The FAB 5... safe and sound

Last week was hectic... VBS...vacation planning.... packing... cleaning... not to mention the normal stuff that needs to be done.

Yep, last week had a lot going on and that's good.  Daniela and the kiddos are enjoying some much needed time in S. Florida. Above is a picture of my children, their aunt and her cousin.

Thanks to all of you who have been praying fortheir safty and my sanity while their gone.

Be blessed y'all... be a blessing!

VBS this week

It has been an interesting week...

VBS is a great and exhausting time.

Recently I have been thinking about how tired I have been and how much
I am looking forward to some down-time tomorrow.

Here's a question for you:

Why aren't most of us tired in the WORK of the Gospel?
(notice i didn;t say, "tired of the work")

Maybe being exausted from the ministry is a good thing... maybe this
is what Paul refers to when he encourages Timothy to "The hardworking
farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops."(2 Timothy
2:6)

Keep pushing... keep training... keep striving to proclaim the Gospel.

Video from last week's Youth Outing!!!

2 Kings 8:1 - 6

2 Kings 8:1-6 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

CHRISTIANS...

WE HAVE AN AMAZING STORY TO SHARE!!!!

On Guard!

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.

Grace be with you.

1 Timothy 6:20-21

 

There are some people that are what Daniela and I call "conversation enders".  They do not engage in conversation, not because it is a controversial topic or lacks debate fodder.  No… they just end it abruptly.

 

Paul is by no means a conversation ender, but he sure does end it abruptly here.  It is almost as if he gave his full speech, said what he needed to say and stepped off the platform. 

 

Paul tells his protégé to guard what has been entrusted to your care. You know… it's not just your money that Jesus sees as stewardship.  It's your time, your family, your career and THE DOCTRINE you have learned.  Are you guarding yourself from false teaching?

 

This is not easy is it?  No wonder Paul adds: Grace be with you.

I feel classy... Dudes with ridiculously expensive sport cars also dine at Red Robin (yum)

A Promise

Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

Exodus 40:34 - 38

 

When my wife goes walking, Anabelle gets really, really sad.  She doesn't want her to leave… even on a walk through the community.

 

The Israelites did not have to worry about the Lord taking a break or wandering off.  They had an ever-present and real reminder of God's presence. So do you!

 

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13 - 14

 

Jesus promised to NEVER leave you or forsake you.

 

Amen!

Worship

Then the Lord said to Moses: "Set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the first month. Place the ark of the Testimony in it and shield the ark with the curtain. Bring in the table and set out what belongs on it. Then bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony and put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:1 - 5

 

I wonder how much thought... how much preparation goes into our worship?

 

American Idol?

Then the Lord said: "I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you. Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.  Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you.  Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles. Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Exodus 34:10 - 14

The first time I read this, I thought: "Why on earth would someone worship an idol?"

They don't deliver… they are foolish… and the Bible says that those who worship them are foolish too! (Deuteronomy 32:21; Jeremiah 10:8; and elsewhere)

We are foolish too… aren't we? Money/power/sex/family/self… don't we put things in the place of the Lord all the time?

I'm so glad that the Lord does not want us to remain foolish!

Remember the height from which you have fallen!
Repent and do the things you did at first. (Revelation 2:5)

 

 

 

 

FRIDAY FUNNIES

Too funny!

Have a great day.

One of those days?

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 4:19

This morning I had the privilege of studying this passage with a dear friend. It is important when we study the Word of God to see how the author qualifies what he says. Peter, our anxious and zealous friend from the Gospels, has clearly matured in his relationship with the Lord since his teen years.

He walked with Jesus... he spoke to Jesus... he broke bread with Jesus... he was rebuked, as well, by Jesus. He knew Jesus as friend, as comforter, as Lord, and certainly, as Savior. But look at how he refeences Christ... FAITHFUL CREATOR.

Not only Creator... but Faithful Creator.

The next time you are going through a trial... the next trying time in your life... do what Peter says and commit yourself to your faithful Creator and continue to do good.

2 Kings 5

2 Kings 5 07-11-10 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.


You and Naaman have more in common than you thought.... eh?

FRIDAY FUNNIES

The Izz

Interesting Day... Eh?

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
1 Peter 4:15 - 17

God has an unusual way of teaching us practically what He shows us in His Word.  Sometimes, the Holy Spirit has revealing the meaning of the text in semi-tangible ways.

1 Peter 4:15 - 17 was the topic of study this morning in a Bible study I lead Thursday mornings.  This was also the devotional from the book I am reading through: EXTREME DEVOTION (Voice of the Martyrs).  This morning's devotional was about several young men in Sudan that, despite being tortured, refused to call Allah "god".  Amen...!  I pray that I would have the same boldness.

But the Gospel seldom gets the spotlight for too long (sigh).

Low and behold... what came across the news wire this morning?  THIS:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/07/08/connecticut.church.scam/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

If you suffer for the cause of Christ... it is for His honor and your edification.  If you suffer for your own sin and/or foolishness... you get what you deserve.

Let us strive to enter through the narrow gate.

Calling all Christians!

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

2 Timothy 2:3 - 7

The first verse of ONWARD CHRISTIAN WARRIOR goes like this:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, 

with the cross of Jesus going on before.

Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;

forward into battle see his banners go!

There is something to that.  

• Every day we are called, like a soldier, to duty… to wage war against the enemies of the Gospel.  

• We are like the athlete who competes… who sees the finish line and MUST PRESS ON!
  

• We are like the farmer who can take pleasure in his work.

Why not do what Paul tells his young protégé (Timothy) and reflect on what what Paul wrote.

A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE

If the Son has made you free... you are free indeed!


You are blessed to be a blessing.

.

The Need of the Hour

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

2 Timothy 1:13 - 14

 

I don't think there is enough room here to unpack all that this says, implies, and means!  But for now… let's look at a few obvious things:

 

1.  "What you heard from", Timothy was a product of DISCIPLESHIP!

 

2.  "the pattern of sound teaching", in a world that discards truth as being unfashionable… stay close to SOUND TEACHING!

 

3.  "the good deposit that was entrusted to you", what was entrusted to you was only a deposit… you have not arrived.  DISCIPLESHIP AND GROWING IN CHRIST ARE NOT OPTIONS.

 

4.  "guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit", this deposit is not something you can guard by yourself… you must RELY on the Holy Spirit.

 

5.  "the Holy Spirit who lives in us"… Christ in you = the hope of Glory!  You are PRECIOUS and VALUABLE to God.

 

Be blessed brethren… be a blessing!

THE PAIN-FULL TRUTH!

Double Front Flip Beach Faceplant - Watch more Funny Videos

Folks, the truth is that we can not do everything.  Some of us can't even do some of the "normal" stuff we used to do! (You know... like eat a whole pizza or something like that.)

As we get ready for our big 4th of July celebration let's remember that while we have limits to what we can and can not do.  Tomorrow we will be looking at both our freedom in America and our dependence on Christ.

FRIDAY FUNNIES

It is Friday.

Here are some FRIDAY FUNNIES for you.

Too Funny!

... and now... my favorite!

Rejoice!

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
2 Timothy 2:8 - 10

These are very sobering words…

If anyone had ever been in a place to justify complaining about their situation IT WAS PAUL.  Jailed for preaching the Gospel… hurled into prison for declaring freedom of the soul.  And what do we see Paul doing?

Rejoicing!

Maybe we don't need to be delivered from our circumstances as much as we need to be delivered from self centeredness.

Selah.

Perspective... Seriously

Be thankful for waht you have.

Not because, "it could be worse"...

but because you are where you are because the Lord has equipped you to do what ONLY you can do.

That area of specialty... that much needed work... that is what you are called to do.

Be blessed as you serve the King...


Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the victor's crown, the life God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Pet 4:12-13

Sermon Video 06-27-10

Powerful text... 2 Kings 2

Delete Cookies!

TOO FUNNY!!!!!

FRIDAY FUNNIES!

These are too funny not to share!

SURE HAS BEEN A WHILE!

Looks like the "crunch of life" has crunched me this week. Lots going
on... lot's being done! In my private devotional reading, I begin
Lamentations tomorrow (maybe this evening?). I will be sharing some of
my thinking regarding this book in future blog posts.

06 - 20 - 10

Father's Day Present :)

That's just funny!

Friday Funnies

This is just too funny!

Now... get back to work... tomorrow is Saturday.

Ponderficationable...

I recently came across the following series of statements... wow.

Read on:

"God saved me by grace, but at least I had enough sense to know what to do when I heard the Gospel." On this day I realized that I contributed nothing to my salvation but my sin. God chose to save me without any obligation to do so, and without any worthiness on my part. Election meant that God selected me for His family, and did so while passing over others who were no more unworthy of salvation than I.

John Lambert

This afternoon, as part of my devotional reading, I was challenged by the article on John Lambert in the Voice of the Martyrs devotional Extreme Devotion.

THE SHORT STORY:
John stood up against an un-scriptural preacher and was brought before the king of England.  When his debating with the clergy before Henry VIII did not cause the king to bend his ear... John was given the following choice: Submit and live or continue and die.

What was John's answer?

"I commend my soul to the hands of God, but my body I give to your clemency."

He was then burned at the stake.

Now... I don't know about you, but I shutter to think that I back down from standing up for Christ in the more comfortable enviornments.  May Jesus give us the boldness to stand up and speak the words of life... the Gospel.

-----------------

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:15

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10

Rain, rain, go away!

Media, Media, on the screen... who is the wisest one of all?

These stats are taken from www.ronedmondson.com

Average daily media consumption of U.S. children according to the Kaiser Family Foundation:
   * Listening to music: 151 minutes
   * Watching television: 270 minutes
   * Playing video games: 73 minutes
   * Talking on cell phones: 33 minutes
   * Text messaging: 90 minutes
   * Nonschool computer use: 89 minutes

Wow!

I can remember closing the door to my room after school and parking in front of the TV for hours. I didn't know it was "normal". What's harder to fathom is the amount of texting some kids do.  ...!

So what do we make of all this?  Times change... yep.  But we are called, no matter what age we are or what age we find ourselves in (digital or otherwise), to keep the Gospel the main focus of our lives.  Can Jesus be glorified through what we say and do?  Can His name be proclaimed through the activities we engage in? 

That is THE QUESTION!

1 Kings 21 THE MERCY OF GOD

061310 from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Glory!

I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me
to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I
had with you before the world began.
John 17:4 - 5

Note three things:

1. Jesus glorified the Father.
2. Jesus' job was to glorify the Father.
3. Jesus desires and deserves glory.

Now note three things about you and me:

1. The Lord is pleased when we glorify Him.
2. Our job is to glorify Him.
3. We will be glorified with Him when our job is done.

Interesting… don't you think.

But of more importance than our interest is our resolve to please the King.

So now that you know… what will you do?

Terrible Things a' Coming!

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

2 Timothy 3:1 - 5

 

I wrote about this previously, but I do not watch the news or read the newspaper.  I subscribe to rss feeds from the major news outlets (An rss feed is sort of like a podcast in the sense that the info comes to you if you subscribe to it.)

 

But you don't have to have a window overlooking the world-stage to know that man's heart is desperately wicked… do you?  We all, at different times and under various curcumstances have lost track of what we should be doing and sidetracked.  I can not speak for you, but it is reasonably safe to say that all of us have experiences one or more items from Paul's list: TERRIBLE TIMES.  Now, the disclaimer.  Scripture says that all men (and women… kiddos too) are going to sin.  But if the passage above sounds like your soul's resume… there is a big problem.  Feel free to call, email, text, write, or otherwise contact me.

 

There is one phrase I would like to dwell on for a moment: lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.  The first time I read that I got all bent out of shape.

 

"Paul!  Are you saying that there is no pleasure in serving the Lord?"

 

Of course there is and that is not what Paul was saying.  The type of person described above is seeking only to gratify their lusts and serve only him (or her) self.

 

Now… look at what Paul is insinuating… the believer in Jesus Christ should not be characterized by those things.

 

Selah (a Hebrew refrain in the Psalms that means "think on these things")

The mind is a terrible thing...

"I used to think the human brain was the most amazing creation on the planet. That was until I realized who was telling me that."
-- My buddy from Miami

I smile every time I think about this statement. But the truth is that the natural man is so self-centered… so egotistical… so proud of its accomplishments. Aren't we?

So what's the secret to conquering the flesh? Well… there is no secret… of sorts.

The key to victorious Christian living is found in Galatians 2:20.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Now… reading the passage above is just as easy as reading the quote at the very top.

The hard part comes in believing and acting on it.

 

A Tact Attack!

"Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy."

-- Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton was not an inspired author of Scripture, but those words are certainly true.  But there are times when you must take a stand… you must not just passively allow the masses to march on into oblivion. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthian church, wrote about some of the things the enemies of the Gospel did to him.  Take a few minutes to read the passage below:

What anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.             2 Corinthians 11:21 - 30

Talk about perspective.

This man looked at everything he had amassed and considered it rubbish for the cause of the Gospel.  Be not only passively assumed the mindset of ambassador, but he put his life on the line to advance the Good News that Jesus saves.

"But Paul was… like a super Christian… right?"

No.  Paul was just doing what needed to be done.

So, what should you be doing?

Work

"Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else."
-- James M. Barrie

Isn't that the truth?  I think it's safe to say that all of us have aspects of our jobs that we really see as "work".  Hopefully there are many more aspects that fall into the "Wow… I make a living doing this!" category.  Mr. Barrie nailed it.

But, like with most things, there seems to be a twist to the story… an exception to the rule… a variable we weren't counting on.  Look at the life and work of Jesus.

We find Him:
- leaving His throne in heaven to assume the role of servant. (Philippians 2:5 - 11)
- experiencing the emotional train wreck of having felt the loss of a friend. (John 11:35)
- being ridiculed and resented by the religious leaders of His time so much that He pronounced several woes at them. (Matthew 23)
- agonizing over the prospect of going to the cross. (Matthew 26:36 - 44)

We know that through all of this, He considered it a joy to serve the Father.  Was it "work"?  Maybe… but His desire to please the Father outweighed the desire for personal comfort.

God loves His children… and there is nothing He would rather do than provide for them.

1 Kings 18 God's Victory at Carmel...

SORRY, AGAIN, FOR THE AUDIO AND VIDEO GETTING OUT OF SYNC...

1 Kings 18

God's Victory at Carmel...

Roadblocks

Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices. And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same.
Exodus 34:15 - 16

I know... I know.  We are not Israel and the church has different promises made to her.  But we know that all Scripture is profitable.  So... here's the question:

Are there things in your life that are pulling your heart away from the Lord?

Selah.

My baby (part 2)

My baby!

Reflections.

Car Jumps Tollbooth At DFW Airport - Watch more Funny Videos

As I watched this short video, I got to thinking:

Are there distractions in my life that can cost me (or anyone else) everything?

That's a tough question... a question I hope you ask yourself.

Friday Funnies

That is really funny!

I know this is a "Blonde Joke" (that's what it says at the top)... but just remember:

Blonde Jokes are short so non-blondes can remember them.

:)

Have a great Friday.

Take Heart

You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:10-13

Did you catch that?  If your desire is to live a godly life in Christ… you are guaranteed the resentment of this world.  That's a hard pill to swallow considering the fact that we are called to serve that world. 

 

But that should come as no surprise.

Jesus died for the sins of the world and most of the world today (and back then) rejects Him or worse yet… denies His very existence.

Take heart friends and co-laborers in the ministry.  Greater is He who is in you than he that is in this world.

Memorial Day Reflections

Memorial Day

I trust that y'all had a great day enjoying the Word and your family this Monday.  It was a great time at the Johnson house… food… fellowship… Scripture… you know… the essentials.

It was also a great time to introduce the older children to the reason we celebrate Memorial Day.  It's not about presents and there isn't any cake.  There are no party favors or decorations.  No… Memorial Day is about remembering those who have paid the price for our freedom.  We celebrated by praying for the families of those who have given all for us and enjoyed time outside, in the freedom bought for us by the men and women in our military.

Probably the most amazing part of the whole day was Ana's understanding of my statement: "Memorial Day is when we remember those who have fought for us and died so we can enjoy our lives."

How did my daughter respond?

"Like Jesus did on the cross?"

Wow.

Thank you Lord that the Gospel is so simple a child can proclaim it… and so powerful to save to the uttermost!

Sometimes you need directions.

I have never, not once, thought of putting any child in a drier.  Nope... not once.

But as silly as that seems to us, I often wonder how ridiculous we might seem by what we do and say to the angelic hosts!

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3:10 - 11


Maybe we should spend more time  reading our Bibles... and serving others.

Just thinking...

From our trip to Multnomah Falls last week

Sermon Video 05-30-10

1 KINGS 15 & 16



THE MAIN POINT:
God will never create a situation where He is not needed.

A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

I recently finished  A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING by my friend Tommie Zito.  This book has the potential to set your heart on fire for the Gospel.

Probably the most sobering word to me personally was:
So, if the light is stronger than darkness, we have nothing to fear. Therefore, if the church, who is inhabited by the light, enters a dark world, the darkness must be overcome by the light.  What I have come to realize though, is that the church is trying to do everything they can to keep the light to themselves.  (p. 149)

Let me take my previous statement back... what I quoted above is not sobering as much as it is crushing.

As I look back through the book, I can see that it is full of notes and is highlighted more than it isn't.

Bottom line: If you want to have your relationship with Christ strengthened and your love for the comfort of the world challenged... read A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING!

It just might be an awakening for you.

I Couldn't Resist!

THAT IS SERIOUSLY FUNNY!!!

Philanthropy Today

I get regular emails from Philanthropy Today.
(I'm on their mailing list.)

Here are a few of the headlines for today's newsletter:

Charity Director Accused by Lender of Improper Use of Money

Former State Lawmakers Face Allegations of Using Charities for Unlawful Purposes

Calif. AIDS Group Accused of Misusing Funds

(sigh)

I am so glad that, when it's all said and done... Jesus will reign supreme and all of the filth of this world will be done away with.

Until then... seek to be a blessing.

Living to Survive?

Picture credit here.
 
"I do not want to survive... I want to live!" -- The Captain of the Axiom (Disney's WALL-E)

One of the benefits of having 4 kids under 7 is most certainly the movies. I think I could write, from memory, the screen play for various movies involving colorful fish being found, talking race cars and the adventures they find themselves in, and the inevitable story of toys. We watch, probably too many, movies at the Johnson house.

Once, while watching WALL-E, I came across the quote above. Now, to fully grasp the impact of what the captain was talking about would take a while to explain. But simply looking at it superficially you get the point... don't you?

I know too many people that are simply surviving.

"What's your goal in life?", they are asked.

"I don't know...", they reply rather confident of their uncertainly.

Friends, the goal of life is to live... not simply survive. In the opening chapters of Genesis we see the Lord creating the world we find ourselves in today, only perfect. We were charged with managing the planet. We were commanded to fill the earth and subdue it. Granted, the curse stemming from the fall has severely limited the joy we experience.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10

Jesus offers life... and life more abundantly. Will you receive it... or will you simply survive?

A Random Thought

One if my daughters came into our Daniela and my bedroom this morning all upset. She had a bad dream and thought there might be some truth to it. Long story... shortened... she slept in our bed after that.

As I was reflecting on this today, I am so relieved that the Lord has clearly laid out His plan. There is a very little guesswork as to what He is doing and why. (Matthew 5:17-18)!!!

I don't know about you... but I take great comfort in that.

REAL LEADERS DON'T DO POWERPOINT

 

Christopher Witt serves his readers well with his witty REAL LEADERS DON'T DO POWERPOINT.

Now... as an avid user of PowerPoint (PPT), I have to admit, I was a more than curious when I began reading this book.  In fact, you could rightly say that I was reading it with a "I'm just gonna sit in the corner with my arms folded and pout" attitude.  Here's the scoop:

The book's title gives away the essence... PPT does not make you a leader.

Leadership is influence, plain and simple.  PPT is great for conveying information... not necessarily persuading. 

I will leave all the details for Mr. Witt to elaborate on, but know this:

You should only read this book if you want to lead and be followed.

Be blessed... be a blessing.

A Wandering Heart

In this message, we examine some of the things that lead our hearts astray from 1 Kings 11.

Determined!

Take a moment and read this...
You can see the determination in his eyes

Are you determined to grow as a Christian? (2 Peter 3:18)

Are you determined to raise a God-honoring family? (Ephesians 5 - 6)

Are you determined to make a difference for the Gospel? (Matthew 5:13 - 16)

Be blessed... be a blessing!

Too Busy

"Daddy... can I show you something?"

"... not now baby... I'm too busy."

Sometimes life seems to move at a pace that is hard to keep up with. Work, ministry, marriage, parenting, school, and other  
responsibilities are not bad, per se, ... but they can lead us to loose sight of several needful things.

The church at Ephesus found themselves doing ministry in quantities that would make our heads spin. They were commended by our Lord for their diligence... but the praise they received lost all it's triumph when His criticism came their way:

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Revelation 2:2 - 5

I wonder sometimes if the Lord were to write me a letter... would it include the words: "I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love."?

Busy is not bad... but we need to remember Who our first love is and keep Him first.

Sermon Video 05-16-10

The Curious Visit of the Queen of Sheba
1 Kings 10:1 - 13

NEXT GENERATION LEADER

 

Andy Stanley is a world-class leader and we should expect nothing less than a world-class book on leadership from him.  He delivered the goods... again.

He has nailed it with this short, but precise work.  What are the qualities of a NEXT GENERATION LEADER?

1.  Competence.  Always work in your area of gifting and surround yourself with those who excel where you do not for maximum return.

2.  Courage.  Leaders do what needs to be done... period.

3.  Clarity.  Leaders need to be clear about where they are going... especially if the "how" is not certain.

4.  Coaching.  Evaluation by key people and mentors is another ingredient to success.

5.  Character.  Without ethics and moral integrity you might be a leader... but certainly not one worth following.

I think Andy capsulizes the essence of this book in the epilogue:

"[Leadership] is a gift.  But it is a gift that comes to you in raw form.  Like music or art, leadership must be developed if it is to be used effectively."

That is the author's goal and I recommend this work to anyone wanting to "go farther... faster".

Scars

Scars...

We all have them.

Some we try to cover up... and others we can't do a thing about.

I don;t know about you, but every time I see a scar of mine I am reminded of the pain I went through.

Brethren, I don;t know what circumstances you are facing at the moment but take comfort from James 1:2 - 4 =

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

If what you are going through today leaves a scar tomorrow... remember that it is for your edification.

Be blessed... be a blessing.

1 Kings 8 (05-09-10)

The question is not, "Should I be dedicated?"

The question is... "Am I?"

Humble Advancement

As I reflect on mother's day (THIS SUNDAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE LIVING UNDER A ROCK) I can't but help turn my attention to Philippians 2.  I know it is sort of lengthy, but please read the passage below and consider the comments that follow it.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11

As I look at my wife and consider my upbringing, I see something very similar here.  Consider your mother for a moment.   The one who humbled herself and served you.  The one that bore you and, if we are honest, put up with more than she should have.

Why did she do it?

What prize was she seeking? 

None....

That's right. It is because they loved (and still love) you.  And that fact alone should humble you and lead you to exalt her.

Be blessed... be a blessing.

A Dedicated Life

To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.
Proverbs 8:13-14

This Sunday we will be looking at the dedication of the first Temple. It should be a great time as we examine our role in God's plan and consider our lifes (and bodies) as being dedicated to the Lord.  In the passage above, notice what the Lord is saying about the extent of corruption:

- THOUGHTS = pride and arrogance

- DEEDS = evil behavior

- WORD = perverse speech

We should be using, as good stewards, all of our time and energy to exalt the person of Jesus and minister to folks.

The Temple was dedicated... set apart if you will... for the singular purpose of worshiping God.

We should be too.

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."
"Therefore come out from them
and be separate, says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you."
"I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
2 Corinthians 6:16 - 18

05-02-10 1 Kings 5 - 6

FIRST THE TEMPLE... THEN THE PALACE.

In this week's message we examine the need to put the Gospel at number one priority.

WHO'S HERO

"Everyone's a hero in their own way, in their own not that heroic way."
-- Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog, 2008

I came across this quote the other day and it got my brain juices flowing.

What is a hero?  They are people who sacrifice for the greater good.

Jesus Christ is, obviously, the greatest example of this... "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). 

When I come home I see one of the biggest heroes in my life.  Daniela.

She labors and sacrifices all day long for the sake of our children.  She is a hero.

Is there a hero in your house... at work... in your circle of influence that should be honored as such?

Take a moment and let them know.