The Right Way

   When John Maxwell was a young Pastor he was asked by another Minister to come to his declining church to help them with ideas to stimulate growth. A group of leaders were assembled and Maxwell laid out a plan to help them reach their community. When he asked if there were any questions, an older man stood up and said, “What if we try theses ideas, and they don’t work.” Maxwell replied, “What you’re doing now surely isn’t working, so why not try something else!”

   I’ve heard it said that the last words of dying churches are “We’ve never done it that way before.” When translated it means “We’re not changing!” This attitude has been with us since Moses led Israel out of Egypt.

   We see in Exodus 17 that the Israelite community quarreling and grumbling about having no water. They looked at all the old ways for provision, but there were no rain clouds, no streams, no lakes, and no wells. They said that they would rather be slaves back in Egypt. What they failed to realize is that God doesn’t always work in ways we understand. Israelneeded to (as does His church today) trust in Him. Moses went before the people as instructed by the Lord, and struck a rock with his staff. Water poured out from the rock, and provided for all their needs. God is able and willing to do that for us today, but we continue to look backwards instead of focusing on Him.

   Later in Numbers 20, the same scenario happened again. This time not only the people were quarreling, but the leaders forgot to listen and obey God. Moses and Aaron were told to speak to the rock, but instead Moses decided to “do it the old way” and struck the rock with his staff. They did get water, but Moses and Aaron were forbidden to go into the promise land because of their disobedience. The key to God’s provision and direction is our obedience. We must keep our focus on Him not the past. 

   Jesus didn’t die for us to be comfortable, but to be convicted in sharing the Gospel with a lost and dying world. We need to quit quarreling and complaining, and start listening and obeying. By forsaking our preferences and being directed by His purposes we will see many come into His kingdom. That is His hearts desire, and it should be ours also. 

Let’s do life God’s way. It's always the best. Amen?

Understanding

Is it time for a fresh start? Let’s learn about God’s purpose for our lives from 1 Samuel 3:1-11: The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.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.” 11 And the Lord said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israelthat will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle.

What’s Wrong in this story (and today)?

The Word is not preached. - Few are seeking Him. - Church is business as usual. - The Voice of God is not understood.

This is so true in today's culture-let’s follow God’s teaching in what we need to do:

Realize God’s voice. (follow His plan) - Answer Him. (listen with your ears, heart, mind, and soul) - Be about His purpose. (obedience and faithfulness)

What areas in your life do you need to work on, and where should you start?
By the way, there's no time like the present to begin a fresh start. Amen?

Forgiveness

These past two weeks have been all about change for my friends and family. God is good, all the time, and we are doing well. Because of all the changes in our life it started me thinking about this idea of new beginnings in general.

We can all appreciate new beginnings and starting off with a clean slate. In our relationship with God He calls us to obedience in following His standards. We all fall short but praise God He has made a provision for forgiveness.

 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9

What if you violated God’s standards? 

Here's four things that the Bible instructs us to do:

1. Repent – agree with God and change

2. Receive forgiveness – restoration and release of your sin

3. Refocus and replace sinful activities with Godly ones

4. Request help daily – God is faithful

God’s way is always the best way!

Amen?

More Light

 Who is the light? In John 8:12 , Jesus said,”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.   -We are to follow and show Christ to the world.

I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1982. One of my best friends from High School  also went there. He was a Criminal Justice Major, and I a History Major. We always wanted to take a class together, but it never worked out. Until our Sr. year and final quarter before graduation. I needed an elective class and Gary was taking a class he said I could get in to. It didn’t matter to me so I signed up. It was a class on abnormal Psychology. I had no business being there because this was a graduate level class and the total of my training had been Intro to Phsyc.101 as a freshman. For 5 weeks I was totally lost, and was starting to become concerned because I had to pass this class in order to graduate. Then my opportunity came. 60% of our final grade came from writing a paper based on a case study of any theory that had been discussed. Since I didn’t understand much what was going on I chose BIRG. Which stands for Basking in Reflected Glory. Simply put this is when someone takes pride & glory for another individuals or groups achievement in which they had absolutely no hand in.  My paper was about my boss at the time. He always spoke of his alma matter, Elder HS, and how exciting it was to play at “the Pit”. I figured he must have been on the basketball team, but in reality he play the clarinet in the band!

Why did I tell you this story? Because we are commanded to bask in the reflected glory of our Lord, Jesus Christ. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us,  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This is how we are supposed to live. Amen?

Full Reflection

We used to live at one of the higher elevations in Butler Co., Ohio, and on a clear night the sky is awesome with countless number of stars. One thing that my wife watches is the moon, and no she isn’t a moon worshiper but a creator worshiper! In the course of 30 days the moon appears to change. Sometimes it is just a sliver of light. Then it will grow as the days go by to a quarter, half, then 3 quarters of light. Then especially it seems in the Fall the whole moon will be glowing and would light up our whole farm!

This is not light created by the moon. It cannot generate any illumination on its own. The light that we see is based on how the moon is turned toward the sun. We see a little or a lot. When it is positioned just right we get the whole effect.

God wants us to position ourselves so that we will be turned just right with God and on His path of righteousness that we will be illuminating the full light of Jesus Christ in our lives, in our homes, in our families, and at our church. We cannot generate any light of our own. It all comes from God’s son, Jesus Christ!

In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world”

Pray for and allow God to reflect the Son's light in your life.  
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16

Amen?

A Hand Up

In 1 John chapter 2 we see God’s protection - “If anybody does sin, we have One who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the righteous One." It is because of our relationship with Jesus Christ that we can stand before the Father and get to heaven. We would not stand a chance without Him.

There is a story about a poor boy many years ago who had heard that the great evangelist, Dwight L Moody, was going to be preaching for one night at a church way across town. The boy so wanted to hear him that he took off bright and early and it took him the whole day to get to that big church across town. When he got there he saw a big staircase leading to a big door. He made it up the stairs and as he was walking in the door a big hand came down and grabbed him, and said what do you think your doing? He explained that he had taken all day to get there a and he was there for the services. The big man said you cannot come in here looking like that so be gone!

The boy was crushed, but decided he had not come all this way to be turned back out to the street. So he tried the side doors, the windows, and all around the building, but could not find a way inside. He walked back to the bottom of the big staircase sat down and began to cry. He did not notice but another big man was standing in front of him. “What’s  wrong son?” he asked. The boy still sobbing explained what had happened. When he was through with his story the big man put out his hand, and said, “Take my hand and come with me”. He did and climbed the big stairs again, but this time the big door was opened and he was allowed in. He walked hand in hand with the man to the front of the church where the big man and him sat on the front pew. A few minutes later the service started , and the big man walked up to the pulpit as Dwight L Moody was introduced.

Jesus Christ will do the same to us. We just have to put our hand in His! Amen?

Is He?

What is your relationship with Jesus? I believe the following.

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!

He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.

He always was, He always is, and He always will be...

Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!

He was pierced and eased pain!

He was persecuted and brought freedom!

He was dead and brought life!

He is risen and brings power!

He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand him,

The armies can't defeat Him,

The schools can't explain Him, and

The leaders can't ignore Him

Herod couldn't kill Him,

The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and

The people couldn't hold Him!

Nero couldn't crush Him,

Hitler couldn't silence Him,

The New Age can't replace Him, and

Oprah can't give Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.

He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.

He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure

His ways are right,

His word is eternal,

His will is unchanging, and

His mind is on me.

He is my Redeemer,

He is my Savior,

He is my guide, and

He is my peace!

He is my Joy,

He is my comfort,

He is my Lord, and

He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,

His burden is light, and

His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,

The power of the powerful,

The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,

The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and

The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me,

Never forsake me,

Never mislead me,

Never forget me,

Never overlook me, and

Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!

When I fail, He forgives!

When I am weak, He is strong!

When I am lost, He is the way!

When I am afraid, He is my courage!

When I stumble, He steadies me!

When I am hurt, He heals me!

When I am broken, He mends me!

When I am blind, He leads me!

When I am hungry, He feeds me!

When I face trials, He is with me!

When I face persecution, He shields me!

When I face problems, He comforts me!

When I face loss, He provides for me!

When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere,

Every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful.

I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.

So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...

He said it and that settles it.

God is in control, I am on His side, and

That means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is! Amen?