Sign Like a Star

Philippians 2:13-16 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. Have I ever had to do something that I did not want to do? Of course who hasn't? Did I do it without grumbling (complaining)? Nope Often my heart attitude toward such tasks is at best willing but full of complaining! If I read this right then those very tasks that I do not like or circumstances that wish could just go away actually may be a part of God working in and through me to fulfill His good purpose. I know often I talk with my kids about not having the right heart attitude about doing something, but I wonder where they get that from??? Yeah don't have to look very far (as I wave my hand in the air and point at my head, saying "It's me, It's me). The key is found in verse 16 "hold firmly to the word of life" which is the Word of God. Hold firmly means "to observe" or obey, what Paul is exhorting us to do is to obey the Word of God. Imagine that O_B_E_D_I_E_N_C_E is the very best way to show that you believe.

The Global Glory of God

Revelation 5:9 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals,because you were slain,and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 7:9-10 9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Often I think about how God has been opening my eyes to seeing how He is at work Globally and not just locally. For much of my ministry I have been focused on locally and really not thinking Globally. Oh I always think that I recognized that Gods desire is that all men know Him and respond to the Gospel. But not sure that I felt an urgency to join Him in seeing that happen. If you look at these verses it is obvious that people will be represented from every tribe, language, people and nation. So that tells me we have work to do. I know that over the last 3 years God has been opening my eyes to see this need and for now my focus is enable locally to send Globally. I want to help others to see the need, I want to equip others to go, and I want to help make opportunities available for God's people to get out of their context and into another one even if its for a short time, because I believe if that happens God will change their heart and open their eyes to some amazing work that He is already doing and they will want to join Him. I am thankful again this morning for this reminder of what God is doing and ultimately what will happen when the end has come.

Wisdom

Proverbs 2:1-9 2 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— 3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. 9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. Reading that who would want to ignore the wisdom that God gives? Yet so many do!!! Yet often I do!!!! It amazes me that as I read about the promises attached to getting wisdom from God that I would ever turn away from it and seek my own understanding. It reminds me of another passage in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge God and He will direct your paths." That is the struggle that I have between to "Trust" in the Lord with "ALL" my heart and "Lean not on my own understanding". To trust the Lord is all of the spirit to lean on my own understanding is of the flesh. The flesh gets attacked by Satan repeatedly and my spirit sometimes get neglected by own lack of self control and discipline to nourish and care for it. Often the balance of getting attacked and caring for my spirit are completely out of whack. Thus the need as it says in verse 4 look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure. I believe that if I would look at wisdom and nourishing of my spirit with that wisdom which comes from God's Word the Bible I would struggle less with the attacks and be able to walk the path that God has laid out for me to walk.

The Bible

2 Timothy 3:14-17 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. It's amazing the Bible the only book that was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (God breathed) actually written by God through individuals. Is perhaps the one book I struggle to read everyday. When I say struggle I mean I have to choose to get into it everyday. Satan's ways of trying to get me not to spend time in it gives validity to this passage. Satan must know that the Bible is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training and so longs to keep it out of our hands and away from our minds. Then when you think about how much opposition that the Bible gets from the world and from several different places again it just validates it to me that what the Bible says is true. Otherwise why all the fuss, otherwise why all the debate, otherwise why such rejection if it were not true??????

Going for Gold

2 Timothy 2:14-26 14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. There is a a story told about a man who some time ago was competing in the Olympics. He was a runner and was set to win the Gold on the track. The runners got to their starting blocks and the gun sounded and they were off. The race was going well and this man was in position to win the Gold when out of no where he fell to the ground. His ankle broken he was balled up in pain. Seeing what was going on his father came out of the stands and came to his side. The man was determined to win gold and finish the race. His father picked him up and they hobbled to the finish line. The man did not win the gold or did he? This passage talks about pursuing things that are gold (eternal). In the worlds eyes (spectators) these things are good but not great. But to the greatest spectator and our father that comes to help us they are of utmost value. Which of these things will I pursue today?

The Words of God

Isaiah 55:10-11 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. I was thinking about the comparison of God's words to snow and rain. God sends snow and rain as Isaiah has said to water the earth and to cause things to grow. So it is with God's words that he gives us to compel us to grow and to nourish our soul. However in thinking about rain and snow it is interesting that with rain often the growth you see or the nourishment you see is almost immediate. Often if it rains the very next morning or evening within a short amount of time you see flowers blossom or grass get greener. But with the snow it's effect is not immediate. Rather you don't see the effects till a season later. Oh how true with the words of God. I have seen in my own life when I read something or hear a passage of scripture taught or preached it has an immediate effect on me. At other times I have heard a passage of scripture or heard one taught or preached and did not really take effect till sometime later. Again all this to say God's word always accomplishes what it sets out to accomplish and as Isaiah said it will not return empty. How awesome is the words of God. How much should it cause us to rely on them and to build our faith upon them and trust that God is in control and will do what He says He will do.

Holding Loosely

Philippians 3:8-14 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Wow what powerful words! Paul writes that everything in this life is not worth knowing Jesus, he even calls it a loss. He then writes that he has lost everything in order to know Christ. I truly have no idea what that is like. To lose everything for the sake of Christ. Oh I know what its like to no longer want to pursue the things of this world that I once had a desire to pursue. But to lose everything for Christ sake, no idea! To be honest I am not really sure I want to! However, in my spirit I would hope that unlike the rich man who was willing to part with this fortune in order to follow Christ that I would be willing to lay down those things and do what it takes to follow. Paul even calls them garbage, or in another translation dung, poop! I am not sure that Christ will call me to lose everything to follow Him, but I am sure that He calls me to hold loosely to everything in order to follow Him. Father today would you reveal anything to me that I am holding to tightly. Would you show me that I need to let go so that I can follow you so that I can like Paul press on toward the prize. Then give me strength to let go and follow you.

Run the Race

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. Life is a race that everyone must run and does run. The difference is that many have a different finish line. One finish line is worth the run, the other finish line while seemingly valuable here on earth really is worthless. Oh one may run it and gain all that this life has to offer but as Jesus said, "What good is to gain and the whole world and lose your soul." Sadly though many Christians run the race of life as Paul describes, like someone running without aim or a boxer who simply beats the air and yes they make finish line but barely. I want to hit the tape accelerating. The only way I will do that is if like Paul I discipline my self and surrender myself to ultimate trainer, Jesus Christ. So the greatest race that I can run is a race towards a relationship with Christ the rest of life will take care of itself and I have nothing to fear because He will guide me on the course.

Houses

2 Corinthians 5:1-8 5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. At first glance of this passage one might be left scratching their head in wonder. Our "earthly tent" is our body of flesh and bone that is able to be destroyed. I know that if I die heaven will be my home and I will receive a new glorified body that cannot be destroyed. This part of the passage I understand. As I look at the rest of the passage as Paul is writing to the church in Corinth I hear his heart that longs to be with the Lord. What I keep asking myself is, "Is this true of me? Do I feel the same as Paul?" In this life we will have trouble the Bible tells us and so like Paul our earthly body does get sick, worn down, tired, sore, bruised, cut and hurt. But even in the midst of physical struggles am I looking forward to the day when I will be given a heavenly dwelling and so overcome with that in mind that the struggles of this life are "swallowed up by life"? I would like to think that verses 6 & 7 are true in my life and at times I believe they are, but often they are not. Why? Because its so easy to get focused on the trials, struggles and things of this life, that I lose sight of what is yet to come. I want to live by faith and not by sight. Father I need your strength, I need your gentle reminders of what is to come, I need you to remind me daily of your promises. So that while in this life I can rest in you and look forward to the day of being with you.

Intentional Obedience

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 32 So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. 33 Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Being careful means being intentional and being intentional means that I purposefully set out to obey God. Do not turn again to me shouts be intentional, purposefully keep your eyes fixed on what is in front of you. Walk in obedience screams intentional, purposeful maybe it will sink in this time of what I am to be doing. For Moses writing this the commands of God were fairly fresh it wasn't long before this that he had been given the commandments. Often Moses with pray to the God and God would speak with him and tell him what He wanted him to do. But like all of us Moses had the ability to choose what he would do or not do. For the most part Moses obeyed sadly though one choice kept him from entering the promise land. That choice not only effected Him but many others as well. I feel that weight of that in my life as I realize the choices I make will and have effected the lives of others especially my family. I want to follow after God and do his will but I must stay close to Him through prayer and studying His word. Then I will be able to know what God's commands are and will know what to obey. God is good and I am amazed that he would even know my name let alone let me serve Him. Father help me to serve you with all my heart and to intentional obey you with each moment that I have in order to honor and glorify you.

Hearing God's Voice

1 Samuel 3:1-10 3 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” One of the greatest joys I have as a Pastor and a father is to help others to understand that voice of the Lord in their lives. Samuel had not yet heard the voice of the Lord and was not sure who was calling him so he went the person who most sounded like the one calling him, Eli. Eli was his mentor, his guide and a voice that must have sounded much like the voice that was calling. Eli's voice sounded much like the voice of the Lord. To me that is awesome and Eli finally recognized what was going on and directed Samuel to the one true Lord. What an amazing opportunity and what an amazing role to play in someones life. Helping direct others to hear the voice of the Lord. Being able to do this means that I have to be in tune with the Lords voice. It means that I need to be spending time in prayer and studying God's Word so that I understand when He speaks. This is the greatest privilege I have as a parent is to help my kids hear the voice and God and then be willing to listen and obey. If my children are able to hear the voice of God and are willing to listen then their lives will be directed in a way that honors God and strikes a blow to sin and makes an impact in this world for Christ.

Trapped by 10%

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Giving is a vital part of our lives as those who follow Christ. There is without any question whether or not the Bible teaches on giving financially to the church, the poor, and to wherever God leads your heart to give. Sadly statistics tell us that 6% of Christians give and of that six percent of the majority give 2% of their income or less. In the church we always talk about giving 10%. Which I understand was the minimum requirement for the Jews of the Old Testament. But we fail to talk about the feast offerings or the Year of Jubilee offering where God required up to 75% of ones income. 10% is great a starting place but for some many and maybe part of the reason people don't give is that I believe 10% can become a trap that keeps us from obeying God and enjoying His blessings. The verse says that we should give what you have decided in your heart. Obviously that is a heart that is directed by God because later in the verse Paul tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. Is it possible that on any given week God may ask you to give 20% or 30% or even your whole paycheck? Is God big enough to meet our needs? Is God able to be trusted that if we give from our heart that he can supply? Maybe the problem isn't that we don't have money, maybe it's that we don't have faith????? Faith in a God who has given us what we need in the first place....