IS NOTHING SACRED?

  The Twin Towers in New York were more than building or property.  Though the buildings were important and special,  the stories of the lives and families, even dreams, memories and plans, meant nothing to the wild man in the desert whose hand is against every man. Without  respect for  the global community and the sacredness of human life; They Shouted and did not blink displaying, a lack of value, wasted and killed !

  It's a head shaker, when you see younger life forms shamefully, laugh at actions of aged senior adults.  These senior lives that made history being; soldiers, factory workers, politicians, teachers, parents, who carved a  nation and rich environment, that many youth in their lack of concern, maturity or values, will laugh and destroy it,  like locusts in an Egyptian plague.

Your chin drops when others don't value your things.  Something of value breaks or quickly wears down from their usage and they have a "whatever" attitude or, "what's the big deal?" look.

A Holy God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. We chose to sin, live for self, and break the heart of God without a thought.  We chose to live with the consequences and reject God and His love,  then blaming Him for our tragedy and hurt..Is anything sacred, to us?

Today, movies and T.V. still laugh at Him.  Cable talk shows roll their eyes at His claims, stating "He's no big deal, just another man."   Jesus knew the hearts of people: "you're only coming around for the bread."  They/ we could have so much more like "the bread of life!"   He once said something like:  "Oh Jerusalem , how I would have gathered  you under my wing like a mother hen with her chicks, but you would have none of it." They later shrugged there shoulders and crucified Him.  Because of who He was and was about to do, made this cross a terrible cross, Holy cross, a sacred cross!

Please take this time to connect or reconnect with God. It happens when we cross from trusting in ourselves, to trust in that sacred life's work, dieing on the sacred Cross as our only hope to spend eternity with God.

FACE the BOOK.

  A great avenue of communication, community and College party pictures has been FaceBook. For me I have communicated through pictures, posts and messaging relatives I haven,t see since childhood.  It is both a deep as well as shallow channel for community relationship and conversation.  Face book also opens the door for ministry to scores of people anywhere at the same time.

  God's book is Him, communicating to us. It is His revelation of Himself and His desire for relationship, reconciliation and love!  Through the Holy Spirit the eyes of our hearts are enlightened  by the Word as to what God's will is.  Similar to someone commenting just a few minutes ago on Face book,  this word written long ago is just as real, personal and fresh today!
 
  As cool as everyone considers Face book (and  Twitter), Don't even think, I compare it to the relevance and importance of this Holy Word. God said to Joshua and us "You shall not let the law of the Lord depart from your mouth but meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it." 

  No matter your education level, finances or percentage of body fat, we are to face this book and respond to what it is saying.  Let me challenge us both to open it's pages, and post back to God:  "What are you trying to say to me?"

  In the New testament James wrote a post:  "But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing himself in a mirror, and walks away forgetting what kind of man he was.  But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,  and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."

  God had Paul post:  "For all  have sinned and fallen short of the glory of  God "
Paul also commented : "The wages or payment of sin is death."   "But the gift of God is eternal life.."
Jesus said:  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."   later Paul wrote" Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved"

  After we believe in Him and God  miraculously makes us new?  We share it.

                                   It's time to face the music. It's time to face the book!







 

THE CHURCH

Many of my favorite memories of life are from Church.  From childhood to young adult we attended every Sunday and Wednesday as well as any special services or revivals during the week.  The Church building would from time to time receive a make over; different lighting, carpet and new padding for the pew.  I can remember the soloists and the choirs.  Pastor and church leaders alike were everyday people that loved God and each other.


The Church has a mission:  "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8.

  "All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28: 18-20.

   "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind...You shall love you neighbor as yourself."  Matthew 22: 37-39.

The church has a Message:  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life".

The Church has a destiny:  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible  and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you..." 1Peter 1:3,4a.

My suggestion is to: Trust in Jesus Christ as stated above,
                                   Find and worship at a Bible believing Church (No matter the building or beneath a tree)
                                   Go, live and share being Christlike.
                             

THE REGION (backintheday)

The Sun's about to rise and show it's face, round and burned.
 while the air over steel mills makes your stomach feel turned.

Sleepy driver pulls to the gate to get steel coiled in a roll.
While another truck had a dump full of coal.

The region awakens and stretches it's arms.
On the other side of that Highway, is a State full of farms.
The region  kids on the north side, poor and  acting "tuff",
while the region kids at the bottom drive trucks and use snuff.

The loser bounce passes the round ball,
to the loser with with no clue at all.

The region's like Vegas 'cept our lights are on tanks full of oil and gas.
Your cruisin' the blvd, air slicing lungs like broken glass.

You don't see your dad; shift work sucks him down.
 "You'll get it when he gets home."  "Who cares,  he's never around"

The region's now full of ghosts you can see.
The region blows your mind yet a fond memory. 
Fire up the furnace and light up that stack.
you'll still be young, enjoying your first heart attack.

The region is indifferent yet with history.
The region is cold ..but there is no place I'd rather be.

"HOW ARE WE GOING TO MAKE IT?!"

You begin to have that sinking feeling when you drive by the price sign for a gas station. The masses around the world are fighting their government because of it's economy, with each one threatening to shut down. The globe is on fire as usual with wars and rumors of wars, ISIS.  People stay home, locked away from the burglaries and  attacks on streets of major cities.  Then the scam artist knocks on your locked door, while the hacker unlocks your website.

The future could be fantastic or scary as we face the unknown doom and gloom.  It could very well be the greatest opportunity for ministry and revival  in our churches and community. I suppose it is natural for our cultures to ask in fear;  "HOW ARE WE EVER GOING TO MAKE IT?!"

We as the church and followers of Christ answer;  "God!"  We who believe and trust in Christ can inform the world the correct question is;  "What must I do to be saved?"  Instead of shrugging our shoulders we share; "Repent and believe, trust in the birth, life, death, blood and resurrection of Christ"

That conversation progresses into answering the question: "How are we ever going to make it?"
Three ideas:  1.  Contentment in God's presence. 2.  Contentment in Gods protection and 3.  Contentment in God's provision.

You can imagine the blessing in your life as these intertwine, as we run into the new warm seasons ahead with great expectation!

Please take some quiet time today reading the 23rd Psalm.

1.  His Presence-  Jesus said; "I am with you always."  The song says; "He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way."  Whether you are in a worship service or washing the dishes or ready for sleep. He comes to you in your fears and says; "It is I. Do not be afraid."  God is involved in your life working all circumstances for your good and His ultimate purposes. You don't have to go alone. The Bible says: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

2.  His Protection-  Bible assures us:  "The angels of the Lord encamps all around those that fear Him."  When I/we realize the reality of His presence and protection We don't have to be paralyzed by our fear but mobilized by our peace.  Plainly stated;  "If God be for us who could be against us."

3.  His Provision-  I get a little anxious sometime. But when I remember what He has done in the past and in the Bible, I begin to "wait on the Lord."  The Hebrew name, Jehovah-Jireh is the "God that provides"  I then rest in "Be still and know that I Am God!"

Church, you have a message of HOPE.  In our society you can shine as lights, seize opportunities and challenges,

to help others in trusting Christ as their only hope to spending eternity with God!

Developing YOUR community.

What does it take to equip and develop your community?...beyond infrastructure. Basically, what does it look like to invest and improve your neighborhood, family, church, sales team, Bible study/small group. sixth grade class, homeless, cowboys, dieters, obese and cancer patients. You name it, they need you.

Community benefits by:
1.  Clarity
2.  Communication
3.  Culture
4.  Commitment
5.  Challenge 
6.  Community

C what I'm saying?!?

"Where are you?"

 No matter the social, economic or education level, there are questions on the inside of  those we assume have it all together;  "Who am I?" and "Where am I?"  You wonder, if these don't know, how do I know about myself.  The reality is we start at the wrong place. I believe we are to start looking at God and then the "Mirror" of His Word.

  Truck driver, CEO, custodian, teacher, soldier, salesperson, public servant, parents and children, Where are you?  Who are you?  Let God meet you wherever that is.  In Genesis of the Bible, man and woman  choose sin and the relationship with God and one another is broken.  God calls out :"Adam where are you?"  We know God knew where he was but He wanted Adam to know where Adam was.  Ever since we've been trying to find ourselves, when we need to be searching, (and that early) for God. "Seek for Me and you will find me" He says.

The Apostle Paul wrote:  "But by the grace if God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain..." 1 Corinthians 15:10.

Paul stood, speaking to a crowd said:  "...So they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him, though is not far off from each one of us; for in Him we live, move and have our being...."  Acts 17: 27,28a

Night Light

Have you ever walked into a dark room at night that you have been in a zillion times and banged your toe into a table leg?  The next day I'm out buying a night light.

Whether you are a child or you have a grandchild;  there are moments when we awaken in the middle of the night and are afraid in the dark because we thought we heard something or your imagination was running wild!.

When I was eight or nine I remember waking to a figure on another bed in the room. It's face had a contorted insane grin. I laid still for hours sweating, daring not to move. Having fallen asleep I awoke early with daylight peering through the curtains. Remembering,  I peeked over the covers to see the twisted wrinkled blankets, still in the form of a contorted face with an insane grin.What we needed was a night light! Why?

The night light helps us see there is actually nothing to be afraid of. We can walk safely or even sleep in peace.  Jesus said "I am the light of the world."  Night lights come in every shape and character. You to, can be a guide and comfort to someone in their darkness.  Jesus said "You are the light of the world."

  "The Lord is my light and my salvation;  Whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalm 27:1.    (read that entire chapter).

Be not Dismayed

My pastor requested I teach a Wednesday night class as part of a series on the promises of God. I planned to give a lesson/talk about " The promise of God's Presence." Joshua chapter one.

The Lord tells Joshua "Be not dismayed." Dismayed, now there is a word not used often today.  I know someone is going to ask.  I wanted a good definition that was clear.  The meaning was something like to have your courage stolen and/or weakened. My picture was next to the sad definition.

"More like having the rug pulled out from underneath you." I thought.  This lesson is going to be for me as well as the rest of a class/group.  You missed it. I just poured my heart out but I hit the backspace key.  Oh man, I just did it again.  Anyway The rug pulled out from underneath you not only hurts your head it does something to your heart.

Your courage is stolen.  You wonder, why am I still hoping?  It is no use. You say: "I am dismayed".

Look at Psalm 23, Psalm 46:10,11.  Isaiah 41. 

I hoped this Wednesday class time in the word helped someone like it has helped, encouraged and comforted me.  The Word of God is alive and powerful. (following the class, Pastor Aaron spoke to two young guys from the Church's neighborhood that decided to follow Christ!)

God knew what Joshua and the people, he was leading would face.  There would be the enemy and the people of his own camp as well. The Jordan river was swollen beyond it's banks, Jericho had it's wall. There would be sin in the camp. God said;  "Be of good courage, do not be afraid, nor dismayed for the Lord your God is with you!" Of course, accompanying His presence;  is Power, purpose and His provision.

Whether it is physical, mental or a spiritual problem today, God is with you and for you.  "If God be for us who could be against us."  No matter if you have health issues or you've had "the rug pulled out from underneath you,"  Remember, you are not doing life alone.  What did the angel say about Jesus?  "you shall call His name Emmanuel"  meaning;  God with us!

Please read;  Joshua chapter one.

OTHERS!

WHEN IT COMES TO OTHER PEOPLE AND THEIR NEEDS IT SEEMS TO ME, THERE ARE ENOUGH OF US TO GO AROUND.  NO ONE MINISTRY OR NON PROFIT HAS MONOPOLIZED OR USED UP EVERYONE AND THE RESOURCES TO HELP.  SO LET'S NOT GIVE UP.

I might say:  "I can't, I have a full plate right now."  That right, it's filled with; steak and potatoes, Hamburgers and fries topped with cake and ice cream. I'm not agreeing with the idea that, you might have gone to college and worked hard for what you have and now you must give it all to those that didn't.

I do agree that we all can make a small important investment in the children and adults that for some huge reason cannot do for themselves.  Some children are victims of the poor life choices neighbors and relatives etc have made.  We can help them , if not with food maybe an education directed to new life choices of their own, to break the cycle.

   "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may comfort those who are in any trouble, with the  comfort with which we  ourselves are comforted by God."  2 Corinthians 1:3,4.

Others yes others,
Let this my motto be.
Others Lord others 
That I may be like thee.

Living Five to Enjoy Two.

Word on the street is most of us go through the drudgery of the five day work week, so you can enjoy the weekend! Blue Monday rolls around giving you "no warning of what was to be".  We get a glimpse of the mountain top on hump day and  even the monstrous of men are giggling with anticipation on Friday afternoon.  By Sunday evening everyone is crying into their soft drinks, thinking of a way out of Monday.

Here's to a better work experience;

1.  Have a fun lunch at work. (Pizza followed by indoor soccer or nerf basketball. boys vs. girls- just kiddin')
2.  Morning prayer and quiet time.
3.  Work the crowd.  Talk to others and get interested about them.
4.  Plan a special item on Wednesdays for dinner. (something to look forward to).
5.  Count your blessings on payday!! (woot woot)
6.  Attend Church on Sunday. (They'll tell you to do all to the glory of God).
7.  If possible perform a task uniquely.  (Every body likes applause for their creativity).
8.  Have future goals or dreams. (Some good motivation).
9.  Repeat after me..."I love Monday. I love Monday. I love Monday"  (is it working? see!)
10. Enjoy the weekend  and rest, or family, visit places;  like church "where everyone knows your name."

The CEREMONY and CELEBRATION balance.

While both; ceremony and celebration, are appropriate and important, we wouldn't enjoy a basketball game if it was played entirely as a formal ceremony, the same with a solemn ceremony conducted like a three ring circus.

I wonder if that goes on in the Biblical Christian environment.  This has hints of the conversation about "Religion vs. Revival."   Back in the day when someone followed Christ or became a Christian, everyone would say; "They got religion!"  Today religion has a different connotation with the idea it is usually concerned with self and believing if you work hard enough you will automatically spend eternity with God.  Christians would say the Pharisees of the Bible were "religious". Issiah  wrote that all of our righteousness are as filthy rags!  The religious person lives ceremoniously, worships ceremoniously, suffers ceremoniously etc. ceremoniously.  Once again there is nothing wrong with religion or ceremony.  It is my intention to indicate it is unbalanced  to do; life, community and worship,  only in ceremony or even all as a Carnival church service with a dunk tank up front.  Many churches on many street corners meeting once a week where there is no love, no real prayer, no power, no heart/life transformation and no joy.  Sounds like a dead body at a funeral.

Please look at the book of Nehemiah chapter eight. Day after day there was both ceremony as well as great joy and festival,  complete with food and the word.  They did not  receive anything new. These had a worship experience for and to their faithful God.  Their ceremony and festival was a celebration and life of worship as thanksgiving and glory to God!

*They were having community development, for the city walls and homes.
*They were having community development, for the spiritual revival of their hearts and relationship with God!

This is our purpose as well, to bring honor and glory to God. Not as a religious exercise, but as a living relationship and peace with God through faith in Christ.  We realize we were dead in sin and by grace through faith we miraculously passed from death into life! We often ceremoniously remember and it is cause for celebration. both being a result of our peace and joy.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."  Ephesian 2:8,9.

"likewise you also, reckon yourself dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 6:11.

So with a balance of ceremony and celebration, let us see revival. Not revival called by the deacons, but one called by the Holy Spirit!

Biblical Success.

Success is not identical to all people.  Some sales people want you to buy there product, want it or not.  Success to you, in that scenario. is not to purchase the item or service, and at the least, pay a very low price!  To many, the thought of being  successful  indicates you have many possessions and financially fat.

You can buy books and CD's or read many blogs to discover the "keys to wealth".  There is absolutely not a thing wrong with  prosperity and position.  Success or wealth though,  may look different to a follower of Christ or disciple/believer. Many Christians dislike the term success.

Here, very quickly, are a couple of ideas about living in Biblical success:

1.  Biblical Meditation- "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night, he shall be like a tree planted by the  river of water,  that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1

2.  Biblical  Obedience-  "...That you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."  Joshua 1: 8.

3.  Biblical Courage/Faith-  "Therefore take heart men, for I believe God that it will happen just as it was told me."  Act 27: 25.   (read that chapter)

Go and do all to the glory of God. Making disciples!