The Promise of Peace

During the Christmas season, we hear wishes for "Peace on Earth". We sing carols with words like "sleep in Heavenly peace". Yet is there anything more elusive than the notion of peace? Throughout the history of mankind, peace has always been a desire of most, but the presence of evil brings on greed, war, strife and a slew of other things that keep peace from happening.

When the multitudes (literally thousands) of angels announced the birth of Jesus Christ, they proclaimed "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:14). Notice the promise of peace is made but there is a qualifier. It is reserved for those with whom God is pleased. Now before we run off and compile a good works "to-do" list to help us secure peace, remember that no one is righteous on their own merit (Romans 3:10). We become righteous only through Christ's sacrificial death on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21).

As believers, we trust in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Our Lord provides us the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Christ himself declared, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). There is an inseparable connection between Jesus Christ and peace. Now notice how Jesus was pleasing to the Father. At the moment of his baptism, God's audible voice declared "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17). His obedience to God's will--in this case through baptism--made Jesus pleasing to the Father.

As the Christmas season ends and proclamations of peace on earth cease, remember that the promise of peace is ours to claim; first by trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and next by being obedient to God's revealed will.

On Our Behalf

Amidst the flurry of activity that surrounds Christmas, most of us--even for at least a brief time--ponder the birth of Jesus Christ and what it means to us. Many call it the greatest gift ever given and rightfully so. Even worn-out sayings like "Jesus is the reason for the season" still ring true if heard over the mayhem of securing last-minute gifts for under the tree.

What came to mind for me as Christmas approaches actually had nothing to do with Jesus birth. Rather, it was what happened after his death, burial and resurrection. Hebrews 9:24 says: For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

Not only did Jesus leave his place in heaven to come into the world as a baby born in a manger and spend time here meeting human need with divine resources, but he returned to the Father to continue interceding for believers. From the moment the angel of the Lord announced: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11) to Jesus assuming his current place seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 12:2), everything our Lord has done, is currently doing and will continue to do throughout eternity is on our behalf. John 3:17 reminds us that God didn't send Jesus into the world to condemn us but rather that the world would be saved through Him.

Just as priests entered into the holy place of the temple to offer sacrifices to God for sin, Jesus the High Priest entered into the holiest of places and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for all. On our behalf. Where will you find a more prefect Christmas gift than that?

The Bible in the Nightstand

Although I'm basically a homebody, I do enjoy getting away on vacation with my wife Cheryl and my daughter Amanda. Because of extended family, Walt Disney World and a certain university in Gainesville, my vacations almost always take me to the state of Florida. And believe me, giving up mid-70s weather in Florida for near freezing temperatures in Delaware should prove that I really am a homebody.

Traveling and vacations do allow us an opportunity to take a break from our routines and hopefully relax and recharge from the everyday grind of work, school, home, etc. This applies to pastors and ministry leaders as well. The challenge for me (and I'm sure others) is continuing to carve out daily time with the Lord while on vacation. I am grateful for the Gideon Bibles that are found in hotel nightstands; a remaining bastion of light that has touched millions of lives and hasn't been squelched in the name of political correctness.

Even though I travel with my own Bible, I always leaf through the Gideon Bible in my hotel room to see if anyone wrote in any interesting comments. Almost always someone does. I've seen comments from hardcore atheists, doubting agnostics, uncertain inquisitors, rock-solid believers and everything in-between. What I don't see are torn out pages; as if even the non-believers fear what would happen if they damaged a copy of God's Word.

My most recent vacation led me to these words found written in the Bible in the nightstand: "I passed this way on my earthly journey. I believe that Jesus is 'the' answer. He has helped me through the good times and the bad times. He loves you." Words plainly said, yet powerfully true. Words that may have already encouraged someone to dig in a little deeper and learn about this man named Jesus who died so that we may live.

The Bible in the nightstand is a reminder to me that God is always right there with us; even when we ignore Him. Even when we are too busy to stop and spend time with Him. He waits for us patiently and desires to speak to us and encourage us; both home and away because he never leaves us or forsakes us.

Lesson From Joshua 1 (Part 2)

Previously, we saw how God had prepared Joshua for the seemingly impossible task of taking down the heavily fortified city of Jericho to lead the people into the Promised Land (Joshua 6:3-5). We saw in Chapter 1 how God gave Joshua his divine appointment and commanded him to be courageous, strong, careful and focused. Just as the Lord prepared him for battle, we can also prepare for the spiritual battles we face by focusing on some more amazing truths in this chapter.

Here we see that God rewards those who follow him in obedience. Joshua was one of the twelve men who went to explore the land of Canaan and only he and Caleb exhorted the people to trust God for victory (Numbers 13-14). Thus, only he and Caleb of the twelve were allowed to enter into the Promised Land. We also see that God uses others to set the right example. He charged Joshua to follow the example that he saw lived out in Moses' life (v.7). God expects us as well to seek out relationships with other godly men who can help us, guide us and encourage us. God also expects us to follow his commands and not mold them to fit our own plans and desires. He specifically told Joshua that he would have good success if he didn't turn to the right or the left (v.7). We always run into difficulty when we deviate from God's plan.

Verse 8 reminds us that staying in God's Word is our best chance for success. We need to be in the Word every day and allow it to shape the way we think, what we say and what we do. Obedience to His Word enables us to prosper and have good success. And finally, verses 5 and 9 remind us that wherever God leads us, He will stay right with us. The Lord reminded Joshua of his faithfulness to Moses and that he should not be afraid or discouraged because He promises to never leave us or forsake us.

Joshua 1 for the most part is a lesson on courage, obedience and the faithfulness of God. The promises made there to Joshua are ours to claim today as well.

Lesson From Joshua 1 (Part 1)

There is a one word expression used in my house when someone makes a statement that sounds completely and totally unbelievable. A word that is uttered when the received statement is judged to be impossible, ludicrous or devoid of merit. The response to such statements that you will hear is, "Really?"

When Joshua was about to lead the people into the Promised Land, God presented him with one of these "Really?" moments. The Lord tells Joshua that his men will march around the heavily fortified city of Jericho once a day for six days. Then on day seven, they are to march around the city seven times and the priests will then blow their trumpets. Then the people will shout and the walls of Jericho will come tumbling down (Joshua 6:3-5). What kept this from becoming a "Really?" moment for Joshua was the preparation he was given from God in Joshua 1. Here we find a treasure of life lessons that will help us navigate as well through seemingly impossible situations we may face.

First, God knows exactly what we need to accomplish what he wants us to do. Three times (v. 6, 7, 9) God commands Joshua to be courageous. First by saying be strong and courageous, then by saying be strong and very courageous and then as if to anticipate doubt, says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous...for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." God knows our limitations and he prepares us accordingly. He knew Joshua needed to be courageous, strong, careful and focused.

God also determines who is fit for what He plans to accomplish. In verse 2, we see that God directly gave Joshua the command to go and lead the people after Moses' death. Once God provides clear direction, there is no need to doubt our qualifications or ability to perform the task.

Saying Merry Christmas

The month of December once again brings us to an annual dilemma. No, I'm not referring to navigating through crowded shopping malls to find something for everyone on your gift list. I'm not referring to the flurry of parties and over-indulgence in treats that prompt countless soon-to-be unkept New Year's resolutions to lose weight. I'm referring to our yearly fight against the political correctness of people saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas".

We as believers in the person of Jesus Christ who are grateful for the sacrifice He made on the cross at Calvary have every right to feel anger that the reason for the season is being further and further de-emphasized so as to not offend people with differing beliefs. We certainly should not blow off this societal trend by viewing it as anything less than a spiritual attack on our Christian beliefs. But as representatives of the One whose birth we celebrate who are called to lead others to him, we must be careful as to how we handle this issue.

I refuse to use the term "Happy Holidays" and yes, I do say "Merry Christmas" to others without apology. But just like I don't walk around beating non-believers over the head with Bibles in order to share the Gospel, I don't use Christmas greetings in a way that would represent Jesus as anything but a loving merciful Savior who came to seek and save the lost. For example, I know some people who are Jehovah's Witnesses and while I know that many of their core beliefs are wrong, I also know that they don't celebrate Christmas. Accordingly, I am not going to wish them a Merry Christmas in the hopes that they will suddenly see the divinity of Christ.

We should celebrate Christmas recognizing that a baby was born to us in the city of David; a Savior who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). And because we celebrate Jesus, let us be sure that we celebrate Him as the embodiment of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness and self-control. Let us share Him in a way that demonsrates who he is and gives him glory.

Listen to Him

I'm probably going to step on a few toes (mine included!) with what I'm about to say. I believe one of the biggest challenges that men face involves the art of listening. Often our minds are preoccupied with solving problems, planning the next event or mentally reviewing our never-ending "To Do" lists that listening and paying attention becomes difficult at best. Even during one-on-one conversation, we find ourselves thinking about what we're going to say next rather than what the other person is saying to us. How often do our wives call us out when they sense (often correctly) that we aren't paying attention or listening to what they have to say?

Mark 9 records the miraculous transfiguration of Jesus. Peter, James and John went up a high mountain with Jesus where they saw a glimpse of his divine glory as his clothes became radiantly white and he appeared with Moses and Elijah (v. 2-4). They got a brief view of the way we will also see Jesus someday in Heaven. Yet rather than silent awe in seeing the Lord in all of his greatness, purity and splendor; Peter chose to speak out (perhaps in fear) and offer to build tents for these heavenly beings (v. 5-6). Then, the voice of God came out from the clouds and said, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." (v. 7)

Yes, we know from Scripture that Peter was impulsive and often spoke before listening. We know that even when he was at a loss for words, he'd often say something anyway. We know that on several occasions, he missed seeing and hearing the Lord; focusing instead on his own image of what the Messiah should be. But before we unload on the one who denied Christ three times before he was crucified (Luke 22:57-60), let us do a little self examination.

How well do we hear the still small voice and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit within us? How often to we fail to listen to what Jesus has taught us in Scripture? How often do we fail to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger? How often do we try to create Him in our image rather than see Him in his glory? My toes are all sore now. How about yours?

Living Hope

Today we have more conveniences and comforts than at any other time in history. We enjoy a wider variety of choices in literally every area of our lives. Through web cams and Internet technology, we have an unprecedented ability to stay connected to people in almost any area of the world. Who needs the good old days anyway?

Yet, in spite of the multitude of technological advances designed to make our lives easier and less stressful, feelings of despair are at an all-time high. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. Adults suffer from "mid-life crises" which is usually nothing more than a realization of unmet expectations. Economic woes, high unemployment rates, lack of confidence in political leaders and increases in domestic and international unrest all add to an unsettling future. Jean-Paul Sartre, a huge proponent of existentialism (the philosophy that focuses on the importance of individual freedom), came to this depressing conclusion: "There is no exit from the human dilemma." Talk about utter hopelessness.

As God's men, we have a promise to claim in 1 Peter 1:3 that shatters all notions of despair: ...According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our salvation doesn't just give us hope for eternity; it is a living hope for today, tomorrow and every day of our lives. Because we have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading and kept in heaven (v. 4), we can boldly and confidently live in accordance with God's will knowing that He alone holds the future and his promises to us are glorious and beyond compare.

Living hope is rooted in the goodness and promises of God; giving us peace, stability, security and endurance unlike anything else. Jesus didn't defeat death on the cross so that we could live in bondage to the human dilemma without exit. His resurrection is the living hope that gives us no cause to be hopeless.

Burdens

One of the biggest mistakes we can make after accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior is to treat our Christian walk as a solo sport. We place our eternal destiny in His hands, yet often treat our daily burdens as if they are too trivial or too complicated for the Lord. Really? Why would God allow his only Son to suffer and die on the cross to reconcile us if he didn't desire us to be in communion with Him and with others?

How we handle burdens; both those in our lives as well as those in the lives of others, speaks volumes as to whether or not we are connected to the body of Christ. Galatians 6:2 says: Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The law of Christ is not the Old Testament law that condemns us because of our sinfulness, but rather the law that Christ took on our sins and paid for them which makes Jesus the ultimate burden-bearer.

How ironic is it that Jesus himself says in Matthew 11:30--For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light? Our savior's yoke is easy because it comes without the weight of legalistic expectations. It comes without a list of demands and requirements to earn our salvation. It comes with a promise of rest to all who are weary and trust in Him. We have the additional promise in Psalm 55:22 to cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you. Jesus is the One who strengthens us and enables us to do all things (Philippians 4:13). He can be trusted because he is the Righteous Judge and he will handle all things in his perfect timing.

Burdens were never meant to wear us down or to be carried alone. Burdens were meant to bring us closer to our fellow believers. Burdens were meant to bring us closer to those who need the Gospel. Burdens were meant to bring us closer to the One whose burden is light.

Your Face or Your Back

Pastor Curtis shared with us on Sunday the notion that God either has your face or your back. In other words, either we are looking to Him and seeking Him or we have our backs turned and we are ignoring Him or running away from Him. We can so easily miss the warning signs and not even be aware that our backs are turned away from him and heading in the wrong direction.

The day before, I was watching a football game where the quarterback took a vicious hit in the back and had to come out of the game. Quarterbacks are taught to do everything possible not to turn their backs on the defense. Their blindside becomes exposed. Injuries are more likely to occur. So are fumbles. Our spiritual walk is not much different. When we turn our backs to the Lord, we stop feeding on His Word. We expose our minds to flawed thinking. We expose our hearts to sinfulness. We take on a greater risk of spiritual injury.

David knew the importance of seeking the Lord's face. In Psalm 27, he shares the dangers and enemies that surround him (v. 2-3) but looks forward with joy and anticipation of how God will deliver him (v. 4-6). He remembers his Lord's command: You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek." (v. 8). He was not afraid because had complete confidence in God; his light and salvation...the stronghold of his life (v. 1). The notion of turning his back on God was so unpalatable to David that he pleaded, Turn not your servant away in anger...cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! (v. 9).

When God commanded Moses to give Aaron the words to bless the people of Israel, they included the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you (Numbers 6:25). Blessing awaits us when God has our face rather than our back.

Lessons From Happy Valley

Like many, I've watched the recent events unfold at Penn State with a mix of horror, shock and disbelief. Coach Joe Paterno had built over the years what seemed to be a rock solid reputation of integrity that his program would have been the last you'd suspect of covering up the inexcusable crime of child abuse. The majority of my relatives are from central Pennsylvania and Penn State football is a common bond woven into the fabric of the towns they live in. In an area that was economically devastated long before the current downturn, State College was "Happy Valley"; the one ray of sunshine in a mostly depressed area. My uncle, who I was named after, had three passions: his family, banking and Penn State football and I'm glad he's in Heaven and not seeing this tragedy unfold.

We should be sickened by the crimes that were allowed to happen at Penn State. We should be angry that innocent lives have been permanently damaged in the name of protecting an institution's reputation. We should desire that justice prevail; even it if means destroying the legacy of a man many considered to the greatest college football coach of all time. Yet, we should also be aware of the lessons to be learned from what happened at Happy Valley.

Micah 6:8 tells us three things that the Lord requires of us--do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. We must always seek justice and never cover up wrongdoing; especially the kind that harms others. Even if it means confronting a supervisor, a peer or a subordinate. We must be merciful toward others; with special diligence towards those who need protection. We must continually lay our lives before God and allow him to root any prideful spirit out of us. We must never allow any position of authority we may have to be used to cover up or facilitate wrong doing. During the ensuing protests on campus, one sign held up speaks to this horrific situation better than any I've seen: "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

John 8:32 reminds us that the truth sets us free. I've also been reminded over the years that the truth always comes to light. Our vain attempts to cover up the truth will often lead to more serious consequences down the road. God will occasionally put us in situations where we must choose whether to seek justice or compromise. A 46-year legacy of excellence has come crashing down due to compromise in a place called Happy Valley. As God's men, may we always choose the path that honors our Lord--a path of justice, mercy and humility.

A Servant's Mindset

One thing Jesus made very clear during his earthly ministry was the importance of serving others. He told his disciples that the greatest among them would be their servant (Matthew 23:11). He told them that he came to earth not to be served but to serve others (Matthew 20:28). He demonstrated true servanthood on the night of the Last Supper by washing his disciples' feet and challenged them to do likewise (John 13:12).

Though Jesus clearly demonstrated servanthood and challenged his disciples to be servants, the fact is serving others goes completely against our human nature. Our natural tendency is to evaluate situations and filter them through our "what's in it for me" grid. Like so many other aspects of our Christian walk, we need to allow our minds to be transformed and renewed (Romans 12:2) if we are going to adopt a servant's mindset that honors our Lord.

Servants don't compare, criticize or compete with other servants or ministries because they recognize that God has gifted all of us differently and all who serve are important and needed. Servants view ministry as an opportunity to help others out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for us to secure our eternal destiny. Servants serve the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100:2). Servants reason for serving is to advance God's Kingdom and give Him the glory; not to make themselves look better than others.

Probably the biggest key to having a servant's mindset is that a servant is secure in his identity in Christ. Servants know they don't have to prove themselves because they are loved and accepted by the Father. Servants base their worth and identity on their relationship with Christ; invalidating any need to serve to build up value and self-esteem. Being freed from self-expectations, they can then devote all of their energy into serving well so that the entire body of Christ will benefit.

Because of You

Sometimes it is difficult to trudge through life believing that what we do is actually making an impact. Days go by and we can easily get swept away in a sea of disappointment and unmet expectations. Every one of us has, at one time or another, gotten excited about an undertaking that we've put a great deal of time and effort into to only feel later that our best efforts went unappreciated or even wasted. How defeating does that feel?

I believe one of the greatest joys of Heaven will be seeing the spiritual fruit of our labor for the Kingdom. We know that God rewards faithfulness (Revelation 2:10) and perseverance (James 1:12) with the crown of life. Not only will we see our Father in all of his majesty and glory, but we will see others who will be there because of our storing up treasure in Heaven. For some, it may be a child you taught in Sunday School. For others, it may be a person you helped who saw the light of Christ shine through you. For me, it may be someone from a far away place like Russia or Indonesia who read this blog and learned that trusting in Jesus Christ as their Savior would bring them eternal life.

Paul encouraged the church in Corinth with these words: Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Jesus himself promised that even something as simple as a believer giving someone a drink of water will bring eternal reward. Everything we do for His glory has importance; no matter how mundane, trivial or inconsequential it may seem.

In his infinite wisdom, God has always chosen to do his work through people who have a heart for the things that please Him. The Holy Spirit is always the agent of change in a person's life, but that change is often brought about through the investing of one's self into the lives of others. Yes, there will be people who will know eternal peace---because of you.

In the Right Place

When I share with others some of my life experiences, people often ask me, "What are you doing in Delaware?" Believe it or not, there was once an old country song written where the singer asks himself that very question. The fact is, many of us dream about being somewhere else. Those dreams are often fueled by a lack of excitement and passion in our lives. Maybe we think "If I could just be in (fill in the blank), life we be so much better". We somehow believe that the burdens and stresses of life that weigh us down would just disappear in we changed our address.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Acts 17 that through one man God made every nation that we should inhabit the whole earth and he determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us (v.26-27). This passage reminds us that God determines the time we have here on earth. It suggests there is action and effort required to finding our way; along with some uncertainty as to the outcome. It also suggests that some will try to find God on their own terms and not be successful. But what it also says is that God is very near to us and not hard to find if we truly seek Him and not our own personal agendas. He is always present--in places of beauty and splendor, in the harshest slums, even in Newark, Delaware!

We forfeit so much peace and purpose in our lives when we focus on where we wish we were rather than rejoicing in where God has placed us to impact His Kingdom. Take a few moment and think about the blessings in your life that wouldn't be possible if you weren't exactly in the place you are right now. Mine are too numerous to mention here. Now take inventory of the difficulties and struggles that you are facing; especially those that are the result of your current location, and lift them up to the One who wants us to seek and find him.

You Must Do This

Every one of us has things we must do. Our lists are often extensive, sometimes exhausting, occasionally frustrating and too often unpleasant. These never ending to-do lists often drive us to seek relief in any way possible and can certainly set us up for failure and unplanned consequences. The last thing we often want is one more thing to do.

There is however a "one more thing" that is absolutely critical for all believers in the person of Jesus Christ. Yet unlike our dreaded to-do list, this one more thing will actually bring us freedom like nothing else we can do. This one more thing is called forgiveness. Forgiveness is God's key to freedom. If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you already know the freedom from having to pay the penalty for your sins. But that's just the beginning of what forgiveness does for us.

Forgiving others, even when they don't deserve it, frees us from the bondage of bitterness. Charles Stanley once said that bitterness is a poison we concoct for someone else and wind up drinking ourselves. Is it any wonder that when Peter asked Jesus if he should forgive his brother up to seven times, he responded that he should forgive seven times seventy (Matthew 18:21-22)? From the cross, Our Savior interceded on behalf of those who were scorning and mocking him by praying "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). To those who have wronged us, we must do exactly the same.

I can speak from personal experience as to the power of forgiving others; especially to those who did nothing to try and reconcile. They don't deserve forgiveness just like I don't deserve to be forgiven for my sins. But Jesus did it anyway. We are never more like Him than when we extend mercy and grace to others. To the undeserving. Just like us. You must do this.

What I Want

Take a few minutes sometime and listen to what people say in normal, casual conversation. You likely won't have to wait long before an unfulfilled desire gets mentioned. It could be going on vacation, a new electronic gadget, a new clothing or jewelry item, a new toy (kids and adults apply here!), a new car and the list goes on. Face it, we all have things we want--most of which we probably don't really need--but we want it anyway.

Not all of our wants fall into the category of sin, but the desire to have things we aren't supposed to have goes all the way back to the original sin in the Garden. God commanded Adam and Eve to enjoy and eat from every tree in the Garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). We then see that Satan, in the form of a serpent, deceived Eve and both she and Adam ate from the forbidden tree (3:1-6). The enemy challenged the validity of God's command (v.1), he replaced God truth with his own lie (v.4), he made Eve believe that God was withholding something great from her (v.5) and he made the forbidden tree seem more appealing than the multitude of trees God provided (v.6). Yes, the enemy's schemes haven't changed much, have they?

The fall of man and the introduction of sin into God's prefect creation came as the result of man's desiring something they were forbidden to have. And just as the devastation of the original sin has plagued mankind for thousands of years, our misguided desires, our "what I wants", have the same potential to wreak havoc in our lives. The moment we begin to believe the enemy's lie that our Heavenly Father is withholding his best from us, that He doesn't want us to have things we really want and that his cheap substitute is better than God's provision is the moment we slide down a slippery slope.

We must remain sober and vigilant because our enemy is prowling and seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Don't let it be you! Stay grounded in God's Word and remind yourself daily that God is working all things for your good (Romans 8:28) and that Jesus himself is our advocate to the Father (1 John 2:1). Make sure the "what I wants" in your life are in harmony with what the Lord wants for you as well.

For I Am Sure

The world is certainly filled with uncertainty. Much of the anxiety and stress that we suffer comes from our inability to control situations, influence outcomes and confidently see the future. We take great pleasure in those rare occasions when we actually can be sure of how something will turn out. Let's face it, we'd all like a little confidence booster every now and then.

Notice the pure confidence and certainty in the words of the Apostle Paul when he speaks of the future that awaits him--the same future that awaits all who claim the blood of Christ--For I am sure that neither life nor death, nor angles nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). Never in the history of mankind has a more confident and secure statement ever been made.

Life events, physical death, spiritual beings, people in power, current and future circumstances all have the power to alter our lives. Yet none of them has the power to alter our eternal destiny. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is able to defeat the power of God's love which adopts us into his family. Forever.

It is no surprise that Paul claimed to boast in nothing but the power of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:17, Galatians 6:14). His confidence; the confidence that says For I am sure, is the same confidence that we as God's men can take with us each and every day in our spiritual walk as we seek to serve Him and follow his will.

Intentional Relational Discipleship

Men's Night 2819 last Friday was a great night for the men of Ogletown and their friends. We had a great dinner and time of fellowship. Then we had a time of praise and worship; along with speakers who focused on the importance of discipleship. Intentional relational discipleship.

I shared with our men that Jesus gave a simple call--come and follow (Matthew 4:19) to the men He chose to be his disciples. These men responded without hesitation and followed him and were with Jesus throughout his earthly ministry. Then Jesus gave his final command, found in Matthew 28:19, for his disciples to go and make disciples. Another simple instruction that we don't need to complicate. Al Demers later shared with us the need to be persistent in reaching out to disciple others. He shared that in order for us to disciple others, we need to be disciples--followers of Jesus Christ--who love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Pastor Curtis closed the evening by challenging each of us to reach out and get together with another man with the purpose of building a discipling relationship.

Everything we shared at Men's Night was geared to this idea of intentional relational discipleship. Jesus had a purpose in calling his disciples--he was intentional. He lived life with them--he was relational. He taught them and poured into their lives to help them grow in godly wisdom and character--he discipled them. Jesus is still calling his men to do the exact same thing today. Come and follow Him. Go and make disciples who will also follow him. Are you ready?

The One Anothers

I am positively thrilled that our church is putting specific focus on discipleship. Not because discipleship was lacking or non-existent, but rather it is a reflection of how the early New Testament church grew and flourished. Just as God created us for relationship, our Savior built his church through the caring relationships of fellow believers. Our upcoming Men's Night worship event (this Friday night, 6 p.m. at OEX) is going to focus on discipleship---why is it so important and vital to the spiritual growth of every believer.

The apostle Paul, arguably the greatest disciple maker in Scripture, identified a variety of keys to what Pastor Curtis calls intentional, relational discipleship. Throughout his letters and others in the New Testament, you'll find many "One Anothers". Twenty-three to be exact. Here's a sampling: love one another (John 15:12, Romans 12:10), welcome one another (Romans 15:7), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25), teach one another (Colossians 3:16), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), motivate one another (Hebrews 10:24), bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), confess your sins to one another (James 5:16) and have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7).

What the one anothers clearly show us is that discipleship is all about building relationships. It's all about strengthening others in the body of Christ. It's all about taking action and doing things beyond ourselves. It's all about demonstrating a willingness to come and follow Jesus and then to go and make others who will also come and follow Him.

Jesus himself tells us the key qualifier to be a disciple of Him: By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35). The one anothers can't happen without a love that comes from the Father and is then manifested through his people. Love for one another. Love that comes from the One who is love (1 John 4:7). Love that comes from an overflow of the love the Father pours out on us. For one another.

More Than All We Ask

Think for a moment about how much we are driven by expectation. When an event or experience exceeds our expectation, we may rave to others how great is was. The flip side is our disappointment when another event or experience fails to meet our expectation. Bad reviews and negative verbalization usually follow.

In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul prayed for them to have spiritual strength and insight (Ephesians 3:14-21). He wanted the believers there to have a complete understanding of the power and majesty of Almighty God. In describing the One True God, Paul says that ...he is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think (v. 20). God's ability to help us, provide for us, protect us and meet all of our needs is beyond even what we can ask for or even think of. Talk about exceeding expectations!

God is the One who alone deserves our worship (v. 14). He strengthens and sustains us through his glory and through his Spirit (v. 16). Through faith in Jesus Christ, we claim the promise of the fullness of God which is beyond what we can even understand (v. 17-19). He alone deserves the glory.

The same God who flooded the earth, brought plagues upon Egypt, parted the seas and destroyed enemies through thunder and fire is the same God who today stands ready to provide to his people more than all that we ask. Like Paul, let us bow our knees and lift up our prayer and worship to Him and proclaim his glory throughout the generations.