Philippians 2:4 4/28/2020*

“not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. “

It is tempting to skip over this phrase as “church language” but before we do, we should consider that Paul wrote it in a Roman prison facing the death penalty.

He is modeling what he is writing by ignoring his own needs and meeting the needs of those he loved in Philippi.

While incarcerated, he writes to thank, instruct, and encourage his friends. He does not argue for his release, he doesn’t beg them to help him… in fact he does the opposite -  He says, “…what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).

How frustrating it must be for the enemy that Paul has such faith that he is unshaken by attacks and sees God’s response in every situation.

What about you?...What are you doing during your confinement? Are you meeting the needs of others - or are you focused on your own suffering?

Your response will be the difference between being a victim - or being victorious.

In 1675 the famous puritan preacher John Bunyan was arrested for preaching without a license. He spent six months in prison during which time he wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the most famous books ever written. It has positively impacted the walk of Christians all over the world. If you have not read it you should. When imprisoned, Bunyan did not waste time in self-pity he went to work for God.

My point is – we are all suffering – but what are we producing?  Are we taking the battle to the enemy like the Apostle Paul, and John Bunyan did?...or are we grumbling about our misfortune.

Let’s frustrate the enemies plans, by flooding the world with love and good deeds…fulfilling the needs of others and glorifying God with an attitude that circumstances cannot affect.

Let me challenge you this morning to saddle up…Put on the armor of God and find someone to help today…spend your energy serving others – Trust God, and I assure you He will make you more than a conqueror during this challenging trial.  

"I have been away from my writing too long. Maybe this is not so much a prison as an office from which I can reach the world with Christ’s message."  - John Bunyan

Matthew 6:11 4/21/2020*

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

Most of us recognize these words as part of “The Lord’s Prayer” and have recited them numerous times prior to athletic events.

But what exactly do they mean?...

Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray…and this verse makes up about 10% of the instructions…so it is important.

Jesus is not teaching words for us to mimic – He is teaching us an attitude to live by. A few verses later, He says, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

So, by instructing us to only ask for today’s provisions - and only concentrate on today’s problems - He is doubling down on a lifestyle that concentrates on right now.

You are not called to dwell in the past - or worry about the future…just deal with what is in front of you.

Great athletes know you must approach competitions one play, one shot, or one step at a time…. Worrying about the clock, or Constantly checking the score board will just distract you.

The same is true in life. When you feel like your falling behind - and running out of time it is easy to succumb to anxiety. Your imagination takes off and you find yourself dealing with future problems that do not exist yet. The mountains begin to look bigger and bigger – and you begin to question how you will endure.

God says don’t do that…He knows it is hard to hang on for a year…or a month …or even a week. But you can make it one day. So, He says - do that – Get through today – then rest - and in the morning and I will give you what you need again.

Meet with him often during the day. A no-huddle offense can be effective in football, but it is a disaster in life. You need time each morning with God. You need instruction and assurance. You need to huddle up with the Lord. Trust Him – Wait on Him – use the strength he provides in the moment. 

Prayer is the most powerful force on the planet. So, hit your knees, receive your provisions for today… stop worrying about tomorrow and fight the battle at hand.

“Forever is composed of nows.”
― Emily Dickinson

Proverbs 17:22 4/14/2020*

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

This is not superstition - it is a biblical and medical fact.

Research confirms that optimism influences healthiness. Studies show that cheerful people appear to have better cardiovascular health - and optimism (as measured by the Optimism-Pessimism scale of the MMPI) can improve recovery rates in medical patients by nearly 20%.

Science validates what God said nearly 3,000 years ago in Proverbs... That our attitude impacts our well-being.

Our culture likes to reverse that… we use circumstances as an excuse for our bad attitudes - but this verse indicates that our attitude may be contributing to our difficult circumstances.

Each of us have struggles in our lives. Some more than others - but we all have problems. Conversely, we all have a list of things for which we can be thankful… Choose today to focus on that list.

On good Friday I decided to spend some time only thanking God for all He has done for me. I am embarrassed to say that it was difficult to pray without falling back into the usual routine of listing my requests. But I restricted myself to giving thanks only - and I cannot tell you how powerful it was.

I was amazed at the things that flooded my mind – the answered prayers I had missed – remembering the storms God has carried me through - the amazing people God has placed in my life.

I was shocked by how much of my prayer life has been spent telling God what I want Him to do next …and what little time I have spent asking for guidance and thanking Him for His blessings.

Scripture says the “Joy of the Lord is our strength’ - and instructs us to “rejoice in the Lord always” …That doesn’t mean we are ignorant of problems - it just means we won’t allow them to rule us.

Let me challenge you today to spend some time in prayer dedicated only to giving thanks.  Spend the day cheerfully acknowledging God’s gracious love for you.

Choose to have a cheerful heart based on the faith you have in your Heavenly Father.  It is great medicine - with no harmful side effects.

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” —Helen Keller

Matthew 7:24-27 4/7/2020*

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

The storm has landed. How’s your house doing?

Gale-force winds are testing the stability of your construction, and according to Christ, the strength of your house is based on the foundation.

Whether or not you have heard the words of Jesus is not the question …. what you say you believe isn’t the issue….it apparently boils down to “Obedience”. Jesus said that is the bedrock of our faith - yet most of us don’t like to talk about it.

Jesus is not teaching “works” salvation - He is talking about faith. What you “do” is dictated by what you “believe”.  …. So, if this storm is producing cracks, examine your obedience, because it is the thermometer of your faith.

Maybe your obedience has been misdirected to idols… Perhaps during this storm, you are realizing that money lied about its power…. or you are recognizing that self-centeredness is not an effective strategy.

The false gods that make promises in the sunshine - fail in the dark storm - so check their validity.  Because no matter how impressive the structure is – if the foundation crumbles it’s worthless.

The good news is you can rebuild.  Don’t waste this pain.  This can make you stronger… grow from it. If your life is unstable tear it down, abandon the old foundation and build on one that will withstand the assault.

You need to have iceberg faith. 90% of an iceberg is underwater…but it is that unseen foundation that allows it to destroy anything that comes against it. Your “house” needs to be built the same way.

Have a faith that impacts what you do, and who you are…According to Jesus, that is the game changer when you face a storm.  When (not if) the rain comes - that alone will determine whether or not you stand.

 “Obedience is the fruit of faith.” - Christina Rossetti