A timely message from a timeless messenger.

Proverbs 26:12 doesn't pull any punches.

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

What a solid rebuke to our nature. There have been times when I thought pretty well of myself. Those are the times when I am actually at my worst in the Lord's eyes.

Remember the Words of the Lord Jesus and you can't go wrong...

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Until next time, shalom.

How true...

Author Pete Hammond nails it:

• I seek comfort – He invites me to join in his suffering.
  
  
• I like acceptance and approval – He calls me to be counter-cultural.
  
  
• I assume my right to safety – He calls me to personal risk.
  
  
• I desire financial security – He encourages generosity.
  
  
• I cherish privacy – He invites me into community.
  
  
• I yearn for personal significance – he made himself “of no reputation.”
  
  
• I hide for fear of being judged and rejected – He knows me fully and loves me.
  
  
• I really like my pillow – He had no place to lay his head.
  
  
• I want to prolong a healthy life – He calls me to die daily.
  
  
• I hide in macho male bravado – He weeps for others.
  
  
• I love good regular meals – He feeds others.
  
  
• I ponder doctrine – He practices love.
  
  
• I crave success – He wants me to oppose evil at all costs.
  
  
• I seek out important people – He befriends the despised and rejected.
  
  Jesus is hard to enjoy,
  But what I find deep within me is much worse.

From Lessons, Prayers & Scripture on the Faith Journey by Pete Hammond

The Question is, of course, will you allow the Lord to use you in the ways that please Him?

(tag… you’re it.)

Mixed Signals

This post will be short, but please do not dismiss the importance of the message because of the brevity.

Look at this picture… do you see anything that catches your attention?

For those who may be wondering, no... orange juice is not a dairy product.

• Was this an oversight?

• A joke?

• Did I snap this picture while they were in the middle of a transition?

The answer to these questions is “no”.

Among the many things that Jesus said, this is quite fitting here:

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:44-46)

Simple point to take away:

There is no false advertizing in the Christian life. (period)

Shalom

What Drives You?

Yesterday was an incredibly wonderful day. I have taken a break from riding my stationary bike in the living room (yes… in the living room… that’s where the TV is.) So I grabbed the iPod that kept me sane while working alone in a warehouse and hit the streets. The weather was so great outside!

I noticed people driving very different vehicles. Some were large and full of people and some were large and only carried the driver. Some were small and stuffed with passengers and some were small and… well… you get the point.

As I walked I began to wonder about the people driving the cars. A car’s main function is to do the bidding of the one who controls it - the driver. Some have luxuries and others are falling apart, but since the creation of the automobile, cars have had one main job… carrying stuff (people and possessions) from point A to point B.

As we read the creation narrative and then take a look at the Life of Christ, one of the things that jump out as being primary is that creation was designed to serve the creator. Sin has, of course, marred all that.

Imagine for a moment if vehicles started driving wherever and when ever they wanted to! That is scary, but the question remains:

What or Who is driving you?

And before you answer, keep in mind that there are only two answers:

1. God.
2. Some one or something other than God.

For Sunday

FORESHADOWING SUNDAY'S MESSAGE

Following God's will is not like bathing a two year old while watching your favorite TV show... There are not conveiniant places to start.

But it is like Godly parenting in that though the process may be difficult, it is none-the-less worthwhile!

(Sent from a spell-checkless mobile device.)

Consuming thoughts these last two days.

I, like most of my peers, am an Internet junkie. I keep tabs on several church planters and pastors across the nation and around the world. Yesterday I read this:

http://www.garylamb.org/2009/06/07/hardest-post-ive-ever-written/

Those of us who read the book of Proverbs a chapter a day might recall that chapter 4 regards wisdom as being so vitally important that verse 4 says:

Let your heart hold fast my words;
keep my commandments, and live.

Wisdom is exalted through the end of the chapter with statements like:

Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life. (4:13)

My son, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings. (4:20)

and

Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil. (4:27)

The fifth chapter begins with another call to "PAY ATTENTION!"

My son, be attentive to my wisdom;
incline your ear to my understanding,
that you may keep discretion,
and your lips may guard knowledge. (5:1-2)

Solomon then begins a rather thorough exhortation to stay away from immoral women and to guard your heart from sexual temptation. Probably the most memorable and "straight to the point"-ish verse in the chapter is verse 15:

Drink water from your own cistern,
flowing water from your own well.

Before Solomon instructs his readers on various other situations, he gives a final promise:

He dies for lack of discipline,
and because of his great folly he is led astray. (Pr 5:23)

As if that were not enough, chapter 7 is devoted to the ways of immoral women.

Now... let's put all of this into perspective:

1. Solomon was only a youth when he was anointed king of Israel and when asked by God for "anything" replied "wisdom." (1 Kings 3)
2. He, for various reasons, married and entered into relationships with many women.(1 Kings 11)
3. He wrote the book of Proverbs to/for his sons specifically. (Proverbs 1:8 and elsewhere.) His sons are royalty and he desires to share wisdom the Lord has allowed him to benefit from, and experience to avoid.
4. Solomon was used by the Holy Spirit to pen these Scriptures, which makes it infinitely profitable for you and me. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

I say all that to say this:

If you are in a relationship that needs to be secret... you are in the wrong relationship.

Sore Muscles

I used to work out, a lot. One day, after years of not doing crunches, I decided to start up again. “I can pick up right where I left off.” I thought to myself. I was wrong. The day after my workout my abdominal muscles were very, very sore.

Flash forward another couple of years. When my family and I vacationed in Miami last February we took full advantage of the giant trampoline in my in-laws’ backyard. I was jumping for hours on a huge trampoline with my kids (mostly Sammy). Need I say that my abs were KILLING ME? Well, they were. I was sore just from enjoying the day, not from battling fat in the gym. I wonder how my spiritual muscles would fair against a real battle . . . a real war. I wonder if they would be sore, or would they be in great shape and prepared for the task.

The good news is, as believers in Christ, we will all find out how “in shape” we are. The bad news is, some of us will be too sore to fight.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (1 Corinthians 9:25)

it -- A Book Review

Last night I finished reading “it” by Craig Groeshel. I would not be telling the truth if I did not communicate that this book literally made me cry. I have lost sleep over what Pastor Groeshel illustrates and brings up. Well. . . that’s not exactly accurate. Repentance and prayer could hardly be called “a loss of sleep.”

This book is more than a very creative way for the author to say it more times than normal circumstances allow. This is a wonderful and masterful look at Spirit filled, Christ focused ministry that honors God. (I know that seems a little redundant but oh well.)

I am sorry to say that I only have two thumbs to put way up in the air. But after you read it there will be two more.

I would strongly recommend you read this 200 page volume if you are serious about ministry that pleases God. If you are not serious about Christ centered ministry, then I beg you to read it.

Book Review

I finished a great little book yesterday by a Missiologist named Ed Stetzer and Pastor Mike Dodson. I think I can sum this book up in three statements:

1. Some churches do not want to grow.
2. Some churches want to grow but don’t know how.
3. Some churches grew when they realized that they are a ___ year old church plant.

They key to becoming a comeback church, seeing spiritual revival amongst God’s people and the salvation of souls, is quite simply to have a MISSIONARY MIND-SET.

Oh that every Christian would take the great commission seriously. Let’s start with you and me.

Shalom.

Random Street Witnesses for Jesus' Fame

(Sent from a spell-checkless mobile device.)

Yesterday, some of the good folks from Bethany Baptist (along with some other area churches) "targeted" the Portland Rose Festival. We passed out tracts and were able to engage dozens of people in a one-on-one dialogue about the gospel. To quote my wife:

"It was awesome!"

We intentionally set out to engage strangers with the Gospel. I think I can speak for everyone when I say:

1. It did not feel natural.

2. I was a little scared.

3. I got to meet a bunch of really interesting people.

4. Once the initial fear was past... I had a lot of fun.

All in all... Jesus was proclaimed... the saints were edified... God the Father got glory... and people heard the saving message of Jesus Christ.

So, the question remains:

Will you join us on our next outing?

Scared... but Necessary

I'm scared.

Yep...

Some of the good folks at Bethany are meeting up this evening and going to do some "Random Street WItnessing" on the streets of Portland. Pray for us, that we will be bold yet humble, and for those who hear, that the Lord will give them ears to hear.

I'll keep ya all updated.

:)

A Day at the Coast

This past Monday, I took the Fab 5 (Daniela and the kids) to Seaside, OR. We had a lot of fun. Daniela and I spent a lot of time on the beach playing with the kids and talking about ministry, the future, and just plain talking.

I am not used to the ultra-fine sand on the Oregon Coast. Not only is it really gentle to walk on, it has some peculiar features. I dropped a penny into the sand and guess what? IT VANISHED. It was as if I had done nothing. The penny was far denser than the sand and seemed to disappear.

Let me encourage all of us to take a few lessons from the penny, the sand, and this story:

• We have a message (the Gospel) that will not do anyone any good if we simply hide it in the sand.
• We need to be careful that the world around us does not swallow the message up. We need to train our selves to be students of the Word.
• Throwing a penny in the sand may have seemed like a waste to some, but it taught a timely lesson. Be sure to share what god has taught you with those who need to hear.

Shalom

Deuteronomy 8:2 and you

Deuteronomy is probably one of the most challenging books in the entire Bible.  Someone will say, BUT WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER THE LAW!  To which I say, “Amen! Amen! Amen!”

 

But:

 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

 

If 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 is still in effect, and it is, then we had better take the O.T. seriously!  Deuteronomy 8:2 says:

 

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.

 

We will expand on this verse this Sunday, but for now… think on these things:

 

1.  In what areas of your life has the Lord tested you to see if you will follow Him?

2.  In what areas of your life has the Lord tested you that you may share your faith with others?

3.  Are you grateful that the Lord uses you and your circumstances?

 

Shalom.

 

 

Thoughts I've been Thinkin'

(SORRY FOR ANY ERRORS YA'ALL... I WROTE THIS ON A DEVICE THAT DOES NOT HAVE SPELL CHECK)

Here is a short list of semi-random thoughts that I have been dwelling on.

* Celebration without commitment is not worship.

* Dogma without concern to edify is just plain mean.

* If you speak the truth without love, you're just being abusive.

* Love covers a multitude of sins, but our sin nature want's so desperately to uncover them again.

* Those who do not reach-out are selling out.

* No news is not always good news. Take the gospel for instance.

* Never underestimate the counsel of those closest to you... For better or for worse they are normally the ones that know you best.

* When life throws you a lemon... Make lemonade. (kinda cheesy... But true.)

Just thinkin'.

Much ado about something

It has been quit some time since I posted last. A lot has been happening. The world is spinning, taxes are now past due (!) and there is a new “pandemic” known, interestingly enough, as the swine flu. In my life I have outlined the Book of Deuteronomy (fun, but tedious), caught up on a lot of sleep, and done very little writing. That last mention is actually a really good thing… I find writing extremely therapeutic… therefore, no writing = not need for therapy. Sort of.

: )

But here is something that has not happened yet that all of Creation is yearning for:

THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Flu… economy… depression… writer’s block… all of these and more will be distant memories when He comes back for His church. Listen to the words of the Apostle John:

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

Revelation 22:20 - 21

What is amazing this is that the Bible ends with an invitation to come to Christ. In the Book of the Revelation, John has outlined the horror that is awaking those who reject Christ. And yet, these things are all written in the future tense and have yet to happen in the our lifetime. The Book of the Revelation and therefore the Bible as a whole ends with an invitation to come to Christ. AMEN!

Yesterday I had a great and unique privilege of preaching two memorial services. I was fortunate to be speaking in front of a crowd of Christians. They do not fear death… and rightfully so. Jesus has conquered the grave. And yet we await His coming for us.

Have you told someone of the Lord’s saving grace today?

Shalom.

Trial

Welcome to the 21^st Century.

 

I am sending this from my laptop via email.

 

Shalom.

Monday Morning Reflection

What can I say? Yesterday was an amazing day of service and worship. Here are some highlights:

• The worship (praise) team was on their "A Game"... great job team.
• The church was also singing their "A Game"... great job ya'all.
• I can't explain this, but there is always a feeling of angst before preaching. Last Sunday was no exception.
• I have a confession, I totally forgot that there was no song after the sermon. Oops! So we had a moment of reflection, which was proper... I might start going that more often.
• The Sunday evening prayer time was not only a great time of fellowship and prayer.

Amen.

I also got a call today from a member of the church I served in Kingsland, GA. She said that things are booming in their rural Georgia church. Amen!

Until next time, Shalom.

Still Affecting Me.

The events and challenges of last Sunday are still affecting me.

• Three Child Dedications

• A music set that was right on the spot! (Great job team.)

• A sermon that took a lot out of me physically and emotionally, but from what I am hearing. . . challenged a couple hundred people.

• Two adult baptisms.

• And, to add the proverbial "cherry on top", we sang VICTORY IN JESUS. (My favorite hymn.)

Yep... The Lord is doing amazing things in His church. Let's be mindful to seek to work in accordance with His will . . . .

A Taste of Sunday's Easter Message

(Taken from my sermon outline)

After 400 years of silence… man does not hear from God from a prophet… GOD COMES DOWN HIMSELF. And if we had time to expand on this we would, but He offers Himself a the King of the Jews… to lead them and guide them and they, much like most people today, REJECTED HIS AUTHORITY … they rejected Christ. They turned on the God who made them and loved them.


All human beings should try to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why. -- James Thurber

The Power of the Resurrection

We love the cross.

It is at the cross of Calvary that the sins of the world were put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is the cross that answers the question, "What can I do about my sin?"

The mercy of God is manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ.... but probably in no greater single event than the cross.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (1 Corinthians 1:17).

There is power in the cross. The Power of God to save sinners. The power of God to change lives. The power of God to inpart life. But it would all be for nothing if it were not for the Ressurection. Pay close attention to the words of the Apostle Paul as he writes about the Resurrection:

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:13-17)

Brethren, as we consider the events leading up to the cross this Friday and on into this weekend, let us not forget the Ressurection.