Friday, May 22, 2015

Eliminate the blur

Sometimes the reason the church tries to reach people for Christ can be blurred.  To the outside world it's confusing even.  Marion and I leave Real Life invite cards with wait staff when we eat out.  Some of them like this girl Sassy has even remembered us because of it.  The manager of the Ol' Steakhouse Company Dave remembers us for the same reason because before when he was a waiter we left a card for him.  Invitations to church though are not enough.  There's a reason for Christians to try and reach the lost.  To eliminate the blur I'm going to try and give you a little bit of a refresher course.  Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 3:23 "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's righteous standard."  We needed a savior and that was accomplished by Jesus Christ.  Proverbs 24:11 "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter."  When Jesus left the earth he gave us a command.  Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this; I am with you always even to the end of the age."  The church and it's people are to be on mission with God.  The great Commission you just read mentions all nations and to me that doesn't leave any place out.  Wherever you are is your mission field.  It's not rocket science it's heart science.  If you want something extra to read about this I'm sharing this link to the sermon preached years ago by Jonathan Edwards http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1053&context=etas.  I do want as you read this week have this verse in your thoughts 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises, as some understand slowness.  Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  God is waiting on us to point people to him so He can change their lives.  Let us be like Isaiah and say "Here am I Lord send me."  









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Thursday, May 14, 2015

You need a reminder

Sometimes you and I need a history lesson.  I found the lyrics to a song that I believe will help set this all up for you.  This is from the song Reminders of You by Geoff Moore and the Distance.  

"A cross on a chain, or a thunder cloud rolling
A Bible in a hotel room, or lights on an evergreen
tombstones on the hillside, or a little child laughing
Just to name a few reminders of you
you abide in me, my hope my Lord 
and I will not forget your name
please keep sending me reminders of you
A table set for twelve, or a northern star shining
A lazy Sunday afternoon, or a cool mountain stream
A piece of bread with a red wine 
A December snow falling
Just to name a few reminders of you."

Lately my life has been crazy and that is one of the biggest understatements I could ever make.  My friend David claims that the vulnerability I put into this blog is the very thing God uses to teach him.  I'm going to be very raw open and honest.  The job I have done for 13 years will close it's doors later this year.  I don't know what the future holds.  I will admit this has created a spiritual battle in my thoughts.  I want to worry, fret and be stressed out.  My mom reminded  me this week that how I think and react affects Marion.  It's a struggle.  Satan has been trying to attack my biggest weak spot and that is to make me believe I'm a failure.  I have often tried to sleep and place my thoughts and stress in God's hands or I won't be able to think right or sleep.  On top of all this I have developed a swollen and infected foot.  I like you need reminders of who God is and what has been done for us.  Before we get to the verses i have for you i want to offer up 2 quotes told to me by friends over the years.  "I am not but i know I am"- Kathy Dickinson  "Fear knocked at the door, Faith answered and there was no one there."- Rhonda Sliger 

Hebrews 2: 14-18 "Because God's children are human beings- made of flesh and blood- the Son also became flesh and blood.  For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.  Only in this way could he set free all who lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.  We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham.  Therefore it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful high priest before God.  Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.  Since He himself has gone through suffering and testing he is able to help us when we are being tested."  
Our Savior can relate to our struggles.  


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Saturday, May 2, 2015

It took 15 minutes

This was something that happened this past week while i was at work.


  All it took was 15 minutes of watching the news in the break room on my lunch to ruin my good day I was having.  At this point what ruined it doesn't even matter because you are probably like me and you don't need more negativity.  I came back from my lunch and my anger was growing.  Sure I could have let it and exploded in some violent wrestling move in my mind on the next person I saw but I didn't.  I really needed God's word.  I didn't need a Coke and a smile.  Are you having a negative day maybe this will help you like it did me.  
  Titus 2:11-15  "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures.  We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.  He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin to cleanse us and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.  You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them.  You have the authority to correct them when necessary so do not let anyone disregard what you say." 


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