2 Corinthians 8:2 6/30/2020*

“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”

Read that verse again…Does that make sense to you?

Paul is describing the Church at Macedonia which had been decimated by three civil wars, persecuted by the Jews, and existed in dismal poverty. When this church got squeezed …. Joy and generosity came out.

What comes out of you when you are put under pressure?

I’ve been watching a series on TV called “Alone”. Ten people are dropped off by themselves into the wilderness and the last one to “tap out” wins the game. I have noticed that one of the most important determining factors is a good attitude.  A positive outlook is not developed in the wilderness, but it is revealed there. What is inside comes out when tested.  

Like the contestants on “Alone” we all think we have endurance – but it is not endurance until you are exhausted …Stamina is not stamina until you want to quit…So, as you grow weary what is overflowing out of your life?

As we collectively endure the current trials, it is a good opportunity to examine your response to hard times. If you do not like what is coming out of you - change what you have been putting in... 

Confidence in a loving Father gives you the ability to choose - joy, and generosity.  If that is what you desire – then fill your heart with Faith.  Draw close to God and drink in His word. Spend time in prayer, meditating on His promises. Change what goes into your heart, and it will change what comes out of your mouth.

Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with truth – and it will change your attitude. What the enemy has intended to harm you will instead produce strength and joy…what causes anxiety in others will not disturb the peace of God which sustains you.

Unlike the participants on the show, you are not alone.  Choose to focus on that fact and it will provide strength that is internal, and unwavering. 

When put under pressure – a heart filled with the Spirit of God will overflow with joy and generosity– which will make your response to difficulties a beautiful thing that attracts others to your source of strength.

“Your problem isn’t the problem, it’s your attitude about the problem.” - Ann Brashares

Mark 6:30-31 6/23/2020*

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

When is the last time you took Jesus up on this invitation?

The disciples had just returned from missionary journeys and they were telling Jesus all about it.  But people were crowding in and Jesus recognized that His guys were tired.

He didn’t say “suck it up and keep pushing” …He said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

It did not matter that the disciples were doing important work - or that Jesus knew that time was running out… Christ saw their need and chose to meet it by spending time with them.

What has you so busy today that you can’t be alone with Jesus?  What are you doing FOR Him that is preventing you from being WITH Him? 

You might need to re-evaluate what is essential. You might be allowing the urgent to overshadow the important…and that can be a costly mistake.

Jesus is not worried about the unfinished projects in your life. If you need more time He has already demonstrated that he can add hours to your day (Joshua 10) so your desperation is unnecessary.

He loves you…He sees your exhaustion and His response is “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” …

So, what are you waiting for? … turn off your phone for a few minutes...you will survive… and it will allow you step off the treadmill and relax in His tranquility.

Why would we ignore such a beautiful invitation? Nothing will impact your day like isolated time in a quiet place studying His Word and praying.  If you have been too busy lately…go with Him now to a quiet place and rest.

It is bewildering that we would prefer to franticly peddle - than meet with the one who will allow us to mount up with wings as eagles.

Take a breath…Wait on the Lord …. He has this. 

“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
― Martin Luther

Matthew 28:19-20 6/16/2020*

^“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” 

After the resurrection, as Jesus prepared to ascend into Heaven - He gave us marching orders… “Go and make disciples.”

It seems we have altered the orders and have become satisfied to stay and judge, instead of going and making. 

In football terms, Jesus’ says to play offense.  His directive has four parts - go, make, baptize, teach…These are all verbs calling for action to gain ground for the Kingdom of God.

First - “go” … find the lost…not lure them to church. Do not stay where you are comfortable - launch a rescue mission and go and get them.

Second - He says make disciples – Not win arguments…not embarrass them for not knowing the truth – love them onto the team - make them followers…and teach them how to live like Jesus.

Third “baptize” – baptism symbolizes death and rebirth…There is no hint of self-help here…Jesus did not say “go help them improve”…He said, go make them aware of their inability to be righteous - and allow the Holy Spirit to redeem them and make them new creations.

Finally, He says - teach them to obey my commands. He did not say make them comfortable in their sin…or find loopholes in scripture so it is acceptable to the culture…” He said, “Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” These are not suggestions and the offer is non-negotiable. The truth is all we have to offer.

The great commission was not a sales pitch…It was a directive from the Creator of the Universe to move forward… Do not misunderstand…defense is important – we abstain from sin, we resist temptation, we avoid unholiness…but our orders are to advance.

Re-evaluate your plan today.  Are you advancing…or are you just trying not to lose?  God says nothing can separate us from His love. Our salvation is sealed by His blood – no need to play prevent defense - so play to win.

Find the lost, love them, convert them, baptize them, and teach them. Have no fear – run to the battle and change the world for the better. - Go!

“Making disciples of Jesus is the overflow of the delight in being disciples of Jesus.” ― David Platt

Jonah 2:8 6/9/2020*

“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.”

The first commandment says “…have no other gods before Me.” That means that nothing should impact my life more than Christ. Nothing should have more influence on my temperament or my opinion - than my relationship with God.

If something does – I have an idol – and Idols distract me from God’s love.

Like many of you - I have been upset lately. There has been a sadness that is understandable with all the sickness, violence, and anger around us - but there was something else…an anxiety that was oppressive…a feeling of hopelessness.

In that situation I should turn to God… but I did not.  I turned from God to an Idol…or maybe I should call it an I-dol.  My phone.

When I was anxious I searched social media. When worried I checked the news sites.  I was constantly reading opinions and viewpoints as though they had power. I was scrolling through a worthless idol unsuccessfully searching for tranquility.

So, I stopped. 

I spent a day away from social media and news.  When I felt anxious - I searched God’s Word - not Facebook. When I was sad I went to my knees - not twitter.

The change was immediate. The oppressiveness lifted, and the power of prayer became my weapon. It transformed me…I regained my footing and I was able to respond in positive ways instead of being paralyzed by dread.

You should do the same – stay informed …fight illness and evil – love your neighbor - Think for yourself - research -  have compassionate conversations… but when you get fatigued and afraid do not run to an Idol for validation… run to Christ.

Do not cling to anything for stability but your Heavenly Father – If there is an issue too big for God - then allow fear to rule your day…but if not move forward in faith - not hopelessness. 

This is not a political post - nor the place for political responses. This is about idols - and what you run to in times of trouble. If you are adrift in a sea of anxiety and defeatism during these storms - you may have chosen the wrong anchor.

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” – God

Romans 8:1 6/2/2020*

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…”

Read that again…. “No condemnation…”

Do we believe that?...If so, why don’t we live like it?

We tend to marginalize salvation.  We accept the Cross but act as though we still need to win our passage into heaven. As though it is a partial payment to get us close enough to earn it.

There is no “close enough” …You are either dead without Christ - or - you are completely alive in Christ…no middle ground.

So, decide which you are …if you have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior…stand on that.

There is no condemnation, no judgement, no criticism… you have been pronounced innocent and can live in freedom. Any accusation otherwise is a lie that comes from the enemy.  

Jesus told the woman caught in adultery she was not condemned and to go her way and sin no more.  He did not say go your way and be miserable…or go your way and be branded an adulterer…just repent and live in the love and forgiveness purchased for you at Calvary.

He tells us to do the same thing.  Through the Cross, you are perfect in the eyes of the Lord - and if that does not produce joy and freedom in you, then you don’t understand the statement.

No sin can neutralize the power of the blood of God’s only begotten Son, and to believe otherwise robs you of the Joy of the Lord…and that robs you of your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

How can we as Christians walk around in hopelessness? We have been saved. Paul says this world’s “…momentary troubles” pale in comparison to the eternal glory we have been promised. (2 Cor. 4:17)

Are you letting earthly circumstances destroy eternal joy?... Stop minimizing the gift… Everything changed on Easter morning and you should live accordingly.

The world is dark right now. It needs light. If you are in Christ, you have the only true light living inside you.  Shine it into the night. 

Have endurance…love others, Exude joy and faith, and people will be attracted like moths to a flame…when they ask – tell them the truth….you are in Christ… you are blameless, the heavy burden of sin has been removed and you are free…and they can be too.

satan says: “look at your sin”
God says: “look at my Son”
- anonymous

Luke 12: 25 5/26/2020*

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”

That’s a legitimate question… Jesus asked it while He was teaching on anxiety…. Have you thought about it? Have you contemplated what you can and cannot control?

It seems that Jesus is making a connection between anxiety and humility.  The question determines whether or not you have a realistic view of your capabilities.

If you don’t you will waste time worrying about things you don’t control … like Christ’s example, of when you die… That is determined before you are born (Psalms 139) - So no one changes it by worrying.

Consider this question carefully. - If God gave you the option to decide every outcome today - would you take it? ...If you would – then your view of yourself is too big - and your view of God is too small. 

At the end of the day that is definition of anxiety…. It is believing you must control the uncontrollable… If that is your position…then anxiety is the only possible response.

But Humility comes from understanding that God controls all – and it destroys anxiety. It is produced by having a tremendous view of God. It is not thinking badly of yourself, it is just not thinking of yourself at all…. And that is a byproduct of seeing how overwhelmingly powerful God truly is.

Once you see it - you will stop worrying about you - and instead focus on the glory of The Lord.  Suddenly you will trust Romans 8:31 “If God is for us who can be against us?” And when that occurs - anxiety evaporates.

So, think about Jesus’ question…. What do you control?

If there is something bothering you that you control – change it.

If there is something troubling you that you don’t control … talk to God about it - He loves you and can change anything.

Philippians says to worry about nothing and pray about everything ….” And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

You don’t control everything… but God does…. Give it to Him and He will give you a peace so powerful that it will be the death knell of anxiety - and the birth of freedom.

 “Not everything that weighs you down is yours to carry.”
—Anonymous

John 14:15 5/19/2020*

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Jesus spoke these words and they are not difficult to understand.  In the original language they mean… “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Yet many people do their best to interpret them in some other way…any other way!  Desperately trying to secure grace without sanctification. Trying to find a way to twist the words of Christ into fire insurance so they can keep living as their own god.

We love the gospel…the good news that we are redeemed…but we balk at obedience…. nevertheless, redemption is always offered with transformation.

Why would God pay for your sin and not deliver you from its power?  Grace and sanctification are the bookends of salvation.  They identify it as valid and offer assurance to the believer.

If you try to claim grace without sanctification - you end up with license.

If you strive for sanctification without grace - you are involved in legalism.

The definition of salvation requires both…  Which brings us back to our verse - “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

You are saved by grace alone - but saving grace is never alone…It changes you.  Ignoring this truth results in people carrying around chains that were unlocked years ago… and worse, others confidently lost in their religion.

This point was too important for Christ to mince words… He said “it is finished” - he was referring to the rescue mission that freed you from the power of sin.  You are no longer a slave to your old life - you have the ability to resist temptation. You may not be perfect…but you will be different.

Scripture is clear …resist the devil and he will flee from you…Stop sitting in your open prison cell … The cross not only paid for your sin, it freed you from its power. You are pushing a Ferrari…get in, start the engine, and go.

Stop listening to the lie that you must obey your flesh… that body perished, and you have been reborn.  There is nothing sadder than a Prince living like a pauper…put on the armor of God and live like the champion God made you to be!

“Sanctification grows out of faith in Jesus Christ. Remember holiness is a flower, not a root; it is not sanctification that saves, but salvation that sanctifies.” - Charles Spurgeon

Genesis 41:46 5/12/2020*

“Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”

When Joseph was seventeen, God told him that he would someday reign over many people.  This verse says it was thirteen years before any hint of fulfillment of that dream began.

Between God’s promise and it’s fulfillment - things did not look very promising – He was criticized by his family…His brothers planned to kill him but instead sold him into slavery …As a slave he was falsely accused of sexual harassment and imprisoned. 

He endured a decade and a half of misery after God promised he would rule.  Yet, during this time there was no complaining or self-pity from Joseph … He continued to serve God and care for others while in prison – He did not plead his case, seek revenge, or force his own way. Day by day, he faithfully waited on the Lord.

Are you patiently waiting on the Lord?... or are you experiencing a season of fear and anxiety?  Are things not like you hoped they would be? Perhaps you are a slave to a situation - or in prison because of things you have done. Maybe you are suffering because of the dishonesty of others.

If you will choose to wait in faith – God has made a promise to you in Isaiah 40:31 - “…those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Joseph endured over a decade of anguish after God’s promise, and like Joseph you may be suffering right now too…You may be walking and trying not to faint. But keep walking.

Keep putting one foot in front of the other…. because no matter how dark it seems - the time is coming when you will mount up on wings like an eagle if you will just wait on the Lord.

Have faith in God…wait expectantly for His deliverance. And while you wait – grow – trust – study - believe.  Handle what is in front of you today and have confidence in God for tomorrow.

Like Joseph you have no idea how or when God will deliver you – so just focus on the fact that He will….and take the next step.

“God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.” - Andrew Murray

Matthew 6:7 5/5/2020*

“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”

How passionate is your prayer life?

In this verse, Jesus is warning us not to allow our prayers to become religious rituals that we recite so we can check a box. Babbling unemotional phrases does not change anything.

Prayer should be the most intense part of your day. Meeting with God should impact you emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It should be exhausting and rejuvenating at the same time.

Routine prayer is not the objective…Life changing, impassioned communication with God is the goal.

Jesus prayed so deeply He sweat blood; Jacob had a new name and a noticeable limp after wrestling with God.  Moses’ face glowed after meeting with the Lord. How big of an impact has prayer had on you lately?

Maybe your expectations are too low…Perhaps prayer is more powerful than you imagine. Could it be that you are neglecting your most formidable weapon?

When Christ died, the vail separating man from God in the temple was torn in half (Matt. 27:51). His death allowed us unrestricted access to the Father.  The price Jesus willingly paid would indicate the value of communicating directly with God is enormous.

Prayer is the only thing you do that effects real change in areas you otherwise cannot control. Worry alters nothing and ignoring problems does not make them go away. But walking into the Throne Room of God and hitting your knees changes everything.

Let me encourage you to re-evaluate your prayer life. Maybe you should raise the bar.  Quit asking for mundane things… Stop regurgitating monotone phrases…Get serious with God.  Write down your prayers and assess them often. Be passionate and personal with your Father.  Consistently be still and listen…it will change your life.

However, be warned…. if you choose to do this it will be difficult…The enemy will do anything he can to distract you because prayer is the only power you have that he fears.

Fight for it…. You are missing blessings if you are not impacted every time you meet with God. 

Circumstances do not determine the vibrance of your life…time spent with your Father does.

“I know of no better thermometer to your spiritual temperature than this, the measure of the intensity of your prayer.” – Charles Spurgeon

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