quite a blessing to my wife and I. There are several phrases that make it into our daily language, such as, "hurry up", "use your words", and many, many more. One phrase that our five-year-old daughter hears almost everyday is "act like a five year old". You see, she has two younger brothers and often finds herself struggling to fill the oldest child role that she was born into.

I have to say that both of our sons receive more positive attention than she does and it is common that we point out their cute antics and laugh at their childish behavior. Because of this additional attention to the younger two, our oldest commonly tries to act much like them in an attempt to receive attention.

Just the other day we were paying visits to the grandparents and, when it came time to leave, she began to act like a two-year-old. We reminded her of her actual age and yet she continued to act out, and was soon disciplined for her childish actions. Why do we discipline her? Because she knows better and  because she is smarter and more mature than her behavior was showing.

As we made our way to the car we began to talk with her about her actions and that, as the oldest. she is to act in a way that leads the younger two rather than allowing their actions to lead her. We pointed out that her younger brothers want to be just like her and often follow her around, doing the exact same things that she does. She is to act in such a way that her words, actions, and behavior makes them want to be like her.

This is true for each one of us, whether we are the old or the young, whether we are the boss or the worker, whether we are surrounded by people constantly or feel like we are alone most of the time. Each one of us are called to live a mature life and to lead others through our example, through our words and actions.

This applies to the follower of Christ as well. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."  (1 Tim. 4:12) Likewise, followers of Jesus Christ are called to be in the world but not of the world, they are called to set an example for the world but not to become like the world. Followers of Jesus Christ are called to act in such a way that their words, actions, and behavior makes others want to follow after them, and after Jesus.

So, are you leading by example or are you following the example of others? Are you looking to Jesus and following His example for the way you should live your life or are you following the example set forth by the world and those who are in this world. Remember, focus on Jesus and the things that shouldn't matter won't matter any longer.

Change Your Life

It seems like almost every day we hear of a product that will change our lives forever. It seems in our culture today that technological advances have really changed our lives, in both the private and public sector (Internet, cell phones, computers, etc.). Years ago we were introduced to a product called the Snuggie and told that it would change our lives.

This morning the following video came on the TV about Tony Little and his success. Tony Little is the infomercial king, he continues to roll out exercise equipment that will "change your life". The odd thing is that, when you watch his infomercials, every product he comes up with will "change your life forever"

Let me say, we own a Snuggie and it did not change our lives. I know quite a number of people that have purchased some of this stuff that has been designed and marketed by Tony Little and, while it seems to change their life for a few weeks or months, the excitement soon passes and it becomes just another material possession in their house, and soon their garage.

Yet, there is one thing that can truly change your life forever. This is not a new thing which is proof that it is not a fad and that it has stood the test of time. It is not a "quick fix", nor is it an easy fix, in fact it has some rather demanding requirements for all those that accept it. Jesus Christ came from God the Father full of grace (to save) and truth (to teach) and stated that He did not come to abolish the law (of the past) but to fulfill it. As we follow Him our lives with be changed as we live our days on this earth (through increased love, hope, and joy) and also after we pass away from this earth (through eternal life and glory with Him).

Ten Commandments in Ten Weeks

Exodus 20 gives a list of ten commands given to Moses on the top of Mount Sinai. Throughout the Scriptures, followers of Christ are told to obey these commandments of God, here are just a few places:

• "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13
• "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:19
• "If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” Matthew 19:17

And although many followers of Jesus Christ know that we are to obey these commandments of God, that we are to live by them and follow them, many followers don't even know what they are. Do you know what the Ten Commandments are? Are you able to share them with others when asked?

If you would like to learn the commandments for yourself, this is one of the most effective videos I have found. It is a bit dated and cheesy, but it is effective and only takes a few minutes.

 Although I am able to recite them when asked, I have come to realize that I fail to think of them on a daily basis and to consistently evaluate my behavior based on these simple Ten Commands given from God Himself. In Matthew 19 Jesus was asked about which commands needed to be kept in order to inherit eternal life. Not only did He list each one of these commandments as mandatory, He called for further action and further commitment, the same can be seen in Jesus' sermon on the mount.

Given this basis of Scripture and the desire of Jesus' heart, I see it as imperative not only to know the commandments, but to obey them, to contemplate them, and to constantly evaluate my behavior based on them. It is my aim to simply focus on one commandment each week for the next ten weeks and to meditate on the reasoning of the command, the true meaning of the command, and what a life following the command will look like. If you are up for a challenge, I invite you to join me on this journey through the commandments of God.  

It's Not Too Heavy.

Yesterday's morning teaching focused on our victory over this world and taught from 1 John 5:3-5.

"This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

As we touched on God's commands for His followers there was one illustration that seemed to be especially helpful to our church family.

My five year-old daughter is commonly asked to assist around the house with chores, some she likes, others she does not. As we were unloading the car last week she asked if she could carry in some of the groceries with us. We agreed and I handed her a gallon of milk and asked her to carry it inside. As I followed behind her she seemed to be laboring with this eight-pound gallon of milk and, before making it half way up the walk, she set it down turning to me and announcing that it was "too heavy". I understood and did not force her to carry it any further.

Just two days later my wife and I were sitting in the kitchen while our three kids were sitting in the living room playing and watching television. We heard our five-month old son begin to fuss and stopped soon after. The next sight we had was of our five-year old daughter carrying her five-month old, nineteen-pound brother into the kitchen. When I asked her if he was too heavy for her she responded; "he's not too heavy, he's my brother".

You see, that eight-pound gallon of milk was far to heavy for her to carry, yet her brother, who was over two times the weight of the milk was not. Why was that? Because it was her brother. Because she wanted to carry him. Because she loved him.

When we consider the commands of God, there are times when we begin to think, these are too challenging, too hard to keep, too burdensome for us. Yet, 1 John 5 tells us the opposite. So what is the difference? Love! When we have a deep love for God, we want to keep His commands! No longer do His commands seem to be too burdensome. Why? Because we love Him.

State Farm Commercial

I'm sure you're all familiar with these State Farm commercials with that super-smug guy walking around telling us to contact an agent, BUT NOT YET, first talk to someone that already has a State Farm policy.



State Farm obviously knows that "word of mouth" is the best method of advertising and they are confident that their policy holders are pleased with their service and will give a good recommendation if asked. As I watch these commercials the thought comes to me; how am I suppose to find a "State Farm driver"? Does State Farm actually want us to try and search out one of these 40 million drivers that "trust" them or are they just trying to point out we have 40 million policy holders and no one else does. Basically, "we must be good if so many people use us".

As a Pastor, this commercial also got me thinking about evangelism, that is, spreading the message of Christ. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus gave us the call to GO and SPREAD the message. If followers of Christ were to put together a commercial it could look much like that of State Farm's; leading off with all the misconceptions and sounding something like this:

"The big bang theory, a big kill-joy in the sky, followers like a bunch of crazy fanatics. Come on! Isn't it time someone gave it to you straight? That's why you should talk to Jesus Christ. But not yet, first, talk to any one of the 2.1 billion who already trust Jesus Christ. 2.1 billion, yeah, that's more than John Smith or Buddha have combined. By a lot. 2.1 billion followers, hope for tomorrow, and eternal security. Where else can you find that? Talk to Jesus in prayer right now or open a Bible to read about Him."  

Notice, Christians could put a commercial together much like this, not that we should. The biggest problem I see with State Farm's commercial, as I said before, is trying to find one of these 40 million drivers to ask, it is not like these drivers walk around with sandwich boards on talking about their insurance coverage and/or agent. Likewise, not too many Christians walk around with sandwich boards (or even t-shirts) on talking about Jesus Christ and/or sharing their testimony.

State Farm customers have been trusted to spread the word about their coverage and about their agents. State Farm customers have been trusted to do this by their agents and by their super-smug spokesman.
Christians have been trusted to spread the word about Jesus Christ and the hope, joy, love, and salvation that He brings to life. Christians have been trusted to do this by Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 28:19).

So let us do it! By the way, I am both a follower of Christ and a State Farm policy holder, I can tell you about my experience with both.  

Visiting through the funk

This afternoon I had the great duty of visiting with some wonderful people! 

One of the duties of my job is visitation. Visiting with the members and attendees of our church, visiting with various individuals from the community, and visiting with shut-ins and those in the hospital. While this is not the part of the job that I enjoy THE MOST, it is a fairly enjoyable task. Connecting with various individuals, ministering to them and allowing them to minister to me, this is very fulfilling and I count it a true blessing.

Yet, there are times that I find it very difficult to visit with people. Sometimes I find myself in a "funk" and don't feel like going out, carrying on a conversation, or entertaining the interests of others. And, although these moments of "funk" are few and far between, I find that these seem to be the most fulfilling moments of visiting and connecting. When I force myself past that "funk" I soon find the joy and pleasure in visiting with these wonderful people. 
 
This morning I was reading from Psalm 23 and the sixth verse really caught my attention: "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." 

Just as there are days that I find myself in a "funk", without the desire to visit with others, I sometimes find myself in a "funk", without the desire to visit with God. These are times when I don't want to read Scripture, I don't want to pray, I don't want to do anything. Yet these are the times David is writing about in Psalm 23:6, times when God says; "don't worry about visiting with me, I'm going to visit with you right now. Why? Because you are my child and I love you. Why? Because I am here for you, forever. Why? Because I am God and you need me, even when you don't always know how much you need me.

Just as God walked in the garden when Adam and Eve were hiding in sin and shame, and he called out to them; "Where are you?" How often God pursues us and calls out, "where are you". God is good, always! God is love, always! God is there, always! Perhaps He is calling for you right now.

"Where are you?"   

Light: the way out of the cave

Years ago my friend and I went spelunking, that is, exploring a cave. We planned it out the day before and prepared with a map in hand and two flashlights.


Once inside the cave we began to follow the bright orange arrows that pointed the way in and out of the cave. Once we reached the back of the cave we turned around and began following the arrows back to the opening of the cave (there only one in and out of this particular cave).

I would venture to say that we both felt an emptiness in our stomachs when the bright orange arrows pointed to a dead end somewhere near the middle of the cave. This realization was followed shortly by the realization that we had left the map of the cave in the car, and promptly by the failure of both flashlights.
Soon we found ourselves running into dead ends within the cave at every turn. As we pressed on we grew more tired and more frustrated. It seemed as if everything that we did resulted in us getting lost even further.

Although we knew that there was only one way in and out of this cave, we knew that we must do something or else we may grow too tired, too cold, and too hungry inside of this cave. We began to pound on the walls of the cave, listening for a hollow echo. It did not take too long before we saw a faint glimmer of light coming from the crack in one of the cave walls. Needless to say, we did not stop hammering away at that wall until we had broken through.

That crack in the wall of the cave was our hope, it was what we had been searching for. The light coming in was our salvation. Because, after we broke through we not only saw the light of the sun, we felt the warmth of the summer air, and I saw my dad coming toward the mouth of the cave with water, a rope, and a light. He was only minutes away from entering the cave to come and find us. Thankfully, we were able to find our way our before he had to locate us himself, not to mention the police and rescue workers and their helicopter.

It is much the same with us as we live here on earth. So many are searching for the Light, they are looking for their salvation from this cold, dark, weary place. So many people have been putting in so much of their energy and time looking for the "way out", looking for the "light". Jesus said in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” What's more, Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 that anyone that follows Him are "the light of the world."

If you are a follower of Christ it is your responsibility, your privilege, and your honor to share this light, the light that is Jesus Christ with all those around you. If you are not yet a follower of "The Light", take this glimpse of the hope and don't give up, pursue it, research it, and don't give up until you experience the light of Jesus Christ for yourself.