Proverbs 6:6-8 7/28/2020*

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

Self-discipline seems to be disappearing. Our culture is becoming entitled and less willing to work. That attitude is not supported in scripture. If you believe that life is supposed to be easy, or that the world owes you something – then you and the bible disagree.

Scripture says we are to be responsible for ourselves and others. We are meant to work. Daily doing things that will produce a harvest not waiting for someone else to take care of us.

That may not seem compassionate, but there is a difference in being compassionate and enabling…Compassion for others is helpful. Enabling laziness is debilitating and destructive.

But don’t worry about applying this verse to others - because God wrote it to you.  You need to be disciplined. Like the Ant, you need a game plan and a way to implement it… starting today.

Working at the office… working remotely…or looking for a job…You need structure and routine.  Get up early and meet with God – turn off all distractions and focus…don’t wait for others to lead you…lead yourself. 

Discipline is taking small steps that lead to great destinations and it is life changing…The greatest athletes are the most disciplined. Successful entrepreneurs thrive on discipline.  Effective fathers and husbands are those who discipline themselves to the task. 

You will never be excellent by accident.

It may not seem like it, but the kindest thing I can say to you is stop wasting time wishing for things, and discipline yourself to achieve them. 

There are no short cuts. A mansion is built one brick at a time, so put a brick in place today…and tomorrow place another one. Never tolerate self-pity… no one can steal your discipline, so use it to build your dreams. 

Write down specific goals in every area of your life… layout steps needed to achieve those goals…then every day, take those steps.  

If you are not disciplined enough to commit to a year…commit to a day…and tomorrow you can commit again. 

“The best DO sweat the small stuff. They get the seemingly insignificant details right. They have the discipline to focus on the small things which gives birth to spectacular giant things.” -  Robin S. S

Matthew 22:29 7/21/2020*

“Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”"

This was the answer given by Jesus when the Sadducees tried to trap Him with a question about Heaven… the answer applies to us as well.

When we are in error it is usually because: We either do not know scripture – or we do not grasp the power of God.

Both problems occur because, like the Sadducees, we don’t want to know the truth. We are more inclined to change the truth to fit our lives – than our lives to fit the truth.

Real unmovable truth is found in scripture. Yet we seldom look there… We are well versed on the stock market – political scandals – the latest on Covid – but we do not know scripture because we do not make it a priority.

If you doubt this, consider whether you are more likely to go a day without social media - or a day without the Word of God? Do you live like you believe “All scripture is God breathed”? (2nd Timothy 3) ... or do you “cherry pick” verses that don’t offend or inconvenience you by demanding change?

Jesus said basically the Sadducees were in error because when it came to scripture - they didn’t know what they were talking about…. Do we? 

What inaccuracies exist in our lives because we don’t spend time studying the Word of God? How can we be too busy to read instructions written by the Creator? Our lack of knowledge is a fatal flaw.

The Sadducees second problem was that they had forgotten Who they were dealing with… they had underestimated the power of God.

There is no box big enough to contain God. …. When we try to put Him in one - we make inaccurate assumptions about Who God is - and what He can do. This leads to anxiety and poor decisions.

Decide to treat scripture as the most important information you will receive today - and make disciplined study a non-negotiable priority…Be cognizant of the fact that the One who wrote it is unfathomably powerful.

Understanding Scripture - and recognizing the power of God…Neglecting either of these will lead to a life of error.

“We were given the Scriptures to humble us into realizing that God is right, and the rest of us are just guessing.”
― Rich Mullins

1 Peter 4:8 7/14/2020*

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Sometimes we make this harder than it has to be…This doesn’t say agree with everyone.  It doesn’t say make sure everyone thinks like you think…it says love each other.

In fact, it acknowledges that people will make mistakes, even sin…and yet love covers them. 

When Julie and I were preparing for our wedding Tommy Nelson made a statement that stuck in my mind. He said when he counsels couples with problems he can tell immediately how difficult it will be to reconcile.

If there is a hardness - like metal on metal – things will be challenging. But if there is softness - like rabbit fur hitting rabbit fur – almost anything can be worked out.

Our society has become metal on metal – any little bump creates a permanent dent.  Any collision of concepts wrecks relationships.  We hold our political affiliations like battle flags…We wear our beliefs like game jerseys and if yours is different than mine you are the enemy.  We have completely abandoned the concept of biblical love.

This verse says there is something stronger than political convictions. There is something more important than our feelings…This verse says ABOVE ALL – love each other. 

And it’s not referring to a shallow “I love him, but I don’t like him” kind of love….it says to love each other deeply…And then it tells you why – because love is the rabbit fur of relationships.

It prevents permanent dents and scratches…It allows for differences without division. It prevents a sin from permanently separating people…. How can we as Christians not be different than the rest of the world in this?

Jesus knew the rich young ruler would walk away from Him in disagreement – but loved Him anyway. He didn’t lower the bar of holiness – He didn’t redefine sin to make him comfortable… they never agreed - but Jesus still loved him.

We are to do the same… love each other deeply.  

The most powerful force on the planet is at your disposal. You have been commanded to direct that force generously at each other…If you do this it will change your life, and our society. 

It may not change people’s votes…but it could change their eternity.  

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”  - Jesus

Proverbs 24:16 7/7/2020*

“For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times.”

Theology matters.

Righteousness is not about never making mistakes. It is not about living a pristine life. According to this verse it is about tenacity…And that is where theology comes into play. 

If you read the bible as a self-help book to make yourself “better” - you have missed the point. There is no “better” – there is only dead in your sin or redeemed.

Everything in the bible points to the fact that we are not capable of righteousness on our own....  Everything in our arrogant hearts tells us that we are … Either you heart, or your bible is wrong…you need to decide.

Does God love you because you are good… or do you strive for goodness because God loves you?...One path leads to frustration and the other leads to victory and redemption.

Jesus died to make you holy…If there was any other way God would not have paid that price.

That was the only solution because we had all have fallen “short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Because “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ ...” (Romans 6:23)

If you try to earn salvation you will fall short and in frustration, blame God, and become angry.  However, if you accept the gift God offers - you will be given a righteousness that is indestructible.

This gift is what allows you to fall down over and over … and get up and keep going. This amazing grace makes you new each morning. There is no scale of justice…there is no keeping score…there is only mercy.

That is the gospel – The good news is you can be completely holy.  Through the blood of Jesus, you can be unbreakable.

So, do you want to be relentless? –Then get good theology….

Turn from your sin…Surrender to Christ, accept His holiness, and follow Him. Stop polluting your deliverance with self-centered hypocrisy and free yourself to love as you have been loved.

Then and only then, will you be a righteous man who is unstoppable.

“The saints shall persevere in holiness, because God perseveres in grace.” ― Charles H. Spurgeon

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