FourTwelve / Join the Club!

Posted on May 19, 2012 by

On Tuesday the 15th of May, 2012, 40 kids gathered at Greentree Elementary in Kingwood, TX for the kickoff of FourTwelve.

The FourTwelve mission?  See 1 Tim 4:12

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in (speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity), show yourself and example of those who believe.” 1 Tim 4:12

My son, Lane, and his best friend, Zane, went to their principal and submitted a request to start a club that would allow students 3rd grade through 6th to gather together with the goal of uniting Christian believers within their school.  There is not a club that we are aware of outside of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) that accomplishes this goal and FCA is somewhat limited in that it is geared primarily towards athletes and is currently not available to elementary aged children.  It seems there is a club for everything, so why not one that would encourage elementary aged kids through 6th grade to set a Godly example within their schools?  By God’s grace, we now have one!

Why FourTwelve now?

Well, my son is going into middle school next year and I have a 3rd grade daughter who also needs to know that there are other believers in their school who by God’s grace desire to set a Godly example within their schools.  In addition, I can remember how difficult it was to enter 6th grade.  The clicks are beginning to form and peer pressure is rising rapidly in every area.  Once again, our kids need to know that there are others who will stand with them as they enter what many consider the most difficult time of childhood / adolescence.

Why this passage of scripture?

Paul is talking to his young pastor Timothy and is reminding Timothy how important it is to set a Godly example for other believers and the lost world.  The verse clearly calls all Christians (young people in particular) to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.  Paul is telling young Timothy that its important to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.

Note:  The 3 key points 1) Speech 2) Conduct 3) Purity are all dependent on (Love and Faith) that is only available through Jesus Christ.  It’s God that saves us and God that enables us to set an example in these areas.  The result is that God is glorified through us and more people are reached with the Love of Christ.  FourTwelve!

Where do we go from here?

It is our prayer that FourTwelve will not only unite believers within the public school system, but provide hope for teachers and students that are struggling in a lost world.

Challenge!  Join the Club!  

If you have a spiritually mature child in 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th grade, will you consider asking them to partner with a friend and start FourTwelve at your child’s elementary school?  All you need is a basic plan, (we are glad to share ours), teacher sponsor and parent sponsor.  We chose to do it on Tuesday right after school and had T-shirts made up and Pizza brought in through parent donations.  The meeting itself is student led and consists of a short fellowship, devotional, testimony, game and prayer.  The only way FourTwelve was advertised at our school was word of mouth and over 40 kids showed up!  Instead of pulling our kids out of the public school system, what if we helped our kids establish a platform where they could openly share/grow in their faith on campus and be salt and light in a lost world?

Love You Guys!

 

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It’s not about Us

Posted on May 18, 2012 by

The greatest moment in our lives is when we realize that its not about us.

I was 25 when God revealed this profound truth to me.  Since then, my greatest joy and fulfillment in life has been seeking to point others to the One (Jesus) who not only lived this example in sacrifice and service to others, but also has the ability to change the hearts of men and use them/us for His glory.  When God draws someone to repentance in Faith, God rights them by placing within them a new heart that has an outward/upward focus.

John the Baptist was famous in his time.  He would have been on the front cover of all the tabloids today.  In fact, there was a great frenzy of excitement around him everywhere he went.  He was different in the way that he dressed and called the people to repentance from sin.  John stood out from the crowd and it would have been so easy for Him to bask in all the attention he was receiving.  Yet, even in the midst of all the attention, John understood the profound truth that it is not and was not about him.  These are John’s words.

“He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

So, how do we apply this profound truth today?

First, we must be honest with ourselves regarding our heart’s motives.  In everything we do, we must ask ourselves if we are doing it to receive praise from men or to honor God.  This is where the rubber meets the road in our lives.

Practical examples:

Working Out:  Am I working out to look good in front of people/please men or to take care of the temple of the holy spirit that God has given me?

How I dress:  Do I dress and shop for items, so I can receive praise from men?  Or, are my dress and shopping habits geared towards honoring God and reflecting His image to a lost world?

Teaching/Leading others/Managers:  Am I leading others in order to receive their praises or to honor God with my time and talents so He gets the Glory?

Giving:  Am I giving to receive praises/awards/honors from men, or out of pure thanksgiving for all that God has provided in my life?

School:  Am I continually bettering my education to have another tag behind my name and impress others, or is my motive to maximize what God has given me so I can have more opportunities to impact the world for Him.

Marriage:  Am I serving and honoring my wife and or husband so they will return the favor and praise me is some way?  Or, am I serving and honoring them out of Love for God knowing that God can use our marriage to reflect His image to a lost world.

The greatest day in our lives is when we figure out that it is not about us.  Take time to survey your motives.  We will all battle the flesh this side of heaven and our continual desire to rob God of glory that is due to Him alone is evidence of this truth.  Its only through abiding in God’s love that we can overcome the flesh and humble ourselves before a Holy God.

Join me in getting back to the Gospel today by confessing our self serving nature.  He already knows our heart.  He knows our struggles.  He also knows our motives.  He stands ready to forgive and renew us each and every minute of every day.  Will you trust Him?

God, give us clean hands and a pure heart, so we can bring honor and Glory to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer!  Forgive us of all our sin and make us righteous in your sight.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Love You Guys!

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Need a lift?

Posted on May 15, 2012 by

Have you ever felt like you were out of gas physically, emotionally and or spiritually?  Are you incredibly busy, but seemingly getting nowhere or at least feeling that way?  Guess what?  It’s normal and it happens to everyone including Christian’s and those in leadership.

Over the last several weeks, I have been in this boat and I want to share one of my experiences with you.  I share this experience to encourage those of you who may also be worn out physically, emotionally and or spiritually.  The Lord knows right where you are and He is able to lift you out of the pit.

Before I get started, check out this picture!  It really has absolutely nothing to do with my lesson, but something about an amazingly cute puppy just lifts your spirits.  This is our new french bulldog Boomer and my son Lane.

Last Friday, I found myself on my way to facilitate a 6am bible study when I realized that I was in no condition to lead anything.  I was right smack dab in the middle of the busy trap and I really needed to come to terms with it.  Between work, practices, bible studies and Church activities, I was a mile wide and an inch deep.  Been there?  There now?

As I drove down 1960 heading towards our bible study meeting place, I came up against an accident on 1960.  The entire road was blocked in both directions, so I sent a text to one of the guys in our group and turned around and went home.  Although I would miss visiting with the guys, I was thankful that I would have the opportunity to have a few minutes of quiet time alone with the Lord.  I really needed it and God obviously knew I needed it as well.

I opened my bible to Exodus 17 and God began to re-charge my battery.  It’s an awesome passage recording God’s provision of water for His people followed by a great passage that depicts Moses going up on a mountain top with Aaron and Hur.  Moses was to hold his hand up to God in recognition of where victory would come from while Joshua fought the Amalekites.

“So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.  But Moses hands were heavy.  Then they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other.  Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.  So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.” Exodus 17:11-13

I can identify with Moses.  He was a leader with a deep desire to obey God, but his hands were heavy and the overwhelming fatigue of leading was impacting him and the people around him.  I felt the same at home and work.  As I read this message, it was as if God was telling me directly that He was coming along side me and was going to lift my spirits.  I felt a deep sense of peace and calm come over me with a rush of emotion.  God was meeting me in the midst of my struggle.  He knew right where I was and turned me around so He could lift me up.  Praise God I thought to myself!  I was overcome with emotion.  God never ceases to amaze me!

So, off to work with a great sense of renewal.  On the way to our Bayport facility, I get an e-mail from a good friend asking me to watch a video about a young girl 21 who is doing some incredible things in Uganda.  I check it out as I am reviewing the yard condition at our Bayport facility.   This young ladies passion for the Lord and His work reinvigorates me and renews my passion for the things of God.  I am overcome with emotion and through tears pull in to start my day.  Some air condition on the eyes always covers up a God moment for me, so I get a quick shot of air and its off to 3 important meetings.

Not only did God lift my spirits through the passage in Exodus 17, but he gave me my own Aaron to lift my hands through my friend who sent me the message.  Praise God!  He knew right where I was and He rescued me!

With my hands now lifted high, I entered 3 of the best meetings I have had in weeks.  We closed two new pieces of significant business and God also protected us from losing a prominent piece of regular business!  Praise God!  He gave us victory!  He is our Provider, Protector and Savior!

Are you depressed, tired, worn out physically, emotionally, and or spiritually?  I want to encourage you to re-read the passage in Exodus 17.  God really does put people in your life to lift you up.  He has not left you.  This blog is one means that God is speaking to you now.  He is letting you know that you are not alone and He is faithful to put people around you to lift you up when you are down.  It all starts with Him though the power of His Word.  Will you get quiet and allow God to lift your spirits?  His Grace is sufficient!  Trust Him!

Love You Guys!

 

 

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God does not throw gutter balls!

Posted on May 6, 2012 by

On Saturday afternoon, our family went bowling!  Before we started our game, the guy asked us if we wanted bumpers set up to prevent gutter balls.  My wife and kids said absolutely and I stood tall and denied the bumpers for my round.  After all, I had a bowling ball in high school named “the hammer”, so no place for bumpers here.  My wife and kids proceeded to whip me!  Ouch!!!

While my choice to deny bumpers in our Saturday afternoon bowling match has little significance outside of losing a game or two, when we reject Christ’s protective grace and forgiveness we inevitably wind up in the gutter.  On the contrary, when we embrace Grace and Forgiveness through Jesus Christ, God’s Love girds us and we are guided through life’s ups and downs fully assured of eternal Victory!  The Scriptures put it this way.

“The Lord is for me;  I will not fear;  What can man do to me?”  Psalm 119:6

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

Have you been going through life with no bumpers on the verge of disaster?  Are you fearful of disaster in your life?  Know that God’s Love and protection are available to you.  Don’t make the same mistake I made.  God is for you.  Trust Him and be assured of Victory!

Take your family bowling!  Great opportunity to share this spiritual truth!

 

Posted in Children, Christian Walk, Daily Grind, Discipleship, Family, Forgiveness, Grace, Hope | Leave a comment

Prayer brings Healing and Restoration!

Posted on May 3, 2012 by

Prayer has an amazing way of bringing healing to the soul!

Through prayer, we humble ourselves before God and recognize that He is our provider, sustainer, protector, and Savior. The result is burdens are lifted, sins forgiven and souls are restored. Below is one of the most quoted passages in all of scripture regarding prayer. Solomon and the people of Israel have just completed the long awaited and promised temple/house for the Lord. They have been praying, sacrificing and feasting in honor of the Lord when out of the night God speaks the following words to Solomon.

“I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”. 2 Chron 7:12-14

Awesome lessons here.

1). God hears the prayers of His people!
2). In the midst of judgement, God offers Mercy!
3). Humility + Prayer + Repentance = Forgiveness and Healing!

If we truly desire to see restoration in our relationships, families, communities, cities, and nation, God calls us to Pray. Will you join me today and take a few minutes to get quiet before the Lord in earnest Prayer?

God is in the healing and restoration business, but it’s up to us to humble ourselves and seek His face. Lord, hear our prayer!

Love you guys/gals!

Posted in Christian Walk, Daily Grind, Discipleship, Forgiveness, Grace, Hope, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Love pierces even the hardest of hearts.

Posted on May 1, 2012 by

If you have people in your life that you have given up on, I want to give you hope and encourage you to continue loving and living out the gospel in their lives.  Just as dripping water cut a hole through my concrete driveway, so the Gospel of Jesus Christ can pierce even the hardest of hearts and enable them to bear fruit.

In the book of Ezekiel, we are given a glimpse at how this truth works itself out.  God’s people have been judged and taken into captivity due to their continuous sin and idolatry.  In the midst of judgement, God’s great Love is revealed.

“For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands, and bring you into your own land.  Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean;  I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.  Moreover, I will give you a New Heart and put a New Spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  Ezekiel 36:24-27

Key Lessons:

1)  It is God that shows us mercy and ultimately calls/gathers us to Himself.

2)  It is God that provides abundant grace for us and cleanses us from sin and idolatry.

3)  It is only God that has the ability to perform heart surgery on us by removing our heart of stone and replacing it with a heart of flesh.  Salvation is found in no one else.  His tool for performing the surgery is the Gospel.

4)  God puts His Spirit in us and causes/enables us to live out the gospel.  Our personal and spiritual growth come from Him alone.  He enables us to grow and bear fruit in our lives.

Just this week, I received a call from a friend who for years has had no interest in following Christ or joining a local church.  He was thrilled to tell me that he recently joined a Church and it was already having a positive impact on his children and grandchildren.  Just as it took years for the dripping water to cut a hole in my driveway, so it also took years for the Gospel to take root in this man’s life.  Our job as believers is to Love people and faithfully live out the gospel in their lives.

Ultimately, it is God alone who opens the heart and brings people to a saving knowledge in His time.  If you have given up on someone, I encourage you to re-consider.  Who is in your mind right now?  You never know when God will perform heart surgery.  Keep praying, Loving, and living out the gospel in the life of your friend or loved one.

On a personal note, I have family members that prayed for me for years while I was lost.  It was not until I was 25 that God got called me to Himself and I can truly say that He has been faithful to enable me to follow and bear fruit.

We Love because He First Loved us!

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The secret to operating a trolling motor and living the Christian life.

Posted on April 27, 2012 by

Few things are more fun as a kid than putting a boat of any sort in a lake or creek and dropping a little trolling motor on it for some good ole fashion exploration and or fishing.  A couple weekends ago my son Lane and I did just that, but before we could get going there was something Lane had to know.  Operating a trolling motor is counter-intuitive.  He quickly learned that when he steered right, the boat went left and visa-versa!  This can be somewhat tricky and even difficult and dangerous until you figure it out, but there is a great spiritual lesson here.

Following Christ and His teachings is also counter cultural and counterintuitive.  Many of the things we were taught over a lifetime must be reversed if we are to live as salt and light in a dark world.  This is impossible apart from the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Let’s review Jesus’ teachings to clearly illustrate this point.

“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.  But I say to you, love your enemies , bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”  Matt 5:43-44

The world tells you to crush your enemy.

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  But I tell you not to resist and evil person But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”  Matt 5:39

The world tells us to smack the evil person back, yet Jesus calls us to turn the other cheek.

“If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.”  Matt 5:40

The world tells us to fight for what is ours, yet Jesus tells us to let it go.

“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”  Matt 5:41

The world tells us that we did the person a favor by walking with them for one mile, yet God calls us to go over and above when assisting others.

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.  Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in Heaven.”  Matt6:1

The world tells us to take the credit and generally hands out awards to those who are involved in charitable giving, yet God calls us to give anonymously.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  Matt 6:19-20

The world tells us that he who dies with the most toys wins, yet God calls us to focus our time and energy on storing up heavenly rewards.

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”  Matt 5:11

The world tells us we are holy rollers, yet God calls us Blessed.

“I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”  Matt 9:13

The world believes morality will save us, yet Jesus clearly came to seek and save sinners.

“If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”  Matt 16:24-25

The world believes that life is really about the individual, yet Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him.

“Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.”  Matt 18:4

The world loves and elevates pride, yet God elevates the humble.

“But, he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.”  Matt 23:11

The world tells us that those in the highest positions should be served, yet God calls us to servant leadership.

“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Matt 23:12

The world tells us that pride and confidence are the key to success and exaltation, yet God clearly exalts the Humble.

So, in conclusion, the Christian life is very much like operating a trolling motor.  We would be wise to carefully consider our actions and motives as they relate to the commands of our Lord Jesus.  If not, be assured that we will wind up heading the wrong direction and ultimately this leads to danger and even death.

I am thankful that God comes along side us and re-wires us by His power, so that we can operate effectively for His purposes.  He is our captain and its our job to follow His commands if we want to live victorious lives here and into eternity.

Lastly, don’t forget that trolling motors eventually run out of juice/charge.  Don’t forget to plug in and charge your spiritual batteries through prayer, the study of the Word and fellowship.

God Bless You!

Much Love!

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When you Love enough to share!

Posted on April 26, 2012 by

The bible is clear that the world is opposed to the things of God.  In America, we have made it very easy and in some circles even somewhat popular to be a “Christian”.  There are large Churches on the corner of most suburban streets and many (not all) Pastor’s go to great lengths to entertain their congregations in order to provide them with a good feeling about God, themselves, and their eternal fate.  So, in this bubble of American Christianity, how can a person know for certain that they possess eternal life?  The book of 1 John provides people with a blue-print that clearly outlines true marks of a genuine believer.  I encourage you to read the entire book.  It’s only 5 chapters!

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13

Before I launch into the key points John makes, I want to share an amazing testimony that I heard a early this week.  My hope is that this testimony stirs your heart to survey your own relationship with the Lord and encourages you to be Bold in your witness for Jesus Christ.

My friend recently told me she was radically converted in college, but it is the story behind it that really challenged me.  While walking on campus one day, my friend was approached by a young lady who asked her if she was going to Heaven.  My friend immediately answered the bold young lady in the affirmative.  ”Yes, I am, in fact I go to Church and have for most of my life.”  At this point, the young evangelist looked my friend right in the eyes, shook her shoulders, and said with great Love, “NO!  You are not going to heaven.  Look at the way your are living!  There is nothing holy and set apart about your life.”  My friend, completely floored by the statement, immediately considered the reality that this young evangelist was right.  There really was no difference in her way of life and the college party scene around her.  She was right in the middle of all of it up to and including having allowed some bad mistakes to put her in very vulnerable situations that drove deep scars down into her soul because men/boys had taken advantage of her.  Oh, on the outside everything looked great.  She was an athlete, well put together, and school was never that challenging.  The world looks at the outside, but the Lord looks at the Heart.  He sees right through the thin exterior walls of our life.  He peers down into our souls and He knows if we are serving Him or the World.  It’s obvious.

Key indicators of someone not walking with God.

“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” 1 John 1:6

“In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest; Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not Love his brother.” 1 John 3:10

Wow!  For the first time in her life, someone Loved her enough to give her the truth.  Ultimately, my friend was converted/born again by God’s power and she has been serving the Lord for many years now.  She lights up like a bonfire when she speaks about her Heavenly Father!  She went from knowing about God to knowing God.  God is using her to minister to women who have been or are going through difficult situations similar to what she experienced prior to God doing a work in her heart.  The young lady who was courageous enough to speak truth into my friends life and introduce her to Jesus Christ has remained a close friend and sister to my friend.  She not only spoke truth into her life, but also loved her enough to help her grow in her relationship with the Lord as well.

Key indicator of someone walking with God.

“But, if we walk in The Light as He is in The Light, we have fellowship with one another (other believers), and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

In today’s world, lifestyle evangelism has gotten very popular.  This is the idea that you can simply live a “moral life” around people and those around you will get saved.  The only problem with this is that it is not in the bible and does not work.  People get saved when you share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, not because you bake them a cake.  Don’t mis-understand me.  I am all for acts of kindness, but living out the gospel in front of people involves speaking Truth into the lives of others.  If you Love people, you will share the Gospel with them.  Clearly, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ.” Rom 10:17

Jesus put it this way when communicating to his apostles that were fearful of ongoing persecution, “Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven.  But, whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”  So, this is a non-negotiable for God and the believer.

“By this you know the spirit of God;  Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.”  1 John 4:2-3  (Note:  Your relationship/attitude towards Jesus Christ is ultimately the fundamental distinguish-er between the people of the world and the people of God.)

On the opposite spectrum is what I would describe as strong evangelistic movements such as what my friend experienced.  While some people get worried about what others may think, it has been my experience that simple one on one Bold evangelism is still the most powerful means that God uses to deliver the Good News about Jesus Christ to a lost world.  Many people will say, “that’s way over the top”.  To which I say, this young evangelist rescued my friend from a living and eternal Hell.  This young evangelist cares more about my friend’s soul than she does her reputation in a screwed up society.  Think about how incredibly ridiculous it is to chastise this woman who not only was used of God to save my friend, but also Loved her enough to walk with my friend through a difficult season of life as well.  Bold evangelists are out there on the front lines for the Lord sharing the greatest act of Love ever bestowed on mankind!  To say it again.  They are the ones being used by God to reach people and grow others into mature believers.  There is no greater Act of Love than sharing the Grace and Mercy offered through Jesus Christ with another human being.

“Beloved, let us Love one another for Love is of God; and everyone who Loves is born of God and knows God.”  1 John 4:7  (Note:  A mark of a true believer is a Love for people.  If you Love, you will share.)

Praise God that He gives people the courage to speak the Good News in the face of persecution and suffering.  I challenge you to be Bold in your witness for Christ!  There is truly No Greater Love!

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What does God’s voice sound like anyway?

Posted on April 20, 2012 by

My inquisitive and fully sincere daughter looked me in the eyes and said, “Dad, you know how you always tell us that God told you to do something?  What does His voice sound like?”.

My little gymnast who knows God's voice!

I do believe God still speaks to us, but generally not audibly, so this one would be tough to answer.  Hmmm, I thought to myself carefully considering how I should respond to this deep theological question asked by a 9 year old.  ”Yes honey, I do believe God does speak to us, but generally it’s through His Word, or through other godly influences, or through circumstances, or through the Holy Spirit who convicts our conscience to act or move in a situation.”  I could see by the look on her face this would not due, so I reverted to my sales training.  ”Why do you ask sweetheart?”.  Her eyes still zeroed in on mine.  ”well, I aways pictured His voice as being real deep, but it’s not.”  Now she really has my attention!  ”How do you know?”  ”Well, I was at gymnastics the other day and while I took a quick restroom break, God told me I needed to be kind.”

Incredible!  I thought to myself.  I mean, I know that God/The Holy Spirit is always with us once we are born again, but just never zeroed in on the toilet as a prime place for Him to do His business.  I mean any of us who have lived apart from God for any length of time in our life have probably spent some time sending requests His way while on the throne, but He never once answered me there aside from allowing me to get to the next day!

In scripture, we witness God speaking to His prophets quite frequently.  In 1 Kings chapter 19, God speaks to the great prophet Elijah while Elijah is hiding in a cave having a self pity party.

“What are you doing here Elijah?”  And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, torn down Thine alters and killed Thy prophets with the sword.  And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”  So He said, “Go fourth, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.”  And behold, the Lord was passing by!  And a great and strong wind was ripping the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind.  And after the wind and earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing.  And it came about when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his angle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave.  And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:9-13

While the Lord often makes a thundering entrance that gets peoples attention, note His voice followed the sound of a gentle blowing.  His communication is generally geared towards getting us off our path and back onto His perfect plan for our life just as a Good Shepherd guides His sheep.  Has God recently spoken to you through a situation, friend, the Word or a gentle nudge of the conscience?  If so, you should pay attention.  God did not want Elijah wasting his existence hiding in a cave!  He had a plan to use Him, just like He has a plan to use each of us for His Glory!

I am so grateful that we serve a God who cares about us enough to get our attention in order to get us back on track.  Don’t ignore the gentle blowing in your life!  Just as God gently corrected Lexi, He is continually shepherding us as well.  His promise is that He will conform us into His image over our lifetime.  This means there will be times when He will speak to us.  It’s up to us to listen and obey!

Do you trust His voice and His plan of your life?  You should!  No Greater Love than our Savior’s who Loved us enough to die for us that we might live Holy and set apart victorious lives in a fallen world.

God Bless each of you!

Love You!

 

 

 

Posted in Children, Christian Walk, Daily Grind, Discipleship | Leave a comment

Hope for the future!

Posted on April 18, 2012 by

Yesterday, a friend of mine sent me a clip from some of Ronald Reagan’s most memorable speeches.  The following are a couple of quotes that I found inspiring.  Yes, this is our former President standing before a podium addressing the American people.  Contrast these quotes with what we are getting today out of Washington.  And we wonder why we are headed in the wrong direction?  Don’t lose heart.  There is Hope!  Stand Firm.

“I believe with all my heart that standing up for America means standing up for the God who has so blessed our land. We need God’s help to guide our nation through stormy seas. But we can’t expect Him to protect America in a crisis if we just leave Him over on the shelf in our day-to-day living.”

“Within the covers of the Bible are all the answers for all the problems men face.”

“If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

Ronald Reagan was right!  God has given us everything we need to live a victorious life in Christ in and through the truth we find in God’s Word.  In first Peter, Peter is addressing Christians who are living in a pagan society much like the one we live in today.  Peter gives us a clear battle plan of how we can live as “Aliens”, set apart by God’s Grace,  in a lost world.  His whole  counsel or battle line never to be crossed is based on the following Truth.  As you read this passage, remind yourself of the sure Hope you have in Christ and that fighting the Good Fight is worth it.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through Faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your Faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and Glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you Love Him, and though you do not see Him know, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of Glory, obtaining as the outcome of your Faith the Salvation of your souls.”  1 Peter 1:3-9

Key Teaching Points.  Battle Line

1)  Its God who saved us by His Mercy in and through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

2)  Our eternal inheritance is imperishable and undefiled!  Imagine the beauty!

3)  Its God alone who protects us and assures our eternal salvation through His work alone and we should rejoice in this truth!

4)  We should expect trials and distress in this life, but always with the understanding that they are temporary and pale in comparison to eternal victory.  Trials confirm and strengthen our Faith just as precious metals are purified through fire.  Once purified, impurities having been burned away, we are to bring Honor and Glory to God!

5)  The truth of the life change we have experienced in Christ should result in great joy inexpressible knowing that our Salvation is certain.  Joy inexpressible is such a great term! It’s impossible to know it without knowing God.

It’s sometimes easy to get discouraged at the direction of our country, yet we are experiencing nothing new.  Our greatest weapon in the battle we face each and every day is the truth of God’s Word.  We are reminded today through the scriptures that we can live victorious lives in Christ even when all seems to be going in the wrong direction!  What a great reminder for us all!  Dig in and stand firm on this truth today!

God Bless Each of You!  Be reminded today of the Hope you have in Christ Jesus!

Posted in Christian Walk, Discipleship, Suffering, Times of Trouble, Uncategorized | Leave a comment