Happy New Year!
You know one of my favorite parts about the New Year Holiday is the opportunity to start over. For many people 2009 was a hard time. There may have been sickness; death, job loss, and many other hard event s have taken place over the past year. Yet for many a new year brings the opportunity to start fresh. One of my favorite New Year passages of scripture is Philippians 3:13b “Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.” So many times I find myself letting yesterday keep me from reaching forward to tomorrow. It has taken me a long time learn that if I really want to live a calm fruitful life, then I must let yesterday go. I know it sounds a lot easier that it really is, but if we will trust God and be obedient to His Word, then we can experience the “Prince of Peace” the way God intends us to.
While learning this lesson, I find myself asking “where do I start?” I guess I need paid attention to what I have been reading for a long time to see the answer. Phil. 3:16 “In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.” Or simply stated I should live like God has taught me to. I have discovered that too many times I limit what God wants to do in my life because I do not allow Him to do what I know He wants to with me. I find myself worried about making the same old mistakes or experiencing the same failures again, stop me from reaching forward to what God has for me. When all that God wants me to do is stay focused on knowing Him more, and being obedient to His call on my life.
For me I guess you could say if there is one thing that I desire for this New Year, it would be to know God more, I know that is not original, but that is real, I do simply want God to show me more of Himself. As for how I will learn, I guess I will just have to start where I am and do what I know to do.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Trust Issues
Here we go again, the kids are all off to school and summer vacation is over, if you are anything like me, it is a time to regain some since of normalcy to my days. But at the same time it seems also to get really hectic. I never realized that starting back to school was so expense. (Mom and Dad thank you).It seems like every time our boys come home from school we being asked to pay another fee or for another donation of some kind. I often find myself wondering where is the money going to come from. But God (two of my favorite words) provides every time a need arises.
I guess I just have to take God at His word and trust Him. Because He has told us what to do.
Matthew 6:33-34 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
I don't understand some times why I struggle so much with this, because He has never failed to do what He has told me He will do. His Word has told me that when we trust God with all our lives, He as promised that He will provide. Why then is it so hard for me to trust? Pride? Because I think I am self sufficient and the "i can do it" takes over. When will I ever learn this lesson, I don't know, but I do know this He will be patient with me until I do.
So I guess I just have to trust Jesus and do what He says do and He will provide.
I guess I just have to take God at His word and trust Him. Because He has told us what to do.
Matthew 6:33-34 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
I don't understand some times why I struggle so much with this, because He has never failed to do what He has told me He will do. His Word has told me that when we trust God with all our lives, He as promised that He will provide. Why then is it so hard for me to trust? Pride? Because I think I am self sufficient and the "i can do it" takes over. When will I ever learn this lesson, I don't know, but I do know this He will be patient with me until I do.
So I guess I just have to trust Jesus and do what He says do and He will provide.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Staying Healthy is Hard work
The older I get the more I realize the harder it is for me to stay in good health. I guess all the warnings that I received from my parents and others were true after all. It seems as though every time I go to the doctor's office I here the words "You need to watch your diet and exercise more, or..." To that statement I often have responded "when I get the time." Just recently it has been revealed to me that if I do not make the time I will never have the time and therefore my health will only get worse. To be honest about it what this whole thing comes down to is actually one question. Am I discipline enough to do what it takes to get into and stay healthy?
What is really concerning to me is that this is not only with my physical health, but also my spiritual health. To be spiritually healthy takes discipline as well. Just as I have to develop the discipline to do what must be done to be physically healthy, I also must develop the discipline to do what must be done to be spiritually as well. I truly believe that as Christ followers, we are responsible for our own spiritual health. I know that today in our society, many people want to blame someone else for their problems, but just as though we cannot expect our doctors to be solely responsible for our physical health, we cannot expect our church to be solely responsible for our spiritual health either. For an individual to be spiritually healthy, he or she must take the responsibility for themselves.
What does that mean? What am I supposed to do you may ask. Start by searching the Word of God for what Jesus did to maintain His spiritual well being. What is it that He says we are expected to do so that we can grow in our faith, and maintain a healthy spiritual life. Everything that we need to do can be found in the Bible. If you are looking for a good place to start, simply study God's Word and pray. Once you begin to seek Him, Jesus tells us that we will find what we are looking for, and the more we find Him the more we will want Him. It is kind of like taking a drink of ice cold what on a hot Alabama day in the middle of August, you can never get enough to quench your thirst, the more you drink the more you want. What is really great is that Jesus' well never runs dry, there is always more just waiting for us to take a drink.
But it is up to you, are you disciplined enough to do it. Besides I heard someone say one time as they started a new exercise routine, "it is not about starting fast and burning out, it is about doing your best and forgetting the rest." Start somewhere! the more you discipline yourself for spiritual growth, the more you will be able to accomplish. Jesus never said it would be easy, but He did say He would always be there. Are you doing your best for Jesus?
God Bless.
What is really concerning to me is that this is not only with my physical health, but also my spiritual health. To be spiritually healthy takes discipline as well. Just as I have to develop the discipline to do what must be done to be physically healthy, I also must develop the discipline to do what must be done to be spiritually as well. I truly believe that as Christ followers, we are responsible for our own spiritual health. I know that today in our society, many people want to blame someone else for their problems, but just as though we cannot expect our doctors to be solely responsible for our physical health, we cannot expect our church to be solely responsible for our spiritual health either. For an individual to be spiritually healthy, he or she must take the responsibility for themselves.
What does that mean? What am I supposed to do you may ask. Start by searching the Word of God for what Jesus did to maintain His spiritual well being. What is it that He says we are expected to do so that we can grow in our faith, and maintain a healthy spiritual life. Everything that we need to do can be found in the Bible. If you are looking for a good place to start, simply study God's Word and pray. Once you begin to seek Him, Jesus tells us that we will find what we are looking for, and the more we find Him the more we will want Him. It is kind of like taking a drink of ice cold what on a hot Alabama day in the middle of August, you can never get enough to quench your thirst, the more you drink the more you want. What is really great is that Jesus' well never runs dry, there is always more just waiting for us to take a drink.
But it is up to you, are you disciplined enough to do it. Besides I heard someone say one time as they started a new exercise routine, "it is not about starting fast and burning out, it is about doing your best and forgetting the rest." Start somewhere! the more you discipline yourself for spiritual growth, the more you will be able to accomplish. Jesus never said it would be easy, but He did say He would always be there. Are you doing your best for Jesus?
God Bless.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Never Alone
So many time we all go through circumstances where we ask "God where are you?" It many be during a time of grief over a loved one, lost of a job, or maybe a series of unfortunate events that happen to many of us in our lives. As I go about my daily work as a pastor I often have the opportunity to speak with people as they face these difficult circumstances. All to often I hear the statement "I feel so alone."
As I was studying this past week, God has revealed to me that even though I may think I am alone, He never does leave me. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus promise "I am with you always" (HCSB). Why don't I feel that? So many times my problem is that I get so busy looking at my situation or task at hand that I forget to look for God.
Have you ever noticed that when a person purchase a new or "new to you" car, that out of the blue they begin to see that make or model much more on the road. Why? Because we begin to look for them, or we pay more attention to that style because it is what we drive. The same concept works when we daily ask God to show us what He is doing. When we begin to focus on looking for God we will begin to see more clearly what He is doing around us.
I know it is hard, but the next time you are feeling all alone. Try it, ask God to show you what He is doing and look for Him. It is amazing that the feeling of loneliness seems to disappear when we read His Word and seek Him everyday. You see we're not alone! God is there, we just have to look harder sometimes.
As I was studying this past week, God has revealed to me that even though I may think I am alone, He never does leave me. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus promise "I am with you always" (HCSB). Why don't I feel that? So many times my problem is that I get so busy looking at my situation or task at hand that I forget to look for God.
Have you ever noticed that when a person purchase a new or "new to you" car, that out of the blue they begin to see that make or model much more on the road. Why? Because we begin to look for them, or we pay more attention to that style because it is what we drive. The same concept works when we daily ask God to show us what He is doing. When we begin to focus on looking for God we will begin to see more clearly what He is doing around us.
I know it is hard, but the next time you are feeling all alone. Try it, ask God to show you what He is doing and look for Him. It is amazing that the feeling of loneliness seems to disappear when we read His Word and seek Him everyday. You see we're not alone! God is there, we just have to look harder sometimes.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Freedom isn't free
As my wife and I try to explain what the 4th of July means to our boys, I began to realize that it is more than just words when we say "freedom isn't free". We explained to them that for us to have the freedoms that we have there were hundreds of thousands of men and women who have died for our country, not only to stay free, but to establish the freedom we all enjoy. Those that to often we forget.
Actually most of my day was spent watching the History channel. They had a great series on today about "The Revolution" which helped me to remember the sacrifice that our founding fathers made. The sacrifice they thought of as their duty to give for us to have the freedoms we have today. What amazed me the number of unsung heros that gave all they had, their homes, money, and lives for the cause.
Then I also began to think about another person that sacrificed all to give us freedom that we do not deserve, that being Jesus, God Son, who gave up heaven to come to earth, to live a sinless life, to be persecuted, and then to give His life for our sins so that we could be forgiven. All this just so that God could have a relationship us, because He loved us. If that is not freedom at a great cost I don't know what is.
So as you celebrate our nations freedom and the significance of this day, don't forget to say thank you to the Son of God for giving His life for our ultimate freedom from the bonds of sin.
To all of those who have faught for our freedoms and their families THANK YOU!
Actually most of my day was spent watching the History channel. They had a great series on today about "The Revolution" which helped me to remember the sacrifice that our founding fathers made. The sacrifice they thought of as their duty to give for us to have the freedoms we have today. What amazed me the number of unsung heros that gave all they had, their homes, money, and lives for the cause.
Then I also began to think about another person that sacrificed all to give us freedom that we do not deserve, that being Jesus, God Son, who gave up heaven to come to earth, to live a sinless life, to be persecuted, and then to give His life for our sins so that we could be forgiven. All this just so that God could have a relationship us, because He loved us. If that is not freedom at a great cost I don't know what is.
So as you celebrate our nations freedom and the significance of this day, don't forget to say thank you to the Son of God for giving His life for our ultimate freedom from the bonds of sin.
To all of those who have faught for our freedoms and their families THANK YOU!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Decisons, Decisions, Decisions
A day does not go by that I have to make some decision of some kind. We all have to. What makes me more frustrated than anything is my inconsistency and struggle in how to make a good one. I have heard all kinds of people tell me to "just trust your self" or "Make the decision that is best for you." I'm sorry, but there has to be a better way for me to make the decisions that will shape the rest of my life. So what do I and those of us in this situation everyday do to help make our decisions.
Well, what if we had someone to consult that is much wiser, knows what really is best for us, or even really does want us to succeed in everything we do. No, I'm not talking about my mother, even though Mother you do fit the bill, but I am talking about a readily available resource that I can go to anytime. What if I simply consulted the Bible for my answers?
The more I read the Bible, the more I understand that it really is God's Handbook for Life. Jesus tells us in His teachings that if we want wisdom just ask Him and He will give it to us. There are even practical concepts that really don't take to much thinking about on our part to do that will make our decision making process much simpler. Several years ago there was a fad (or at least that is what I call it) around the acronym WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?). There is some great value in that thought, however, I prefer to ask that question this way when I am looking to make a choice concerning an action or topic, "What does the Bible say about...?" you fill in the dots.
Does this really work? I have never had it fail me. Remember when we are seeking to make decisions in our lives that are not just good decisions but glorify God, what better to consult than God's Word for the answer.
Well, what if we had someone to consult that is much wiser, knows what really is best for us, or even really does want us to succeed in everything we do. No, I'm not talking about my mother, even though Mother you do fit the bill, but I am talking about a readily available resource that I can go to anytime. What if I simply consulted the Bible for my answers?
The more I read the Bible, the more I understand that it really is God's Handbook for Life. Jesus tells us in His teachings that if we want wisdom just ask Him and He will give it to us. There are even practical concepts that really don't take to much thinking about on our part to do that will make our decision making process much simpler. Several years ago there was a fad (or at least that is what I call it) around the acronym WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?). There is some great value in that thought, however, I prefer to ask that question this way when I am looking to make a choice concerning an action or topic, "What does the Bible say about...?" you fill in the dots.
Does this really work? I have never had it fail me. Remember when we are seeking to make decisions in our lives that are not just good decisions but glorify God, what better to consult than God's Word for the answer.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Heroes
As I was growing up, like all little boys I had my heroes. They usually possessed super human strength or speed or some other ability that I dreamed of having. However, as I have "grown -up" (which some say is debatable) my view of what makes a hero has changed greatly. I would like to take the time this week to share with you a little bit about a hero of mine.
I meet my hero about 18 years ago when I started to college. From the first time we meet he and I have developed what I would call a life-long friendship. On several occasions we have spent time sharing with one another about life and ministry. As well as many fun times. I guess if I were truly honest I would have to say he has become a mentor of mine.
For the past year and a half I have observed as this faithful Christ follower has endured struggles that I cannot imagine any individual facing. It seems as though this man and his family has been through more trials in the past 3 years than many will face in a lifetime. Yet I have not seen him waiver in his faith. After losing his wife to cancer approximately 3 years ago. Just yesterday his 12 year old daughter passed away after her near 2 year battle with cancer. Yet from what I know, about he and his family, they will continue to lean on God while glorifying and praising the Savior.
I wish you could meet my hero, I know that if you were able to spend some time with him you also would be blessed. I can say this, my relationship with him during my college years and still to this day has a great impact on where I am today. Gary Brittain, you will always be a friend, mentor and "hero" to me.
Thank you for your testimony to how great our God is.
I meet my hero about 18 years ago when I started to college. From the first time we meet he and I have developed what I would call a life-long friendship. On several occasions we have spent time sharing with one another about life and ministry. As well as many fun times. I guess if I were truly honest I would have to say he has become a mentor of mine.
For the past year and a half I have observed as this faithful Christ follower has endured struggles that I cannot imagine any individual facing. It seems as though this man and his family has been through more trials in the past 3 years than many will face in a lifetime. Yet I have not seen him waiver in his faith. After losing his wife to cancer approximately 3 years ago. Just yesterday his 12 year old daughter passed away after her near 2 year battle with cancer. Yet from what I know, about he and his family, they will continue to lean on God while glorifying and praising the Savior.
I wish you could meet my hero, I know that if you were able to spend some time with him you also would be blessed. I can say this, my relationship with him during my college years and still to this day has a great impact on where I am today. Gary Brittain, you will always be a friend, mentor and "hero" to me.
Thank you for your testimony to how great our God is.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
"I just don't care"
It seems that to many times I find myself thinking "I just don"t care". It is hard to look at the way our world/nation is going and to hold to the thought that a difference can actually be made. Have you ever felt that way before? It is really concerning to me when that though comes into my head, "I know better, why am I thinking like this". But where it really concerns me is when I see the effects of this attitude from "Christians".
To many times we think that what is being done for the Kingdom has lost it's importance, that a difference is not being made. From my point of view it looks as though we are so content with where we are that we are not noticing the damage that is being done, both to our lives, and the lives of those who do not have a relationship with Jesus. Many Christians do not realize the effects of their poor attitudes when it comes to reaching the unchurched world with the good news of Christ. When we become apathetic to the what we say we believe, why would any person want what we have. Besides "If it is not important to you why should it be important to me?" This saddens me greatly, our apathy standing in the way of some one in need hearing about Jesus.
What am I supposed to do. Get out of the stands and get in the game! We all have been given a job as Christ followers to actively participate in what God is doing around us. Get involved in your local church, read and study your Bible daily, pray hard for God to use you. Then simply obey what He says to do. It is amazing how when the "I don't cares" hit that if I will focus on God and others it all seems to go away.
To many times we think that what is being done for the Kingdom has lost it's importance, that a difference is not being made. From my point of view it looks as though we are so content with where we are that we are not noticing the damage that is being done, both to our lives, and the lives of those who do not have a relationship with Jesus. Many Christians do not realize the effects of their poor attitudes when it comes to reaching the unchurched world with the good news of Christ. When we become apathetic to the what we say we believe, why would any person want what we have. Besides "If it is not important to you why should it be important to me?" This saddens me greatly, our apathy standing in the way of some one in need hearing about Jesus.
What am I supposed to do. Get out of the stands and get in the game! We all have been given a job as Christ followers to actively participate in what God is doing around us. Get involved in your local church, read and study your Bible daily, pray hard for God to use you. Then simply obey what He says to do. It is amazing how when the "I don't cares" hit that if I will focus on God and others it all seems to go away.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Still Waiting
Since I find myself still waiting, I have had a lot of time to think about my question from last weeks post, "What do I do while I wait?" Admittedly this is not an easy process, not for me or many other people that I know, but I guess the answer that I have come to is three foe.
First, I have to continue to talk to God. About everything and not just about my problems. I love the fact that God really does want to here about my day, and what is going on in my life. As a matter of fact He tells me to talk to Him all the time. I doesn't have to be only on special occasions, when I'm in trouble, or sitting down to a meal, but the Bible says "Pray without ceasing". So I need to continue to talk to God.
Second, I need to remember all the things that God has done for me in my life. When we really think about God has done a lot for all of us. I remember how he took care of my family when my first son was born, and how He meets unexpected needs that may arise on occasion. God is faithful to do what He says He will do. I have yet to find a person that when they truly trust God and wanted "His best" over "my wants" found Him unfaithful to what He has promised He will do. So I have to remember all the things that God has done in my life.
Finally, I have to give Him praise. One thing that I have learned about God is He is bigger, more powerful, and wiser than I could every comprehend. He can do things I can only dream about. When I stay focused on giving thanks to God my problems seem to be so small. After remembering who He is and who I am. I cannot help but give Him praise. No matter what my situation may be or what predicament I may find myself in I will rejoice in God. Paul said it this way "In all things rejoice, again I say rejoice."
It seems so cut and dry when I right it out, but now to the real challenge, Living it! I guess that is the challenge for all of us. Besides from my experience the harder I have to strive toward a goal the more precious it is to reach. I guess I just have to worship while I wait.
Check out this video, it really helps explain what I am talking about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6X71sXagUY
God Bless,
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Waiting
Over and over through out my life I have had different people tell me "you just have to wait". More than ever I find myself doing one of the hardest things I have ever done, waiting. Yet so many Bible passages that tell us to wait on the Lord. Throughout the Psalms the psalmist repeats "wait on the Lord" in my current studies and Sunday series "Why doesn't God Do Something?", I have noticed that now more than ever I have to wait. Why do I have to wait?
Well, I guess this is one way that God is teaching me to simply trust Him. So many times I have prayed God use me, to only find that when He tries I seem to baulk at the idea. As I write this I can not help but believe that if we were all honest with ourselves we are all like that. The thought of really giving God everything we are, have or ever will be scares us to death. But what do we really have to be afraid of, God tells us multiple times if we will seek Him first, He will supply our needs. From my perspective that is much better than I can do, I mean look where our way has gotten us.
So I guess I really have only one choice in the matter... I wait. Now what do I do why I wait? Well I guess that will be a topic for a little later.
God Bless,
Well, I guess this is one way that God is teaching me to simply trust Him. So many times I have prayed God use me, to only find that when He tries I seem to baulk at the idea. As I write this I can not help but believe that if we were all honest with ourselves we are all like that. The thought of really giving God everything we are, have or ever will be scares us to death. But what do we really have to be afraid of, God tells us multiple times if we will seek Him first, He will supply our needs. From my perspective that is much better than I can do, I mean look where our way has gotten us.
So I guess I really have only one choice in the matter... I wait. Now what do I do why I wait? Well I guess that will be a topic for a little later.
God Bless,
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