Ephesians 4:22-24 12/29/2020*

“… put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” 

This is the time of year we get to start over. 

We usually try to lose weight, be more disciplined, manage our finances, etc.   Those things are important, but what if this year you did something astonishing? 

What if you took God at His word and put on a “new self” – not in temporary surface ways - but through significant eternal changes that would renew your mind and create a real turning point in your life?
 
What if instead of losing weight you lightened your heart with forgiveness and gratitude?
 
Maybe instead of just working out physically you got stronger spiritually by consistently handling the Word of God?

What if instead of managing your earthly wealth you made some eternal investments?

God is all about new beginnings…. That is why He put the New Year right after Christmas – Christmas allows the past to be gone, and the future to be unlimited.
 
So, let’s instigate and promote renewal today –
 
First, think about who you need to forgive?...or someone you need to thank?...Cleanse your heart, and write them a letter.

Second, buy a journal and begin daily tracking your time with God. 

Third, take some money from your next paycheck and enjoy figuring out how you can bless others with it.
 
Be “all in” on this verse…. Flush the old self - and live the new life that Jesus purchased for you at Calvary.  God’s mercies are new every morning…so celebrate every day.
 
Create habits…. Write a letter every week, make journal entries every day, and find a way to give gifts every paycheck.  Move your focus from temporary to eternal targets.
 
2020 was hard but when you hit bottom you have two choices…either splatter or bounce…make 2021 the year you decided to bounce back better than before…Then form some habits that will facilitate that decision.
 
Take God at His word and put on the “new you” every morning. Because of what God did at Christmas …. you really can change.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” - J.P. Morgan

Philippians 1:12 12/22/2020*

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”

Paul is writing to his friends in Philippi explaining difficulties he has been facing.  He is not discussing a bad day at the office…or having his feelings hurt.  He is referring to his arrests, years of captivity, physical beatings, shipwrecks, betrayals, etc.

 
As I read this verse I am embarrassed by what unsettles me… daily I find reasons to be offended and upset…yet Paul sits in a prison and rejoices.

I need that kind of strength - and it comes from perspective. 
Paul says “my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel” …  That is all that matters – everything else is just details.

 
No matter what problem I face today – no matter who is President – no matter how I am treated - no matter what seems out of control for me and those I love …. My King is in power, and His plan should be my focus.

  
The truth is – I have never been in control - so why do I get rattled when that suddenly becomes apparent?

  
God is in control. Nothing surprises Him, and He has promised that all things work together for good if I love Him and am called according to His purpose.

  
He has made that promise to you as well… Rely on it.

Realize that headlines are designed to shock you… Gossip is geared to disturb you …eliminate their power.  Change your point of view. Gaze at the Creator not the created. The power you gain by looking at things from a heavenly perspective cannot be overstated.

  
We are eternal beings who serve an eternal God.  Stop letting temporary circumstances fluster you.

As Paul does, look past the prison bars today and see God’s handiwork in whatever trial you are facing.  Like a butterfly struggling to come out of the cocoon…God is using these temporary battles to strengthen your wings. 

If you will focus on the fact that your momentary trials are generating staggering eternal progress it will dramatically alter your outlook.  

This new attitude will produce Joy and confidence that will soothe you - and your peace will attract others and allow you to point them to the Lord.

 
“Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties.”
 - Charles Spurgeon

Isaiah 26:3 12/15/2020*

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

When is the last time you really felt peaceful?  

We have been told that peace is provided by money, power, popularity, possessions…  The problem is, of course, none of that is true.
 
Only God offers freedom from worry and anxiety… This verse says He offers “perfect peace” …. and that is the only kind of peace there is - If it is not perfect, then it is not peaceful. 

So, we would be fools not to examine this verse and understand what is being offered – What exactly is required to attain “perfect peace”?

Clearly it is not what we have been told… circumstances have nothing to do with peacefulness. What we think about, and where we put our trust are the two ingredients that matter.

So, if you are wondering why your life is not peaceful - write down the top 10 things you think about daily…then put the percentage of time you spend on each one…. There is your answer. 

If you are not trusting God - then you will have a list of 10 little idols that need to be removed from their position of power. They are distracting you with false promises that they cannot deliver. 

Make a new list – Make God number 1 and list all others as 1a, 1b, 1c, etc.  Trusting God means seeking His opinion.  Pursuing His plan. The question in all circumstances is “What is God’s opinion of my job, my stewardship, my family, etc.?” 

In all these matters put your trust in God alone – because He is the only one who has the power to affect outcomes... You do not control the things that bring peace – but God does. 

Take control of your thoughts…. Do not let them control you… Get a notebook and Journal the times God has delivered you from trouble and remember them when you are tempted to worry.
  
Peace is something that happens on purpose, it is never found by accident.
 
God has promised He will keep you peaceful if you will keep your mind on Him… While the world panics around you …take God at His Word and see what happens.
 
“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself…  because it is not there. There is no such thing.” -  C. S. Lewis

Jeremiah 7:9-10 12/08/2020*

"Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, “We are safe”—safe to do all these detestable things?” 

In the beginning God created us in His own image and we have been returning the favor ever since. Instead of changing our lives to fit His Word, we have changed His Word to fit our lives. 

We use scripture to support our beliefs instead of allowing it to shape what we believe.  This does not go unnoticed by God - and this verse reveals His opinion of our hypocrisy.

Do we really think we can manipulate God by going to church on Sunday and then living like atheist for the rest of the week?  This passage says otherwise, and you have the option today to make a change.

 
Christmas is when we reflect on the decision God made to break His own heart - to save us.  We have earned punishment and instead receive redemption.

  
The amount paid for our souls is staggering… and for us to live as though the price tag is a religious ceremony once a week is unfathomable.

 
Christmas celebrates a mission to deliver you from who you once were…  Forget the presents under the tree - and focus on the gift you were given when God decided to send His Son to pay your debt.

  
You have been offered a new life - free from guilt and hypocrisy…. take it.  Live it whole heartedly and abandon your old ways of lies and duplicity.

   
This year has been unique in some awful ways, but God has given you the power to make next year different in some remarkably good ones…but it is up to you.

  
Stop saying “someday I am going to give my life to God” – and give it to Him right now.  The enemy’s greatest weapon is to make you believe God cannot, and will not change you… Take God at His word and see what He does.

Hypocrisy is exhausting. Commit to God and He will give you rest.  Do it today.

"If satan ever laughs, it must be at hypocrites; they are the greatest dupes he has; they serve him better than any others and receive no wages." 
- Charles Caleb Colton

Romans 12:2 12/1/2020*

 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

The world is full of fitness trainers telling us how to transform our bodies…But when was the last time you attempted to transform your mind? 

Renewal of the mind is more difficult than changing your body – and it is much harder today than it used to be…

Our minds work like computers… Good data in - equals Good data out… Garbage in - equals Garbage out.  So, the things you focus on - produce who you are.  

The problem is that good data is hard to find these days - and garbage is a “click” away. This means we must be vigilant about what catches our interest.  

You do not eat food without considering its effect - and your mind should get the same protection.  

Bored scrolling is no better than bored eating. Mindlessly scrolling through social media creates a situation where you are not likely to get anything beneficial and are highly likely to get input that leads to an undisciplined, polluted mind. Looking for “click bait” while bored - is like going to Krispy Kreme at lunchtime… it is not only worthless - it is dangerous. 

The next time you habitually reach for your phone to scroll - stop yourself – instead pull up your scripture memorization list, listen to worship music, call a friend… find a way to use that phone to input “good data”.

You have a decision to make … Agree with this verse - but continue doing exactly what you have been doing – or make a change and monitor what enters your mind.  

Put your brain on a healthy diet. Redeem your thoughts. Cut the junk food of social media and begin taking in nourishment. Take care of your mind like you take care of your body. 

Nothing will change your life quicker than a healthy brain that is not distracted by sinful, worthless, and false information.  Step out of the haze of distortion and pursue clarity.

A healthy mind will guide you.… Truth cannot be found if you are immersed in the fog of worldly deception – so make the decision to rejuvenate your brain. Monitoring what goes in is the only way to control what comes out.    

“Attention is a precious commodity; our life is defined by what we pay attention to” – Justin Early

Jeremiah 1:17 11/24/2020*

“But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.”

Our society has stopped teaching toughness. We lower requirements rather than let children learn from failure.  Instead they learn about failure later in life when the consequences are harsher. 

It is important to learn how to struggle. Valleys are where things grow…There are very few wise people who have not walked through trials.  By removing difficulties, we have created a generation of shallow individuals.

That is not God’s way – God tells Jeremiah to put on his work boots... Israel has failed and is facing judgement and Jeremiah has been given the difficult job of telling them.  It will not be pleasant nor popular…but look closely at what God says:
 
“Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them”.
  
In other words, “they won’t like what you say – but say it anyway. Worry about my response to your words - not theirs.”

That type of coaching would get you kicked out of little league today…and that is the problem. God requires a tenacity for truth, not comfortable compromises.
 
This self-focused philosophy has creeped into the church causing us to struggle when we are asked to suffer….. we want admiration but God wants obedience.
  
On Sunday we are as likely to question the pastors style, as be convicted by what he says…and if he makes us uncomfortable, society has taught us that he should lower the bar so we will feel better about ourselves.
 
God did not save us just to make us happy – He saved us to make us Holy - We have been recruited as Soldiers.  Make no mistake, when you speak truth some people will leave your church, turn off your blog…some may even stop being your friend…but God says to tell the truth anyway, and understand that sometimes people are offended by truth even when spoken in love.
  
We are warriors and sometimes warriors get hurt – adjust your expectations – focus on the goal - put on your gear and run to the battle…  you have work to do.

“Jesus' life was a storm of controversy …To avoid controversy is to avoid Christ. We can have peace, but it is a servile and carnal peace where truth is slain in the streets.”  - R. C. Sproul

Colossians 1:6-7 11/17/2020*

“All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.  You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf”

We need more people like “Epaphras” … Not much is known about him except that he was a faithful servant - and he was a “doer” … A guy who taught truth in the trenches.

Evangelism is often discussed in the abstract…Something elaborately planned… overseas, involving logistics, and fund raising. But that was not Epaphras’ model…. He just shared the gospel with people around him. 

 
Epaphras told people about Jesus… Probably friends and co-workers…. at times maybe uncomfortable…  but Epaphras jumped in anyway.

That is how he influenced an entire city. He decided what was important and acted on it. 

What about us?...Would we be named as faithful servants who led others to “truly understand the grace of God” or would we just be listed among those who agreed with the concept?

Romans says: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” 

Those are good questions … Our job is to make disciples…how can that happen if others don’t hear the gospel… Will they hear if from you? 

The only way to finish a job - is to start it. Have you started? Have you taken the first step, opened your mouth, and told others about your Savior?

  
Don’t listen to the lie that you’re not qualified… just tell your story. God is the only one who can change a heart. That is His job, not yours.  Your job is to speak the truth... God’s decree is called the “great commission” not the “great suggestion”. Obey Him.

 
Today is as good a day as any to start. 

That friend that God keeps putting on your heart needs to hear the truth.   It might feel awkward but take the step – share your faith… God will move, and like Epaphras, He will use you to teach others about His amazing grace.

 
Anything else you do today, will pale in comparison.

“Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find the bread.”
Daniel Niles

Daniel 10:12 11/10/2020*

"'Don't be afraid, Daniel,' he told me, 'because from the first day that you committed yourself to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I've come in answer to your prayers.”

Do you ever feel helpless?...  Like you are being swept along with no ability to change anything? This verse quotes the angel Gabriel speaking to Daniel in a vision - and what he says is amazing. 

He tells him that the first day Daniel cried out to God…the moment he hit his knees…his words were heard – And not only that…The Commander of Heaven’s army responded by dispatching Gabriel to help him.

 
There is no answering machine in Heaven… God never puts us on hold until He can get to our request.  The instant we humble ourselves before God we are in the presence of the Almighty - and He is listening.

 
I am astonished when people despondently say, “all we can do is pray”.  Prayer is not a last resort - it is the Atomic Bomb of spiritual weapons…it is the game changer. Daniels grief over Israel drove him to pray and the instant he did, he had God’s attention. 

What has driven you to your knees?  What has broken your heart to the point that you feel helpless?  This verse says He hears you…God is listening and has a plan.  Keep praying.  Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5).  God is moved by the hearts of His children and He will respond.

 
You are not a victim and things are not out of control.  
Do not pray defeatedly – attack the enemy… Go on the offense - You are a warrior whose prayer is an overwhelming weapon – wield it like a sword and stand confidently in its power. 

We are more than conquerors and the enemy's greatest fear is that we will realize the power we have at our disposal.

 
This morning you have been invited into the Throne room of the King of Kings. He is listening to you – and ready to act - do not waste time doubting what He is capable of – Ask in faith, stand back, and watch God deliver. 

“The power of prayer can never be overrated. ... If a man can but pray he can do anything. He who knows how to overcome with God in prayer has Heaven and earth at his disposal. “- Charles Spurgeon
 

TITUS 1 :15-16 11/3/2020*

"To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled.  They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed."

According to this passage, purity is essential.  The phrase describes only those hearts which are filled with the Holy Spirit because that is the only engine that produces purity. 

1 Corinthians 13 makes it clear that when it comes to serving others, your motives can disqualify your offering.  Every action attains its coloring of good or evil from its point of origin which is your heart. 

So, what color are your actions?  Do they reflect the color of integrity, or is there a tint of sin on your activities?
 
If your heart is not pure then the thoughts, words, and actions that flow from it are not either.
  
That is Paul’s point, and he is not worried about hurting our feelings. If our hearts are unchanged we are detestable, disobedient, and worthless for any good deed. 

The gospel is not “sinner friendly” … and complete re-birth and regeneration is the only path to God….and God is the only source of purity.

You will not hear that preached from very many pulpits today… but the Word of God is unambiguous. We are useless without pure hearts – which can only be attained if the Spirit of God creates one inside of us. (Psalm 51)

The litmus test of whether that has happened, is found in what you do...Your actions are your spiritual thermometer. We are saved by faith alone - but our actions define the validity of our faith.  Faith without works is dead (James 2) – and only a new heart can and will produces new actions.

So, evaluate your walk – look hard in the mirror. Focus on the engine … Make sure your heart is the temple of God. His presence in your heart will lead to a life of purity. 

Only then will you be able to simultaneously proclaim Him with your words - and honor Him with your walk.

 “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”
― Brennan Manning

1 Corinthians 2:9 10/27/2020*

“… No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Do you find yourself clinging to this world instead of anticipating eternity?  It’s not your fault - you have no idea what is waiting for you…you aren’t capable of knowing what is waiting for you.
 
God created the universe in just six days.  But Jesus has been preparing a place for us for over 2000 years (John 14) - so the splendor of what awaits us is literally beyond our imagination. This makes one of my favorite songs technically incorrect …I cannot “only imagine”. 

Simply put, our minds have nothing to draw from to achieve this level of magnificence. We imagine Heaven as us sitting in boredom playing a harp…when in actuality Heaven will be more exciting than any last-minute championship win.

  
The Grand Canyon, the Northern lights, white sandy beaches – these are all just preliminary sketches.  No one has ever seen anything close to the masterpiece God is preparing…We are destined for a place that will amaze us for an eternity.
 
So how should this impact us?  

To begin with we should be less frantic about this world and more focused on the next one.

  
If I have a hot dog - but know a filet mignon is on the way - I am less possessive of the dog.  If my coloring book is damaged but my Rembrandt is safe on the wall – I simply focus on the treasure.

 
People should notice you have a different perspective.  It should make them curious that you are not consumed with the trinkets of this world.

 
The only thing of eternal value on this planet is other people’s souls. The only news events that matter are those that impact those soul’s eternal destiny. The hysteria we generate over temporary events and possessions is unjustifiable.

Spend more time today anticipating the gourmet meal being prepared for you …and spend less time worrying about the fast food of this world. 

 
An amazing eternity is being arranged for you, and your job is to bring as many people as you can with you ...  

When people see your peace and ask you to explain your lack of anxiety in this world – this verse will be an excellent place to start.

“The love of heaven makes one heavenly.”
-  William Shakespeare