Christian Politics (Part 1)

Are we "Too political?"
Part one of a series: Questions Christians should be asking.

Disclaimer: I am not a Republican, Democrat, or a socialist. This blog is not meant to push any agenda, rather to question the existence of agendas and what that means to the Christian.

It is a dangerous moment for the church and the gospel when a temporal power is confused for a higher power.

-Mark Rodgers
Former staff director, Senate Republican Conference president

The conservative religious movement - or at least parts of it - has sold its soul to partisan politics. Many young evangelicals see that this is just Republican politics masquerading as conservative religion. When they observe this, they don't like it. And they are concerned that it could happen to the left too - exactly what happened on the right: The politicizing and corrupting of religion for the sake of political power.

-Jim Wallis
Founder and executive director, Sojourners Call to Renewal.

Isn't it funny how the word "politics" is made up of the words "poli" meaning 'many' in Latin, and 'tics' as in 'bloodsucking creatures.'
-Unknown

I am a week behind the curve with this blog, but my views on politics have been seven years in the making. Ever since I hit the ripe old age of eighteen I have sought to make since out of all the right wing, left wing, moderate, socialism, capitalism ideas and ideals. Most importantly, it has been a quest to find out how to be a Christian and still be involved in the world of politics.

George W. Bush vs John Kerry was the first election that I could cast a vote for Jesus and prevent the moral disaster of the century from occurring, with the pro-choice Kerry feeling the sharp edge of my ballot, Bush is re-elected and all is well with the world.

As an 18-year-old I equated the Republican party with the will of God - I was programmed by pastors, teachers, biased news organizations and friends to believe that Republican equals Jesus or at the very least, who he would vote for. The Republicans, after all, were pro-life, pro sanctity of marriage, and they were the best option of dealing with terrorists, not that there is anything wrong with these ideals - I am for all of these things as well.

Flash forward to the next election, the nation was in shambles. The stock market crashed, the recession paralyzed the average American. Millions are out of jobs, and the middle class was quickly disappearing. The race of morality quickly vanished into a race of who could get us out of this mess. The promise of moving forward came into play, Obama is elected and the nation looked forward to better days. Things started moving forward, but it was attributed to a "socialist agenda" so now that midterm elections are over the Republicans have regained an overwhelming majority of the House promising to save the country from a socialist agenda, putting an end to Obamacare and "taking the country back."

Some things that I have learned from all of this ^

1. God is sovereign a government or a leader is not.

Whose to say that the person that God chooses to lead a country is always godly or a Christian. God chose the heathen king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and Darius the great of Persia to rule over the people of God circa 722 - 586 B.C.E. This was a confirmed act of God's will by the profits.

2. You cannot legislate morality.

If I say that I am going to put a ban on crime, it will still exist. If a person has the evil in his or her heart to rob a bank, kill someone, or to have an abortion they will find a way to do so without the governments help. It is unfortunate that we live in such a immoral society but banning things doesn't work, if it did, prohibition would have stuck.

3. Just because you are a Christian doesn't mean you have to be a Republican (or any party).

As of now, I don't know what I am in the world of politics, but I know that I am not a republican. Shane Claiborne changed my thinking about the conservatives when he said: "I must say that I am still passionately pro-life, I just have a much more holistic sense of what it means to be for life, knowing that life does not just begin at conception and end at birth, and that if I am going to discourage abortion, I had better be ready to adopt some babies and care for some mothers."

4. Jesus seems to be a socialist.

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (redistribution of wealth).

So what am I getting at? I guess the simplest answer is that, for Christians, our hope should not be in a flawed human system. The kingdom of God is not democratic at all, it is a kingdom under a King, which is Christ. Jesus told Pilate when asked if he was a king, "“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” -John 18:36

It is not a bad thing to be involved with politics, after-all, we all have opinions and voices when it comes to who will run the country. But no political party or governmental system will equal the power of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. In that kingdom there is, joy, wealth, healing, peace, deliverance...perfection. Christians should realize this whether they are Republican, Democrat, Independent etc.

Are Christians too political? If we are talking more about how President Obama is a socialist rather than praying for God to open his ears and heart to hear what is best for the country, then yes.

Are Christians too political? If we have more faith in people, parties and a failing system more than God, then yes.

Are Christians too political? If we spend our time attacking and judging "the left" instead of praying for, loving, and learning from them (there are valid points on both sides), then yes.

What are your thoughts? Join the conversation below if you agree or disagree.

Well Said

This entry is a book review for booksneeze.com. You sign up and they send you free books if you promise to review them on your blog. The book I chose was "Where is God" by Dr. John Townsend.

This book helped me through a difficult time. I wondered "Where is God" when my best friend passed away two years ago. He passed suddenly at only 30 years of age. This book helped me to realize that God is still in control and that he still has the best plans for his people.

This book helped me to uncover a truth I should have seen without so many weeks of questioning:

God is no stranger to suffering.

He felt the sting of betrayal when his creation disobeyed and went after pleasure rather than a relationship of trust. He felt the pain, when mankind began worshiping the creation instead of the creator. He wept at the graveside of his friend Lazarus - he felt the sting of the whips the sharp-edge of the spear and the penetration of the nails. God knows suffering as much as he knows grace, love, and peace.

In our suffering we have a God who identifies with us, this brings me comfort and a deeper understanding of the nature of God.

Growth

I am a Sunday School teacher at the church that I attend...Yes good old fashion 10:30am B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own Bible) Sunday School. On a good Sunday I will have three people (not including my wife in attendance. The age group that I teach are in their 20's an anomaly, nay a disturbance in the force in this generation that two twenty (something) year olds are attending Sunday School. Frankly, I thank God for those two men.

I have thought over the last couple of years of ministry their about growing the class - growing the church. But how do I market a Sunday School class that would seem out-dated and dull to most of my peers? Forgive my futility, but I do not think it will happen. There is too much competition. The average church now has all the bells and whistles, power-points, sermon openers and a rocking praise team; why would someone want to get up an hour early to come hear sound Biblical teaching? That is ridiculous.

Now that I am off of my soapbox: The Bible teaches that (spiritual) growth is a process that begins with death. Take the seed for example, it is a seed at first, it goes in the ground and then it dies to become something else. A plant. The plant then has to push through all kinds of dirt to get to the sunlight in order for it to mature. This process can take days or even weeks.

Christian leaders need to understand that we should never gauge growth by numbers. Numbers feed our ego and make us feel like we are doing a good job and when they are down, so are we. Jesus changed the world and started a movement with 11 committed people (plus the 70 but he didn't hang out with them much). The kingdom of God is like a seed that grows, do not have disdain for small beginnings because a Redwood tree starts from a tiny seed.

Growth should never be gauged numerically - but intrinsically. Jesus had twelve disciples, but one did not grow - I wonder if it was because he skipped Sunday School?

Can you get satisfaction?

Jesus said, "To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by all her children."

Leaders, have you ever felt as though everything you did to please people ending up failing? You try to encourage people and they still end up speaking negatively toward you. You preach love and they return with hate. You preach hate and they hate that as well. You serve, you give, you minister, you pour your life out and get no response.

This generation is like this: You play a song for them and they do not passionately worship. You sing a sad song and no one sheds a tear, nothing you do can truly please this generation because they will always find something to complain about. It is a cynical generation...

Take politics for example (I am not endorsing any party or person here): When Bush was in office everyone hated what he was doing, by the end of his presidency his approval rating was like -50. Along comes Obama, and most people loved him and hurried to get behind his vision for change in America. Fast forward to now, his approval rating is almost as bad as Bush's was.

My point: You can't please anyone. It is always the leader's fault when something goes wrong and no matter what is done the response is always the opposite.

John the Baptist and Jesus had this problem. John was the prime example of holiness. He set him self apart from the world in the wilderness, and the religious people (Pharisee and Teachers of the Law who prided themselves on being set apart) said he had a demon. Jesus hung out with people who the religious people wouldn't and he was shunned as a drunk.

-In ministry you are not going to be able to reach the lost and maintain good standing with the ones who consider themselves "too good" for those people.

-In ministry you are not going to be able to maintain a good relationship with the lost people and try to fit into the squeaky clean perfect church mold.

Maybe there is a balance??

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones sang it this way: "I can't get no satisfaction." This seems to be the theme song of this generation. I wonder if people danced to this song?

Working Man's Blues

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26)

These two verses have caused a lot of debate throughout the centuries. They seem to be in logical tension with one another.

A person is saved by the grace of God (God's preformative initiative in ones life, or simply, his presence leading one to know him) through faith (being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see).

NOT OF YOURSELVES, NOT BY WORKS, SO THAT NO ONE CAN BOAST

If a man can keep all of the commandments, and be a good person then he has a right to ride into heaven with a golden horse while all of the saint lift up his name. He should even get his name on heaven's marquee with flashing lights and a neon color than no one has ever seen before.

The above exaggeration is absolutely false: No one can ever be good enough, can never do enough to earn God's favor. What does earn God's favor is FAITH in Christ because Jesus is the only person who was ever able to please him..."You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Grace initiates, Faith strengthens, works demonstrate faith, works do not earn good standing with God.

The person who is caught up in a "works based" mindset has the blues. Why? They can never do enough to earn the acceptance of God, and it leaves them feeling defeated because they are relying on their good deeds to try to get heaven to do standing ovation in their honor. Some people who are caught up in this mindset are not trying to please God, but they are trying to please people. They love to hear their shouts and admiration, they receive their reward in full.

True relationship with Jesus is honored, not how much you have done for him.

Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' ²³Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:21-23).

The above passage shows us two things:

1. It is the will of God that we know Jesus
2. It is not the will of God that we exclusively do things "In Jesus name"

The working man's blues will be sung by a lot of people who thought they could work their way into heaven, and not enter into the door of heaven (Jesus) by simply knowing and obeying him.

For all of you works lovers out there, remember that God wants relationship with Jesus to be primary in your life. You cannot be saved through your own effort, you must accept that Jesus has already "paid it all."

Is this saying that Christians should sit back and do nothing? No! It does say that salvation is a gift from God through relationship with Christ. Salvation can not be earned by doing things for God.

Works bring faith to life. It shows everyone else your gift of salvation and hopefully makes them want to receive it themselves. Works demonstrate to God that you are serious about following his lead, and surrendering to his plan for your life.

Ministers are not Therapists

For the past couple of weeks I have come into contact with everyone from family members to loose acquaintances who want to unload all of their problems onto me. They go into graphic details about their struggles financially, relationally, emotionally, spiritually. As a minister, I feel like out of that list I am only qualified to counsel on one of those topics (I will let you guess which one). I know a good bit about the other topics, but they are not my areas of expertise.

People think that because I am a minister that I am a priest at a confessional booth wanting to hear about all their problems and to tell them to say some hail marys and our Fathers so that there sins will be forgiven.

Okay, so I understand that in order to be a minister that I am going to have to sympathize/empathize with people in their struggles in life. That I am supposed to pray for the ones that are having a hard time, and trust me, I do. My cry, however, is not for everyone to stop unloading their problems on me, in a way I consider that an honor. My cry is that people would not just see me as a free therapist for them. That I would not be labeled and stereotyped into someone that I am not. There are many people with many problems in the world, and I have my own as well.

If you are having problems I beg you, go see someone who is trained to help you. Don't bother your pastor because mostly all he can give you is spiritual advise. There comes a time when a minister can only do so much to help. Go to a professional, and confess your sins to God (1 John 1:8-9).

Defining Ministry

So I am taking a pastoral leadership class this summer, the books that I am reading are painting a portrait of a certain kind of minister. It seems as if the book is saying that as a minister you should wear a three piece suit, kiss hands and shake babies (I think I got that one mixed up) and have a clear "pastor voice." The book even went as far as to say that you should seek to please everyone in your congregation.

So if I am to be a Pastor is this the mold I am to fit into? A superficial "yes man" who is nice to everyone and is as squeaky clean as the day my mother gave birth to me?

Don't get me wrong I don't mind wearing ties or being nice to people, but really? Jesus didn't wear a suit, and I am pretty sure they were not even invented then. He wasn't nice to everyone. He called a woman a dog, and the religious Pharisees snakes. He turned over tables and beat people with whips. He Shook babies(Just having fun with the last one)! Jesus did not fit any mold, but he did what he saw the Father doing, he did what God would have him do whether or not it fit a certain religious standard. In fact, the religious people saw him as rebellious and as a sinner because he failed to comply with their outer code.

I think the only mold that a spiritual leader needs to fit into is the one that has a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ, and the one that seeks to live a holy life of integrity and honesty. The outer will go to the grave, the inner lives forever.

Divine Healing

This Blog is a response to a question posted on a facebook status, the question is "If a church (or any ministry) has a "healing service" but can't really verify any of the "healings", what does that mean?

My response,

I do believe that God still is at work supernaturally healing people through people, but we have to remember the original purpose for healing(s) that were done by Jesus. They were to demonstrate his authority over the diseases and prove his divine union with the Father. Today there... See More are people who get fanatical and say that God will heal anytime anywhere (sometimes for a nominal fee) I don't believe this. Jesus did not heal everyone, and the ones that he did heal eventually faced physical death even though they were healed temporarily. Therefore, sometimes people are not going to get healed physically no matter how much faith they put in Christ. And the people that do will end up dying one day anyway. Divine healing is a temporary benefit of the one healed, and a eternal benefit for the one who witnesses said event and believes in Christ as his or her Savior/Forgiver/Leader.

As far as verification for healing, I have seen people get healed and get a clean bill of health from the doctor. My grandma with congestive heart failure for example. However, she died a few months later. So I guess what I am trying to say is the eternal benefit is better than the temporal. And that yes, people should not make a "show" out of this wonderful gift that God sometimes gives.

Personalities and Worship

Creative personalities want to worship God creatively. This involves dancing, singing, doing dramas, and skits. Playing in a heavy metal Christian band.

Critical personalities want to worship God in an organized, orthodox, liturgical way. They are mostly unemotional and sometimes overly critical of those who are.

Direct personalities want to worship God with intense passion, and zeal. They want to do whatever it takes to insure that "His kingdom comes." They are militaristic in their ministries.

Steady/stable personalities want to ensure that everyone is loved and accepted in the church. The way they see worship as praying one on one with as many people as possible and giving as many hugs as possible.

Influencers want all people to be included in the service, and they want them to have a positive experience. They are worried about being accepted by their congregation, and will conform to whatever the general atmosphere is in a particular church.

The problem is, each one of these personalities can see church worship through their own preferences. The solution is to keep in mind that we are not all the same, and we each find God in our own way.

Many churches I have been to are churches with a lot of the same personalities. "Birds of a feather flock together." Think about it, if a church has a rockin band, raise their hands, dance, and jump around they are labeled Pentecostal. If a church is slightly below that and has more of a passion to teach the correct doctrine they are labeled baptist.

The emotional are grouped with the emotional, the outcasts with the outcasts, the intellectual with the intellectual. It is like we are all organized. I think it is up to each believer to learn from all groups.

Worship is...

I am finishing up my internship this week. I have learned many valuable lessons during this time, and been encouraged more than I have been in my entire life. I come out of this semester hopeful about my future. As I look behind I have few regrets, as I look ahead I see endless possibilities. God is good. He is working behind the scenes in my life working together those things for the good (Rom 8:28), having thoughts higher than my thoughts and ways higher than my ways.

God is showing me that it okay just to be who he created me to be. I don't have to impress him or anyone else. His love is not conditional, but sealed with nails.

With that said, my blog is obviously going in a different direction than before. I am no longer doing Oswald Chambers journaling, but am now back to sharing-life-with-the-masses. This blog is about sharing my observations and stories from my life, my opinions, and my thoughts about my journey.

With that said, the other night I attended a chapel service. I helped set up communion and served the elements to the receiving students. There was a part in the service where people were invited to, "Come up and give God the precious in there lives." As I looked objectively at this activity I noticed the diversity of people and how they responded to this "alter call." Some came very willingly and expressed gobs of emotion, people cried, lifted their hands, danced, and bowed.

Others stood with their hands in their pockets. They seemed like they were obligated to be there, but really did not want to be. Still others sat in their chairs showing no response at all. Such diversity in one room.

Of course worship is not entirely about raising hands, singing songs, or giving lip service to God. Worship is not entirely prayer, fasting, speaking in tongues or feeding the homeless. Worship is not entirely reading your Bible, encouraging your friends, or loving people. Worship is not entirely about responding to altar calls, doing what the pastor tells you to do, or not cursing. Worship is not entirely about abstaining from sex before marriage, masturbation, or overeating.

Worship is Romans 12:1, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

This includes all of the above and then some. To be a living sacrifice you have to be willing to die. To die to your personal opinions and preferences. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to be holy and pleasing to God. You don't have to do any of the above to make God love you any more than the next person, but if you REALLY want to KNOW GOD doing the above is not a bad idea.

What I am trying to say is, if you have never done something (such as raise your hands), why not try it? I am sure it is not going to hurt God's feelings if you do or don't, but you never know what kind of affect it my have on you. God does not have to respond to your gestures of "worship" but what if he does? It would change your mind about him forever.

God's presence is not invoked by some magical power, but doing some of the above exercises helps prepare the hearts and minds of the believer to receive from God by having open minds and open hearts.

Weakness

If you have whine in you, kick it out ruthlessly. It is a positive crime to be weak in God's strength.

As Christians it is our weaknesses that perfect the power of God, for even if God had a weakness it would be stronger than the strength of man (2 Corinthians 12:9;1 Corinthians 1:25).

As Christians we need to come to a point where we realize that we are nothing without the power of God working in our lives. This power is not through the wonderful accomplishments that we have done for God, rather the realization that we can do nothing without his help. This divine dependence is something that we as the church need to remember if we are to see the church awaken once again in this postmodern generation.

Eternal Life

Christians have hope that no other religion offers, the hope of eternal life in the presence of God himself. The hope of Christians is that we someday obtain this promise through Christ who was the first to be raised from the dead. We will share in this.

Resurrection is an interesting topic. Is is one that I don't hear preached a lot, but it was the goal of Paul to know the complete revelation of Jesus Christ and share in his resurrection from the dead (Phil 3:10-11).

This should be a lesson to Christians, that one hope that we have for certain in Christ is that we are going to live forever. This excites me and give me hope beyond this life. It is true that the sweet by and by, should not distract us from the nasty here and now, but to remember the gift of eternal life is to remember the very core of our belief, that God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son that whosoever believes in him will not die but have eternal life.

The Cross

The center of salvation is the cross of Jesus, and the reason it is so easy to obtain salvation is because it cost God so much.

-Oswald Chambers

Salvation is free to anyone and everyone if they put their trust in Jesus Christ as their replacement for the punishment of their sin. For us it is free, for God it cost him everything.

Jesus in Gethsemane had much anxiety about his encounter with death on the cross. The anxiety was not specifically because he feared death or the pain that he would experience, rather it was because of the fact that he knew for a moment he would be abandoned by his heavenly Father. Jesus cried, "My God My God, why have you forsaken me?" In this moment Jesus was stripped of his divinity and he that had no sin was made to be sin for you and me.

Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain he washed it white as snow.

Be a Product of Pressing

We can never fathom the agony of Gethsemane, but at least we need not misunderstand it.

-Oswald Chambers

The Hebrew word for Gethsemane literally means, oil press. The garden was an olive grove, people would use the olives to make oil for cooking and light. Another thing comes to mind when thinking of oil, anointing.

When David was chosen to be the king of Israel he was anointed with oil as an outward expression of his inward potential. However, it was not until after he killed Goliath, and avoided being killed and not killing Saul that he was made the king of Israel. David's anointing was released through obedience to God and his response to difficult situations.

I think it is interesting that the setting of Jesus' most intense questioning of God's will was in an oil press. In his intense obedience to the will of God even to death on the cross he truly showed the world that he was the Christ, the anointed one.

In our struggles in life and questioning of God's will, I would suggest to you that we are in an oil press. Our struggles "press" us, and this pressing allows a release of anointing. It is through our obedience to God's will and our response to difficulty that release the anointing in our lives.

April Fools!

One of the biggest issues in the church is the issue of hypocrisy. The Greek word for hypocrite is a theater term that means people pretending to be one thing when they are actually another (acting; wearing masks). In essence, for the church this would mean, people who are sinners who pretend that they have none. The ideal pursuit of the Christian life is to be completely free from sin and its affects, but the truth is that we will have sins (mistakes;impurities;bad attitudes;foul mouths) until we all reach perfection in the fulfillment of our lives on earth. No matter how hard we try, our flesh cannot be saved it is under a curse of death and will pass away until it is remade into a perfect one during the Resurrection.

The church is in desperate need of REAL PEOPLE. People who admit their struggles and do not act like they have it all together. The person with the microphone has just as many issues as the one on the back row, the only thing that separates the two is that one has been forgiven by accepting the sacrifice of Christ and one hasn't.

To make a difference as a Christian BE REAL, BE WHO YOU ARE, TAKE THE CHURCH MASK OFF.

I am a Friend of God

I was riding in the car the other day when the song, "I am a friend of God" by Israel Houghton came on the radio. I with critical attitude I thought to myself, "Wow, this song sure is repetitive." Now I would say in retrospect that-that is the whole point!

How many seconds out of the day do I forget that I am a friend of God?

Truth is learned primarily though hearing it over and over again in compact ways. This song is very simple, and yes, very repetitive, but it is a truth that Christians should never forget: That we are friends of God through Christ Jesus who shed his blood to redeem us back into that standing.

He Must Increase, But I Must Decrese

Jesus is everything, without him we are hopeless and in a prison of ourselves. Jesus is the most important person in ever. Mere human beings forget that they are just fragile clay pots that can break at any moment never to be put together again, soul escaping in the process. Our only hope is Jesus. Our next breath depends on his word.

With that said: John the Baptist was the first one to get this idea, that Jesus should be the one growing in popularity while he decreased. Ole Johnny boy would probably be considered a person with a growing "church" by today's standards. He would be the first minister that would admit that Jesus should get more glory than himself. John was not even offended at the fact that some of his very own disciples jumped the "baptist" ship to the Jesus ship (not a shot at Baptists, I love em). It is time to decrease our names as ministers, and increase the name of the one who has called us; JESUS the CHRIST.

Make a Habit of Having No Habits

Love means that there is no habit visible, you have come to the place where the habit is lost, and by practice you do the thing unconsciously.

-Oswald Chambers

This statement from Mr. Chambers is preceded by a statement saying that Christians can have "Christian Habits" that is we do things out of routine that we should be doing out of love. Bible study for example could become something that is done because we have to or we have always done it that way. Prayer is another example, do you check off a list as you pray(which is not bad sometimes)or do you really seek to spend time with God as with a friend? Just like in a relationship with a significant other, there should be spontaneity in your relationship with God. If you took your significant other to the same restaurant every week for dinner it would get old quick.

Bottom line: God wants us to seek him in different ways out of love, not obligation or habit.

Those that Walk Away

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
-John 6:66

I was recently in a church service, during the middle of the service a group of people stood up and walked out. I am not sure why, but I believe it was because they did not like the style of worship that was being offered. I then began to think about the above scripture. The people that turned away from Jesus was not because a dislike of a worship style, rather because Jesus said that they must "eat his flesh" and "drink his blood." This statement would be tougher to grasp than just listening to some worship and seeking God for an hour.

Christianity is not about "worship preference" it is about becoming uniquely connected to the risen Christ. Those that walk away miss out on the journey of a lifetime. Those that walk away miss the grace that has been given. Those that walk away from a worship service in any of there forms never walk toward worship on their own time. Those that walk away from the church, walk away from Christ. Those that walk away from Christ walk on a broad path which leads to destruction.

Spoiler Alert

For many Christians, walking in the light means walking according to our standard for another person.
-Oswald Chambers

Have you ever looked down on a person for something that "you don't do" and then you did it yourself a couple of days later? It could have been something like saying a curse word (or the equivalent), being angry, or even judging someone for being judgmental. Christians put standards on people so whoever doesn't fit that standard will not get into "the club." It is probably not just some Christians, but human nature itself.

Spoiler Alert! I am not here to live up to your man made standards. Religion will not box me in, and I would strongly recommend the reader to seek to start a journey to escape the religion that you are steeped in, and turn to or back to a relationship with Jesus.

Stop trying to conform to standards, rules and codes. This is not the life of freedom that the Lord is offering.

Jesus the Lion

March 15, 2010

At the beginning we were sure we knew all about Jesus Christ, it was a delight to sell all and fling ourselves out in a hardihood of love; but now we are not quite so sure. Jesus is out in front and he looks so strange: "Jesus went before them and they were amazed."

-Oswald Chambers on Mark 10:32

There is a wide range of views that people have about Jesus the Christ. Southpark teaches us that Jesus still walks the earth, and that his crucifixion is something to laugh about. Family guy says that Jesus works at a video store and is still trying to "find himself" God hits on woman and gets drunk. Some people see Jesus as a peace-loving hippie promoting advocating that we all, "Make love not war." Still others see Jesus as a fictional character in a story, a myth that people made up.

Would the real Jesus Christ please stand up?

Ok, so there is truth that Jesus was peace-loving, he is the Prince of Peace. However Jesus could put it down when he had to. He called people snakes, dogs, hypocrites, synagogues of Satan, and Satan. This is very cute and fuzzy eh?

The truth is, Jesus was a lamb in a sense that he laid down his life for the sins of humanity, but that lamb has now become a lion ready to pronounce the end of all things from the sword which proceeds from his mouth.

The church has forgotten the image of the glorified resurected Christ who will judge the living and the dead as descibed in Revelation 1:13-18, "And among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

When I saw him, I (John the apostle)fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Jesus not on the Cross anymore, is is not a pansy throwing up a peace sign, he is not what T.V. says about him, and is probably not what you have made him up to be in your own mind. He is much more.

Vision

March 11, 2010

I wear glasses, without them I can't see King Kong on a Billboard swatting at the Goodyear blimp. Vision from God is like our "spiritual glasses." Without his direction for our lives we walk into "spiritual ditches," and even off of "spiritual cliffs" to our demise. The closer we are to God the clearer our vision for our lives will be, with a vision we will not perish, as individuals, families, churches, and nations.

March 10, 2010

Pentecost did not teach the disciples anything; it made them the incarnation of what they preached.

-Oswald Chambers

The topic of Spirit baptism seems to have become taboo in the modern church world. If any Christian is to be a witness for Jesus Christ they need all the "power from on high" that can be allotted. I will not discuss in this blog the various theologies on how to obtain the baptism in the order of salvation.

The reason some do not talk about it is because they are afraid that there is something more in Christianity than just getting through church services from week to week. Others because they feel like they will be labeled weird or a "holy roller." The truth is, without the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Christianity ceases to be a movement and starts being a religious system.

Divine Dependence

Live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ

-Oswald Chambers

I took a spiritual formation class last year. One of the primary lessons that I learned in this class is that I am still in desperate need of God, and I have to be dependent on him in each waking hour.

In human relationships they say that it is a bad thing to be "needy," it is not a bad thing to be this way with God. It is when we rely on our own strength, the power of our own self will when we begin to forget that it was never about our power or strength, but we are to be dependent on God's strength. His power is made perfect in our weakness not our strength.

Identity

March 8, 2010

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

When I see myself for who I am there is no question that I am, at my very core, rotten, evil, bad, a sinner, full of hatred, pride, lust, greed. No person is intrinsically good (e.g. you don't have to teach a child to misbehave, lie, be selfish etc). Jesus died on the cross not to make people "good" he died on the cross so that spiritually dead people could live. How does he do this? He comes and lives in the place of your sin, your heart. Have you ever heard a preacher say, accept Jesus into your heart? Jesus literally comes into the place where he said flows murder and sexual immorality and makes his dwelling there.

We are crucified with him in this sense, that he had the most vile person in mind when he made the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. When we accept Jesus into our heart, we die, and Jesus lives. However, most Christians are zombies, the living dead. They are dualistic, not giving it all to him and surrendering their identity to his will.

All the doubts that we have about the Christianity should be overridden by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us.

Unleash 2010

I went to a church conference today at NewSpring Community Church in Anderson, SC. It is a fast growing 1500+ member church. The Pastor, Perry Noble, spoke in the first session about how the church grew so fast. His formula was not capsuled in 7 easy steps, nor three points. It was shocking when he said that he simply, "Didn't know how it happened." Wow! Sell that idea to the publishing company!

He said it happened because he and his staff listened to God and did what he said. Nothing more and nothing less. Rarely, if ever, does God do something in the same way twice. When Joshua and the Israelites were going to take the city of Jericho God gave specific instructions to march around the city so many times and the walls would fall down. Never again in history has this been the way that a city has been taken. God has a plan for each man or woman of God, and for the city that you live in but it is unique to that person and city. Pastor's need to understand that just because it worked for Ron Carpenter in Greenville, SC, doesn't mean that it will work in there town of a few thousand. Pastor's need to realize that there is no "formula" on how to start and sustain a move of God, but there is one thing that we can do, listen to God, and do what he says.

*Blog Based on Notes Taken from Perry Noble

Fat Men and Homosexuals

A friend had a facebook status that said, "If a fat man can lead a church, serve on a church staff, and not be held responsible for his lack of self discipline when it comes to gluttony, then why can’t a gay man lead a church, serve on a church staff and not be held responsible for his lack of self discipline when it comes to homosexuality?

To this I replied, "I am saying that gluttony and homosexuality are two different struggles with different consequences. If a "Christian homosexual" is a homosexual that doesn't act out his or her desires, then is a fat man on a diet the same?

The question that we really seem to be asking here is "Are all sins the same?" Or "Should all sin be dealt with in the same manner?" My answer to this question is, no. A child molester to me is worse than someone who cusses, and a homosexual to me is a worse sin to me than gluttony. Maybe this logic is flawed, but it would seem from a biblical point of view it is a right logic as well. There are different laws in the OT some with minor consequences, and some with major, hence; not all sins are the same. Also, in the NT Paul lists sins that will "not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal 5:19) sexual sin makes this list while gluttony does not. Granted again, sexual sin includes just as much, premarital sex, pornography, than homosexuality. Rev 21:8 is another example of the type of sins that will be punished severely.

Now I said that to say this as much as I don't like to admit it, leadership in the Christian world or not should all be held to a higher standard. James 3:1 "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." If you are leading people astray theologically, "Trading truth of God for a lie." (like being an openly practicing homosexual is okay) Then this is a double no no. ...

Can a person who struggles with homosexually be forgiven of Christ and brought into relationship with him OF COURSE! Jesus loves the homosexual enough to die for him/her. Can a person that has struggled with homosexuality be a minister, yes. I WAS an alcoholic and a druggie, and I am now a minister. But if a person is openly gay, and proud of it then they are disqualified to be a minister until they reconcile themselves to God. Ted Haggard is a great case study on this topic. He was found to be in a homosexual affair and soon after sought reconciliation with his wife and the body of Christ. He is again in ministry.

The bottom line, If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 1 John 1:8-10

Ministry is a Calling Not a Profession

March 2, 2010

If Jesus has not called you like Andrew, Peter, James, John, etc, then why are you in ministry. I still believe that Jesus is hand picking the people that he will use to change the world. Many people go into ministry because that is what there father did or because they like the glitter and glamor or just the prestige of the job title. They go in for selfish reasons, with nothing but themselves in mind.

Ministry is a calling not a profession. There is not enough money in the world to compensate the "hours" that have to be put into the Christian life because it is a 24/7 responsibility. Being a minister of the gospel is not a hat to put on at church and then take off when out of the doors or a time card to clock in and out, it is all day every day. When we compartmentalize Christ, we belittle our calling. It should be the goal of every minister to constantly be aware what Jesus is doing for us and that he wants to do the same for every person that we come in contact with.

Love Jesus? Feed His Sheep.

March 1, 2010

I remember hearing it said before that the love of Christ is unconditional. I know, and hope this to be true but with the dialogue between Peter and Jesus in John 21:17 we see that the our love of Christ IS conditional. His love toward us is not, but our love towards him is.

Jesus forgives Peter for denying his existence, but as he forgives, Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?" Peter replies, "Yes." Jesus then says, "Feed my sheep."

If we really love Jesus we are not just giving him lip service, but actually doing things for him, such as, feeding his sheep. Now a preacher would tell you that feeding sheep is giving his congregation a great "word" from week to week, but this is not what Jesus was talking about at all because of two reasons,

1. Jesus did not give the same group of people a "word" from week to week, rather, he was out healing people, casting out demonic spirits, and declaring the kingdom of God.

2. His sheep are everyone in the world, not just a congregation of 50+ people.

When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. John 9:36

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I (Jesus) must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:16

Notice that Jesus main ministry was to his sheep of Israel(this sheep pin), but his goal was to include the gentiles (non-Jews; not of this pen) as well. So, his ministry was to ALL PEOPLE!

So, if we really love Christ we will feed his sheep. Our congregations as well as the people "not of our sheep pen." The feeding should be not just a spiritual word, but a non spiritual biscuit.

To Trust or Not to Trust

February 26, 2010

We have feelings of distrust when it comes to Jesus. We are rather hurt at the idea that He can do what we cannot.
-Oswald Chambers

Humans: Fail, fail, fall, get back up, fail, test, trial, error, sin, mistake, complacency, failure.

Jesus: Forgive, Forgive, pick up, walk beside, forgive, faith, mature, success, blood, not mistaken, passion, forgiveness.

I am a slave to righteousness, it will not leave me alone. Jesus will not leave me alone. When I sin he is there, when I am at my best my righteousness is still as filthy rags. Everything I have ever done for him, and will ever do is not enough. Jesus is my only hope. I suck without him. I am still a sinner saved by grace through faith in him, there is no other way to be rid of myself but to be in him. My heart is forever wicked, the only thing good about it is him. O Lord save me all over again, a new heart, a fresh wind, save and keep on saving. Hurry do not delay, for I am in anguish and my soul pants for you like a thirsty deer for water.

To trust or not to trust, whom else should I trust? You are my Shepard...I know your voice and it corrects me, calms me, carries me.

Love is about sacrifice not a feeling

February 25, 2010

The title of this blog alone has tremendous depth. Allow me to unpack it. In American culture love, for the most part, is considered to be a feeling or feelings that we have for a significant other. When that feeling fades we drift away from the one that we "love" until we find someone else that makes us "feel" again. Love was never meant to work in this manner. Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Jesus was denounced by Peter and deserted by many of his disciples on the night of his arrest. For him, the feeling had to go away, yet he still lay his very life down for the ones that he loved, and no greater love has ever been demonstrated save through this one moment in time.

Christians, we to are called to love in this manner. Our husbands, wives, friends, and even our enemies. This is a love that we have to grasp and transfer in this hour of difficulty. To lay down our selfish, ungrateful, ways and go back to the cross where we are taught what love is.

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. While we continue to sin, Christ continues to forgive. Let us seek to love with his love, and be loved by him.

To serve or not to serve

February 23, 2010

If we are devoted to the cause of humanity, we shall soon be crushed and broken hearted, for we shall often meet with more ingratitude from men than we would from a dog; but if our motive is to love God, no ingratitude can hinder us from serving our fellow men.

-Oswald Chambers

There is a lot of talk in and out of church about "Who is the greatest." Is it the person with the microphone? The person who has the mega-church? Or the person who does not go to church to get involved with all the hypocrisy and politics? The greatest is like the least, the greatest is the servant of all.

People get hurt in churches around the country every week. Pastors are constantly met with cynicism and critique while the nominal Christian in the congregation does nothing to go deeper in their own relationship with Jesus. They say things like, "This church is not the right one for me" or "They did not meet my needs." The church was never meant to meet just your needs. It is a place where your needs should be met with the intention of you giving back. Service is a two-way street, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples in John 13 he said, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

As followers of Jesus Christ we are commanded to wash one another's feet. This means whether our our title is Pastor, Apostle, or Pew sitter it is our duty to serve our fellow man for the glory of God.

Be still...

February 22, 2010

Tenacity is the supreme effort of a man refusing to believe that his hero is going to be conquered.
-Oswald Chambers

In numerous movies there is a battle between good and evil. Normally, the movie begins with a hero who is inexperienced. He or she trains and eventually goes on to become the hero of the world by vanquishing the evil that has held the world in fear for decades. During those movies there is usually a time of wait. A time where the audience begins to question if the evil man is stronger than the noble man. A time where all hope of redemption is lost in the plot of the wicked.

The Christian life can be like this as well. In those times where it seems like evil will triumph over all is where we lose faith, have doubts, and question if God will ever answer our desperate plea for help. It is a hopeless time, a dark time. The Bible says in these times to, "Be still, and know that he is God." What a command! Do nothing? But shouldn't I be the hero and concur the evil forces? No, the battle was never ours. God will save the day. God will be the hero, he will vindicate his name and his children. Be still, do nothing, and see him work.

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Rom 12:19

Motivation

February 19, 2010

We have to take the first step as if there is no God.
-Oswald Chambers

Motivation is one of the things I struggle with. It is hard for me to be motivated to do the things that I need to do on a normal everyday basis. Time wasters, such as, facebook, video games, and television demand my attention when there is no eternal lasting value in any of them.

The first step to a motivated life is taken by me, of course God is there to help, but my motivation should not depend on him, rather my own human will to get started. There was a man who once said that he, "Was just waiting on the Lord." In response a nearby friend challenged him, "Friend has it ever occurred to you that the Lord is waiting on you?" Motivation is key for the Christian that desires to be used by the Lord in their everyday life. The mind must be set, and the will must be made up to serve God each day.

Depression

Without depression there is no exaltation.
-Oswald Chambers

I agree with this statement because without the dark night of the soul there is no bright day of the spirit. The older I get it seems the more wildernesses I have to venture through. These wildernesses are never designed to hurt you, but to grow you. To mature you into the person that God wants you to be, his Son in whom he can be pleased. These times of depression and emptiness are allowing you to be moldable clay in his hands.

When we are in touch with our emotions, we begin to see that we are still in desperate need of someone, something. There is a God-sized void within ourselves that can only be filled with God through Jesus Christ.

The opposite of depression is not happiness, for happiness is fleeting. We can be happy in the morning, and mad in the evening. No, the opposite of depression is the joy of the Lord which is your strength.

You Can't Always Get What you Want

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

James 4:1-3

You can't always have what you want in this world. Nobody gets what they expect they will from life. This passage of scripture reminds me that fights, and disagreements are caused by wrong desires. This passage also reminds me that when praying to God, you must have the right motives in order for your prayers to be answered.

Have you ever selfishly prayed, "Lord let me get that job," then someone else got it, and you were resentful towards that person? Maybe it was not God's will for you to get the job in the first place. And maybe you did not ask with the right motives.

Not getting what you want is a fact of life, it happens. But if you are open to the will of God in your life and delight in him, he will give you the desires of your heart.

Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.

Spiritual Leadership

Has it ever dawned on you that you are responsible for other souls spiritually before God?
-Oswald Chambers

This quote by Oswald Chambers is very thought provoking. I agree with it and I also disagree with it. I agree with it in the sense that Christians are responsible for presenting a clear gospel message with their words and life to others. I disagree with it in the sense that people are responsible for their own spiritual well being, and actions.

Spiritual leadership is defined by Henry Blackaby as "Moving people onto God's agenda." Spiritual leader my be responsible for this matter, but you cannot move an immovable object and are therefore not responsible. However, an object in motion stays in motion. It should be a primary goal for an individual Christian to feed themselves spiritually.

When I die I will not be held accountable for the sins of my friends and family, but my own.

I Can Only Imagine

You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
-Isa 26:3

The imagination is a terrible thing to waste. I remember when I was a kid I would go out in the woods and make up stories. I would even talk to imaginary characters as if they were really there. If I were to do this now I would be labeled psychotic and be quickly shipped to the nearest mental hospital.

The imagination is without limit because I believe that their is something eternal about it. God is the most imaginative being ever, just look at anything in nature including yourself and you will find that God has an imagination. We are to be sharers in this. We are only limited by what we can dream.

We are Created to be Creative

February 10, 2010

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

As Humans we are creations of God, works of art by the hand of the almighty creator. We are created by him, for him. This means that we have work to do for the one that gives us life. I also take this passage to mean that we should use our creative talents for his glory as well. If someone is gifted in art, let that person paint for the glory of God. If a person is good at public speaking let him use that for the glory of God, etc.

We are created to be creative for God, some churches have lost this simple truth. Some churches are so resistant to change that they stay locked in a period of time, or an older movement of God. I believe that God wants the church to be creative in the way that they share the gospel, do praise and worship, and even tithe and offering. The reason we get stuck in ritualism and traditionalism is because of lack of creativity, imagination, and a willingness to try the wildest idea on the table.

The saying, "We do that because we have always done it that way" is not going to cut it in today's generation.

I have talked with person after person that has said that they think that the status of the American church is full of religion, and not relationships (with Jesus and each other). Full of ritual and superficiality, not people seeking the living God and authentic relationships with one another.

The church is only limited by its lack of creativity, and willingness to accept new ways of doing things. I had a thought the other day, what if you had a church were the service was never done the same way twice. The same song was never sung twice, in fact, songs were not always sung. Where the tithe and offering was never announced at the same place during the service, or giving was never in the same way. Think about how exciting church may become if we had structure, yes, but creative structure....

Be Creative, you were made in his image!

Life of Trials

February 5th, 2010

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13


For the past couple of days God has had me in the midst of some of the most hurting people. I try to disillusion myself by pretending that I live in a perfect world where everyone is okay. I try to stay in my bubble of security, but God knows that I have been called to the desperately broken.

I won't go into detail with names, circumstances and situations on this public blog, but I will say in the past 48 hours I have,

1. Talked to a homeless man at the corner of a busy intersection who was in dire need of food and shelter.

2. Talked with a man who is an alcoholic, and is still a Christian at heart.

3. Talked with a woman who is dear to me about her credit card debt and how her husband's wages are being garnished.

4. Worked with a girl who is divorced because the father of her child was abusive and a drug addict, only to find out she is back with him now that she is out of jail (another good girl who deserves better).

I have been thrown in the depths of human depravity and my heart is in despair. I cry out to God for these people, and wonder if things will get better. My faith is tried, my patience tested. When I see the trials of others that are dear to me it hurts. Does human suffering have any limit? Can it be stopped? I cry out to God for redemption.

This is a life of trials I can't live in denial, what we need is Jesus.

How am I to help?

God is Love

February 4th, 2010

Before I decided to put my faith in Jesus Christ I worked in the granite industry. We would make tombstones, and granite monuments. I saw thousands of tombstones with thousands of inscriptions. Mostly names, dates, pictures of praying hands and sometimes of the deceased. Some had bible verses on them, but they never stuck out to me, until one day.

I was pushing a rock up to be crated on a roller system, there was a 5ft black dye (technical term for tombstone) sitting on another set of rollers. The letters were gold and the inscription said this,

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
-1 John 4:16

These words stuck with me for weeks. God eventually showed me that they were true.

There are not many concise definitions for who God is in the Bible, but one of them is that he is the embodiment, the essence, the source, the epitome of love. If you are feeling judgment and condemnation today live in love...live in God...he will live in you.

The Vile and the Vindicated

February 3rd, 2010

When a merely moral man or woman comes in contact with baseness and immorality and treachery, the recoil is so desperately offensive to human goodness that the heart shuts up in despair.

-Oswald Chambers

Think of the worst person that you know, yes Jesus loves them to. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. That means that Jesus Christ died for Osama Bin Ladin, Adolf Hitler, and Brandon Floyd. The only difference between us is that I have faith in Christ, and am thereby saved by grace, not through works because if I were saved through works then I could preach works, not Christ.

There is a tension between believers in Christ and non-believers, but I rarely see much difference between the two. We all live our lives the best that we know how, we all shop, watch movies and television. We all have said a cuss word or two, and did somethings we are not proud of (some more than others). Christians go to church on Sunday to fulfill their weekly quota of spiritually, and nonbelievers find themselves at the houses of friends, social clubs, and the like.

What separates us? What is the dividing line? Is it church? religion? Christ?

I believe it is faith.

Remember

February 2nd, 2010

Today I was faced with a simple challenge, to remember.

To remember the very first encounter that I had with Jesus Christ. For the sake of disbelief of the reader, I will not describe in detail my VERY first encounter with Jesus Christ. That is something I only share with people who are special to me. I will however describe the feelings that I during this experience.

Imagine the coolest person that you know, the person that you could be around for hours and not mind. That was the feeling that I got. Now imagine that person being taken away from you by people who hated him for no reason except for their own prejudice. A mixture of absolute acceptance and forgiveness followed by total absence and confusion. That was my first encounter.

I remember the smile. I remember the dance. I remember joy. I remember the salvation.

The reason that I do what I do (ministry) is because I remember what he did for me, and I want others to experience this as well. The preceding statement is strange because the first encounter that I had was in the absence of an evangelist. There was no pastor to be found. Only him... nobody draws someone to Christ but Christ.

I remember, do you?

The Call of God

February 1st, 2010

The calling of God upon my life is not to make myself look better and better, but to make Jesus and his redemptive work look better and better, so that others may find the same strength and freedom that I have found (In some areas).

I must decrease, so that he may increase. -John 3:30

The call of God is not to conform to an outer code (religion), but to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. To preach the victory over Satan, over death, and over hell.

The calling of God is not to polish my boots, and put on my best suit and tie. It is to put on my towel and stoop down to serve.

Hearing the Voice of God

January 29, 2010

I have been in several classes where one of the key focuses is learning how to hear the voice of God. Since I have become a Christian and grown in the faith I have learned more and more how to distinguish the voice of God from all the other voices in my head (no I am not crazy; well not clinically). There is still one thing that bothers me, and that is that I can chose whether or not to listen to this voice. I can drown it out with my own rationality and selfish will. I can put the teachings of man as a counter against it and go about my day.

Recently I saw someone walking and I clearly heard the Lord say, "Turn around and give this person a ride." I kept going saying things like, "What will people think if they see me with that person (It was a female and I am married. I understand that this is a good rule to follow, but the Lord told me to??? DE-LIMA!) I also said that whoever it is will be okay without my help, and even prayed for someone else to help!

Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.. Heb 3:15

Don't wonder what might have been, listen and respond...Brandon.

God's Plans Vs. Our Plans

January 28, 2010

"Saul Saul, why do you persecute me?"

Saul in his passion for God was on his way to do what he thought God wanted him to do, which was persecute and kill Christians. Luckily for us, Jesus intervened and asked him why was he doing what he was doing.

Two things that I get from this text are,

1. Jesus did not say, "Saul why are you persecuting the church, or Christians." He did say, "Saul why are you persecuting me?" Could it be that when Christians are persecuted the persecutor is persecuting Jesus himself? Could it be that when we become followers of Jesus he considers us himself, not as individuals? This gives whole new meaning to the term IN CHRIST.

2. Christians, I, you, me could think that we are doing God a favor by doing certain things when we have no idea what God really wants to do. Saul, honestly thought that he was doing the will of God, but it was not until he had an encounter with him that he knew his true mission and purpose in life.

Stop Thinking

By the title of this entry it would appear that I am against formal education, this is not so because without it I would not be typing this entry on a computer because I would not know how to use one or even spell words correctly (Thank you spell check, it truly is one of the best inventions since fire). Thinking is inevitable, we think about the day, what we will do, bills that need paying, family members who are sick, spouses, children, pets, dirty dishes, clothes that need washing, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and cars. The list is infinite of the thoughts we can have in any given day.

Jesus says stop thinking.
Take no thought for your life -Matthew 6:25

Your relationship with him is more important than anything else this world has to offer. Why? Because he is eternal, and all this is temporary. What is important in your life? What is your number one priority? If it is anything else besides nurturing and growing in your relationship with Jesus then you need (I need) to slow down, put my mind on pause, and focus on him.

Solid Simplicity

January 26

Today I awoke with questions on my mind, worries. Questions such as, what is my next step? What should I do? Is there one given path for a single day?

If God so clothe the grass of the field, shall he not much more clothe you?
-Matt 6:30

How much time have we taken up worrying God with questions when we should have been absolutely free to concentrate on His work?

God knows what the future holds, it is simple. It is not as complex as my mind makes it out to be. God will provide, God will strengthen, God will give grace for each stage of my life. He will prepare the way for me, it is my only task to follow when he calls.

My Utmost for His Highest

Hello friends and family!

The next several entries to my blog will be devotional thoughts taken from Scripture and the Oswald Chambers book, "My Utmost for his Highest." Feel free to comment, agree, disagree, add, take away from. This is a learning experience for my internship. Thanks!

January 25, 2010

Do not look for God to come in any particular way, but look for him to come.


One thing that I have learned in my Christian experience is to be expectant. God is not limited to a church building, raising of the hands, or even speaking in a tongue, but when we look beyond the method and expect the God of the method then there is where we truly find him.

I am one to really know what it means to be expecting something. My wife and I are expecting our first child in July. With this expectation comes, questions, fears, hopes, opportunities, and preparations to be made. Our relationship with God is parallel to this. When we expect God to do something we have, questions, fears, hopes, opportunities, preparations to be made. Faith(The evidence of things not yet seen, the substance of things hoped for -Hebrews 11:1) and expectation go hand in hand, but it is us to get a glimpse of what God has in mind before we rush in to tell him what our plans are.

The bottom line is this, Christians should expect God, but not in a ritualistic way.

When God preformed a miracle it usually never happened the same way twice, if ever again. I only know of one account in history that God parted a Sea. I am sure Moses was expecting a miracle.

What are you expecting out of life?