I'm still trying to get my mind around all God did at NewSpring during Easter. NewSpring had 24,286 adults, 4,252 children and 731 salvations across 5 campuses.
And yes, we keep those statistics because every number is a person. NewSpring volunteers encountered every one of them in some way: parking their car, welcoming them to NewSpring, checking in their children for KidSpring, handing them a bulletin & pin, helping them find a seat, answering their questions, talking to them after their decision to accept Christ - 1000's of volunteers across five campuses served in 23 total services to be the hands and feet of Jesus during this weekend.
But I'll be one of the first to say, it's not NewSpring but Jesus that makes the difference. It's Jesus who draws people; it's Jesus who changes lives; it's Jesus who gives hope and life. But people must want to be in a place where they can hear the gospel and then hear it in a way that makes sense to them. Because NewSpring is an exciting place to be week after week, our people invite, invite, invite - their families, their neighbors, their co-workers, their favorite waitress, their hairdresser and people come.
Sometimes church people (not NewSpringers) question if the salvations we see are "real". Only God sees and knows the heart but as one who talks to those who have made decisions, I believe they are real. Just like the two guys from Texas I mentioned in my last post. People might wonder if they just got caught up in the moment and didn't really get converted. Well, those two came back to church in Columbia on Sunday morning because they knew Jesus had done something in their lives. Also heard that a policemen who works security at one of our campuses (Anderson maybe) gave his heart to Jesus. Jesus can work in anyone, any time, any way HE wants to.
I was reading in Habakkuk this morning. Habakkuk says where are You, God? There's so much evil and You don't seem to be doing anything. But God says, "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." Many do NOT believe that God is doing a great work at NewSpring or places like Elevation Church in the Charlotte, NC area (19,000 in attendance and over 2,200 decisions for Christ!) and other churches who faithfully proclaim the gospel, lifting up the name of Jesus. The evidence is in the lives that are changed!
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Jesus
As I've been thinking about Jesus this week, I thought about how hard it must be NOT to believe in Jesus. When you think about it, it's pretty obvious there is something very unusual about Him.
Jesus was a "regular" Jewish boy who grew up to be a carpenter who became a Rabbi or teacher. There is no record of him being educated in any special way but He taught with an authority the people had never heard.
He never traveled out of His home country and never further than He could walk in a day but His influence is world-wide.
He only lived 33 years and only 3 of those in public preaching and teaching. He never wrote a book but His words still change lives. After 2000 years His influence on the lives of His followers has not diminished. And He gets new followers every day!
At the time of Jesus, Roman crucifixions claimed 1000s of lives. Yet when a cross is seen today, no one thinks of Rome but of Jesus or at least of Christianity. The cross is not the symbol of death but of hope.
As Savior, He saves from the penalty of sin. As King, He saves from the power of sin. No one else can do that; no one else can even claim to do that.
Jesus, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God, whose sole purpose for being born was to die for the sins of the world.
Jesus was a "regular" Jewish boy who grew up to be a carpenter who became a Rabbi or teacher. There is no record of him being educated in any special way but He taught with an authority the people had never heard.
He never traveled out of His home country and never further than He could walk in a day but His influence is world-wide.
He only lived 33 years and only 3 of those in public preaching and teaching. He never wrote a book but His words still change lives. After 2000 years His influence on the lives of His followers has not diminished. And He gets new followers every day!
At the time of Jesus, Roman crucifixions claimed 1000s of lives. Yet when a cross is seen today, no one thinks of Rome but of Jesus or at least of Christianity. The cross is not the symbol of death but of hope.
As Savior, He saves from the penalty of sin. As King, He saves from the power of sin. No one else can do that; no one else can even claim to do that.
Jesus, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God, whose sole purpose for being born was to die for the sins of the world.
The Resurrection
I bought the book, The Case for the Resurrection by Lee Strobel, downloaded on my e-reader to read while I was on my recent cruise. However, I did not read it. Instead I read a funny murder mystery about a killer on a cruise ship. I thought that highly appropriate since I was on a cruise ship!
Today as I was coming home from some errands I happened to hear Lee Strobel on Focus on the Family as he talked about the indisputable evidence for the resurrection and for Jesus being the Son of God.
Lee was an atheist and his wife an agnostic. She was befriended by a Christian woman in their condo building in Chicago who talked openly with her about Jesus. Eventually his wife became a Christian and eventually he went to church with her. Bill Hybels preached a message that day called Basic Christianity which thoroughly intrigued Lee. As the legal editor for The Chicago Tribune, he was known for skepticism so he set out to investigate what he had heard. The end of the story is he became a believer and received Jesus Christ into his life and was radically changed.
This statement is what perked up my ears today: the truth or falsity of all world religions comes down to just one key issue - did Jesus, or did He not, return from the dead? Why this question? Because Jesus claimed to be divine and His resurrection proves He is divine. Lee's conclusion of course is yes, Jesus did return from the dead. He gave 4 areas that he examined to come to that conclusion:
1. execution - no on anywhere disputes that Jesus really lived and Jesus was really executed
2. early reports of the resurrection - legends (which Lee thought this was) usually take 100's of years to develop but the church already had a creed about the resurrection about 25 years after the fact that Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3. empty tomb - no one disputes this; even the religious leaders of Jesus day admit that the tomb is empty
4. eyewitnesses - people who saw, spoke to, touched, ate with Jesus after the resurrection; the Biblical account. Although there are sources apart from the Bible to support the death and resurrection of Jesus, the eyewitness are undeniable, especially since their reports brought trouble to them. No court of law would disallow eyewitnesses.
I believe in this truth or I could not claim Jesus as my Savior but I want to know how to talk to those who do not believe so I'm definitely gonna have to read the book.
Today as I was coming home from some errands I happened to hear Lee Strobel on Focus on the Family as he talked about the indisputable evidence for the resurrection and for Jesus being the Son of God.
Lee was an atheist and his wife an agnostic. She was befriended by a Christian woman in their condo building in Chicago who talked openly with her about Jesus. Eventually his wife became a Christian and eventually he went to church with her. Bill Hybels preached a message that day called Basic Christianity which thoroughly intrigued Lee. As the legal editor for The Chicago Tribune, he was known for skepticism so he set out to investigate what he had heard. The end of the story is he became a believer and received Jesus Christ into his life and was radically changed.
This statement is what perked up my ears today: the truth or falsity of all world religions comes down to just one key issue - did Jesus, or did He not, return from the dead? Why this question? Because Jesus claimed to be divine and His resurrection proves He is divine. Lee's conclusion of course is yes, Jesus did return from the dead. He gave 4 areas that he examined to come to that conclusion:
1. execution - no on anywhere disputes that Jesus really lived and Jesus was really executed
2. early reports of the resurrection - legends (which Lee thought this was) usually take 100's of years to develop but the church already had a creed about the resurrection about 25 years after the fact that Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3. empty tomb - no one disputes this; even the religious leaders of Jesus day admit that the tomb is empty
4. eyewitnesses - people who saw, spoke to, touched, ate with Jesus after the resurrection; the Biblical account. Although there are sources apart from the Bible to support the death and resurrection of Jesus, the eyewitness are undeniable, especially since their reports brought trouble to them. No court of law would disallow eyewitnesses.
I believe in this truth or I could not claim Jesus as my Savior but I want to know how to talk to those who do not believe so I'm definitely gonna have to read the book.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Great Opportunities
Last week I had the opportunity to do a couple of things. On Wednesday I went to the office of one of the ladies where I work to seek information. The office manager was in this office and the conversation turned to communion and baptism and salvation.
I was asked if a person had to be baptized by immersion to take communion at NewSpring. I said no you just have to be able, in your heart, to affirm that you have asked Jesus into your heart and you know that you have a personal relationship with Him. I continued to say that baptism does not save you (to the person who always says at least her children are Christian because they have been baptized and go to a Christian school.) She seemed to be shaken by what I said but I left her in the able hands of the manager.
Later that day a man on staff at Miracle Hill Ministries in Spartanburg was in the office to speak to one of the men. I happened to walk to the copier while they were together and Dan called me into his office to meet Jim. After talking to him and reading the book he gave me, I am absolutely convinced this is the place God wants me to serve. I don't know how God will use me but I am so excited to see what's going to happen.
Jim said they need mentors and Bible study leaders and people to preach at chapel services. I said I'm not a preacher but Dan piped up and said I heard you preaching earlier to those women [in the office]. I laughed and said that I could talk easily about my faith one on one or in small groups but preach - I don't think so.
So I had 2, count them TWO, great opportunities last week. I got to share the Gospel with a co-worker who believes in works based religion and I got to talk to Miracle Hill about opportunities of service. I will be calling Jim after I quit work and will go over to the Rescue Mission, take a tour and have lunch with the residents and staff. Then we will see where I might fit in.
God is already working in my retirement. Woo Hoo!!
I was asked if a person had to be baptized by immersion to take communion at NewSpring. I said no you just have to be able, in your heart, to affirm that you have asked Jesus into your heart and you know that you have a personal relationship with Him. I continued to say that baptism does not save you (to the person who always says at least her children are Christian because they have been baptized and go to a Christian school.) She seemed to be shaken by what I said but I left her in the able hands of the manager.
Later that day a man on staff at Miracle Hill Ministries in Spartanburg was in the office to speak to one of the men. I happened to walk to the copier while they were together and Dan called me into his office to meet Jim. After talking to him and reading the book he gave me, I am absolutely convinced this is the place God wants me to serve. I don't know how God will use me but I am so excited to see what's going to happen.
Jim said they need mentors and Bible study leaders and people to preach at chapel services. I said I'm not a preacher but Dan piped up and said I heard you preaching earlier to those women [in the office]. I laughed and said that I could talk easily about my faith one on one or in small groups but preach - I don't think so.
So I had 2, count them TWO, great opportunities last week. I got to share the Gospel with a co-worker who believes in works based religion and I got to talk to Miracle Hill about opportunities of service. I will be calling Jim after I quit work and will go over to the Rescue Mission, take a tour and have lunch with the residents and staff. Then we will see where I might fit in.
God is already working in my retirement. Woo Hoo!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Persecution
I was reading a story posted today on Fox News http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,579979,00.html about the government going into the compound of a mega church in China, arresting the pastors, damaging the church and trying to scatter the believers. It amazes me, though, that as persecution comes, the church grows. The people may be in hiding but they still spread the gospel.
In America my faith costs me so little yet I have been given so much. I don't have to worry about the police storming the doors of my church or throwing me in jail or beating me up yet at times I refuse to speak the name of Jesus. Am I afraid of someone shunning me or laughing at me or not liking me any more if I am so "radical" that I take Jesus into the workplace or my neighborhood.
I've just finished reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Part of his challenge is to really seek God and what He would have me do with the abundance I have been given. One of the things he did was downsize his house so he would have less house payment and more money to give away. His church in California is giving away 58% of all they take in financially.
And it's not JUST money he talks about giving away. He also talks about time and energy and giftedness. I get so comfortable in my own little world that I often forget about the "least of these" that Jesus challenges me to help. Reading this made me think of Matt Beasley and his LOT project in Anderson. Matt is a college student who was burdened for the kids from the projects and decided to do something to help and the L.O.T. (least of these) project was born. http://thelotproject.com/The_Lot_Project/The_Lot_Project_Anderson_SC_Homepage.html
As I celebrate Christmas and the God who gave His best, His only Son, I am challenged to give my best, to even give until it hurts. Especially since I don't face any persecution or hardship in my walk with Jesus.
In America my faith costs me so little yet I have been given so much. I don't have to worry about the police storming the doors of my church or throwing me in jail or beating me up yet at times I refuse to speak the name of Jesus. Am I afraid of someone shunning me or laughing at me or not liking me any more if I am so "radical" that I take Jesus into the workplace or my neighborhood.
I've just finished reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Part of his challenge is to really seek God and what He would have me do with the abundance I have been given. One of the things he did was downsize his house so he would have less house payment and more money to give away. His church in California is giving away 58% of all they take in financially.
And it's not JUST money he talks about giving away. He also talks about time and energy and giftedness. I get so comfortable in my own little world that I often forget about the "least of these" that Jesus challenges me to help. Reading this made me think of Matt Beasley and his LOT project in Anderson. Matt is a college student who was burdened for the kids from the projects and decided to do something to help and the L.O.T. (least of these) project was born. http://thelotproject.com/The_Lot_Project/The_Lot_Project_Anderson_SC_Homepage.html
As I celebrate Christmas and the God who gave His best, His only Son, I am challenged to give my best, to even give until it hurts. Especially since I don't face any persecution or hardship in my walk with Jesus.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sad Commentary
As I was reading in John today, I read something that made me sad. In John 12:42-43 we are told "Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue, for they loved praise from men more than praise from God."
When I read that I wonder how could you not confess your faith when you were right there with Jesus, seeing and even participating in the miracles, hearing His teaching. Fear of the religious leaders, fear of their wrath, fear of the consequences. Of course the synagogue was central to all they did and it was the only church. They needed the priests and the ability to sacrifice for their sins. They needed a place to pray. They needed a place to meet God. Excuses, excuses!
In churches all over America every Sunday there are people who will not take a public stance for Jesus. Their heart may be pounding out of their chest and they KNOW that Jesus is tugging on their heart but they think about what people around them may think if they stand up or walk to the front. They are afraid to confess their faith in Jesus because they fear men more than God.
And I can't say anything about them - either the people in Jesus day or today - because I have had times in my own life when I have feared men (or women) and what they might think of me if I spoke up about Jesus; if I took a stand against risque jokes or really foul language; if I told someone you just need to give your life to Jesus. What excuses do I make to justify MY failure to publicly confess Jesus?
When I read that I wonder how could you not confess your faith when you were right there with Jesus, seeing and even participating in the miracles, hearing His teaching. Fear of the religious leaders, fear of their wrath, fear of the consequences. Of course the synagogue was central to all they did and it was the only church. They needed the priests and the ability to sacrifice for their sins. They needed a place to pray. They needed a place to meet God. Excuses, excuses!
In churches all over America every Sunday there are people who will not take a public stance for Jesus. Their heart may be pounding out of their chest and they KNOW that Jesus is tugging on their heart but they think about what people around them may think if they stand up or walk to the front. They are afraid to confess their faith in Jesus because they fear men more than God.
And I can't say anything about them - either the people in Jesus day or today - because I have had times in my own life when I have feared men (or women) and what they might think of me if I spoke up about Jesus; if I took a stand against risque jokes or really foul language; if I told someone you just need to give your life to Jesus. What excuses do I make to justify MY failure to publicly confess Jesus?
Monday, August 3, 2009
Following God Is Not Easy
God chose Ezekiel to be His prophet to the Israelites in captivity in Babylon. He even gave Ezekiel a spectacular vision of His glory. Ezekiel was so overwhelmed he fell face down on the ground. (Ezekiel 1:26-28)
God told Ezekiel that he was going to a land of rebels but he was to say, "This is what the Sovereign Lord says." God even told him they would not listen to him and would say terrible things about him. However, God told him not to be afraid, not to be dismayed. (Ezekiel 2:3-7).
God told Ezekiel that he was going to a land of rebels but he was to say, "This is what the Sovereign Lord says." God even told him they would not listen to him and would say terrible things about him. However, God told him not to be afraid, not to be dismayed. (Ezekiel 2:3-7).
God knew He was sending Ezekiel to do a hard thing. Even harder was the fact that God told him if I tell you to say something and you don't warn the people and the people perish, their blood is on your head. If you tell them and they don't repent, they pay the consequences. (Ezekiel 3:18-19).
That's a huge responsibility for Ezekiel to bear...to ALWAYS speak the word of God as He reveals it to him. There have been times in my life when I really felt compelled to say something to someone about Jesus or about the way they were living but I didn't because of fear or uncertainty.
God expects me to be obedient even when it is not easy. Maybe even especially when it is not easy. Jesus went to the CROSS! He is the Son of God, the Creator of the Universe and He LET people abuse Him so He could save us all. Why then am I reluctant to say something that I think someone may not want to hear? Maybe it means I don't really love them or care about them. Maybe it means I'm selfish. Maybe it means I don't really believe the person will end up separated from God for all eternity in a place called Hell.
Show me, Lord, how I can be used by You to reach those around me who need to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Make me dangerous!
That's a huge responsibility for Ezekiel to bear...to ALWAYS speak the word of God as He reveals it to him. There have been times in my life when I really felt compelled to say something to someone about Jesus or about the way they were living but I didn't because of fear or uncertainty.
God expects me to be obedient even when it is not easy. Maybe even especially when it is not easy. Jesus went to the CROSS! He is the Son of God, the Creator of the Universe and He LET people abuse Him so He could save us all. Why then am I reluctant to say something that I think someone may not want to hear? Maybe it means I don't really love them or care about them. Maybe it means I'm selfish. Maybe it means I don't really believe the person will end up separated from God for all eternity in a place called Hell.
Show me, Lord, how I can be used by You to reach those around me who need to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Make me dangerous!
I'm No Different
As I've been pondering the people of Israel and Judah and the prophesies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, I sometimes find myself thinking how could the people not recognize how far they had strayed from God? How could they not believe Jeremiah and Ezekiel?
Jeremiah was still in Jerusalem and Ezekiel was in Babylon but they were both saying the same things. They kept warning the people that God's wrath was going to be poured out because of their sin; Jerusalem would be destroyed. No one heeded the warning.
But then I think about me! How hard headed and strong willed and determined to live MY life MY way was I years ago when I walked away from my family, my God, my church and turned to a life of sin and darkness? How many times had I heard that it was wrong? That my sins would find me out? That I was just fooling myself into thinking it was fun? That life in the fast lane was the way to go? That the grass is greener ANYWHERE else?
I was nearly destroyed just as the Israelites were. Why am I amazed that they didn't listen when I was the same way?
Hopefully now I know better although I still have times when I seem to put God on the back burner and desire, even lust after, the things of the world whether it's stuff or position or recognition or money or anything that takes God's place in my life.
Jeremiah was still in Jerusalem and Ezekiel was in Babylon but they were both saying the same things. They kept warning the people that God's wrath was going to be poured out because of their sin; Jerusalem would be destroyed. No one heeded the warning.
But then I think about me! How hard headed and strong willed and determined to live MY life MY way was I years ago when I walked away from my family, my God, my church and turned to a life of sin and darkness? How many times had I heard that it was wrong? That my sins would find me out? That I was just fooling myself into thinking it was fun? That life in the fast lane was the way to go? That the grass is greener ANYWHERE else?
I was nearly destroyed just as the Israelites were. Why am I amazed that they didn't listen when I was the same way?
Hopefully now I know better although I still have times when I seem to put God on the back burner and desire, even lust after, the things of the world whether it's stuff or position or recognition or money or anything that takes God's place in my life.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Jesus IS My Life
I've been thinking a lot about this scripture. Perry talked about this on Sunday. Jesus is not IN my life, He IS my life.
Is He really??? Is everything I do done because Jesus is living and breathing and acting and thinking and moving and caring and talking and working? I want to be overwhelmed with the presence of Jesus; aware of Him in every moment of my life.
I was reading Oswald Chambers this morning and he was talking about the poor in spirit. Before Jesus can be everything, I must be nothing. When I get to the end of me, then there is only Jesus. That can be really hard because I have mental abilities and talents and gifts that have allowed me to be successful in a lot of different ventures in the business world and in church world. It's hard sometimes to remember that it's not me, I don't do anything. Without Jesus I CAN DO NOTHING! Everything I am is because of God's touch on my life.
Jesus should be my life. The Holy Spirit dwells in me to conform me to the image of Christ. That is the only way Jesus can be my life. Paul said to live is Christ, not to be like Christ. Let it be so in my life, Lord.
Is He really??? Is everything I do done because Jesus is living and breathing and acting and thinking and moving and caring and talking and working? I want to be overwhelmed with the presence of Jesus; aware of Him in every moment of my life.
I was reading Oswald Chambers this morning and he was talking about the poor in spirit. Before Jesus can be everything, I must be nothing. When I get to the end of me, then there is only Jesus. That can be really hard because I have mental abilities and talents and gifts that have allowed me to be successful in a lot of different ventures in the business world and in church world. It's hard sometimes to remember that it's not me, I don't do anything. Without Jesus I CAN DO NOTHING! Everything I am is because of God's touch on my life.
Jesus should be my life. The Holy Spirit dwells in me to conform me to the image of Christ. That is the only way Jesus can be my life. Paul said to live is Christ, not to be like Christ. Let it be so in my life, Lord.
Opposition
Often people talk about following Jesus as being easy...if we follow Jesus we will be rich and healthy and happy and no problems...but as I read the Scriptures, that is just not the picture God shows of those who follow him.
Jeremiah spoke the word of the Lord to Israel and Judah for around 40 years. His message was one of captivity and destruction. Of course God always said if they repent, I will relent. Jeremiah 36:3.
During the time that Jeremiah was faithfully prophesying what God told him, doing what God said, he was imprisoned, ridiculed, thrown into a pit, threatened with death, wore a yoke around his neck, bought a field when the country was about to be captured. God asked Jeremiah to do hard things and Jeremiah did and things did not necessarily go well for him. But God always was there with him, watching over him. Jeremiah 15:19-21.
That's not to say God doesn't bless His followers. He does. The Spirit of God fills us with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Galatians 5:22-23. But when we are living on the edge for Jesus, working hard to make Hell less crowded, opposition will come.
When I have NO opposition - and there are times like that in my life - when everything seems to be going great, am I just being allowed a breather or am I getting really slack in my walk and my obedience to doing the things God asks of me?
Jeremiah spoke the word of the Lord to Israel and Judah for around 40 years. His message was one of captivity and destruction. Of course God always said if they repent, I will relent. Jeremiah 36:3.
During the time that Jeremiah was faithfully prophesying what God told him, doing what God said, he was imprisoned, ridiculed, thrown into a pit, threatened with death, wore a yoke around his neck, bought a field when the country was about to be captured. God asked Jeremiah to do hard things and Jeremiah did and things did not necessarily go well for him. But God always was there with him, watching over him. Jeremiah 15:19-21.
That's not to say God doesn't bless His followers. He does. The Spirit of God fills us with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Galatians 5:22-23. But when we are living on the edge for Jesus, working hard to make Hell less crowded, opposition will come.
When I have NO opposition - and there are times like that in my life - when everything seems to be going great, am I just being allowed a breather or am I getting really slack in my walk and my obedience to doing the things God asks of me?
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wow, What a Day
That's about all I can say...WOW! What a day. Perry gave a really powerful message today aimed at Christians. I know it's been a great message when God breaks my heart!
Am I obsessed with my image...my image before men when my heart is not right with God? Do I have garbage in my life I am trying to hide or cover up with outside stuff? Who am I when no one is looking? Do I believe the lie that I can walk with God and keep the garbage hidden?
Jesus had some of His strongest criticisms for the Pharisees who were the religious elite, the most "godly" people around in His day. But Jesus called them hypocrites and blind and whitewashed tombs! Looking good on the outside but full of garbage on the inside. Matthew 23:25-28.
Do I have idols in my life? Is there ANYTHING or ANYONE I love more than Jesus? My service, my family, my stuff, my habits? If there is it is an idol!! Ezekiel 14:1-5
Am I resisting the invasion of the Holy Spirit to convict me of the garbage and/or idols? As a Christ follower, someone who claims Jesus as Savior, He is not IN my life, He IS my life. Colossians 3:1-4.
Lord, as I listened to I Surrender All, I knew there were things I have not completely surrendered to You...whether an action or attitude. Thank you for convicting me. Help me to totally surrender to You in EVERY area of my life!
Am I obsessed with my image...my image before men when my heart is not right with God? Do I have garbage in my life I am trying to hide or cover up with outside stuff? Who am I when no one is looking? Do I believe the lie that I can walk with God and keep the garbage hidden?
Jesus had some of His strongest criticisms for the Pharisees who were the religious elite, the most "godly" people around in His day. But Jesus called them hypocrites and blind and whitewashed tombs! Looking good on the outside but full of garbage on the inside. Matthew 23:25-28.
Do I have idols in my life? Is there ANYTHING or ANYONE I love more than Jesus? My service, my family, my stuff, my habits? If there is it is an idol!! Ezekiel 14:1-5
Am I resisting the invasion of the Holy Spirit to convict me of the garbage and/or idols? As a Christ follower, someone who claims Jesus as Savior, He is not IN my life, He IS my life. Colossians 3:1-4.
Lord, as I listened to I Surrender All, I knew there were things I have not completely surrendered to You...whether an action or attitude. Thank you for convicting me. Help me to totally surrender to You in EVERY area of my life!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Seek With All My Heart
One of the verses a lot of people have as their life verse is Jeremiah 29:11..."I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord..." That is an important verse - a verse that reminds us that God directs our paths.
But I happen to like Jeremiah 29:13-14a. If I want to know the plans of God, the plans He has for me, I need to seek God with my whole heart. He has promised that I will find Him when I do seek Him this way. There is no other way to really know God's plans for me.
How often though is my seeking half-hearted? What if I am too busy or tired or lazy? How often do I put other things before seeking God? Even though I read my Bible and pray, is it with my WHOLE heart or just because I think I ought to. Am I really trying to find God and His plans or just fulfill a duty? The last half of Jeremiah 12:2 says, "You are near in their mouth but far from their heart." Don't let that be me Lord! Put within me a passion for You and for Your word.
But I happen to like Jeremiah 29:13-14a. If I want to know the plans of God, the plans He has for me, I need to seek God with my whole heart. He has promised that I will find Him when I do seek Him this way. There is no other way to really know God's plans for me.
How often though is my seeking half-hearted? What if I am too busy or tired or lazy? How often do I put other things before seeking God? Even though I read my Bible and pray, is it with my WHOLE heart or just because I think I ought to. Am I really trying to find God and His plans or just fulfill a duty? The last half of Jeremiah 12:2 says, "You are near in their mouth but far from their heart." Don't let that be me Lord! Put within me a passion for You and for Your word.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Can I Still Blush?
In my reading in Jeremiah this morning, in 6:15 and 8:12 God asks are the people (His people) not ashamed when they do terrible things. He says no, they don't even blush.
God's heart in these passages is broken because those who are supposed to love Him and follow Him and obey Him are doing their own thing and pushing Him away. They do things that are an affront to a holy God and don't even have the ability to blush with shame.
Are there things in my life, thoughts or actions, that are an affront to a holy God; to the one who sacrificed His Son so I could become His daughter? If I do something wrong and am confronted with it by Scripture or by the Holy Spirit do I have the humbleness, the contrite spirit to blush at my wrong doing or do I make excuses? Do I try to hide my sin? Am I willing to be broken before God in real repentance, not just an "oops, sorry!"?
Previously, in Jeremiah 3:22 God tells His children to return and I will heal you of your waywardness, of your backsliding, of your faithlessness. He wants me to be in a right relationship with Him. He pursues me; all I have to do is return.
God's heart in these passages is broken because those who are supposed to love Him and follow Him and obey Him are doing their own thing and pushing Him away. They do things that are an affront to a holy God and don't even have the ability to blush with shame.
Are there things in my life, thoughts or actions, that are an affront to a holy God; to the one who sacrificed His Son so I could become His daughter? If I do something wrong and am confronted with it by Scripture or by the Holy Spirit do I have the humbleness, the contrite spirit to blush at my wrong doing or do I make excuses? Do I try to hide my sin? Am I willing to be broken before God in real repentance, not just an "oops, sorry!"?
Previously, in Jeremiah 3:22 God tells His children to return and I will heal you of your waywardness, of your backsliding, of your faithlessness. He wants me to be in a right relationship with Him. He pursues me; all I have to do is return.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
But What Will You Do in the End?
I've started reading Jeremiah which always make me think of the condition of America. In a lot of ways it is very similar to Israel & Judah in those days. God talks about faithless Israel and treacherous Judah. Wonder if He thinks that about America. He has given us so much in freedom and strength and stuff and we push Him away and say leave us alone.
Something I read this morning that really rocked me is Jeremiah 5:30-31. "A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and the people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?"
In America, I'm not sure we find it shocking any more that our prophets (preachers) prophesy lies. Whole denominations argue over the right to ordain practicing homosexuals or agree to perform marriage ceremonies for gay couples. TV evangelists tell people "Send me your money and God will bless you!" Then the preachers build lavish homes and buy expensive cars and boats and vacations.
And I do believe MANY people like it that way. People want to be told whatever makes them feel good about themselves or want the "rightness" of their sins validated. But God asks an intriguing question...what will you do in the end?
In the end of this life, judgment is given. Those who do not know Jesus Christ will be forever separated from God by the second death. In the end, every knee will bow and proclaim that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. In the end, there is no time to change your mind or repent.
Am I willing to speak boldly to those who are perishing? Am I willing to be uncomfortable to help someone meet Jesus? Am I willing to take chances on losing a friend by telling him (nicely) that what he is doing is wrong - especially if that someone is a believer. Am I willing to listen to correction when it comes to me, and then do something about it?
Something I read this morning that really rocked me is Jeremiah 5:30-31. "A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and the people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?"
In America, I'm not sure we find it shocking any more that our prophets (preachers) prophesy lies. Whole denominations argue over the right to ordain practicing homosexuals or agree to perform marriage ceremonies for gay couples. TV evangelists tell people "Send me your money and God will bless you!" Then the preachers build lavish homes and buy expensive cars and boats and vacations.
And I do believe MANY people like it that way. People want to be told whatever makes them feel good about themselves or want the "rightness" of their sins validated. But God asks an intriguing question...what will you do in the end?
In the end of this life, judgment is given. Those who do not know Jesus Christ will be forever separated from God by the second death. In the end, every knee will bow and proclaim that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. In the end, there is no time to change your mind or repent.
Am I willing to speak boldly to those who are perishing? Am I willing to be uncomfortable to help someone meet Jesus? Am I willing to take chances on losing a friend by telling him (nicely) that what he is doing is wrong - especially if that someone is a believer. Am I willing to listen to correction when it comes to me, and then do something about it?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I Saw the Lord
Isaiah 6 is one of my favorite passages in all the Bible. In vs 1-8, Isaiah tells how God allowed him to have a vision of the throne room of God where God is sitting on the throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.
I like the fact that God is sitting; suggests to me that He certainly isn't worried about anything. He's not pacing the courts of Heaven wondering what to do next. If I have issues surrounding me, I have a tendency not to sit still; maybe not pacing exactly but distraction, wandering around the house. Makes me also wonder how great He is if just the TRAIN of his robe fills the whole temple.
Then Isaiah sees the seraphim, or the burning ones, whose only purpose is to fulfill God's every command. As they fly ceaselessly around the throne room, they constantly call to one another, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, the whole earth is full of His glory." I imagine this to be said sort of like a round, where one group says the 1st half and as they start the 2nd half, another group starts the 1st half. Or maybe one group echoes the other. However it is, it is constant. Every time I hear someone say they don't like songs that repeat the verse or chorus over and over, I wonder if they will be ready for this continual song of Heaven.
Then there is "Woe is me!" ANY time I am confronted by God, I should say woe is me because I too am a person of unclean lips, a sinner who can not stand in the presence of a holy God. EXCEPT that just as God cleansed the sin of Isaiah with the burning coal, He cleansed my sin with the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary.
And once his sin was forgiven, what was Isaiah's response to God's call to action? "Here am I, send me." That also should be my response to God - send me. Send me out into the world to speak His name, His love, His salvation, His grace, His mercy, His judgment. How many times do I know what God wants me to do but let the busyness of life or fear or laziness or whatever keep me from doing it?
I like the fact that God is sitting; suggests to me that He certainly isn't worried about anything. He's not pacing the courts of Heaven wondering what to do next. If I have issues surrounding me, I have a tendency not to sit still; maybe not pacing exactly but distraction, wandering around the house. Makes me also wonder how great He is if just the TRAIN of his robe fills the whole temple.
Then Isaiah sees the seraphim, or the burning ones, whose only purpose is to fulfill God's every command. As they fly ceaselessly around the throne room, they constantly call to one another, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, the whole earth is full of His glory." I imagine this to be said sort of like a round, where one group says the 1st half and as they start the 2nd half, another group starts the 1st half. Or maybe one group echoes the other. However it is, it is constant. Every time I hear someone say they don't like songs that repeat the verse or chorus over and over, I wonder if they will be ready for this continual song of Heaven.
Then there is "Woe is me!" ANY time I am confronted by God, I should say woe is me because I too am a person of unclean lips, a sinner who can not stand in the presence of a holy God. EXCEPT that just as God cleansed the sin of Isaiah with the burning coal, He cleansed my sin with the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary.
And once his sin was forgiven, what was Isaiah's response to God's call to action? "Here am I, send me." That also should be my response to God - send me. Send me out into the world to speak His name, His love, His salvation, His grace, His mercy, His judgment. How many times do I know what God wants me to do but let the busyness of life or fear or laziness or whatever keep me from doing it?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
How Can You Not Know
Last Thursday I stopped by Miyako's to see Jeremy for a little while. As I sat at the bar, a nice looking young business man (button up shirt, tie) sat down. After a few minutes he asked Jeremy is this your mother. When I said yes, he introduced himself.
Seems he was Andrew, a guy Jeremy went to public school with and who also grew up in the youth program at FBC. Andrew's mom and I were in the same Sunday school class for many years. We had a really long conversation and some of the things he said made me shake my head.
I brought the conversation around to church and beliefs and listened to him talk about getting into heaven by being good. I wanted to shout at him and ask had he never listened all those years he was in church. I know he heard over and over about Jesus. Yet here was this young, successful man telling me heaven was for good people.
He does feel a void in his life and knows that he should be seeking a church so of course I invited him to NewSpring. I will pray for him to come and to meet Jesus head on. But what amazed me most is how he could not know Jesus is the reason you go to heaven - not being good or bad. Maybe he DOES know but was hesitant to speak Jesus' name. That even happens with active Christ followers.
Seems he was Andrew, a guy Jeremy went to public school with and who also grew up in the youth program at FBC. Andrew's mom and I were in the same Sunday school class for many years. We had a really long conversation and some of the things he said made me shake my head.
I brought the conversation around to church and beliefs and listened to him talk about getting into heaven by being good. I wanted to shout at him and ask had he never listened all those years he was in church. I know he heard over and over about Jesus. Yet here was this young, successful man telling me heaven was for good people.
He does feel a void in his life and knows that he should be seeking a church so of course I invited him to NewSpring. I will pray for him to come and to meet Jesus head on. But what amazed me most is how he could not know Jesus is the reason you go to heaven - not being good or bad. Maybe he DOES know but was hesitant to speak Jesus' name. That even happens with active Christ followers.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Joy Does Not Equal Happiness
One of the things that I find most satisfying about being a follower of Christ is the deep down joy of living. Too many times people want to be happy but happy is based on circumstance - joy is based on a relationship with Jesus.
Joy is that inner dimension that KNOWS that God loves me, that my future is in His hands, that He watches over me, that He wants only HIS best for me. That last one is the rub sometimes - and the difference between joy and happiness. His best is not always the same as what I think is best. I can be unhappy over a circumstance, a job situation, a health issue, family tensions but I can still be filled with the joy of knowing God.
To me this is one of the hardest concepts to explain to non-believers. We tie so much of who we are into our stuff and our position that when those are lost, we are in despair. I guess the biggest issue comes from people who don't understand that this life is NOT all there is. But the abundant life that comes from Jesus begins the moment I ask Him to be my Lord and Savior. Our problem as Americans is that we equate abundance with lots of shiny stuff when actually the abundance of God is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Sure, it can mean stuff and "success" too but those things are fleeting. Real abundance is a heart attitude.
Joy is that inner dimension that KNOWS that God loves me, that my future is in His hands, that He watches over me, that He wants only HIS best for me. That last one is the rub sometimes - and the difference between joy and happiness. His best is not always the same as what I think is best. I can be unhappy over a circumstance, a job situation, a health issue, family tensions but I can still be filled with the joy of knowing God.
To me this is one of the hardest concepts to explain to non-believers. We tie so much of who we are into our stuff and our position that when those are lost, we are in despair. I guess the biggest issue comes from people who don't understand that this life is NOT all there is. But the abundant life that comes from Jesus begins the moment I ask Him to be my Lord and Savior. Our problem as Americans is that we equate abundance with lots of shiny stuff when actually the abundance of God is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Sure, it can mean stuff and "success" too but those things are fleeting. Real abundance is a heart attitude.
Let Them Thank the Lord
"Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul and the hungry soul He fills with good things." Psalm 107:8-9.
One of the things I've learned is that NOTHING satisfies like Jesus. Not my stuff, not my family or friends, not my job, not my money, not a vacation. All this is good but I can't find anything to satisfy my SOUL in them. And it is my soul that remains empty without Jesus.
It is only because of the steadfast love of God, that Jesus lives in my heart. God sent His only Son to pay the price for my sins; to be punished in my place. John 3:16, Romans 5:8. Then God sent His Spirit to convict me of my need for this Savior. John 16:7-8
His grace pulled me from the pit of destruction and set me on the path of eternal life - filled with joy and hope.
One of the things I've learned is that NOTHING satisfies like Jesus. Not my stuff, not my family or friends, not my job, not my money, not a vacation. All this is good but I can't find anything to satisfy my SOUL in them. And it is my soul that remains empty without Jesus.
It is only because of the steadfast love of God, that Jesus lives in my heart. God sent His only Son to pay the price for my sins; to be punished in my place. John 3:16, Romans 5:8. Then God sent His Spirit to convict me of my need for this Savior. John 16:7-8
His grace pulled me from the pit of destruction and set me on the path of eternal life - filled with joy and hope.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Earnestly Searching
I've been reading through the Psalms. It always takes so much longer to read them than other books of the Bible because they are so thought provoking. EVERY Psalm has verses that declare the glory of God or the strength or help or provision or faithfulness of God. I can't just read over them without pondering who God is and my relationship with Him.
One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 63:1-8. When I read this several days ago, it struck me again that I need a deep longing for God. IF He is my God, and He is, then I SHOULD earnestly seek Him. I should desire Him more than anything. I should recognize Him when I see Him work in my life and the lives of those around me.
Am I too busy to notice? Do I think I don't really need Him unless things begin to go wrong? Do I take Him for granted - knowing He's always there but kind of ignoring Him most of the time? I don't want that to be the defining line of my relationship with God. If that is the way it is, it's not much of a relationship. 1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. You are the living water that satisfies my soul!
One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 63:1-8. When I read this several days ago, it struck me again that I need a deep longing for God. IF He is my God, and He is, then I SHOULD earnestly seek Him. I should desire Him more than anything. I should recognize Him when I see Him work in my life and the lives of those around me.
Am I too busy to notice? Do I think I don't really need Him unless things begin to go wrong? Do I take Him for granted - knowing He's always there but kind of ignoring Him most of the time? I don't want that to be the defining line of my relationship with God. If that is the way it is, it's not much of a relationship. 1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. You are the living water that satisfies my soul!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Great Sunday!
God is soooo good. I can't believe He actually allows me to be part of something as special as NewSpring Church. God is alive and well and leading people to a saving relationship with His son, Jesus.
Perry is currently preaching a series called The Gospel, mainly from Matthew 7. This series started on Easter Sunday and in 2 weeks we've had about 450 people cross over the line from death to life. It is just so awesome to be praying for and expecting God to do miraculous things...and then seeing Him do it!!
The music today was really special in my book. I love every song we sang...Revelation Song, In Christ Alone, Jesus Messiah plus 3 others...all were serious worship songs. And I know more people gave their hearts to Jesus. What an exciting place to be Sunday after Sunday, as God just pours out His Spirit to draw men and women to Himself.
Perry is currently preaching a series called The Gospel, mainly from Matthew 7. This series started on Easter Sunday and in 2 weeks we've had about 450 people cross over the line from death to life. It is just so awesome to be praying for and expecting God to do miraculous things...and then seeing Him do it!!
The music today was really special in my book. I love every song we sang...Revelation Song, In Christ Alone, Jesus Messiah plus 3 others...all were serious worship songs. And I know more people gave their hearts to Jesus. What an exciting place to be Sunday after Sunday, as God just pours out His Spirit to draw men and women to Himself.
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