From time to time, I will blog about what I've listed as my core ministry values. I came up with these through prayer and through people who have had a strong spiritual influence in my life. Rick Gray, my best friend from my U of D days, who prayed for my Salvation for years, came up with the term "Champion the Gospel of Grace".
Grace is something that believers talk about, sing hymns and praise songs about, but probably don't fully comprehend. The following acronym defines it as well as anything I've heard: God's Riches At Christ's Expense. God's grace is the only basis we have for an eternal destiny in Heaven--a destiny based on absolutely nothing that we've accomplished but solely on faith in the person of Jesus Christ as a gift from God. Grace frees us from having to earn favor with Him and having to compare ourselves with others. Christ himself is described in John 1:14 as having come from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Grace also allows us boldly approach God with our praises and our requests (Hebrews 4:16). Grace enables us, despite our limitations, to do great things for His Kingdom (Ephesians 3:8). Grace is given to us in limitless supply when we are humble (James 4:6) and perhaps best of all, God's grace is sufficient for any need we have and any problem we face (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Paul David Tripp says grace is "the most transformational word in Scripture. Grace will convince you of your unworthiness without ever making you feel unloved." Championing the Gospel of grace is simply giving what God has so freely given us---love, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, patience, knowledge, virtue, gentleness and peace---and passing it on to benefit others.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Are You Ready to Receive?
Scripture tells us that our Heavenly Father stands ready to pour out blessings on his people if they would only ask. Matthew 7:7 and Philippians 4:6 urge us to ask for and seek God's blessing and to bring all of our requests to Him with an attitude of thankfulness. While sometimes God's answer to our prayers is to wait on His prefect timing (Psalm 27:14), we must also be aware that if we ask for the wrong things for the wrong reasons or for our own comfort, He will not bless us (James 4:3).
1 Kings 3:5-14 gives us a beautiful picture of God's desire to bless those who ask for the right things for the right reasons. God appears to Solomon in a dream as he is about to assume the throne from his father (King David) and tells him to ask for whatever he wants. Instead of focusing on himself and his own desires, Solomon first recalls the way God had blessed his father (v. 6) and then humbly acknowledges his own limitations and the greatness of the task before him (v. 7-8). Then Solomon makes his request: "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? (v.9)"
Now watch God's response. He recognizes that Solomon didn't ask for personal wealth and pleasures and that he asked for wisdom only so that he could more effectively lead his people. Then God promises Solomon that he will give him wisdom greater than any man who has ever lived (v.12). He also gives him blessings that he never even asked for--wealth, honor and prestige beyond what anyone else would ever have (v.13) and the promise of lifetime reward for his faithfulness (v.14).
Having an attitude like Solomon's---one that acknowledges how great God is and how limited we are, one that seeks blessing to help bless others and one that thirsts for righteousness (Matthew 6:33)---opens the door for Him to give blessings. Are you ready to receive?
1 Kings 3:5-14 gives us a beautiful picture of God's desire to bless those who ask for the right things for the right reasons. God appears to Solomon in a dream as he is about to assume the throne from his father (King David) and tells him to ask for whatever he wants. Instead of focusing on himself and his own desires, Solomon first recalls the way God had blessed his father (v. 6) and then humbly acknowledges his own limitations and the greatness of the task before him (v. 7-8). Then Solomon makes his request: "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? (v.9)"
Now watch God's response. He recognizes that Solomon didn't ask for personal wealth and pleasures and that he asked for wisdom only so that he could more effectively lead his people. Then God promises Solomon that he will give him wisdom greater than any man who has ever lived (v.12). He also gives him blessings that he never even asked for--wealth, honor and prestige beyond what anyone else would ever have (v.13) and the promise of lifetime reward for his faithfulness (v.14).
Having an attitude like Solomon's---one that acknowledges how great God is and how limited we are, one that seeks blessing to help bless others and one that thirsts for righteousness (Matthew 6:33)---opens the door for Him to give blessings. Are you ready to receive?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Most Important Thing We Do
You don't have to spend much time with me to know that I love the Florida Gators (both Cheryl's car and my car are dead giveaways!). So it's no stretch to see that I love Tim Tebow---our quarterback, former Heisman Trophy winner and member of two (hopefully three!!) National Championship teams.
What I really love about Tebow, besides the fact that he is an incredible football player and leader on the field, is his passion for using his platform to honor and glorify his Lord and Savior. His Heisman speech was an incredible testimony to his love for Jesus (Check out the video link to the right--a great testimony seen by millions). This week's issue of Sports Illustrated has a great article that tells us a lot about what is most important to him: http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1158168/index.htm
When asked why he likes to go visit men in prisons and share the Gospel, he replied, "You're talking to guys who have no hope, no support, who have been totally written off by the world."
Whether you are a star athlete, a businessman, a teacher, a construction worker or just an ordinary husband and father---God wants you to share the light of Christ with those around you. Romans 12:1 says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Regardless of what you do or who you are, you have something very important to say. There are lost people around you who also have no hope, who have been written off by the world, who need to hear the live-saving message of the Gospel. Let them hear you!!
What I really love about Tebow, besides the fact that he is an incredible football player and leader on the field, is his passion for using his platform to honor and glorify his Lord and Savior. His Heisman speech was an incredible testimony to his love for Jesus (Check out the video link to the right--a great testimony seen by millions). This week's issue of Sports Illustrated has a great article that tells us a lot about what is most important to him: http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1158168/index.htm
When asked why he likes to go visit men in prisons and share the Gospel, he replied, "You're talking to guys who have no hope, no support, who have been totally written off by the world."
Whether you are a star athlete, a businessman, a teacher, a construction worker or just an ordinary husband and father---God wants you to share the light of Christ with those around you. Romans 12:1 says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Regardless of what you do or who you are, you have something very important to say. There are lost people around you who also have no hope, who have been written off by the world, who need to hear the live-saving message of the Gospel. Let them hear you!!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Ready for Battle (part 3)
Once we know how our enemy operates, it's time to prepare ourselves for battle. Ephesians 6:10-18 is a familiar passage to many of us regarding the armor of God and one that we should revisit often. There are several truths in this passage that are especially worth remembering.
We can only fight our enemy through the strength and power of the Lord (v.10), not ourselves. The armor of God protects us so that we can stand ready for battle (vs. 11 & 13). In verse 14 we find two very important pieces of battle gear. The belt of truth is what holds everything together because the truth of God's Word always counters the lies of Satan. The breastplate of righteousness is what protects our hearts and keeps us focusing on God's purposes and plans; allowing us to maintain a right relationship with Him. The shield of faith (v.16) is our defense against all of his attacks and schemes. Faith is believing that God works all things for our good, that He will never leave us or forsake us and that nothing can separate us from His love. Without faith, we allow fear, doubt and worry to paralyze us.
The one offensive weapon in the armor of God is found in verse 17---the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself used Scripture to fight Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). As God's men, we will never go wrong following our Savior's example.
We can only fight our enemy through the strength and power of the Lord (v.10), not ourselves. The armor of God protects us so that we can stand ready for battle (vs. 11 & 13). In verse 14 we find two very important pieces of battle gear. The belt of truth is what holds everything together because the truth of God's Word always counters the lies of Satan. The breastplate of righteousness is what protects our hearts and keeps us focusing on God's purposes and plans; allowing us to maintain a right relationship with Him. The shield of faith (v.16) is our defense against all of his attacks and schemes. Faith is believing that God works all things for our good, that He will never leave us or forsake us and that nothing can separate us from His love. Without faith, we allow fear, doubt and worry to paralyze us.
The one offensive weapon in the armor of God is found in verse 17---the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself used Scripture to fight Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). As God's men, we will never go wrong following our Savior's example.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Ready for Battle (part 2)
Since we know that Satan's primary tactics are accusing, deceiving and tempting in order to keep us separated from God, it is important for God's men to have a game plan to deal with each one of these.
1) Accuse the accuser---Satan tries to trap us in our own guilt and pull us away from God when in fact he is guiltier than anyone else God ever created. Sometimes, Satan will try to make us think that even having flash thoughts of sin that we don't even act upon is sinful in an attempt to shame us into believing God's forgiveness is conditional. Never forget that Christ took our sin debt---past, present and future---and nailed it to the cross at Calvary.
2) Turn Satan's lies into God's truth---Never forget that every one of Satan's lies is contrary to God's Word. His first lie to Eve in the Garden ("You shall surely not die") resulted in the original sin and he's been lying and deceiving mankind ever since. He will always try to use our insecurities against us and keep us tangled up in fear and doubt. A steady, daily dose of prayer and Scripture reading will enable us to recognize his lies and replace them with God's truth.
3) Be prepared to battle temptation---Temptation is often Satan's most effective weapon. We must train our minds to focus on the big picture rather than the immediate pleasure he is offering. We must be proactive in identifying our weaknesses---the areas where we are induced to sin---and recognize the conditions under which we are most likely to yield. Trust in the Lord that He is in control and will limit temptation to what we can handle through His strength. Continually allow the discernment of the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and guide us to make the right choices---choices that bring honor and glory to God.
1) Accuse the accuser---Satan tries to trap us in our own guilt and pull us away from God when in fact he is guiltier than anyone else God ever created. Sometimes, Satan will try to make us think that even having flash thoughts of sin that we don't even act upon is sinful in an attempt to shame us into believing God's forgiveness is conditional. Never forget that Christ took our sin debt---past, present and future---and nailed it to the cross at Calvary.
2) Turn Satan's lies into God's truth---Never forget that every one of Satan's lies is contrary to God's Word. His first lie to Eve in the Garden ("You shall surely not die") resulted in the original sin and he's been lying and deceiving mankind ever since. He will always try to use our insecurities against us and keep us tangled up in fear and doubt. A steady, daily dose of prayer and Scripture reading will enable us to recognize his lies and replace them with God's truth.
3) Be prepared to battle temptation---Temptation is often Satan's most effective weapon. We must train our minds to focus on the big picture rather than the immediate pleasure he is offering. We must be proactive in identifying our weaknesses---the areas where we are induced to sin---and recognize the conditions under which we are most likely to yield. Trust in the Lord that He is in control and will limit temptation to what we can handle through His strength. Continually allow the discernment of the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and guide us to make the right choices---choices that bring honor and glory to God.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Ready for Battle (part 1)
As Christian men and leaders in our homes, it is crucial for us to be aware of the fact that we are engaged in spiritual warfare with a very real and very formidable enemy. In a 2006 Barna Research study, only 45% of respondents believed that Satan was real and not just a symbol of evil. While I truly believe that virtually every Christian is aware of the reality of Satan, I also believe that there are many among us who are ill-equipped to fight him effectively.
The first thing we need to know in battling our enemy is that his primary goal and mission is to keep us separated from our Heavenly Father. From the original sin in the Garden of Eden to today, Satan has used temptation and deceit to try and keep us disconnected from God. He tempts us to use our God-given desires in ways that God never intended and would dishonor Him. He deceives us into thinking that money, power and possessions are more important than what God has planned for us. He tries to make us think that the ways of the world are more important and relevant than the eternal truth of God's Word. And when we stumble and fall, as the accuser he is more than ready to use guilt and shame to try and keep us from seeking forgiveness and restoring our relationship with Him.
In the coming days, we'll cover more about how to be ready for battle but in the meantime, never forget this---our spiritual enemy has already been defeated by Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection from the grave. Christ's atoning death of the cross paid our sin debt and his glorious rising from the dead defeated death and the power of Satan forever. Our enemy still hasn't stopped trying to keep us separated from God, but through Christ Jesus--our victory is assured!!
The first thing we need to know in battling our enemy is that his primary goal and mission is to keep us separated from our Heavenly Father. From the original sin in the Garden of Eden to today, Satan has used temptation and deceit to try and keep us disconnected from God. He tempts us to use our God-given desires in ways that God never intended and would dishonor Him. He deceives us into thinking that money, power and possessions are more important than what God has planned for us. He tries to make us think that the ways of the world are more important and relevant than the eternal truth of God's Word. And when we stumble and fall, as the accuser he is more than ready to use guilt and shame to try and keep us from seeking forgiveness and restoring our relationship with Him.
In the coming days, we'll cover more about how to be ready for battle but in the meantime, never forget this---our spiritual enemy has already been defeated by Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection from the grave. Christ's atoning death of the cross paid our sin debt and his glorious rising from the dead defeated death and the power of Satan forever. Our enemy still hasn't stopped trying to keep us separated from God, but through Christ Jesus--our victory is assured!!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Ordinary and not needed
Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of how God used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Even more amazing is the fact that as the all-powerful, all-knowing, all present, eternal creator of the universe, He really doesn't need any of us to accomplish anything. Yet His purpose and plan has always been to include His people, the prize of His creation (Genesis 1:26), in what He accomplishes.
Take Peter, an ordinary uneducated fisherman for example. When Jesus called him and his brother Andrew to follow him, he did so without hesitation (Matthew 4:18-20). When we think of Peter, the first recollection is usually how he denied Christ three times the night before his death on the cross. Scripture also records times when he was impulsive and prideful.
Yet what we should really notice about Peter was his passion to boldly follow his Lord and Savior. He declared that Jesus was the Son of The Living God (Matt. 16:16), he eagerly walked on water to meet Jesus (Matt. 14:27-29), he had the glorious opportunity to witness Jesus' transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-5). Peter became a member of Christ's inner circle, not because of his abilities, not because of his accomplishments, but solely upon his desire to be near his Lord. Because of the heart he had for serving Him, God used him mightily in forming and leading the early church after Pentecost (Acts 2-5).
When given the chance to describe ourselves or tell our personal story, it's likely we wouldn't want to admit that we were ordinary and not that important. But that's exactly the type of mindset we need to have to allow God to accomplish His purpose and plan in our lives.
Take Peter, an ordinary uneducated fisherman for example. When Jesus called him and his brother Andrew to follow him, he did so without hesitation (Matthew 4:18-20). When we think of Peter, the first recollection is usually how he denied Christ three times the night before his death on the cross. Scripture also records times when he was impulsive and prideful.
Yet what we should really notice about Peter was his passion to boldly follow his Lord and Savior. He declared that Jesus was the Son of The Living God (Matt. 16:16), he eagerly walked on water to meet Jesus (Matt. 14:27-29), he had the glorious opportunity to witness Jesus' transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-5). Peter became a member of Christ's inner circle, not because of his abilities, not because of his accomplishments, but solely upon his desire to be near his Lord. Because of the heart he had for serving Him, God used him mightily in forming and leading the early church after Pentecost (Acts 2-5).
When given the chance to describe ourselves or tell our personal story, it's likely we wouldn't want to admit that we were ordinary and not that important. But that's exactly the type of mindset we need to have to allow God to accomplish His purpose and plan in our lives.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saving the best for last
In June, Pastor Curtis issued the Proverbs challenge--read a chapter a day for the entire month. Since there are only 30 days in June, I hope those of you who took the challenge (especially you husbands) didn't stop and miss chapter 31:10-31 (the last passage in Proverbs) that speaks about the virtuous woman.
The qualities mentioned regarding the virtuous woman are simply incredible---she is more valuable that precious jewels (v.10), she has her husband's trust (v.11), she does good instead of evil (v.12), she works hard (v.13-17), she helps others (v.20), she takes care of her home (v.21), she is strong and dignified (v.25), she speaks wisely with kindness (v.26) and she is loved by her husband and children (v.28)---more than sufficient reminders to us about the value, abilities and importance of our helpmates. The Lord certainly knew what he was doing when he decreed "it is not good for man to be alone, I will make a helper suitable for him" (Genesis 2:18).
My wife Cheryl is certainly one of the greatest blessings in my life. When we were doing the "Love Dare" study a few months ago, I had an opportunity to list the things I love about her and within a few minutes I had compiled over 25 different things! I thank God every single day for giving me a virtuous woman to be my wife--a woman who has these qualities and who "fears the Lord and is to be praised (v. 30)".
I pray that all of us who are fortunate enough to be married to godly women would give praise to our Heavenly Father for the incredible gift He has given each of us.
The qualities mentioned regarding the virtuous woman are simply incredible---she is more valuable that precious jewels (v.10), she has her husband's trust (v.11), she does good instead of evil (v.12), she works hard (v.13-17), she helps others (v.20), she takes care of her home (v.21), she is strong and dignified (v.25), she speaks wisely with kindness (v.26) and she is loved by her husband and children (v.28)---more than sufficient reminders to us about the value, abilities and importance of our helpmates. The Lord certainly knew what he was doing when he decreed "it is not good for man to be alone, I will make a helper suitable for him" (Genesis 2:18).
My wife Cheryl is certainly one of the greatest blessings in my life. When we were doing the "Love Dare" study a few months ago, I had an opportunity to list the things I love about her and within a few minutes I had compiled over 25 different things! I thank God every single day for giving me a virtuous woman to be my wife--a woman who has these qualities and who "fears the Lord and is to be praised (v. 30)".
I pray that all of us who are fortunate enough to be married to godly women would give praise to our Heavenly Father for the incredible gift He has given each of us.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
A very simple instruction
Like most guys, I like to keep things simple. If I'm working on a project or I'm assembling something, the success of the project is usually in direct proportion to how simple the instructions are. That's why I think God had us guys in mind when he inspired the apostle Paul to write this very simple instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:17---pray continually.
Even if we start our day in prayer and personal devotion time with our Lord, this verse clearly tells us not to stop there. Our Heavenly Father wants to communicate with us throughout our busy day and the best news of all is we don't need to check our daytimer, schedule a meeting or set up a conference call to spend time with Him. When I feel my frustration level rise due to various circumstances going on in my life, it's almost always an accurate litmus test as to how well I've prayed continually. On both sides of this simple instruction, the Bible calls us to "be joyful always" (v.16) and "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (v.18).
Spend some time in the book of Psalms and you'll see many passages where David (described as a man after God's heart) spent time with the Lord in prayer; pouring out his thanks, his joy, his praise, his fears, his frustrations---all the while knowing it was God alone who could meet his every need.
As servant leaders in our homes, we would do well to follow his example!
Even if we start our day in prayer and personal devotion time with our Lord, this verse clearly tells us not to stop there. Our Heavenly Father wants to communicate with us throughout our busy day and the best news of all is we don't need to check our daytimer, schedule a meeting or set up a conference call to spend time with Him. When I feel my frustration level rise due to various circumstances going on in my life, it's almost always an accurate litmus test as to how well I've prayed continually. On both sides of this simple instruction, the Bible calls us to "be joyful always" (v.16) and "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (v.18).
Spend some time in the book of Psalms and you'll see many passages where David (described as a man after God's heart) spent time with the Lord in prayer; pouring out his thanks, his joy, his praise, his fears, his frustrations---all the while knowing it was God alone who could meet his every need.
As servant leaders in our homes, we would do well to follow his example!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Lifestyle--Not a "To Do" list
I can't help but think back to what a great time we had at Men's Night 222. It was a blessing to see so many men from Ogletown and other churches--of all ages and backgrounds--come out for a great night of worship and fellowship. It was a special blessing to me to have so many guys help out to make it such a great night. Among many things, this night proved to me that the men of Ogletown love their Lord and Savior and the heart of worship is beating strongly among us!
It was fun to share my story about working out and getting is shape and tying that to working on spiritual health. Just like exercising becomes effective only when we adopt it as a lifestyle, spiritual health works the exact same way---if we view personal devotions, church, Bible study and service as a "to do" list, it becomes a chore rather than an essential part of who we are.
Strive for Five (personal devotions, church, small group, one-on-one accountability, service to others), just like a good workout routine, is more effective as a lifestyle choice---and a very healthy one at that!!
It was fun to share my story about working out and getting is shape and tying that to working on spiritual health. Just like exercising becomes effective only when we adopt it as a lifestyle, spiritual health works the exact same way---if we view personal devotions, church, Bible study and service as a "to do" list, it becomes a chore rather than an essential part of who we are.
Strive for Five (personal devotions, church, small group, one-on-one accountability, service to others), just like a good workout routine, is more effective as a lifestyle choice---and a very healthy one at that!!
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