Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Nothing to Fear

This week has been one of these weeks where scriptures has just come alive in my mind and heart. I wrote down 8 sermons ideas this morning alone. One thought that ran throughout all the different passages I was looking at, is we have nothing to fear.
Yesterday I was again reading Mark 5 and the account of the demon possessed man, and these points stood out to me.
- first the demons come and bow at Jesus feet
- second the demons begs Jesus not to torture them
- third the demons knew who Christ from a distance
- fourth he again begs to not be sent form the area
- fifth Jesus allows the demons to enter the pigs
- sixth the people see God and are terrified and ask him to leave
- the healed man begs to go with God
- Jesus says go tell what I did for you
- the man goes out and tells of what Christ did for him

So we have nothing to fear, but yet we live in fear. We live in fear of what people might say, do , or how they might react. Are we any different then the people that begged Christ to leave them? Christ has won. Christ has authority over demons. Christ has conquered death and restores us. So what are we afraid of? Things of this world and the flesh, then we need to shift our focus and mindset to things of heaven.

We like the man if we know Christ are healed and he asks us to go and tell people what he did for us. We have eternal life and are no longer dead. We came to the cross and got Jesus or did we? Do you have a relationship or did you just get religion and fire insurance. If you have Christ feed your soul and obey his command like this man did in Mark 5 go tell people what he did for YOU!

I know for me personally there is a desire in my soul and heart that is only quenched by time with God and obedience to God. At times it makes me do crazy things to the worlds standards, it causes me pain in the world, but man when I obey it the satisfaction I receive is out of this world. It also makes me hungry for more, we truly do not eat by bread alone.

If you and Christ have a relationship this same hunger and thrust is in you. Listen to your soul, feed your soul, go tell others what Christ did for you. Rest in the assurance that all this world can do is take your life, but not your soul. Honestly once we lose our life, it has really only begun. We have nothing to fear so be bold today.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Friends with......

Tuesday night as our college ministry dwindled down and only a few remained to chat and seek advice. Sam pointed out that todays Christians treat Christ, like the culture treats dating. What do i mean by that? Well the concept friends with benefits ring a bell. In todays culture our young people have friends they call up when they need sexually fulfilled. There is no relationship, no conversations, no real meaning. Just a a hook up for some physical pleasure.
As I though about that I realized he is exactly right. Many of us who call ourselves "Christians" treat Christ the very same. We have no relationship with him, we don't spend time with him or in the word, and we sure don't talk to him or about him to others until we need something. When the bottom falls out or we want to something the first thing we do is get on our knees. Once we have what we wanted, we either go back to ignoring him or get angry if we didn't get our way.
When you look at it this way we realize how selfish and self centered we really are and why Christ told us to pick up our cross we must deny OURSELVES. Life is full of letdowns and there is not always a bow on the ending, but life is always full of hope and promises, this is what the Cross teaches us. These two things at times can walk hand in hand.
So as you look at you relationship with Christ today. Are you working on it, cherishing it, and making it a priority or is Christ to you just another friend with benefits?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Surrendered

As I read Proverbs 9:10 today I am remind to stay humble and surrendered. Man I struggle with this at times. I get so sure of myself and my abilities. As I get stuck on myself, it usually leads to a accident. My prayer today for myself and others in the church is that we will live out this verse. Proverbs 9:10 "Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment."
Lord keep is in proper respect, awe, amazement, surrender, humility, and fear of who you are and how you lead, guide, provide, and protect us. It may not always work out the way we want, but his plan always works out better than my plan.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Reflection on Colossians 3

Paul is encouraging them and letting them know he is praying for them. He is overjoyed that they have been freed from bondage of the world and sin. A bulk of this passage is encouraging them to cast away their former selves and all that attached to that. This leads us to believe this was a struggle for this church, mixing things of this world with things of God. Wow does that not describe America. If we do not cast off the world and cloth ourselves with things of God how will we survive? We won’t. We need to let the peace of God dwell in us and we need to dwell on his words. Letting It teach us and admonish each of us and each other. He finishes off by encouraging us to sing praise to him for all he is doing. Are we casting off our old selves? Do we really believe we are a new creation in Christ? Or are we trying  to walk that fence and continue to live in the world and serve God. We can't serve to masters, who are you serving today yourself or God?

Monday, February 6, 2012

God's plan

I spent 5 years working as an electrician, I never imagined how much that would comeback later in life as a tool and hobby. I love the fact that a simple task I learned out of high school I can use today to help people, unwind, help friends, start conversations, and better understand the working man.
I love when ministry is stressful and crazy to spend a couple of quiet hours as an electrician. Who would have thought wiring can lights would be therapy some day. God send us on journeys in life, don't be afraid to jump out and start one. When following God's plan you never knowhow he might later use a gift he gave you earlier in your life.

Friday, February 3, 2012

God's funny way of slowing us down

I have been running at full speed for about a month now. Not sleeping much and running myself ragged. Yesterday my wife and 3 kids went down with the flu. At first I was frustrated, but it turned into a beautiful day. It was an amazing day of learning. I was taught patience, mercy, grace, and peace all day.  Best of all I spent a whole day with my kids and wife. It is neat what God uses to grab our attention. I am so thankful I have been in prayer and the word and realized the joys and simplicity of this day. In the past I would have been a grouch and frustrated. Lord thanks for slowing me down and letting me appreciate the joys of a storm.