Deuteronomy 8:2 12/25/2018*

^“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.”

An often-quoted verses regarding Israel’s time in the wilderness is Numbers 32:13 “The LORD's anger burned against Israel and he made them wander in the wilderness for forty years”.

To us the word “wander” implies being lost, but that was not the case for Israel.  This verse in Deuteronomy states that God was leading them during that time.

Israel was suffering the consequences of their iniquity. They were enduring the penalties for their sin…. but they were not abandoned, and they were not alone. God was leading them every step of the way.

At times during the Christmas holidays, we can feel alone.  Our failures seem to be highlighted. When we have time to reflect, the consequences of our sin appear magnified.

As others celebrate, it is easy to fall into sadness and depression thinking our failures have ruined relationships and circumstances beyond repair.

But while sin causes hurt, God does not waste pain. And while at times we feel lost, God is still leading our journey and there is purpose in the struggle.

The nation of Israel felt lost and hopeless, but God stilled loved them.  He led them, met their needs, and protected them as their hearts were being tested and strengthened.

If you are “wandering” during this season take comfort in the fact that God is with you…There is still a plan and you are still part of it.

Humble yourself and examine your heart. Keep his commands and know that there is a purpose in the pain.

Cling to the fact that nothing can diminish the bond you have with your Heavenly Father and find peace in knowing you are not lost…He is with you, and He is leading you through the wilderness.

“Sometimes life takes you into a dark place where you feel it's impossible to breathe. You think you've been buried, but don't give up, because the truth is, you've actually been planted.”
― Karen Gibbs

Luke 19:10 12/18/2018*

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Jingle bells, hot chocolate, and snowmen are a great part of the holiday season… but this verse details the actual meaning of Christmas.

Jesus wasn’t sent to improve your life. He didn’t come to advance your situation, or to give you techniques to develop your career.

He came on a rescue mission. To seek and to save you … and the reason you needed seeking and saving is because you were lost. Not just a little confused or off course…you were utterly and completely lost.

So, God sent a solution. He sent a Savior. Jesus isn’t an addition to your life, He is your Redeemer.  He has completely altered your identity and destination and that is the true message of Christmas.

You were imprisoned and in great danger. You were in a hopeless situation that was unsolvable with your own strength.  And on a Holy night 2000 years ago a mission was launched to rescue you.

A child was born who would grow up and die for you.  Not to make you better, but to make you new....a clean slate with “paid in full” stamped on your old ledger. To give you a Redeemed life with a new direction and purpose.

If you are just looking to improve your situation by adding things to your life, then watch the shopping network, and infomercials.  But if you have realized that you need a Savior. If it has dawned on you that you need to be reborn and made new.  Then fall to your knees and thank God for Christmas.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” …and you and I were lost… but Christmas morning He came to find us, pay our debt, and set us free.

“The heart of the gospel is redemption, and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. “- Charles Spurgeon

2 Corinthians 9:7 12/11/2018*

“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.”

God doesn’t need your money. 

When it comes to giving, it is you that has a need… There is a freedom in joyful giving that God loves to see in His children.

“Generosity” is a lifestyle that produces happiness for both the recipient and the contributor.

When our kids were young, we had a fun Christmas tradition. We would give them an envelope of cash entitled “Nacho” money. They would pray about it… and give it away.  

Maybe to a church, a ministry, a friend, someone on the street…it didn’t matter, whatever the Spirit of God put on their heart to do with the money…that is what they did.

They loved it…it taught them to be cheerful givers and helped them realize that through generosity they received more than they gave. 

If you haven’t learned yet that all of it is “Nacho” money… that none of it really belongs to you…then you are missing a great joy in life.

This Christmas focus on giving instead of getting.  Create special, individualized gifts for people in your life.  Put love and forethought into the process creating something that really illustrates your love for them. 

Consider all the organizations, people, churches, and groups that you want to bless with extravagant monetary gifts and do that as well.

When January arrives…just keep going. Support your church. Support your friends. Make it your life business to find those in need and help them.

God loves a cheerful giver and your joy will increase exponentially if you discover the freedom found in joyful generosity. 

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” -  Anne Frank

Isaiah 43:1-2 12/4/2018*

 “…I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…”

Loneliness and unhappiness can be a heavy load to bear.  Feeling like you are all alone can at times feel suffocating.

The world can isolate you…its harsh judgments and cold neglect can take away any feeling of self-worth, and the enemy will attack and lead you to a place of fear and hopelessness.

But that place is a lie.

God has no desire for you to be alone and the bible is the story of what He has done to reunite you to Himself.  Christmas, the Cross, the Resurrection…all combine for the sole purpose of restoring the fellowship He desires to have with you.

The truth is you are God’s chosen…He adores you.  He specifically called you by your name. There is no greater value than to be treasured by God.

The enemy’s greatest fear is that you will realize this and use the strength that is rooted in that truth.  Your royalty is your strength. If you can remember God’s adoration for you it will fill you will joy and confidence and direct your vision outward. 

God didn’t issue a general call…He didn’t summon a group. He sent you a private invitation…. He called you by your name… He loves you and cherishes time with you…God enjoys your company and longs to throw His arms around you and shower you with the love of a Father for His child.

Nothing you face today can change that. You are His, and whatever you go through today He will go through it with you … you are not alone.

Rest in that. Take His hand and set out today to rescue others who have believed the lie.  The truth in this verse is clear …you belong to God.

“He is a faithful friend – a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

-      Dwight L. Moody

1 Thessalonians 5:18 11/27/2018*

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

In this age of drama and self-centeredness, as the world falls to the ground in the fetal position when they don’t get their way --- is the church any different?

We Christians have become very good at righteous indignation but seem to have forgotten thankfulness and contentment.  We have drifted away from optimism and appreciation and moved toward being critical and pessimistic.

So, here’s the problem with that – this verse emphatically says it is God’s will that we be thankful…not dramatic…not incensed…not offended…but thankful. - If you asked ten people to describe the church in one word, how many do you suppose would say “thankful”?

We often say we are searching for the “will of God” as we face certain circumstances …this says it is God’s will for you be thankful in “all” circumstances …search is over.

OK, so how do I do that?  When things go opposite of what I want…do I just paste an ignorant smile on my face and say thank you? Am I, as a Christian, supposed to appear unaware of what is happening?... of course not.

Your thankfulness is a byproduct of being informed of the truth not being ignorant of it. You are thankful because you know something the world doesn’t know.

The key is the last three words in the verse… “in Christ Jesus”. These three words change everything.  Because of Christ Jesus and what He did on the cross… you are assured of two truths: 

 1.   He has demonstrated He is powerful enough to deliver you.
2.  He has proven He loves you, and how far he will go to redeem you.

“In Christ Jesus” gives you a concrete reason for thankfulness and confidence in all circumstances.

No matter what you face today, God is not pacing the floor… He has not lost control, and He will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

That is a non-negotiable promise, and that is something to be grateful for….

Take a breath…be thankful, it will make people wonder what you know, that they don’t… And when they ask you, be prepared to tell them. It may be that your circumstance will be used to bring one more soul to Heaven.

“If there was ever a secret for unleashing God’s powerful peace in a situation, it’s developing a heart of true thanksgiving.”
 –Lysa Terkeurst

Psalms 73: 2-3 11/20/2018*

“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”

Even David, a man after God’s own heart, can get distracted by the inequities of life.

Have you ever seen people suffer, and questioned God for allowing it? Have there been times that the wicked appeared to win, and you have wondered why? 

David almost lost his footing from this...  He almost forgot who God was because he didn’t understand what God did… He was consumed with the question of why God allowed what appeared to be injustice.

…. at this point in the blog I am supposed to explain everything with some clever saying our illustration…. but I can’t … because I don’t know why either… and I, like David, can stumble from it.  

This attack from the enemy is not something new, it started back in the garden… the first sin occurred when satan convinced Adam and Eve to question who God is, because they didn’t understand what He did, and we’ve been falling for the same ploy ever since.

I used to believe that when I got to heaven and finally saw the complete picture that I would say “Okay…I get it now God. You were right.” But I don’t believe that anymore… Instead I think it will stand silent … as it will be so apparent that God is perfect that I will be embarrassed that I ever questioned Him. It is a risky practice to call the Supreme God to the bar of human reason. 

So instead of focusing on what I don’t know of God I will focus on what I do know.  I know He loves me… He has proven it time and time again… 

So, I will meditate on that.

Like David at the end of this psalm, when I am confused I will say … “you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?” (Psalm 73:25)

I don’t fully understand the power of the Sun, yet I still bask in its warmth…In the same way, when I don’t understand God’s plan, I will remember He is holding my hand, and I will rest in His amazing grace and love for me… that is a foothold I will never lose.

“God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.”
- Charles Spurgeon

Isaiah 29:13 11/13/2018*

The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.

When is the last time you really spent time in worship?

God sees the heart, and He is not satisfied with a shallow, mechanical relationship with His children.

From the Old to the New Testament - everything God has done, was done so He could have fellowship with us.

It took a detailed plan, massive sacrifice, and loving patience to get us here…and He did it all, so we could be with Him.

Human history is the story of God’s plan to truly love us, by giving us a choice - and then restoring fellowship between a perfect God and His imperfect children when we fell …  this amazing feat is documented from Genesis to Revelation

Yet we cling to “human rules” and go to church to check the box…. during the worship music we think about where we are going to lunch - and drift off during the sermon wondering about our afternoon plans.  During the week we habitually complete our “quiet times” and say a quick prayer before we head out to handle the "important things" of life.

That was not the reason for the Cross. 

God has no desire to be part of your routine. He is not impressed with your church attendance record, or even your journaling…He wants your heart…He bought and paid for it.

The Gospel is about companionship.  It is the story of the massive price tag paid for your relationship with God.

Don’t allow your good habits and routines to interfere with the greatness of a relationship to a Loving Father who longs to spend time with you.

You are His child…go into the Throne Room, crawl into your daddy’s lap and let the King hold you while you rest - and let your heart cherish being with Him.

…. That is, and always has been the plan.

“Treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have.”
-  Dwight L. Moody

Philippians 1: 27 11/6/2018*

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."

I don’t have a fish sticker on my car…. It is not because I am ashamed of the Gospel. It is because I am ashamed of my representation of the gospel when I am behind the wheel.

This verse says to conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, but what does that mean? …how can I live worthy of the greatest message ever given to mankind?

We have been told to be perfect as He is perfect … but the entire reason for the Gospel or the “Good News” is that, even though I fail …I have achieved perfection through His holiness.

So, what does it mean to live a life worthy of that message?

It means I honor God’s holiness by never lowering the bar - but humbly forgive myself and others when we miss it.

It means I don’t water down the message, but I extend grace to myself and others when we fail.

I means I call sin, sin and walk in obedience -- not to exalt myself --- but to glorify God and help others. 

The Gospel would not be necessary if I could live flawlessly… but my perfection must be found in the blood of Jesus on the Cross.

So, a life worthy of that message is a life of gratitude and determination to please God…and a heart full of compassion for those not yet delivered from the darkness that once ruled me.

Need a goal today?  Walk in a manner worthy of the news that God has made you perfect.  Walk as a convicted sinner who has been pardoned… and be prepared to offer that same pardon to everyone you meet. 

That is the Gospel…and it changes everything.

“The wisdom of God, devised a way for the love of God, to deliver sinners from the wrath of God, while not compromising the righteousness of God.”
― John Piper

Exodus 36:6-7 10/30/2018*

^“Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.”

When is the last time your church issued a restraining order to stop you from giving? …

The Israelites were so excited about the Sanctuary that Moses had to tell them to stop giving to the building fund. That seems to be very different than the “marketing campaigns” run by many churches today. 

Why is that?

No doubt there are some churches with greedy leaders that simply always want more…but much of the problem is that we, the members, have become complacent and always want to give less. 

What would happen if we changed our focus and became so enthusiastic about the work of the Kingdom that we had to be restrained from giving our money, our energy, and our time? 

If we were as excited about the sanctuary as Moses’ congregation was what would the church look like today? 

The children’s ministry would have to ask people to stop volunteering to work the nursery. We would have to partner with retirement homes to find enough widows for all those who wanted care for them. And the need for pledge drives and building campaigns would disappear.

In other words, the Church would look like it was intended to look…a giving, growing, vibrant organization that blesses those around it with the gospel.

So, you have two choices…

1.  You can complain that the leadership in your church is too greedy, and that others don’t give enough…. or…

2.  You can give and serve…. let God use your resources to further His Kingdom

This Sunday when you go to church, don’t go to be catered to, or to be entertained. 

This Sunday go on a recon mission and find what needs to be done at your church. What area needs funds to grow, what department needs volunteers? … How can you help?

Find a need that you have the ability to fill. Then take care of it…and do it big. Try to out give God…you can’t … but you will be blessed for trying. 

Since spreading the Gospel is the mission of the church, there is nothing more worthy of your effort and investment.

"You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving."

- Amy Carmichael

Matthew 15:14 10/23/2018*

“Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Jesus is referring to the religious leaders of the day who spoke of righteousness yet walked in sin.  He called them blind guides because their sin had blocked their vision and led them into dangerous areas… what about you?... Has your spiritual vision led you into, or out of sin?

We love to talk about grace, but what about repentance and obedience? 

If you encourage repentance to someone controlled by sin, they will not only disagree with you, they won’t even understand what your saying.  They are slaves to sin…it’s not that they don’t agree…they don’t see it. They are blind to their own condition.

Sin is darkness.  It disguises itself as freedom as it slips the chains of slavery onto its prisoner… if you doubt that look around.

We are surrounded by people publicly celebrating their liberty, while privately living the hellish torment of addiction and despair. Openly professing freedom, while secretly living in bondage.

Suggesting repentance of sin may be offensive to some, but it is the only redemption available to those living in chains.  Preaching repentance, is preaching grace.

Grace is what brings light to your darkness - it is what breaks the chains of sin and allows you to walk away.

Don’t just talk about grace, use it … How foolish would it be to sit locked in a dungeon with the key in your pocket? ... Use grace to leave your dark prison cell and walk in the light of forgiveness and freedom.

God’s grace is not just to make you feel better…it is to clear your vision, change your life, and set you free.

“Sin is to the mind; what Fog is to the highway” - Charles Stanley