pastor jason pettus

Babies in Bangladesh

2011-07-01T05:03:00.000-07:00

"There are some things that are just hard to put into words. Even though we live in this impoverished nation of Bangladesh, we are still shielded from some of the everyday tribulations of life of most of the 150 million-plus people. I was talking with my sweet Bengali house helper one day about how God values life and how He forms us and knows us each by name. She then went on to tell me how she recently saw a newborn baby on a trash heap, still alive. She was walking over a bridge with her husband and looked down to see a wiggly newborn lying in filth and human waste. Someone had thrown this precious child away. Her husband had sympathy on the baby and wanted to take it, but she convinced him that they could not afford another baby, and so they walked on. She then told of another time when she walked by a crying baby in a bag on the street. She said it was a beautiful baby but no one would take another child to raise, and so it remained in a tossed-out bag, passed by hundreds, as the whimpers grew silent. Please pray for the salvation of this nation. Ask God to bring hope to those living in desperation. Give praise to our God, who sees each life and loves each one. He is the light for this darkness"

http://southasianpeoples.imb.org

Motivated

2011-06-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched a little bit of the SBC Pastor's Conference. I so would have loved to have been there, but it was not possible this year. What I heard was inspiring. Listening to these leaders talk about what God can do and desires to do and is doing in the world and how we can join Him as His people gives me hope and makes me excited to serve Him all the more.

I especially enjoyed Louie Giglio's comments about the church being the Lord's and that He has promised to build it. It is so refreshing to remember that I am simply an under-shepherd to the Great Shepherd and only need remain faithful and loyal to Him by following His Word and living on mission for Him to have peace and fulfill my destiny.

Thinking about the work reminds me that the work is war. What God has done has saved a people for Himself to fight against the darkness that is destroying the lives of people. He has armed us with grace and truth and given us His Spirit to fight with Him. He has called us into regiments called churches where we are trained, comforted, healed, and made holy through the work of the Word and Spirit in the accountability of the church.

All wars end. This morning I was reminded of how the war for this world will one day end. One day Jesus will be given the deed to this planet and make all things new.

What should our response be to that?

Here is how it is described in the Bible...

Revelation 5:6–9 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

The response to those that saw Jesus take the scroll was worship. That is the right response for us now who look forward to the end of this war and the beginning of the new heaven and new earth. We worship now to be strengthened in the fight against sin and death and in preparation for the way we will worship one day.

One Day This Will Be Said of You

2011-06-04T05:02:00.000-07:00

I just read this from a blog I follow to pray for a young man that has been sick for some time. I am removing the name, but would ask you to imagine this is being said of you. In the blank put your name.

"_____________ is going home with an oxygen tank, and hospice has already been suggested. So pray for us as we transition. We still hope beyond reasonableness for a miracle, but sometimes that hope is hard to find. Considering how far downhill he/she has gone just in the past few weeks, I would not delay in sending your words of love and encouragement to _____________ as soon as possible."

What kind of confidence will you have on that day? Will you be ready to face your Maker and be judged? Will you enter heaven or hell? What kind of confidence will your love ones have for you?

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12

Kill It!

2011-06-03T05:26:00.000-07:00

Colossians 3:5–10 "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

In the Old Testament God told the children of Israel... Deuteronomy 7:1–5 “When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than yourselves, 2 and when the LORD your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them. 3 You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, 4 for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly. 5 But thus shall you deal with them: you shall break down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and chop down their Asherim and burn their carved images with fire."

A lot of people wrongly believe that the God of the Old Testament is different than the God of the New Testament. There is one God who is revealed in three persons: Father, Son and Spirit. This holy God hates sin. It is contrary to His nature and Kingdom purpose. God is vanquishing sin from the lives of His people and will soon remove it from the planet when He makes all things new (Revelation 21).

God invites us to join Him in killing sin. In the OT it was a flesh and blood battle. Now it is an internal battle within us that the Spirit of God is fighting in us and with us to gain complete control and set us free.

Pray for God to set you free from the sins that so easily entangles and put it to death so that it does not control you.

A Moment to Remember

2011-05-31T04:23:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Vince Lombardi quotes is..

I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.

When I look at this picture, I think of those words. This is my daughter's soccer team from yesterday. This is one of those pictures that we will look back on and remember the circumstances, the challenge, and the outcome and smile.

This weekend this team played in the first round of the State Cup. Yesterday they played the so-called best team in the state. I say that not to be sarcastic, but I don't understand the ranking system and I was told that at least two other teams were the "best team in the state." Our team never received that designation:-)

Yesterday we tied the "best team in the state" and will now advance as the wild card team this upcoming weekend in the final round of the State Cup.

Our car's exterior temperature said it was 100 degrees, while the girls were playing. It was so hot, and yet, they played their hearts out.

As a parent, this is a good moment. It lets me know that she can face hardship and keep going. This experience has given her another taste of what it is to lay it all on the line with others and leave nothing left in the tank. These days are moments to remember because when life happens and you want to quit it's nice to have a memory and a picture that tells you that you have done hard things before and you can do them again.

What's Your Story

2011-05-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

"Our nature consists in movement. Absolute rest is death. To the extent that we are always following some direction or other, our very lives are "indoctrinated." The only question is whether the doctrine that informs one's life is governed by the Christian gospel or by some other story, some other script." ~Kevin Vanhoozer

I love good movies. There is something in me that gets stirred when I watch something on the big screen that grabs my heart and mind and makes me think about my life and the direction it is going. Stories are powerful. They inspire, educate, and in some ways define how we see life.

My favorite movie is The Return of the King from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In this movie I see so much of what I desire to live for. I see a seemingly weak servant willing to lay down his life in order to save others. I see a King defeating evil to bring peace. I see a creature that was once enslaved to an idol that was his "precious" that defined him and gave him purpose having the opportunity to find a new life and hope. He ultimately rejected that new life and came to a burning end. There is so much Biblical imagery in it.

I have come to realize that the movies I like the most provide the same storyline as the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are people lost and in need of saving. A champion or hero leaves the safety of his home and goes on a mission to save the people. In the process he has to sacrifice so that others can be saved. This is the Gospel.

The Gospel is the power of God to save and redeem the lost. This wonderful truth defines reality. It tells us that God is good and that we are not. It tells us that God is loving and will save us. It tells us that we are responsible to choose to love God or live empty lives and die as enemies of the King of heaven and face His wrath for our treason.

That is the story of the saints of Christ. What a glorious story to live by and in and for.

Learning New Ways

2011-05-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

I had to get a new computer this week. It was purchased several weeks ago, but I did not have time for any interruptions to the schedule then. We scheduled the big change to the new computer this week. Our amazing IT man, Bryan Young, has been working with me all week to make sure the new computer is up and running well. And for the most part it is. I am able to run my Bible programs, access my sermons, get email, and access the internet. We still can't locate music I've added in the last two years and I cannot download pics or get my googlereader to do what I want, but not big deal. We'll get it figured out.

What I will have to do over the next few weeks is learn new ways. This computer has a new operating system so I am having to learn where things are. The way this computer feels is even different. As I type this right now my fingers are hitting other buttons causing me to have to pause and delete. Where information is stored and how it appears is very different.

Within a couple of weeks I will have figured this thing out. I'll be able to listen to my music while I work and access information easily. Until then, I have to deal with that transition phase in between.

God uses transitions to remind me that all of life is a transition. My family is transitioning. My friends are transitioning. My work is transitioning. My body is transitioning. All of this stuff is going to change and each change will require me to learn new ways of enjoying the blessings and responding to the challenges.

But that's life. If we ever stop having to learn new ways, we're dead - literally. So I guess I'll just be thankful and ask you to pray for me.

Love the Bride

2011-05-25T04:19:00.000-07:00

I love my sweet bride. Carrie and I began dating when we were fifteen. We have been best friends now for over 23 years. God has blessed us and led us faithfully. There is not anything I would not do for her. She is my girl.

The church is the bride of Christ. He bought us at a great price for Himself. For His glory and our blessing He has made us His own and called us to be faithful to Him. His covenant of grace binds us together in Him.

It is unsettling to me to hear people speak ill of any church or to treat the gathered church as if it is not important. The church is the bride and Jesus has called us together to serve Him and to love Him and one another.

We need to be careful to love each other as Christ has loved us and be local churches that honor our Lord.

Listen to what John calls those who do not love the church. 1 John 4:20–21 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Those are some strong words we need to take to heart and be careful to truly love the church and to reveal that love by encouraging, serving, and being faithful to the body of believers we are called to.

It's NOT an Option. It's a Need..

2011-05-24T05:21:00.000-07:00

Far too many people think they can go it alone. There seems to be some sickness in the American spirit that drives many of us to seek success in isolation. I don't know if it's just pride and we want to be able to say,"I did it!" Sometimes I think it's insecurity and we don't want others to see how weak we truly are. What I think really is happening is that fear keeps us from it. Wouldn't that be just like Satan to deceive us to fear what we need the most.

Over the past couple of weeks I have spent time talking with a lot of different people facing uniquely difficult situations. For some it is familial, financial, or faith based. There are others that are struggling with sin, shame, and a host of addictions. In almost every situation I finally get to the point when I have to ask, "So, who do you have in your life that is praying and talking you through this." Invariably, the people that I have the greatest concern for are the ones that live the most isolated lives.

When it comes to life, God made it clear that it is not good for man to be alone. For those of us blessed to marry our best friend, we see that truth and are thankful for God's provision. We also see in the early church (Acts 2:42ff) that we need a community to be a part of. We need friends in the faith that we depend on and that depend on us.

If you are blessed today with true friends that pray for you and support and encourage you, praise God. If you are living in isolation, ask God to enable you to remedy your circumstance so that you can stand with others who stand with Christ.

Book I Mentioned to Learn to Fast

2011-05-23T05:17:00.000-07:00

The book I suggested in yesterday's message that was helpful to me in learning to fast was Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.

There are several things I appreciate about the chapter he provides on fasting.

One, he gives an easy step by step approach. The suggestions he makes about preparing and ending a fast are very helpful. In outlining the steps he helps make longer fasts seem possible.

Two, he gives good reasons for fasting. Regardless of how or why we start, I am confident that those that learn this discipline sooner or later learn the reason to participate in fasting. I know that I began the practice for certain good reasons, but learned more meaningful reasons with each fast I participated in. Foster helps give the beginner a good Biblical purpose for fasting.

Three, he gives good insight into how you are going to feel. The emotional and physical toll of fasting is what causes most people to think they cannot do it. His realistic approach and honest outlook on how a fast will impact your mood and energy level helped me anticipate and better prepare for the effects on my body and mind.

As I said yesterday, fasting is something Jesus taught. He assumed it is something we would do (Matthew 6:16-18). I pray that members and attenders of The Hope will make this spiritual discipline a natural part of their lives.

If It's the End of the World As We Know It, I Feel Fine

2011-05-21T04:34:00.000-07:00

So there people saying that today is the end of the world. I do not believe it. If it happens, I certainly will not be disappointed. This world is not the home of those that love the Lord King of Heaven and are waiting for His return.

There are a number of reasons I do not believe today is the big day, but 2 Peter 3:9–10 reveals two of the most important ones. "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

1. I believe there are still people that God intends to save. The Lord is patient. He is not in a hurry. I know of several people that I believe are under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, but have yet to surrender their lives to Christ. It seems to me that there is more hope for them and more time.

2. When the Lord comes it will be a surprise. He comes like a thief. A thief does not announce when he will break in. The Lord has not given a date. As a matter of fact, not even the angels know. Only God the Father knows when He will send Jesus back. Matthew 24:36–44 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

We can be thankful for those that cause us to consider and remember the Lord's return. We often get so caught up in this world that we forget we don't belong here. This world is not our home. Our citizenship is in heaven. We are ambassadors in a foreign land awaiting our King to come and take us home.

Sadly, I don't think today is the day.

Celebrate!

2011-05-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

There is something to be said for a good celebration. Far too often good things are planned and accomplished, but time is not always given to pause and to offer praise for hard work and accomplishment and to remember our Maker that makes all things possible.

In Scripture there are a lot of celebrations. Gods' people were trained by God to remember the good things that He brought and allowed in their lives. Most of the calendar year of the Hebrew people revolved around gathering to give thanks to God and remembering the blessings they'd been given.

This past week was a week of celebrations for me. On Sunday the family of Living Hope took time after church to eat together and celebrate the construction journey we'd been on over the past seven years. It was an open invitation to all who wanted to come. It was fun to be with those that persevered and pushed and prayed and did all that they could to get us to the point where we are today as a family of faith. We now have the Connection Center - a one of a kind recreational and fellowship center in our region. We also have a state of the art Student Center, more functional and spacious children's areas, renovated adult discipleship space, and plenty of parking.

God has been so good to Living Hope and on Sunday we celebrated that as a family of faith and on Wednesday we invited the city to come and celebrate with us. It was encouraging to have representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, from the city, state, and national government, and many local pastors in attendance. I would try and name them, but I might forget someone. It was a special day for me personally to have so many dear friends from the community come over to help us give God praise for what He has done.

And yesterday, I was in Franklin, Ky with my dear brother Dr. Bill Daniel. He recently left Bowling Green to start his own private surgical practice there in Franklin. They are blessed to have him there. We are blessed to still have him so close. I know that he has patients from all over South Central Kentucky and North Tennessee that go to see him. I know there is no one I trust more than Dr. Bill. He is a man of God and a great surgeon.

I was down there yesterday to celebrate with him the opening of his practice. He's been up and going since January, but it was nice for him to pause and praise God for His provision.

Life is short and many times hard. It is good to take time to give God thanks and to celebrate His provisions.

Greatest Marriage Proposal EVER!!!

2011-05-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

So it's wedding season...

Guys, This ain't a bad idea. As long as you know, she'll say, "yes." Skip the popcorn!

What To Look For

2011-05-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

Studying The Scriptures and Finding Jesus - Albert Mohler - TGC 2011 from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

Yesterday, I taught on how we are to study God's Word. I gave four specific things to look for any time you study Scripture. I didn't put them in the study guide and several of you asked me to post them, so here ya go.

These four things will help you remain alert and active in your thinking as you read. It is easy to read passively (reading with no intentionality or purpose other than entertainment or with the hope that something will grab you.) Looking for and thinking through each of these items every time you read the Bible will help you grow and gain a greater understanding of God's glory, plan, and purpose for you. These four things will also help you come to God's Word with a plan and a purpose.

When You Study Look for:
1. Who God Is & Who We Are
-You will find that God is amazing. He is truly beyond our comprehension, but the part of Him we apprehend is enough to leave us overwhelmed.
-You will find that God is scary. He is not safe. Because of His holiness and justice the loving God of heaven is not to be taken lightly by sinful man. What He does is in accordance with truth and righteousness and we are compelled to fear Him.
-You will find that God is gracious. He is the almighty, but He loves us. Realizing our incapacity to be like Him, God became one of us to set us free from the power and punishment of sin.

-You will find that we are needy. Before we come to saving faith, we are orphans left to our own devices to provide a life for ourselves. After coming to saving faith, we are children in desperate need of the leadership of our Father. He will guide us as sheep in a flock and we would fail and fall without His hand of protection.

2. How God Works & How We Can Join Him
God is the same yesterday, today and for evermore. What He has done gives us insight into what He will do. By understanding His ways and will, we can join Him in His work.

3. What God Says vs. What World Says Is Good/True
God is above all others and His ways are best. What we read and are told in culture will not always line up with the ideas of our King. We must learn to discern between what He says vs. what those in darkness would have us believe.

4. The Great STORY LINE. Find the Big Story of Salvation in Each Small Story of Grace and discern how each Small Story Fits in the Big Story
-In every story in the Old and New Testament we can find the Gospel. Every story of the Bible fits within the grand story of the Gospel. It is either before Jesus came, while Jesus was with us, after He ascended, when He comes again, or after He comes again. Knowing when something is occurring helps us understand it's meaning and implications for our walk with Him.
What Dr. Mohler teaches in this message is very helpful to understand how to see and discover the great story of the Gospel in the Old Testament.

Back in the Saddle Again

2011-05-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, a friend asked me about my blog updates and reminded me that I have not posted anything since the day after Easter. I couldn’t believe it had been that long. My world has been moving fast and although I have been having more fun and seeing God move in amazing ways, I have not been faithful to share it here.

I have my excuses… My daughter is in the height of her spring soccer season, which means weekends filled with games and some travel. Our oldest son Jackson is playing AAU Basketball (I just realized I don’t know what AAU means) and is having an absolute blast. This is his first experience of playing against people outside of our county and the challenge and training has been exhilarating. Our youngest child Asher is also playing soccer, if you can call it that. The children all run in a herd or stand in utter amazement, occasionally kicking the ball in-bounds, knocking each other down, and every now and then scoring somehow.

Beyond our children, my wife and I are simply enjoying this season of our life. We love each other and the opportunities God has given to us. The time we have together is special and we get the sense that at some point we are going to miss these days. My neighbor Tim reminds me of that pretty regularly.

In the midst of family life we are really wrapped up in the life of our church. Living Hope is experiencing a unique blessing from God right now. It is not a city-changing revival, but it is a resurgence of sorts. We have seen people of all ages, colors, and socio-economic backgrounds receive Christ and confess Him through baptism. Our Easter services were blessed and the staff and I are still following up on lots of people who accepted Christ and are ready to be baptized. We have also seen a large number of people join the church and the staff is meeting with each person and family to go over their testimony and determining how each one can best connect in the life of the church.

Within our family of faith we are also seeing God bring healing to the sick and broken-hearted and strength to those that are suffering. A day does not go by that I do not get to pray for and with a precious member of our family of faith that is finding God to be faithful in their trial. Some are being healed. Some are not. Some are giving birth to healthy babies, while others are not getting pregnant. There are children running from God and others are returning to God. Marriages are beginning and some are struggling to survive. Through every circumstance, I see the hand of God at work wooing His people to submit to His rule.

Then there is the work that is happening outside of Living Hope. This Sunday we will be collecting food items for Hope House. (Don’t forget to bring your bags of food for our struggling neighbors.) God continues to reach people through this vital ministry. God is also at work through several of our families that are pursuing adoption and others that are now serving as foster parents. Our missionaries in North America and around the world are seeing fruit. We have a team headed to West Africa next week and we have a slew of college students headed there and other places around the planet.

I am personally excited about what is happening through the North American Mission Board and in West Africa. Those have been the two places I have made contribution in this year.

So all in all, life is challenging, but so very good because God is in the midst of it. What I have listed as excuses for my not blogging are really blessings that have kept me from doing little else. What I have mentioned here is just the basic stuff. I could also mention the Bible Doctrine class that is going well, the men's ministries that are exploding, the staff focus and strategic planning, the Connection Center (Don’t forget the Celebration this Sunday after the 11 am service – get your tickets ASAP!), and so many other amazing ministries that God is blessing at The Hope and around the world through Hopers.

Continue to pray for me as I pray for many of you and join in what God is doing in our world and lives. We have such a wonderful God who has saved us, filled us, and blessed us with an eternal peace and a future.

Easter Hangover

2011-04-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at The Hope, we saw the largest attendance in the history of the church. Several people came to saving faith and many many more are now returning to their walk with God. A number of people will be baptized over the next few weeks as they make a public profession of their true personal faith in Jesus.

It was a wonderful day as we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ.

But now it's Monday. The next day has come. I hate to complain, but I'm tired. As usual, I was up at 5 am and running. We knocked out 6 miles and then I got home to study. Now I am in the midst of doing the exegetical work for next Sunday's sermon, but my mind is wandering.

So I'm writing this...

My big brother called to check on me and I was telling him how I was feeling and he said, "I guess for preachers the day after Easter is like the day after New Years for the rest of us." He always has a way of making me laugh by revealing reality from a very practical perspective.

So I guess I've got Easter hangover. The issue is identified... so now what to do about it?

Reading God's Word, I see that Peter, James and John went fishing after the resurrection (John 21). Some of the others went for a walk and got into a Bible study with Jesus (Luke 24). I think I'll do the latter and get back to work. Pray for me.

That's My King!

2011-04-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

This never gets old!

Easter Preparation

2011-04-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

I just received this from Pastor Jeff. Consider these options and opportunities and join God in what He is doing this week!

Here are some prayer opportunities for Easter...please pray for

1. ... those who will come to church for the first time or for the first time in a long time.

2. ... wisdom, direction, and the words to say as God brings people into your life this week and for those you invite to church this Thursday or Sunday.

3. ... the Secret Church event on Friday night from 6pm-12pm. Pray that God works in a mighty way as David Platt opens up the word to us.

4. ... Pastor Jason Pettus on Thursday & Sunday as God works through him as he brings the message

Prayer Walking Opportunities!!!

Come during the day or before the following services to pray the room up for that particular service: Wednesday Night Worship (6pm Wednesday), Last Supper Easter Service (7pm Thursday), Secret Church (6pm Friday), and Sunday Morning Church (8am, 9:30am, and 11:00am).

These prayer options are great opportunities to prepare for Easter. I hope you will choose to be apart of this special ministry.

Easier Said than Done

2011-04-19T05:04:00.000-07:00

This morning I played basketball with 7 other men around my age (we had a couple of pups in there) at the Connection Center. The place is beautiful. We played full court on one of the four short courts. It was an absolute blast.

About fifteen minutes into it, when my vertical leap went from 3 inches to 1 inch, I realized how different the game is on the court than from the sidelines. For years now I have been watching my kids play and have been coaching them. I have been pressing them and challenging them to push themselves and get the most out of the ability God gave them.

Being on the court felt different. It was a lot harder than I remembered. I have not played a real game in years. I was pushing myself, but not going very fast or very well.

Now that I am home in my chair with my computer and a cup of coffee, I am reminded of how easy it is to sit back and tell others how they ought to do and how hard it is to actually do it.

One of the things I love about Jesus is that He didn't just write the rules and the best practices for life and then lay back in heaven and never do them. Jesus got in the game. The LORD left heaven and came to this earth and lived the life God made humanity to live. It was a holy and blameless life and in perfect step with the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit.

What I love about the grace of Jesus is that not only am I forgiven by the atoning death Jesus died to pay for my sins, I am also given the righteousness of Christ. I get credit for how Jesus played the game - lived His life. And now, as a Spirit-filled believer, God is guiding me and teaching me to live - to play the game - to the best of His abilities.

Hebrews 4:14–16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Where Is Jesus?

2011-04-13T06:10:00.000-07:00

When my oldest son Jackson was a little guy, he had several of those "Where's Waldo" books. If you have not seen one before, it is a book without words. On each page there is a massive picture with intricate details. In the big picture there is somewhere a picture of Waldo, a little man with glasses. The fun is trying to find where Waldo is.

I am at The Gospel Coalition conference. The theme is on how Jesus is to be understood through the pages of the Old Testament. This is powerful stuff. Tim Brown and I have talked and talked about the different things we heard from Tim Keller and Alister Begg yesterday. It is such a joy to hear gifted preachers share the insights the Holy Spirit has given them and the wisdom they have from disciplined years of study.

I would encourage you to log on and listen to these talks.

Devotionally, I am being challenged and would challenge you to study the Old Testament and ask the question, "What does this tell me about the Savior and how He works to redeem a people for His glory?"

One statement from yesterday haunts me. "Is the Old Testament just a Christian version of Aesop's Fables or are these stories telling us redemptive history?"

Full of What?

2011-04-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

I am convinced that one of the main reasons God's people are not hungry for God and His Word is because they are already full. Most are stuffed on earthly temporal things that have made them feel full, but the junk they have consumed has not served their souls. The greatest spiritual problem in North America is not a lack of accessibility to God's Word, but a lack of hunger for God's Word.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

There is a glorious blessing that comes to those that desire to have God fill them with His holiness. They are "satisfied." The word translated "fill" by the NIV in v. 6 is the word χορτάζω chortázō. It can also be translated "to satisfy." There is nothing that satisfies the deep longing of a person's heart and soul like Jesus. Only Jesus can love us as we need to be loved - unconditionally. Only Jesus can love us qualitatively and quantitatively the way we need to be loved - eternally.

Mary sang at the announcement of her pregnancy with Jesus, "He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty." (Luke 1:53)

The Lord will fill us with good things, if we want Him to. Most don't. It's not that they are opposed to it. The fact is most just are not interested in what God has to offer. They have lost a hunger for Him. They are rich in worldly cuisines and are not up for the hardy filling truth of God's righteousness.

If you have lost your hunger for God, ask God to renew your appetite. Step away from the table of the ungodly and dine on the delicacies of the Almighty. Your desire will grow stronger and your soul will be nourished.

Children Coming to Christ

2011-04-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

Jesus once said in Matthew 19:14 “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

The sharing of Christ with kids is controversial in some circles. There are those that rightly believe that pressing a child to make a decision for eternity may do more harm than good. It may only confuse and keep the child from having a deep heartfelt experience in coming to Christ. On the other hand the need for children to know the Gospel and be saved early is appropriate.

I am challenged by R.C. Ryle's words:
"We must never allow ourselves to suppose that little children’s souls may be safely let alone. Their character depends exceedingly on what they see and hear during their first seven years. They are never too young to learn evil and sin. They are never too young to receive religious impressions. They think in their childish way about God, their souls, and a world to come, far sooner and far more deeply than most people are aware. They are far more ready to respond to appeals to their feeling of right and wrong than many suppose. They have each a conscience. God has mercifully not left Himself without a witness in their hearts, fallen and corrupt as their natures are. Each have a soul which will live forever in heaven or in hell. We cannot begin too soon to endeavor to bring them to Christ."

The words of Christ and these words by Ryle cause me to pause and to commit to more fervent prayer for my four year old Asher. Please join me in praying that God will save Him one day and that Asher will live His life under the grace and Lordship of Jesus in an authentic walk with the risen Christ.

FIRE!

2011-04-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

I have always had a fascination with fire. When I was a kid, I would go camping with my friends along the Harpeth River all of the time. We would fish all day walking down the river, then find a good spot to set up camp. I would get the fire going with a little kerosene and then our buddy Oliver would cook. Throughout the night, I would build the fire and try and keep it up so that it would be easily stoked in the morning.

The image of fire is used in Scripture to speak of our passion for God. Our faith is like a fire and it must be constantly cared for. Just as I needed kerosene to start a physical fire, I needed the Holy Spirit to light a fire in my soul so I could be saved. Having been saved I now need the Word of God to burn in me and for God's Holy Spirit to blow on my soul and keep the fire burning. From the warmth of God's love that burns in me I am able to love my God, my wife, my kids, my friends, my family of faith, and the lost and hurting.

We must not let the flames of our faith die down. Just as the priests of Old had to tend to the fire of the temple, so we too must tend to the fire in our temple - our bodies, which are now the dwelling place of God.

Leviticus 6:12–13 The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it. 13 The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.

I am very excited about the 21 DAY JOURNEY Living Hope is on using the devotion "CHRIST IS RISEN." It was written by the leadership at The Hope and the daily blog is as well. Do yourself a favor and keep the fire burning in your soul by participating in the 21 DAY JOURNEY that is preparing us for Easter.

You can join the journey here: http://livinghopeprayer.wordpress.com/

God's Will Comes God's Way

2011-04-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

As a pastor, I am asked daily about God's will. People contact me and explain their circumstance and ask what God would have them do. Of course I never know what outcome God desires for their life. That is something only God can know. What I can give is a directive from Scripture for them to obey. IT IS IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD THAT WE FIND AND FULFILL THE WILL OF GOD FOR OUR LIFE.

One of my favorite Psalms is the first one. I love it for many reasons. One is the encouragement I receive from verse 3.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

What a beautiful image. I picture a strong fruitful tree that is planted along the side of a beautiful flowing stream in the midst of a valley surrounded by terrifying mountains. That is how I want to experience my life. I want to live off of the living water of Jesus, as I abide planted in Him producing the fruit of the Spirit all of the while surrounded by terrifying circumstances, but at complete peace.

This, to me, would be a blessed life. This is the life being explained in Psalm 1 and it is another reason why I love this Psalm. It says in verse 1, Blessed is the man... The Hebrew word for blessed is אֶשֶׁר (Asher). That is our youngest child's name. We gave it to him because of God's gracious provision of Him to us. He is one of the many blessings God has given to us on our journey of faith.

What I see in this Psalm is God's way of revealing to us His will. It is by living a life that is obedient to God that we are blessed. In living a blessed life we fulfill God's will and discover our destiny. It is not through some mystical experience or fate that God's will is done. It is through God's people simply loving and trusting God above all else and living under His authority and direction. This is God's will. This accomplishes God's will. This is a blessed life.

Psalm 1:1–3 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Evaluating Your Success

2011-03-28T04:56:00.000-07:00

I preached yesterday on Spiritual Success (find it here to listen) and highlighted the cost of Godless success and the demands of a life lived with Gods' blessing.

This morning I read this devotion by Blanchard and it also spoke to the issue of success. It is convicting and challenging to consider what Jesus' definition of success in His own life and ministry was.

What criteria do you use to evaluate yourself as a leader? John 17 records Jesus' prayer as He assessed His season of leadership. He evaluated His personal focus on His God-given mission, His responsibility to teach His disciples what they needed to know to be successful, having protected them while they were under His leadership, and having prepared them for the future. How would you assess your leadership using these same criteria? ~Blanchard

I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. John 17:4

Discerning God's Will

2011-03-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

I appreciated this post by Blanchard. This is the Scripture we've memorized this last series at The Hope and been blessed by in tremendous ways.

As leaders, we need a biblical perspective on opposition to keep us from becoming discouraged. Jesus endured opposition, so opposition does not necessarily mean that we are out of the will of God. Opposition can mean that we are right where God needs us to be. Where are you struggling with discouragement? What does God want to accomplish in and through you as you focus on Him and persevere?

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3

This is an area where I often struggle. So often I want to believe that the narrow road is the path of least resistance. The fact of the matter is that the enemy of God is far more devious and treacherous than imaginable and has the capacity to bring fear and frustration at any given moment.

That is why I am so thankful that I have so many dear brothers in Christ that I can pray with, consult with, and talk with about what God is doing. God has blessed me with men that hold me accountable, with elders, with Godly staff leadership, and a network of pastors that I love and that love me. Together we are able to encourage one another to focus on Christ and find His plan in the midst of life's chaos.

I don't know much, but I know that the Christian life is not an individual effort. God saved us to be in His community of faith. It is vital for all believers to have a church home, a small group of faithful friends that are following Christ, and the humility that comes with Spirit-filled living. Armed with these gifts a believer can navigate the enemy's field of mines and walk the narrow road God has planned for each of us.

Inspiring Praise

2011-03-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

Galatians 1:24 "And they praised God because of me."

The apostle Paul is a true inspiration. While he was alive, he caused others to praise God. Even now because God's Holy Spirit inspired him to write portions of His Word, Paul is causing me and many others to praise God.

Paul was not the most well loved guy during his life. There were some folks in Corinth and all over the Mediterranean that did not like the man. Demons hated him and even feared him. Remember what those demons said to the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19:15 "One day the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?'”

Paul knew who he was in Christ and his passion for the Gospel and his faith in the Lord caused others to praise God. He was not always thought well of or appreciated. He did not live a perfect life or always do the right thing. He was just a man. But his life was lived for the glory of God and God worked in and through Paul.

Question to ask: Does my life defined by my faith in Jesus cause others to praise God?

Thirsty?

2011-03-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

John 4:13–14 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

The lady from Samaria that Jesus was talking to that day was taking care of her normal chores. One of the basic necessities of life is water. There are people all over the world today that will spend a large portion of their waking hours seeking out, obtaining, and consuming water in order to live.

Jesus makes a startling claim here, but He meant it in a far more practical and permanent way than this woman could understand. He offered living water that would satisfy her soul. She thought He was offering her the ability to be free of one less chore.

Most people want less problems and more fun. God does not offer less of anything, but more of what we truly need. He offers hope, joy, and peace in the face of problems and life's pain. He offers a life of significance that when lived out in a community of believers is truly fun.

In the Gospel God gives us the answer to our eternal need. It does not make all of our day to day problems go away - that won't happen on this side of death. We will still have chores, tough decisions, pain, sickness, and chores. What God gives is better. He gives Himself and with God in us we can get through anything. It is a well of living water living in us giving us strength and provisions that will never run dry.

How'd He Do That?

2011-03-08T04:46:00.001-08:00

Luke 22:1–6 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

How God brought redemption to the world amazes me. For thousands of years the world had been living in the hope of God's Promise. Now that Promise, Jesus Christ the Messiah of God, had come to take away the sins of the world.

It was not chance. It was not coincidence. It was a sovereign act of God in His providence that made this moment happen.

The Passover was the celebration the reminded the Israelites how God had saved them from Egypt. A lamb was slain and the blood covered the people from death. It was God's plan to make Jesus the lamb the takes away the sin of the world.

Then when I think about the religious system that would allow Jesus to be sentenced to death and the Roman rule that would make the crucifiction possible, I am overwhelmed. God planned this.

The ultimate point of amazement is Judas. This man was chosen for a purpose. He saw the miracles and the love and the living Truth and yet, Judas chose to betray God in flesh to His penal substitutionary death. Judas made the choice, but it was God's plan from the beginning. How did God do that?

He is sovereign. He is amazing. He loves us so much.

We can know if God can do this, He has a plan for everything we are facing and will ever face. He is the sovereign God of heaven and earth that rules and accomplishes His will.

Psalm 135:5–6 "I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. 6 The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths."

What Are You Thinking?

2011-03-04T04:29:00.000-08:00

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8

"The things you allow your mind to dwell on will be revealed by the way you live. If you focus on negative things, you will inevitably be a negative person. If you allow unholy thoughts to fill your mind, ungodliness will become common in your life. If you fill your mind with thoughts of Christ, you will become Christlike.What you fill your mind with is a matter of choice. Choose to concentrate on the magnificent truths of God, and they will create in you a noble character that brings glory to God." ~Blackaby

This is so simple and true and yet, the temptation to do contrary to the Word on this is so powerful and real. Our world, especially it seems in North America, presses hard upon us to think of ourselves: what we want, need, feel, or desire. As we focus on self, we imagine what will satisfy the flesh rather than serve the Spirit.

I have come to believe that the best defense against this enemy is a good offense. Spiritual Disciplines, as they are called, provide a strong attack on the sin that so easily entangles our minds.

The three most common and easier disciplines:

1. Prayer: talking with God and engaging in a constant sense of His presence is a wonderful way to live and enables us to focus on what is good and noble.
2. Bible Study: getting into the Word and then memorizing or meditating on the Scripture gets the Word in us. Once the Living Word is in our hearts and minds, it works to silence the power of sin and strengthen the work of the Spirit.
3. Fasting: cutting off the body from things is a way to train it and strengthen the influence of the Spirit. Disallowing food or technology or something that we normally desire puts the body in it's place. Each time the urge comes to eat or watch something or text or whatever, it reminds us to focus on Christ. This allows us to train our body to be a servant for God's glory and not a dictator.

Father, thank you for your presence and power. Be the inspiration, subject, and outcome of my thoughts today. Forgive me for my sloppy sinful thinking. Enable me to guard my heart by protecting my mind and filling it with thoughts of You. You alone are holy, wonderful, peace-giving, unconditionally loving, gracious and worthy of my praise in word, thought and deed.

Hampered Fellowship with God

2011-02-28T05:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I was preaching on the need for consistent fellowship with God. I only had a few minutes to finish up and was not able to go into detail on what can cause our fellowship with God to be less than what God desires and we need. So here it is...

Fellowship with God is hampered when…
1. We are not thankful
When you see God the way Scriptures reveals Him and the benefits He provides His people, it is easy to give thanks at all times.

Psalm 100:3–5 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

We are His. He has made us.
We are His. He is our Shepherd.
We are His. We can enter His house and praise Him.
We are His. He loves us forever.

2. We are not mindful of God’s presence
When we understand the omniscience and omnipresence of God as Scripture reveals, we will never feel alone. We will know that God is with us. There is no where we can go where God will not be present with us.

Psalm 139:8–10 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

3. We are not fulfilling our commitments to God
When we understand the plan of God given to us in God's Word and live it, we gain a blessing and a sense of God's powerful hand at work in us, through us, and around us. It is in obedience that we put ourselves in a blessable position.
Psalm 1:1–3 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

4. We are not right with other believers
When we live as one united people under Christ as commanded in the Bible, we enjoy the encouragement of God and one another.

Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

God is glorified in the love His people give to one another. It is in the act of forgiving and forging ahead united in Christ that the Gospel is revealed to be real in our lives.

If we live in a constant state of prayer asking God to enable us to do these things, we will discover a deeper fellowship with God and the joy of the Lord will be our strength.

You Can Do It!

2011-02-23T05:26:00.000-08:00

I find myself saying this a lot these days. My older children have just finished their basketball seasons and one of my encouragements to them and their teammates has been, "you can do it!" I tell them this when they complain about how tired they are, how good the other team is, or how poorly they feel they are doing.

God says something similar to us in His Word...

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

God makes it clear that there is nothing that will come at us today that we can't handle with Him. We can do it by faith in Christ as we live lives surrendered to the power and might of our God.

Henry Blackaby writes...
It is marvelously freeing to know that God controls your life and knows what it can become. Rather than constantly worrying about what you will face, your great challenge is to continually release every area of your life to God's control. The temptation will be to try to do by yourself what only God can do. Our assignment is to "abide in the vine" and to allow God to do in and through us what only He can do (John 15:5). Only God can be God. Allow Him to live out His divine life through you. He is the only One who can.

In Christ our lives are protected. We can do it in Him. He will do it through us.

Francis Chan - Balance Beam

2011-02-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

I really love this!

Where You Are & Where You're Going

2011-02-17T04:46:00.000-08:00

We are getting new parking lot signs at the church. With the expansion of our facilities we have found that we need signage at the entrances to let people know where they are so they can determine the right direction to get where they want to go.

This is good information to know about your own spiritual life. It is very important that you have a firm grasp of where you are and where you are going. In a world of temptation, frustration, and contention it is easy to get off track and lose sight of where you are and where you want to be.

By Saturday I will have done three funerals in a weeks time. This may sound strange, but I enjoy funerals for the redeemed. I love thinking about where they are and what they are experiencing. It is a joy to be able to comfort grieving loved ones with the truth of the Gospel, the power of God's love, and the hope of heaven.

It is especially enjoyable to get to sit and talk with a family about their loved one that has passed away and hear their stories. People are fascinating and wonderful and God is so good and gracious. So many good things happen in life and we often forget that. Even painful dark days gain greater meaning and significance in light of eternity.

Those that live lives in confident assurance of their faith in Christ and seek to show the love of God to others to the best of their ability leave an amazing legacy. In their living years they know and their loved ones know where they are spiritually. When they pass on and stand before God to give an account of their lives, their loved ones know where they are going.

Knowing where you are and where you are going is not only important for you, it also provides a road map for those you love to follow. A life lived in the grace of God gives peace to those who love you, when you pass away.

If you are lost, cry out to God and look to Christ for salvation. If you have gotten off of the narrow path, return to the God of your salvation. Let your family and friends know where you are and where you are going. It will serve you and them well.

No Lone Rangers...

2011-02-16T06:46:00.000-08:00

So many younger men don't know who the Lone Ranger is, but I think everybody gets the concept. It is a hero that can stand alone and fight off evil. But everyone who knows the show knows the reality... The Long Ranger was not alone. He had Tonto.

The Lone Ranger concept is a myth at best, but really more of a lie. God did not make us to be in isolation. He made us to live in community. God is community. He is three in one. He is One bound in love and holiness as Father, Son and Spirit.

God made us to be in community with Him. That community was also meant to expand to our human connections. God made us for Himself and called us to be His gathered people. What unites us is Him. The key is Jesus and the outcome is community.

I praise God that I have a wife that I love and can count on through thick and thin. I praise God that I have men that I can call on at any time and know that they will be there for me. I praise God that I am a part of a local church that teaches and lives out God's command to live in loving relationships with one another.

Right now there are a couple of men that are on my mind all of the time. They are dealing with serious pain. The sadness that I have in seeing them go through this pain is alleviated by the joy they receive from being with the band of brothers each of these men has around them. They are not walking through the valley of the shadow of death alone. They have Christ and Christ has given them brothers.

We all need a circle of people that we can call on and count on and that can call on and count on us. Yes, it is not always neat and pretty. Relationships are messy, but they are necessary. God in His grace has given us the tools in the Gospel to successfully navigate through the difficulties that relationships can bring so that we can experience the blessing of being in a committed Christian family.

Do you have a family of faith? Within that family of faith do you have a circle of people you are devoted to? We all need the love and support of others and others need our love and support.

He Gets It

2011-02-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

As a pastor, there is nothing quite as enjoyable as seeing someone "get it." There is a moment when a Word is delivered, a circumstance comes, or an inspired moment happens and the lights come on. Their life is changed. Jesus makes sense and they are renewed.

This is one of those moments for Judah...

Genesis 44:33–34 (ESV) Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. 34 For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the evil that would find my father.”

Judah was not always a good man, but this was his moment and in his moment he took his stand. Like Jesus, he was unwilling to go back to his father without his father's love (captured son Benjamin) even though it would probably cost him his life. Jesus was not willing to abandon the cross. Instead, Jesus took our place and became our penal substitutionary atonement (see also). Jesus rescued us and Judah rescued Benjamin. Judah finally got that it is better to give your life for love of others than to live for self.

Judah's decision to sacrifice himself led to God's blessing on his life...

"Though reckless in his behavior with Tamar (Gn 38:6–30), Judah showed firm resolve in taking personal responsibility for Benjamin’s safety in Egypt and acting as intercessor for his brothers before Joseph (Gn 44:14–18). At the time of Jacob’s blessing Judah was granted the birthright privileges of the firstborn; the leadership of Jacob’s family would come through Judah’s seed, as would the promised Messiah of Abraham’s covenant (Gn 49:8–12). Later, Judah’s house was praised at the time of Ruth’s engagement to Boaz (Ru 4:12), and both the Davidic line of kings (1 Chr 2:1–16; 3) and Jesus Christ’s ancestors (Mt 1:2, 3; KJV Judas; Lk 3:33; KJV Juda) traced their descent from Judah." Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988), 1227-28.

How can you be like Jesus today? What can you give up to serve your Heavenly Father?

So Many Surprises

2011-02-10T05:08:00.000-08:00

I am not big on surprises. I like the illusion that I am somehow in control of what happens. The reality is that life is full of surprises and none of us is really in control. God is sovereign and we are responsible. That means that God has a plan and a will to accomplish His specific purpose. We are responsible for how we respond and live under God’s sovereign care and power. You either fight against Him or simply submit to Him.

This morning I woke up to see our city blanketed in snow. I didn’t see that coming and I don’t think the forecasters did either. But here we are under what appears to be one of the biggest snows in years.

God knew this was going to happen. Some are happy. Most are concerned about the kids missing so much school. In it there are blessings and problems, but what matters most is God’s will in it. What does God have for us that are under four inches of snow today? What does He want to reveal to us about Himself and His love? How does He want us to grow in our faith through this?

Everybody is going through something, but I am thankful God has a plan for it all. There are families in hospitals, hospice, and facing hard painful decisions today. No matter what, we can know that God loves us and desires to grow us and bless us through the good and the tough times. We need only call out to Him, trust in His Word, and live lovingly under His leadership in grace.

Psalm 103:15–18 As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— 18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

Until It's Your Faith Challenged...

2011-02-09T04:58:00.000-08:00

Genesis 42:35–36 (ESV) As they emptied their sacks, behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack. And when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid. 36 And Jacob their father said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin. All this has come against me.”

It's easy for us to look back and know that Jacob had nothing to worry about. His favored son was behind what was causing His fear. But for Jacob, in that moment, he didn't know what was coming next and his faith was challenged.

It's easy when it's not our child, our job, our health, or our responsibility to think, "oh, they just need to trust God." It is easy to trust God. It's hard to live through the pain that God allows.

The Lord always strengthens His children with joy (Nehmiah 8:10). But joy does not always occur in happiness or good times. Joy is often felt best when things are at their worst.

This is why we need brothers and sisters that can comfort and encourage us. If this is a good time in your life, be faithful to God and build your faith in preparation for the hard days ahead. And while things are good, reach out to those that are struggling. Pray for them often, let them know you care, and give this some time and attention. They need you and one day, you will need them.

In Christ we are a family and as the children of God we need to stand with those who face faith challenges today.

God's Will & Timing

2011-02-08T04:47:00.001-08:00

This morning my mind is on a young couple dealing with heart ache, a servant of Christ in the hospital, lots men looking for work, several friends fighting off cancer, and a young person sidelined with a knee injury. I am praying for them and asking God to give them peace, hope, and confidence in this difficult season.

When it comes to unplanned unwanted circumstances, I believe the best and right thing to do is to look for God. He is there. Nothing surprises to Him.

It is one thing when we sin or someone's sin causes consequences on our lives. That happens and we have to deal with the pain and difficulty of the cause and effect impact of sin.

When it is clear that the circumstance we are in is bigger than the mere actions of humanity or even in the give and take of human frailty, seeking God's face is so very important. God works all things for good for those that love Him that have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) and God knows the plans He has for His people - plans to give hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Based on these facts the best thing any of us can do during dark days is...

1. Pray and ask God to allow you to join Him in what He is doing.
2. Trust that God has gone before you and is at work to guide you according to His perfect will.
3. Live on mission in the moment. You may not be able to comprehend what God is up to. If that is the case, simply living on mission and sharing and showing the love of Christ according to the Gospel will enable you to serve God's purpose even when you don't know what it is.
4. Get other brothers and sisters to pray for you and encourage you. Let them know your hurt, fear, anger, or confusion and allow them to seek God's face with you. Sometimes we need God's Word delivered to us through His body of believers to really perceive the truth.

God has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We are His adopted children that we can cry out to (Romans 8:14-17). He understands what we are going through having been through a human existence on this sinful rock (Hebrews 4:15-16). We can know God is with us, at work, and in control.

Adjusted to Our Blessings?

2011-02-07T06:14:00.000-08:00

I so appreciated Dr. Russell Moore's ministry to Living Hope yesterday. He preached three times on what it means to be a child of God from Rom 8:14-17 and then spoke again at a luncheon for our Orphan Care Ministry where over 200 people attended to learn how they can pray, partner, and pursue caring for the needs of the fatherless. I am sure he slept well last night.

Yesterday, during his sermon, Dr. Moore posed this question to us: Have we become adjusted to our blessings? He asked the question in light of the missional demand of James 1:27 (ESV) "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." He pointed out that the reason most Christians do not heed the call to care for the fatherless and forgotten is because it is inconvenient.

Most people want to love the poor, the family, and the hurting, but when it comes down to doing it, many excuse themselves. The fact of the matter is that loving people is messy. When life gets messy, most people excuse themselves because most of us have adjusted to our blessings.

We have gotten used to the fact that we can pay our bills, live healthy lives, enjoy hobbies and time with friends and family, and still have energy to complain. Even when life hits us hard, most people have comforts that 96% of the rest of the world knows nothing about.

When it comes to serving the Kingdom cause of Christ, God's people will have to be like Christ and abandon our comforts and show care and concern for difficult people in tough circumstances.

And when we do that, we should not be surprised by those that seek to dissuade us from our God-given tasks. Most of the time it will be those that despise us the most and those that love us the most. That was what happened in Nehemiah...

Nehemiah 4:10–12 (ESV) In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.”

Notice...
In verse 10 it is Judah, the tribe of the King that is saying that the work must not go forward.
In verse 11 as expected, the enemies of God's people that threaten them and discourage them from doing God's work.
In verse 12 it is their family saying that they needed to come back home and give up the cause.

I am going to work hard to stay uncomfortable for Christ and pray that God will allow me to encourage my children to sacrifice and serve God's purpose for their lives even though it will be painful and may come at a great cost. My prayer is that I and those I love will see the privilege and blessing of living on mission for God. Philippians 1:29(ESV) "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake."

Rejected John 3:16 Super Bowl Commercial (HD) - LookUp 316

2011-02-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

I liked it!

Who You Belong To

2011-02-03T05:08:00.000-08:00

Romans 6:16–18 (ESV) Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

Last week I read John MacArthur's book Slave. I highly recommend it. The insights and the depth of research provided inspiration to me in my walk with Christ.

There is a tendency in me to make things complicated. What I love about being a slave to Christ is the simplicity of it.

MacArthur points out in His book, "The life of a slave in New Testament times may have been difficult, but it was relatively simple. Slaves had only one primary concern: to carry out the will of the master. In areas where they were given direct commands, they were required to obey. In areas where no direct command was given, they were to find ways to please the master as best they could."

My goal in life is to obey my Master and to please Him in all I do.

Healthy

2011-02-02T05:03:00.000-08:00

I'm not saying I am in great shape because I'm not. I'm not saying that I'm thin because I need to lose weight. I'm not saying that my diet is what it ought to be because I am a Southerner and required to eat fried foods, sweet tea, and I believe a certain amount M&Ms. BUT, I do believe I am healthy.

No, I'm not going to be featured on a fitness drink ad with this figure, but my doctor told me when I was 25 that some people are race horses and some people are like me, a mule;D For a mule, I'm healthy.

We love to make comparisons in North America. We are told by people all of the time what we are supposed to look like, what we should own, and how well we should be liked. The fact of the matter is that each one of us is unique and has a specific purpose for which God has called us. God's desire is that we be who He created us to be to the best of our ability. That does not mean that we get complacent, but we do need to be careful that we avoid the comparison games that lead to idolatry.

The same is true of families, businesses, churches, and fellowship groups. Each one is unique and has specific gifts and abilities. There is not one standard by which all things can be judged except Christ and His Word. In Scripture we find God using all kinds of people and groups for certain purposes. Bigger is not always better. Smaller is not always smarter. One's good may be another's best, but what really matters is what God thinks.

I spoke to a sweet saint yesterday that is about to meet the Lord soon. As we talked about her life and legacy, I encouraged her with the fact that very soon she will hear the Lord say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." She teared up and said, "That is all I ever hoped for. Do you really think God will say that to me." I assured her that her faithful service to our King and humble heart gives God glory and that He will surely say that to her.

There is nothing better to live for than to hear those words from Jesus... "well done." That is a healthy life. That is the goal.

Fun Day - Friday in Africa

2011-01-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

We got up and enjoyed some coffee and time in the Word and prayer. We took a ride into downtown Niamay and bought some souveneirs. Then the fun started.

We headed south to an open area where giraffes are being repopulated. Our guide jumped in the truck and navigated us thirty minutes into some wide open spaces. I thought he was lost with all of the turns we were taking and then... we saw them. They were magnificient. There was a two week old baby, 2 two month olds, five mommas, and the daddy. It was something to see!

After that we grabbed lunch and came back to the mission house. We made calls, wrote blogs and got cleaned up. We took our stuff to the airport and so we are all ready to go.

We are leaving now to get our last meal in Africa. We should be in Paris by morning, Atltanta by the afternoon, and home by 6:30 pm. Please pray for traveling mercies.

Please also pray for me as I edit the sermon I will be preaching on Sunday. I am fired up, but need only preach as God's Spirit directs. Pray I listen and give what only He desires for His people at Living Hope.

Baptisms & a Bus Ride - Thursday in Africa

2011-01-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

The day started similar to Wednesday. We got up, got some eggs, and got over to the training center. We studied God's Word with the men and answered as many questions as we could.

As mid-day came, we headed to the river to baptize the man who had been saved the day before, Ka. Bubba was excited. Not only were we baptizing Ka, but Ji as well. Ji was a man that had been saved some time before, but had not been faithful in his participation in the church. Recently, he had been much more connected and had been present for all of the teaching times. He was very excited to making his public profession of faith.

We all went down by the river to watch. Henry started singing and we all joined in. Bubba was in the water with Ka and Ji. Both men were baptized by Bubba and we all celebrated by clapping and shouting praise to God.

Interestingly, there was a man there by the river that was washing his clothes. After the second man came out of the water, he announced to the group that he too wanted to be baptized. I immediately had concerns. Who was this guy? Did he know the Gospel? Did he know what baptism was? Were these men ready to investigate his faith claims?

All of my concerns were quickly removed. Ibra, one of the elders of the church, explained that he had been witnessing to this man, Mega, for several months and that he had accepted Christ about a month ago. Mega had just gotten back into town and wanted to be a part of the church and was ready to be baptized. He gave a profession of his faith that was clear and without prompting. So he was baptized too.

Three baptisms in one day!

After the baptisms, we gathered for prayer. We prayed for them. They prayed for us. Then we all prayed for the missionaries. It was a touching moment.

They walked us to the bus station and ligered for a while and then we said our last good-byes.

Thiry minutes after the time we were supposed to leave, we began loading up on the bus. It was really hot that day and about 2 pm in the afternoon, when we got to our seats. We were asked to get on first since we would be the last stop. We didn't want to have to get off the bus everytime someone had a stop so we got in the very back of the bus. Our knees pressed into the seat in front of us. We road with the windows down with sand flying all around us and sweat pouring from our bodies for 3 and a half ours. I hope they washed those seats:D

When we got off, we must have been a sight to see. I don't think any of us used the restroom in our pants, but it certainly looked like and felt like we did. We had literally sweated through our clothes. It was glorious. Never had we been nastier and happier. We were just glad to be standing on our feet and out of the back of that bus.

We got back to the baptist mission house and got cleaned up. After an ice-cold coke, we all had a smile. A little dinner later and a call or two back home put our minds and bodies at ease.

We slept good Thursday night. We'd seen God's hand at work through the teaching and the baptisms. We'd had an unforgetable ride through Niger. We celebrated God's grace and goodness and said goodnight.

The Happiest Hardest Day of the Trip - Wednesday in Africa

2011-01-28T07:36:00.001-08:00

I woke up from the sound of a motorcycle engine reving up outside our door. After some water, a babywipes bath, and brushing our teeth we headed to the main market. We had two scrambled eggs African style and drew quite a few looks. We took a quick tour of the main market, met some nice people, and then went to our meeting room.

After a quick stop at the corner market to load up on tea, figs, and peanuts, we headed straight for the training area. Bubba had gotten us a room in what used to be a vocational training building for women. With our shoes off and all of us sitting on mats on the floor we got to work. We first answered all the questions that we had not gotten to the day before. I gave some insights on the nature of the church and Bill provided training on generous giving and marriage.

Just as we were about to start a new traning a man who had come as a guest spoke up. Our team was not sure what he was saying, but all of the other men began celebrating. It turns out that one of the men had been sharing Christ with him for about a month. He had come to listen to some of the teaching. He had just said to the guys, "Hey, I have to go to work now, but before I go, would it be ok if I accepted Jesus as my God to be saved?" After hearing a message on giving and marriage, that brother came forward:D

That afternoon Jason G and Todd provided outstanding teaching. Jason G taught them how to put off the old self and to put on the new person in Christ. Todd taught on the fruit of the Spirit. That afternoon it got hot. I mean real hot. We had to abandon our room for a tree outside where we could catch a breeze. We took large bricks that had fallen from the abondoned building next door and made them into seats in a cirlc. The facility was alonside of the river so we could catch a breeze. We also caught the sight of lots of people coming to take a bath - awkward for the North Americans and nothing new to the Africans:D

The training time consisted of more than just information. These brothers love to sing and Henry had shown up the night before to get in on the training. He would lead the music... can't carry a tune, but he loves to sing. We will be teaching these songs to the children of Living Hope when we get back.

We also had amazing times of prayer. The prayer time was very overwhelming to me. Some of the phrases they used were so powerful... "let us be always one, make your Word to be in us, thank you for all that you have given us in Christ."

That night we sat under the stars waiting for dinner. Bubba showed up as the food did so we all dumped part of our meal on his plate and forced him to stay and eat. We laughed and shared stories and praised God for the great grace He's given to us to make us His children and brothers to one another.

After taking a cold shower and getting the frog out of our room, I laid my head down and praised God for the joy that is mine to be His. I am loved with an unending gracious love. My family is found all over the planet. The Kingdom of God is on the move and the Lord has allowed me to be on the front line of it. What a joy and honor for me!

Tuesday in Africa

2011-01-28T05:43:00.000-08:00

The sky was dark, but the stars were bright when we headed to the bus station. It felt good to us, but the people here looked like they were expecting a blizzard in their coats and caps. The bus was about 45 minutes late, but everyone made it on board and away we went.

We arrived in Iyarou around mid-morning and got checked into our hotel. A political rally was taking place just outside of it. There were soldiers with guns and it made us a bit edgy. We had heard about the aligators in what used to be a swimming pool, but it still surprised us to see their heads poking out of the dark water. In our bathroom we found a bat hanging dead above the toilet. All in all we were happy - we were in the bush - this is what we signed up for.

Our first stop was at the home of the first believers there. The mom and son were believers, but the father wasn't. We talked and heard stories and shared pictures for a while.

The next stop was at Bubba's (that's what I call him). He is big and any NFL team would do well to take a look at him for tightend. We sat in front of his home in the shade drinking tea. We first heard about their lives and how God was at work there and then they started firing questions at us: What should we know as a young church? How can we best serve God? What does Scripture say about giving? (none of these men have jobs) We answered some of their questions by talking about the importance of loving each other (Acts 2:42-47) and being peacemakers through reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-35 & 2 Corinthians 5:11-21).

Then we had lunch. It was on a large round metal tray. It had rice and some kind of meat and a sauce. We all sit around and ate from it together - community.

The sun had moved so after lunch we found a tree and provided more teachings and answered more questions. These men know the Bible. They know sound doctrine. The work of the Holy Spirit amazed us. They were quoting Scripture that they'd never heard. One would say something and I would ask if they knew that text. They would look surprised and then we would read it to them and they would just smile.

The men were tired as the sun was going down so we headed back to the hotel. We made a quick trip to see the hippos and then had dinner and fell asleep fast and hard. Nice thing about Africa... you get tired easy and sleep good.

Monday in Africa

2011-01-27T12:55:00.000-08:00

Monday was a bit of a surprise. We went into the day thinking that God was going to lead us one way, but then found Him guiding us in a different dirction. We were going to Togiboty and Boubon. Both were Christless villages.

The entire day felt different from the very beginning. We had a different interpeter and we knew that we were going to villages where there were no believers. In most cases we understood that the people we would be sharing with would be hearing the Gospel of Jesus for the first time. We also knew that our task was not only to share the Gospel, but also to prepare the way for the team from Living Hope that will come behind us in May.

My main focus was on discovering God's will for where Living Hope's launch place for reaching this area would be. The early favorite was Tagiboty. The missionaries here had a good relationship with the chief and knew the village pretty well. They did not know much about Boubon, but were interested in seeing what the Lord was doing there.

We went to Tagiboty first and our first order of business was to meet the chief. He is a funny little guy with lots of personality. He laughs and jokes a lot. We gave him gifts (a bible, a cassette player, and a cassette tape sharing the Gospel), exchanged welcomes which I'd been trained and prepared to do, and we sat down in his compound. There were lots of people around and the chief looked nervous. He smiled and told us we had access to the entire village to pray and bless the people and we were hurried out.

We got out stuff together and got started. Jason Graham went first and did a great job sharing the "creation to Christ" Gospel presentation. About 20 people listened and we gave Gospel cassette tapes to the adults. We were then called to a man's home that wanted to talk with us. Bill Starr, Toddy Crosby and I went into his two room 10 ft by 20 ft home and sat down. The man's wife and two children were there so I felt safe... and then he started talking and I realized he was a witch doctor. I am sure there is a more pc name for his work, but regardless of what you call it, this man was working with demonic power to do some bad stuff.

We shared the Gospel with Him, but he was not interested. He'd asked us to his home because he knew that we were spiritual leaders. He wanted us to take his picture and tell people to come to him for all of their witch doctor needs. We assured him that we only shared Jesus and we offered up prayers for him and left.

Our next stop was to be at a man's house where his wife was sick. He told us that the prayers of the people here did not work, but he believed our prayers to Jesus would work. As we were about to enter his compound, an older relative stepped in and would not allow us to enter. He embarassed the man that had asked us for prayers. We just left.

We met and shared with others as we walked through the village. We were surrounded by children the entire time we were walking and praying who were holding our hands and rubbing our arms. Our interpreter, who has a very serious disposition started laughing and so I asked him what had happened. He told me that the little girl wondered why I had so much hair on my arm, but none on my head. I even get bald jokes in Africa:D

After praying by the river, we headed back to the chief. He wanted to talk to us again, but with less people. We sat and listened as he shared about the history of his people. We were able to get permission for our team to return in May and we left satisfied with that, but concerned about that village. Although the chief is great and there are some sweet people there, it has a darkness about it that needs the light of Christ to dispel.

We went and had a picnic lunch. We rode camels and relaxed for a bit and then headed to Boubon.

At Boubon we had a ball. Boubon is a little more modern. They have electricity and running water. The chief was away, but we met with his second in command and he was glad to meet us. We divided into twos to walk through the village and share the Gospel. The people were kind and receptive. Jason Graham and I both spoke and received a very warm reception. No one accepted Christ, but they were all very interested in what we were teaching.

We met up with the other team and they had the same experience. The people were very warm and open to the Gospel.

At the start of the day, we thought Tagiboty would be the probable place that we would launch from to reach "The Road to Karma," but it turns out that Boubon will probably be our base of operation as we seek to start churches in these three villages: Boubon, Tagiboty, and the village farthest from Niamay, Karma. Our hope is that Living Hope will adopt "The Road to Karma" a thirty mile stretch of three villages with about 50,000 people. It would be so great to see in a decade or less churches thriving in these three villages. The vision is clear and the strategy is sound. Now the prayer and ongoing sharing and training in Christ begins.

Would you be willing to pray for these three villages and the evangelism and tranining teams that will be going into them at least three times a week?

Sunday in Africa

2011-01-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 23, 2011 is a day that I can't imagine I will ever forget. We began the Lord's Day by traveling in a rented taxi van to Karma, a demon oppressed village outside of Niamay, to worship with a faithful believer. As we reached the outskirts of Niamay, the roadside provided views of a brown dead landscape littered with goats, lambs, donkeys, and people with jackets and coats. It was crazy cold for Africa. I think it was 60 degrees.

When we reached Karma, a thin man with sharp features met us enthusiastically and jumped into the van. Henry was thrilled to see us. His smile was big and his laugh was loud as he talked back and forth with Mark and C (C is our brilliant translator fluent in 6 languages and currently studying Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic in seminary.) As we came into the village, Henry's face changed. He looked tentative and a little nervous.

Henry led us around to the back of the village to a tree. He explained how and why he had received permission for us to gather there. In the shade of that tree we exchanged names and pleasantries and then each of us shared how we came to know Christ. We also opened the Word of God together and prayed. Henry was soaking in everything that was said. It was clear that this brother had not had community for a while.

He explained to us how the 6 other recently baptized believers there in Karma had been persecuted for their faith and had turned away from Christ. One of the former believers actually told Henry that if he came and talked to him about Jesus again that he would beat him. Apparently, these believers were treated by their families and friends the way they were treating Henry and instead of remaining faithful had given up their new found faith in Jesus. Sadly, this is not uncomman in a country where Christians are persecuted.

Henry has not given up. His wife, his parents, his siblings, his in-laws, and all of his friends have rejected him. Most will not talk to him and there is a very real possibility that he will be deprived of home, of work, and even the possiblity of buying food. In this culture community is vital to survival. On his own, Henry should not be able to survive.

But Henry has more than survived. He has thrived. After our time under the tree, he walked us through the village. Among the Songhai there is a saying, "The guest is king." Although they know we were Christian, they treated us with kindness and respect. Henry led us to a hill where we were able to look down upon the whole village. We prayed and then Henry began to sing. Mark and C knew the song and joined him. Henry sang the loudest and with the greatest joy. This persecuted man has the joy of the Lord in him!

That afternoon we had a meal together, made a run for the market, and then headed back to the tree for more traning. Mark asked me to teach Henry what happens when a believer dies and what heaven is like. I was tired of sitting so I asked to stand and began to teach. C stood next to me and translated and we accidentally drew a crowd. First it was children, but then some women joined too. After I spoke, the other men stood and shared encouraging Scriptures with Henry and many of the people stayed. We taught for about an hour and a half. I could not believe that most of the people stayed and listened.

As we prepared to leave Todd Crosby stood and boldly shared the Gospel. Afterward, we asked if we could pray for the people standing there listening. This was a big deal for people that think prayer is something you do when a horn goes off 5 times a day and you get on a towel, face the east, and quote Arabic words you don't know the meaning of. We explained that because we pray in Jesus' name, our God hears us always at all times. It was amazing to these poeple to hear their names lifted up in prayer.

As we left, Henry sang again and prayed for us. It was 11 am in Bowling Green, KY and I asked him to pray for Pastor Jeff who was about to preach again and for the gathered believers at Living Hope. He then prayed for us and we left with gladness and hope in our hearts.

I have come to a firm understanding about myself and Hamma. I may have more knowledge than him, but he has more faith. I am thankful for the truth I know, but I am humbled by the faith I need. My prayer is that I can have faith like Hamma and encourage the people I love toward that same end.

Saturday in Africa

2011-01-23T22:36:00.000-08:00

On Saturday afternoon, January 22 the team from Living Hope and I had the privilege of training committed leaders from Niger Africa. These are devout believers that love Jesus and desire to see their nation know Him and love Him.

Jason Graham began the training by teaching on spiritual warfare. Todd Crosby then followed him by teaching on personal holiness. Bill Starr instructed them on the qualifications of leaders that do God's work. I finished the evening by talking about what bold leadership looked like and required based on Nehemiah.

After we were done, C, a national partner with our local missionaries from the IMB, taught them the church planting strategy we are a part of. It is called E2E: entry to exit. It is the plan for how we see the Gospel going out, disciples being developed, churches being started, and the Kingdom expanding in West Africa to the praise of Jesus' name.

When I think about what these people are sacrificing and how they are so happy to be serving Jesus, I am humbled. They have so little and yet they are doing so much. Their knowledge is so limited, but their faith is so great. Their pain and problems are so intense and yet, their joy is unshakable.

Our God is a great God. I pray that we in North America will not abandon Him for the power, pleasue, popularity, and possessions Satan is offering us in exchange. The offer Satan is making us is like the one he offered Jesus. If we will abandon God and choose sin, he will give us something to satisfy our pride and flesh. May we never forget that sin takes you further than you inteded to go, costs you more than you wanted to pay, and gives you less than it promises. May we remain faithful to God's Word, God's Great Commission, and God's Kingdom purpose.

Traveling Friends

2011-01-20T05:06:00.000-08:00

Acts 20:3–6 (ESV) There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.

I have read past these names so many times with little thought of how important they were to Paul. As I am about to set out on a mission trip to Africa, I am thankful for the men I am traveling with: Bill Starr, Jason Graham, and Todd Crosby. We will be working with Mark and Parker, whom my wife and I traveled with to do ministry in New York several years ago and that I served on staff with for years. Each of these leaders are gifted in their unique way and my joy is to get to serve with them.

Who we journey through life with is important. We all need good friends that we can stand in Christ with. Praise God for your friends today and celebrate the fact that Jesus calls us to community and to live on mission with others who love us, love Him, and that we love.

The Part I Do, You Do, We Do

2011-01-18T04:26:00.000-08:00

Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power. (Psalms 110:3)

One mark of revival, during which God comes to His people in power, is that God's people are compelled to offer their lives for His service. Many churches lack people who are willing to get involved in carrying out God's redemptive work. The mission fields are crying out for Christians to go and share the gospel with those who've never heard it. What we need is not more pleas for volunteers, but an outpouring of the power of God. When God comes among His people in power, there is never a shortage of volunteers or resources for His work! ~Blackaby

One of the things that sets the church apart is the sacrificial spirit of God's people. The church is not a club or a business. A local church is a family. There are indicators of organization in a church and there are business aspects in a church just as there are in any family. What makes the church different is the what, the how, and the why.

The what is the Kingdom. Every true church exists to grow God's Kingdom. The church does not exist for itself. It exists for the cause of the King of Heaven.

The how is God's power released in God's humble people. The King of Heaven has adopted children to be His own. They freely give what God has given to them to serve the needs of the church, which impacts God's Kingdom.

The why is God's glory. The King of Heaven deserves praise and honor. Every lost person represents a stolen praise that should be given to God. All praise and glory belong to God and when a person lives without God and does not praise His great name, God is robbed of what is rightfully His.

Today I praise God that I get to be a part of a family of faith like Living Hope and get to see thousands of people serving God's church to grow God's Kingdom for the glory of God.

Challenging Words that Comfort

2011-01-17T05:32:00.000-08:00

I will be leaving for Africa in a few days with a small band of men to encourage a new church in the truth of God's Word, to challenge missionaries on that field, and to select a city that Living Hope will plant churches in. The excitement is building, but so is the temptation to be anxious. I don't want to get sick. I don't want to let the team or the church or the people down. I don't want to miss what the Lord has for me in this.

I drew comfort from this today and pass it on to you.

If I go upon the Lord’s errand, with a simple reliance upon his power, and a single eye to his glory, it is certain that he will be with me. His sending me binds him to back me up. Is not this enough? What more can I want? If all the angels and archangels were with me, I might fail; but if HE is with me, I must succeed. Only let me take care that I act worthily towards this promise. Let me not go timidly, half-heartedly, carelessly, presumptuously. What manner of person ought he to be who has God with him!

C. H. Spurgeon, The Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith, 17.

Watch Your Words

2011-01-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

This morning while I was running on the treadmill, I watched four different news shows at the same time. It is odd that I and the rest of North America have come to see this as normal. We have so much information coming at us and those that provide the news have the pressure to fill 24 hours a day with information. In the process they can and often do say things poorly. In the midst of so much tragedy and pain, it seems that the news media is not simply telling about it. It seems that they are making it worse.

We all must be careful about what we say. Words have power and they can really do damage.

Jesus made a big deal about words. He said in Matthew 12:34–37 (ESV) "You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Years ago I heard Rick Warren talk about the impact that electronic and social media has had on people's lives and how careful we must be. He said something to the effect that in this age information is instant, global and permanent. Our words go out fast, they reach lots of people and they remain.

Let's pray for our words.

When We Lose Someone

2011-01-11T04:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a dear friend's birthday who went to be with the Lord last year. It is a strange thing to see an electronic update come up with her name and face. She was such a dear saint that loved the Lord, her family, and her friends. She was a person that you could always count on to do something kind. It may be a gift or just a card saying that she was praying for you. Her ministry was to students and to women in the church. She hosted the first of what is now our Girl's Ministry in our Student area of the church. Her help to me was in caring for and counseling women who were going through marital difficulties. She was a gifted encourager and teller of truth. I miss Lynne Breen.

I know that a lot of other people do too and we are all praying for Mike, Travis, Caleb, and Lynne's family.

I also know that many people feel the way I do about someone else. It may be a family member, a friend, or someone they admired. When we have a loss that cannot be replaced, it is tough to go on. There are certain places in our lives for a parent, a child, a confidant or an inspiration and when we lose that person, a replacement may not be possible. The loss is real and lasting.

The grace of God gives us joy even in our loss for those of us in Christ that have lost loved ones who are in Christ. We can say what David said when he lost a child, "I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:23) One day all of us in Christ will be gathered together with God. We will all be together with Him. What a great day that will be!

What We Get To Do

2011-01-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

Not only are we receiving the Lord's Supper tomorrow... And not only will we see the family of Living Hope love Jesus, each other, and people in need... We can do what D.L. Moody says angels would love to do - celebrate and share the Gospel!

I believe that if an angel were to wing his way from earth up to Heaven, and were to say that there was one poor, ragged boy, without father or mother, with no one to care for him and teach him the way of life; and if God were to ask who among them were willing to come down to this earth and live here for fifty years and lead that one to Jesus Christ, every angel in Heaven would volunteer to go. Even Gabriel, who stands in the presence of the Almighty, would say, "Let me leave my high and lofty position, and let me have the luxury of leading one soul to Jesus Christ." There is no greater honor than to be the instrument in God's hands of leading one person out of the kingdom of Satan into the glorious light of Heaven.

-- Dwight L. Moody

Africa on My Mind

2011-01-07T04:31:00.000-08:00

I woke up thinking about and praying for Africa. It will not be long before I will be there with a small team of leaders to evangelize, train young Christians and church leaders, and to pray for a village that needs a church. It is our hope to have Living Hope take responsibility to see to it that a church is planted in that village of some 15,000 lost people.

Please commit to pray for me and the team of men I will be serving with. Ask God to keep us safe and healthy, to enable us to serve Him and His church effectively, and for Him to do a work in us and through us that brings Him glory. Also, please be in prayer for the missionaries and the people group we will be seeking to give hope to. You can read about the people group here and get to know the missionaries here.

Please be in prayer for our families here. They will have to continue on with business as usual without our help. The workload they will have to carry along with missing us and praying for us will be quite a burden.

Right now each of us is finishing our planning for what we will teach. We are making final decisions about what we are going to bring and preparing our hearts and minds for spiritual darkness, heat, and also for the sweetness of fellowship with our missionary friends and the new believers we will come to love. If you could pray that God would provide us with discernment and for clarity in our preparation for what to teach, that would be a huge help. There is so much we can give, but so little time.

Opportunities like this have the power to change us and eternity. My prayer is that God will do a fresh work in me and grow a greater love and awe of Him in my heart.

Buying from Amazon? Use this link and support missions...

2011-01-06T08:21:00.001-08:00

Under my picture on this blog to the right you will see a box that says...

Use this Link to Support Missions at Living Hope Baptist Church

* Amazon Link for Referral Credit for LHBC

If you are going to buy anything from Amazon, please use that link first. Every purchase you make will give money toward the mission efforts of Living Hope. You can support missionaries all over the world and make it possible for people to hear the Gospel by doing nothing more than buying something you were going purchase anyway.

It's good Kingdom stewardship.

You can also find the link on the church's website.

Taking It for Granted

2011-01-05T05:08:00.000-08:00

It was really dark this morning and when I was leaving our dark bedroom to go run at 5 am, I failed to notice that our bedroom door was slightly opened. I nailed my head on the door. It hurt so bad. Thankfully, it didn't leave a mark.

While I was driving to the gym, I started thinking about Proverbs 4:19 "But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." So many people live what I briefly experienced this morning. Darkness is their normal and they stumble about in hate, lust, greed, and all sorts of Godlessness and the result is pain. In sin we never see what's coming until it's too late and by then all we can do is hope to minimize the damage.

What a privilege it is to be walk in Christ and enjoy the blessings of His promises like John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”

In Christ we are guided by truth and enabled to be blessed by His presence. This light allows us to see sin for what it is and to avoid obstacles that would trip us up. In Christ we can "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles," and we are able to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us." We do this when we "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1–2

It is easy to take God's blessings for granted. We can own Bibles and have access to places of worship and friends in Christ, but if we do not appreciate them and live in them, we will miss the blessing of the light and face the consequences of darkness. It is a privilege to know Christ. I am going to live in appreciation of God's grace to me today and the light He has bestowed in me.

Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda

2011-01-04T04:58:00.000-08:00

I did not want to get out of bed this morning. I was so tired. It was cold. My head is stopped up with the beginnings of a sinus infection. The last thing I wanted to do was put on my work out clothes, get in a cold car, and go work out.

But I did. The only reason I got up and went was because I knew that if I didn't follow through with my commitment, I would have regretted it. Regret is the worst. There is nothing that can mend it. Opportunities come and when we don't take advantage of them, we don't get a do over. You push through and go for it or you miss it.

The words "would have", "should have", and "could have" leave a bad taste in my mouth. They are the first words of justified failure. Once you start saying those words and get comfortable with them, you can know you have accepted regret as a reality. That's no way to live.

God has a great day planned for each of us today who have been saved by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. The question we have to answer is, will I go for it and take advantage of the opportunities that stand before me today even though they will require great effort and maybe sacrifice or will I settle for regret.

Day 3 of Resolutions

2011-01-03T05:02:00.000-08:00

Barna's Research on Resolutions:
When asked to describe their experience with resolutions during 2010, only one out of four Americans (23%) who had made resolutions found those commitments resulted in “significant, long-term change” to their behaviors or attitudes. More commonly, Americans described their 2010 resolutions as resulting in “minor change” (29%) or “no change” (49%).

Resolutions are funny for me. I have found that there are things I want to be different in my life, but I usually don't want to have to change what I do. I like the idea of weighing less, but I don't want to give up the calorie intake to do it. I like the idea of reading more, but I don't want to give up the other activities I engage in.

What I have learned works for me is getting excited about the life change and letting the results be secondary. If I focus only on the results, they usually don't happen. When I focus on the day to day activities of my life and celebrate them and make them habitual the results usually come in time.

I don't really have any resolutions this year, but today I'm getting back into my work mode where my mind is required to live in 5th gear for 8-12 hours a day. This is good and bad. The good thing is that I love what I am privileged to do, but I will miss building legos with Asher, shooting ball with the kids, and the afternoon naps that I enjoyed during my vacation last week.

So it's day 3 of the new year and my prayer is that God will do a fresh work in my heart, allow me to feel His presence in every decision and task, and enable me to rest in the goodness of His grace that provides me the opportunity to live in the power of His Spirit. I am also going to keep the M&M jar in my office closed this week.

Finish Strong

2010-12-31T06:39:00.000-08:00

My son Jackson and I had a blast yesterday going to the Music City Bowl game between the University of Tennessee and the University of North Carolina. We grabbed lunch at Five Guys, which is one of our favorites. We had to get there early because he along with the Bowling Green Division II championship team Bengals were being recognized before the game along with 72 other teams from Tennessee and Alabama. We got to go down on the field. It was awesome to be down there and look up and see 70,000 screaming fans and the boys on the big screen at LP Field.

The game was a wild one and it brought to mind an important principal for life and especially the Christian faith: Finish Strong.

Philippians 3:13–14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Tennessee just never put the game away. They had it, but then they just didn't finish it.

This year is about to end and a new one is about to begin. For those of us that live in Christ we must remember we have a job to do and never forget that God is doing a job in us. We are responsible to, "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen." 1 Timothy 6:12–16

We can know that God is at work to enable us to finish well. We can live "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

I'm not big on new year's resolutions, but I love life resolutions.

At the age of eighteen Jonathan Edwards began to write his life resolutions and continued to write them and live them until he had 70 of them that guided his thoughts, feelings, faith and actions.

Try to read these in one sitting and be challenged.

RESOLUTIONS

“Being sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him, by his grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

1. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.
2. Resolved, To be continually endeavouring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the forementioned things.
3. Resolved, If ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, Never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God, nor be, nor suffer it, if I can possibly avoid it.
5. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, To live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, To act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings, as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. Vid. July 30.
9. Resolved, To think much, on all occasions, of my dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, When I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, When I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.
12. Resolved, If I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, To be endeavouring to find out fit objects of liberality and charity.
14. Resolved, Never to do any thing out of revenge.
15. Resolved, Never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
16. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, That I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, To live so, at all times, as I think is best in my most devout frames, and when I have the clearest notions of the things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, To maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, To endeavour to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigour, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, Frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs, and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the fourth Resolution.
24. Resolved, Whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavour to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, To examine carefully and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and so direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, To cast away such things as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, Never wilfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, Never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, To strive every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, Never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of christian honour, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said any thing against any one, to bring it to, and try it strictly by, the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, To be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Prov. 20:6. ‘A faithful man, who can find?’ may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, To do always what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without an overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.
34. Resolved, In narrations, never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, Whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call to it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, To inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,—what sin I have committed,—and wherein I have denied myself;—also, at the end of every week, month, and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, Never to utter any thing that is sportive, or matter of laughter, on a Lord’s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, Never to do any thing, of which I so much question the lawfulness, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, To inquire every night before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, To ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, Frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism, which I solemnly renewed when I was received into the communion of the church, and which I have solemnly re-made this 12th day of January, 1723.
43. Resolved, Never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s; agreeably to what is to be found in Saturday, Jan. 12th. Jan. 12, 1723.
44. Resolved, That no other end but religion shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan. 12, 1723.
45. Resolved, Never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.
46. Resolved, Never to allow the least measure of any fretting or uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved, to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye; and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving, and sincere, temper; and to do, at all times, what such a temper would lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have so done. Sabbath morning, May 5, 1723.
48. Resolved, Constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, That this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, That I will act so, as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, That I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, That I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, To improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Resolved, Whenever I hear anything spoken in commendation of any person, if I think it would be praise-worthy in me, that I will endeavour to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, so to act, as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, When I fear misfortunes and adversity, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as Providence orders it. I will, as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13, 1723.
58. Resolved, Not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness, and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, When I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.
60. Resolved, Whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4 and 13, 1723.
61. Resolved, That I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it—that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, &c. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, Never to do any thing but my duty, and then, according to Eph. 6:6–8. to do it willingly and cheerfully, as unto the Lord, and not to man: knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord. June 25, and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true lustre, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, To act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14, and July 13, 1723.
64. Resolved, When I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered,” of which the apostle speaks, and those “breathings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20. that I will promote them to the utmost of my power; and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavouring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and Aug. 10, 1723.
65. Resolved, Very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness of which I am capable, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him, all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance, according to Dr. Manton’s Sermon on the cxix Psalm. July 26, and Aug. 10, 1723.
66. Resolved, That I will endeavour always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking, in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them; and, what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, To confess frankly to myself, all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, Always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723.”

Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume 1 (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2008), lxii-iv.

Looking Back to Prepare for the Future

2010-12-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

This time of year we all start looking back and remembering what came to pass this last year. And at the same time we start thinking about what we hope to accomplish in the upcoming year. Some make resolutions and some just hope for the best. No matter what we do, it is comforting to know that we who are in Christ have nothing to fear because our God is the beginning and the end and is the same yesterday, today and forevermore.

Right now I am reading The Story of Christianity Volume 1. It has been years since I read this and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Gonzalez does a great job of bringing together the people and places that have defined the direction of the church.

I usually read Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster this time of year. This may be the first time in over a decade that I haven't read it the week after Christmas.

This year I am looking back in order to pray forward. What I see happening then is what I see happening now. The Savior that was saving and guiding His church then is the Lord I see leading us now.

The problem is the same: sin. The answer is the same: Jesus. The only hope is the same: the Gospel. The means is the same: by grace through faith in Christ alone.

My prayer for this year is borrowed from Scotty Smith's blog post today:

"Father, this year is about over and a new year is just about here. More than ever, I want the rest of my life to be lived in line with the truth of the gospel... Show me what that means. Show me what changes that will require. Show me what priorities that presupposes. Show me what you want me to give more of my heart to… and less of my heart to."

What Does Success Look Like for You?

2010-12-29T05:05:00.000-08:00

This week I am spending time praying and reading through ministry overviews for a long-range planning process that will take place this year at Living Hope. For the past two years my prayer for The Hope has been that we would be one of the most loving places on the planet by loving Jesus, loving each other, and loving lost people.

I read this yesterday and was encouraged.

How Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama Defines Herself as Successful:

1. God's people love God; therefore they worship Him passionately.

2. God's people love God's word; therefore they obey The Precepts wholeheartedly.

3. God's people love one another; therefore they live together in harmony.

4. God's people love the lost; therefore they proclaim the gospel faithfully.

5. God's people love all people; therefore they go to all the nations.

What would you add to this list?
How do you define success for what God has called you to?

Contrary to Misguided Beliefs...

2010-12-28T15:35:00.000-08:00

I read this quote in a blog posted by Dan Phillips today and was saddened by this horrible lie.

"Barring something extraordinary, odds are most people will end up in Heaven. Nothing to get worked up about."

Jesus said it would be a narrow road to heaven that few would find. This makes evangelism and the pursuit of God seem irrelevant not to mention what it says about the cross of Christ and what those who are His disciples must do in denying self, taking it up, and following Him.

I appreciate the words of J.C. Ryle on the topic of the inhabitants of heaven.

"I make my solemn protest against those modern delusions, 'that all people shall go to heaven at last—that it matters not how you live—that whether you are holy or unholy it does not matter—that whether you are godless or God-fearing, it is all the same thing, that all at last will get to heaven.' I cannot find such teaching in the Bible. I find the Bible contradicting it flatly. However seemingly attractive this new idea may be put forth, and however plausibly it may be defended, it cannot stand the test of the Word of God. No! let God be true, and every man a liar. Heaven is no such place as some seem to fancy. The inhabitants of heaven are no such mixed multitude as many try to believe. They are all of one heart, and one mind. Heaven is the place to which God’s people shall go. But for those who are impenitent and unbelieving, and will not come to Christ, for such the Bible says, plainly and unmistakably, there remains nothing but hell."

The truth is that faith in Christ is required in order to be made holy and only the holy will dwell in God's heaven forever.

The Heart of a Fresh Start

2010-12-28T05:05:00.000-08:00

2 Chronicles 33:12–13, 16 In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. 13 And when he prayed to him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God... 16 Then he restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed fellowship offerings and thank offerings on it, and told Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel.

As we prepare to begin a new year, it is good to take stock in where you are and make plans for where you want to be. The great thing about a new year is that it provides an easy beginning for a new direction for your life or to strengthen the commitments that you know are good for your life.

In 2 Chronicles 33 King Manasseh realized that he needed God to be the leader of his life and he repented of his sin. He then made changes in his life that revealed his changed heart.

The consequences of his past still had to be dealt with. His sin impacted his son and the nation he led. We must remember that sin always takes us further than we wanted to go, costs more than we wanted to pay, and gives us less than it promised. One of the costs is the impact our sin has on other people. Manasseh influenced his son and nation to pursue sin. That must have grieved him until his dying day.

The Good News is that God was gracious to cause him pain that allowed him to wake up to his own sin so that he turned back to God. Once he repented, he sought God. He did what was right and lived a life that God could bless.

As we look forward, we may find that we have to deal with consequences of the past. That should not deter us from pursuing what is best. If anything, it is a reminder that we need to be on a path that honors God and blesses our lives and others.

A Tale of Two Pains

2010-12-27T04:59:00.000-08:00

I see two types of pain in the Bible. There is the pain that God sovereignly decrees that we go through and there is the pain that comes from our disobedience. Both have the same remedy and answer: faith.

If we suffer in obedience to God, the best thing we can do is hold on to our faith in Christ. Our faith will give us everything we need to endure.

Faith will gives us hope: Romans 5:3–5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Faith gives us purpose. Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Faith gives us peace. Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Faith gives us the right attitude. Philippians 2:5,8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus... And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

If we suffer for disobedience to God, the best thing we can do is gain or hold on to our faith in Christ. Our faith will give us everything we need to get on God's path for our life.

Faith leads us to repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Faith leads to forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Our actions have consequences and how we choose to respond to where we are in life will determine our destiny. God wants us to live by faith in Him so that He can bless us according to His purpose. We may be able to get by without God in life for a while, but in time sin and the pains of this fallen world catch up with us. Our only hope is faith in Christ who gives us access to God and the power of His indwelling presence in the Holy Spirit.

No matter the cause of our pain, Christ is there for us if we will only respond in faith.

Interesting Article on Francis Chan

2010-12-23T05:15:00.000-08:00

Click here and read about what Chan has been up to and what he has to say about himself, his faith, his hope, and his fear.

My favorite quote: "If we were to meet God in person, Chan said, “'I think the first thing He would say is you don’t take me seriously. You have no idea how to fear me.'”

This is part of one of the most powerful sermons I've heard Francis preach.

God's Will

2010-12-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

A Good Word on God's Will...

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

The Better Goal

2010-12-22T05:26:00.000-08:00

2 Chronicles 26:16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God...

This is the same sad story told by many saints. God is gracious and in His grace He gives His people good things. Those good things are put to use and instead of relying on God, some people rely on those good things God gives. In relying on their use of God's provisions rather than on God, they become proud. In their pride they fall.

We all want and need comfort. God is gracious to His people and provides according to His plan to honor His name and bless His people. We must be careful that we never take God's blessings for granted and wrongly assume that we can live well without God. In our comfort we must not abandon Christ.

We would do well to constantly aim for Christ rather than comfort even in the hardest times. If we aim for comfort, we may get it and then get satisfied and miss Christ. If we aim for Christ, we will get comfort, but in our dependent living we will remain connected to our King. Our recognition of the need for more of Jesus in us will keep us fighting the good fight of faith under Christ.

Living under Christ is the best goal.

Confidence

2010-12-21T06:15:00.000-08:00

When God the Father called Jesus to go and raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus was required to journey to a dangerous place. His disciples did not think it was a good idea. In John 11:8 we read where they told Him, “'But Rabbi,' they said, 'a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?'"

Jesus was confident in God's purpose and He obeyed the Father rather than being concerned about His own safety. John 11:9 "Jesus answered, 'Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light.'"

Those that walk in the light and live in obedience to God live with confidence. They are not sure of themselves, but they are sure of God. This does not mean that they never fail or sin. Jesus is the only One who never sinned. Those that seek to honor God with their life will sin, but their heart's desire to love and obey God will give them confidence in their daily lives that allow them to go forward when others doubt.

To live confidently in Christ we must:
1. Not seek our own good, but the good of God's Kingdom and His people. When we make decisions out of pride or selfishness, we can know that we need to repent.
2. Not ignore God's Word. It is not enough that we have good intentions. Our intentions must be determined by Truth and that Truth will set us free. If we are making decisions on feelings rather than the facts and demands of God's Word, we can know we need to repent.
3. Not let other people's influence be greater than God's. We all want to be liked and respected by other people. That can be a good thing. But other people can lead us away from God, if they are not encouraging us to die to self and live for God's will according to God's Word. If we are trying to please other people or taking advice from those that care more about us or something else more than God, we can know we need to repent and turn to God.

Heaven's D-Day

2010-12-20T05:06:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I spoke on the incarnation of Christ. It is God's D-Day. The Lord is in the process of redeeming a people for Himself and reclaiming this planet for His glory. When Jesus came and took on flesh, the Kingdom of Heaven began it's land assault on darkness. The final victory is still to come. Until that time, God calls His adopted children to join Him in the family business by living holy lives, sharing the Gospel, and loving all people.

After the service, a dear friend came and talked to me about his hope. Christmas Day is a hard day for him. His precious wife went to be with the Lord the day after Christmas last year. He has been grieving ever since. Christmas is a sacred celebration for him, but he approaches it differently. His hope comes from the fact that he knows that Jesus is coming again and when He does there will be no more separation from God and those who love Him. In those days there will be no more death, no more tears, and no more pain.

Please pray for this dear brother during the Christmas season. He has the encouragement of his church family and support group, but he misses his girl.

Like the Psalmist of old, he is looking to the Lord for strength.

Psalm 61:1–4 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

Another Reason I Love Them So...

2010-12-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was able to visit with one of our senior saints that will soon be living eternally in the Savior's presence. She is full of hope and cannot wait to be done with this world and living in heaven with her King. Her only complaint was that she could not understand why God was taking so long to bring her home to heaven. The peace she has and the calm she is exhibiting in the face of death must be absolutely infuriating to Satan and his hoard of demonic losers.

The one thing she was most happy about was the fact that she was able to hear her funeral song. She wanted one song to be sung at her funeral, but she told her family that she was disappointed she wouldn't get to hear it. So a couple of weeks ago a group of musicians from Living Hope went to her home and sang not only her funeral song, but almost an hour of her favorite worship songs.

This is yet another reason why I love the church and my church, Living Hope, in particular. There are gifted Godly people that enjoy nothing more than showing love and compassion to other people. These musicians had a ball doing what they love and providing ministry to a person in her last hours of life. What a joy and privilege to be a follower of Jesus and to a part of a local body of believers that love Jesus, love each other, and love the lost people of the world.

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

2010-12-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Story like you've never heard it, but will identify with it.

Blessings

2010-12-16T05:23:00.000-08:00

Blessings take a lot of work, when they are handled properly. Yesterday we celebrated Asher, whose name means blessing and is a blessing, and the life God has given him. As I thought about his life and the difference it has made in our family’s life, it got me thinking about all of life’s blessings. God brings good things into our lives for a reason that has more to do with our faith in Him than it does our comfort.

God gives us blessing to grow us. Asher has certainly stretched our faith in a lot of ways and most blessings will. They are wonderful, but they change us. In receiving them we must acknowledge God. All good things come from Him. This draws us away from self-reliance and guides us toward God dependence. God dependent living requires prayer, study, sacrifice, service, and faith.

God gives us blessings to share. God had eternal life and came to give it to us. All of God’s blessings are meant to be celebrated and shared. Asher is going to leave us. Each day he lives is a step toward his going into the world. We are going to send him on his life's mission. God wants us to pass on our blessings and give them to the world. This has always been God’s purpose (Genesis 12:1-4).

God gives us blessings for His glory. The moment I saw Asher, I prayed and praised God. There have been many of those moments ever since. God blesses us so that we will praise Him and announce to the world what a great and good God He is. This is not some head trip for God. There is no one and no thing higher than Him. To worship any other than God is to miss the purpose of worship. God blesses us so that we will live in fear and astonishment of His great name.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
~The Doxology

Asher Is 4!

2010-12-15T09:35:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that my Asher is 4 today. He was born around 1:30 in the afternoon at the Medical Center here in Bowling Green, Ky. It did not appear that God was going to allow Carrie and me to have another child, but He did and we are so thankful He did.

We gave him the name Asher for a reason. We felt so blessed to be able to raise another child to know and love Jesus that we gave him a name that means blessing and happiness. Asher was one of the tribes of Jacob, but in Psalm 1 the word "blessed" is the word Asher.

As I look at him now, I laugh thinking about the ginormous baby he once was. At age 1 the guy was around 40 pounds. His wrists looked like we'd put tight rubber bands around them because of the little fat rolls. He had no ankles. They were cankles - calves that merged to the ankle.

He didn't want to sleep. He did not sleep through the night until after 6 months. At the age of 1 he started escaping from his baby bed. One of my favorite memories was hiding behind his door watching him bounce and then flip out of his baby bed landing on his feet and going over to his toys never losing his passy. That night we tried to rig it where he would stay in bed and he stood there sucking on that passy. I could almost here his brain going into overdrive thinking, "I can get out of that!"

So today he is 4. Before I know it he'll be 14 and then 34. But for today I rejoice in the baby he was, the boy he is, and the man we pray he will be.

Pray for him with Carrie and me that he will accept Christ, marry and woman of great faith, and live a life committed to Christ's cause.

Do You Love It?

2010-12-14T04:59:00.000-08:00

My youngest is describing what he does and does not enjoy in a rather strange way. If Asher doesn't desire something, instead of saying, "I don't like this." He will say, "I don't love this." Actually, he speaks of himself in the third person so he would actually say, "Asher doesn't love this."

He and I were out last week and someone offered him a candy cane. He does not care for hard candy so he said, "No, thank you. Asher doesn't love that."

The person had a funny look on her face. My first thought was that she was surprised by his third person usage or manners. I know I am surprised how polite he is at times. His mother has instilled the yes and no "thank you" into him. But that is not what grabbed her attention. She looked at me and said, "He doesn't love it, huh?" All I could do is smile and say, "Yes, his expectations are pretty high."

I don't know what to think about it, but I must admit that I admire it. What if he could go through life making decisions based on his love.

St. Augustine is famous for saying, “Love God and do as you please.”

If God answers my most important prayer and Asher receives saving faith in Christ and chooses to live His life in love of God, I believe he will be blessed. Imagine a life that makes decisions entirely out of love for God. In the face of temptation, instead of simply saying, "No!" How about saying, "I don't love this. I love God!" That would be a great life.

It's A Wonderful Life

2010-12-13T06:16:00.001-08:00

My youngest is turning four this week. It seems so strange to see him talking, laughing and playing with his friends. He has opinions and ideas about what is best and what he likes. There is a temperament and an attitude that exists in him already. It's wild to watch this baby become a boy and know that it will not be long before he is a man.

At his party yesterday there were two other boys there that share his birthday. Not only were they born on the same day, but also in the same city and hospital. Four years ago this week all three of our families were at the same hospital floor seeing God bless us with healthy baby boys.

One of my favorite memories of Asher's birth was our second night in the hospital. Carrie had been feeling good and so she went and visited the other new moms in their rooms. Asher and I were all cozy in the hospital bed. He was wrapped up in a blanket on my chest and the movie It's A Wonderful Life was on. I remember thanking God for my life and praising Him for the grace He'd given me to save me and then guide me to the point that I had a wife I loved, a new baby, two other healthy children, a host of helpful friends and extended family, and a meaningful ministry to give myself to.

So on Saturday night when It's a Wonderful Life was on, I once again gave thanks to God for His kindness and care of the Pettus family. We are blessed.

Psalm 16:5–6 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Forgiveness is Hard - the 5th Mark

2010-12-10T05:14:00.000-08:00

Here is J.C. Ryles 5th Mark of Forgiven Souls

"Forgiven souls are FORGIVING. They do as they have been done by. They look over the offenses of their brethren. They endeavor to 'walk in love, as Christ loved them, and gave Himself for them.' (Eph. 5:2.) They remember how God for Christ’s sake forgave them, and endeavor to do the same towards their fellow-creatures. Has He forgiven them pounds, and shall they not forgive a few pence? Doubtless in this, as in everything else, they come short—but this is their desire and their aim. A spiteful, quarrelsome Christian is a scandal to his profession. Forgiveness is the way by which every saved soul enters heaven. Forgiveness is the eternal subject of song with all the redeemed who inhabit heaven. Surely an unforgiving soul in heaven would find his heart completely out of tune. Surely we know nothing of Christ’s love to us but the name of it, if we do not love our brethren.
~ J.C. Ryle

When I hear the word forgiveness, I think of the Gospel. It is no small thing for God to forgive us. Unfortunately, I think many of us have gotten comfortable with the idea. I am sad to say that we even sometimes think that we ought to be forgiven. There are those that I have heard criticize and judge God because He does not forgive everybody.

We must never forget that forgiveness is expensive. Forgiveness is not the removal of justice. It is the satisfaction of justice on those that did not commit the offense. In order for God to forgive us He had to take on our sin and be punished for it. That is why God took on flesh and Jesus died.

For us to forgive others we have to be willing to sacrifice. We must take the right we have to pour out our wrath and anger on others and simply crucify it. That is hard.

God did it for us and He demands that we forgive others.

Matthew 18:21–35 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Ain't Nothing Like a Friend

2010-12-09T04:56:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 18:24
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

I have looked forward to this day all week. God has blessed me with opportunities to do things I absolutely love.

1. I get to see Asher sing in his Christmas program. Get ready America's Funniest Videos!
2. I get to see Mackenzie play basketball tonight. Barren County here we come!
3. I get to go to Jackson's basketball practice and hang with him.
4. I get to spend time with two pastors that encourage me and help me see how God is at work in powerful ways.

This last one is a unique privilege. It is so easy to get wrapped up in our busy lives and forget that we need to tune up our mental, spiritual, and emotional engines. Having friends that can empathize, appreciate, and counsel you in your life situation is so important. These dear brothers ask me about what I see God doing and they share with me ways they are serving the Lord and also keeping their soul healthy, their marriages strong, their kids focused, and their minds and bodies in shape.

We will talk about books and good sermons we've heard. Each of us are engaged in different mission activities around the world and will be able to share stories of things we know about going on all over the planet. We will laugh and give each other a hard time. We will pray for each other and share struggles. There will be several moments when I will have to write down something that will have a significant impact on me.

A day like this is precious gift. Pray for me and my fellow pastors that we will draw strength in Christ from one another.

3rd and 4th Marks of Forgiven Souls - Humble and Holy

2010-12-09T04:34:00.000-08:00

Forgiven souls are HUMBLE. They cannot forget that they owe all they have and hope for to free grace, and this keeps them lowly. They are brands plucked from the fire—debtors who could not pay for themselves—captives who must have remained in prison forever—but for undeserved mercy—wandering sheep who were ready to perish when the Shepherd found them! What right then have they to be proud? I do not deny that there are proud saints. But this I do say—they are of all God’s creatures the most inconsistent, and of all God’s children the most likely to stumble and pierce themselves with many sorrows. We have nothing we can call our own–but sin and weakness. Surely there is no garment that befits us so well, as humility.

Forgiven souls are HOLY. Their chief desire is to please Him who has saved them, to do His will, to glorify Him in body and in Spirit, which are His. “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits?” (Ps. 116:12), is a leading principle in a pardoned heart. It was the remembrance of Jesus showing mercy that made Paul in labors so abundant, and in doing good so unwearied. If anyone points out to me believers who are in a carnal, slothful state of soul, I reply in the words of Peter, “They have forgotten they were purged from their old sins.” (2 Pet. 1:9.)

But if you show me a man deliberately living an unholy and licentious life, and yet boasting that his sins are forgiven, I answer, “He is under a ruinous delusion, and is not forgiven at all.” I would not believe he is forgiven if an angel from heaven affirmed it, and I charge you not to believe it too. Pardon of sin and love of sin are like oil and water—they will never go together. All who are washed in the blood of Christ, are also sanctified by the Spirit of Christ.

~ J.C. Ryle

Relax

2010-12-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

This morning someone was talking about how the news in Louisville reported two cases of the flu. I find that fascinating. In a city that size with so many other things to discuss and report that they felt people needed to know about two individuals that got the flu.

The question is why? Why would they report that? I have to believe that they know that people panicked in the past about the flu. We had the swine flu and word was that there was not enough flu vaccination to go around.

I am thankful as a believer that I never have to panic. There is no news that should be able to cause me to be anxious. In Christ I can have constant peace if I discipline my heart and mind to simply believe who the Bible says God is. If I can believe in the power of God and the truth that He loves me and has saved and adopted me into his family, then I never need worry. My God is sovereign and has a plan for every contingency. It may not be something that will make me comfortable or even happy, but it certainly will bless my soul. That is what a blessed life is. It is a life that can live through any circumstance with peace and joy.

Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2nd Mark of Forgiven Souls

2010-12-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

"Forgiven souls LOVE CHRIST. This is that one thing they can say, if they dare say nothing else—they do love Christ. His person, His offices, His work, His name, His cross, His blood, His words, His example, His ordinances—all, all are precious to forgiven souls. The ministry which exalts Him most, is that which they enjoy most. The books which are most full of Him, are most pleasant to their minds. The people on earth they feel most drawn to, are those in whom they see something of Christ. He is their Redeemer, their Shepherd, their Physician, their King, their strong Deliverer, their gracious Guide, their hope, their joy, their All. Were it not for Him they would be of all people most miserable." ~ J.C. Ryle

2 John 6

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love."

The greatest means for living holy lives is by walking in love of Christ. Whatever we love, we serve. When our hearts are filled with love for God, we will hate what he hates - treasonous sin and we will love what He loves - holiness.

No one is where they desire to be in their walk with God. The Apostle Paul is famous for confessing in Philippians 3:12

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

God's plan is to sanctify us in Christ. The best way for us to participate is by daily treasuring Christ in our hearts and growing in our love for Him. We remember that our love for Him comes from Him. 1 John 4:19

We love because he first loved us

.

The grace and mercy God has given us in Christ compels us to be grateful. And this gratitude stimulates and promotes a deep love for Him. The more we love Him the more we will live for Him.

1st Mark of Forgiven Souls

2010-12-06T04:58:00.001-08:00

"Forgiven souls HATE SIN. They can enter most fully into the words of our Communion Service, 'The remembrance of sin is grievous unto them, and the burden of it is intolerable.' It is the serpent which bit them—how should they not shrink from it with horror? It is the poison which brought them to the brink of eternal death—how should they not loathe it with a godly disgust? It is the Egyptian enemy which kept them in hard bondage—how should not the very memory of it be bitter to their hearts? It is the disease of which they carry the marks and scars about them, and from which they have scarcely recovered—well may they dread it, flee from it, and long to be delivered altogether from its power! If you and sin are friends, you and God are not yet reconciled. You are not fit for heaven; for one main part of heaven’s excellence is the absence of all sin." ~ J.C. Ryle

"Be killing sin or sin will be killing you." ~John Owen

It is strange that the very thing that kills us, destroys marriages, and makes a mockery of what is greatest and most beautiful (God Himself) is not hated more by us. It is understandable that a soul enslaved by the sin nature would love sin, but the redeemed also struggle with it.

The detestable desire to disobey God is still in the flesh of God's children. It must be vanquished. Just as the Promise Land was given to Israel, but still had to be conquered so it is with those that are given New Birth. We must wage war against sin and submit our bodies to our King as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to Him.

This begins with hating sin for what it is and loving God for who He is!

What We Do for Our Kids

2010-12-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days when my wife and I have to go in different directions in order to get our kids where they are supposed to be. Our first has a basketball tournament, our second has a game and was supposed to be in the Christmas parade with his football team, but can't make it, and our third has a birthday part to go to. We are busy.

It is easy to stand back and say that we should make a different choice, but the reality is that we are pleased that our children are involved. They are involved in athletics, their church small groups, and in school. What they get out of these involvements is huge.

Their needs demand great sacrifice from my wife and I, which we gladly make.

God has done that and more for us. The Scripture tells us... 1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

God adopted as His children. He did this at the cost of coming to this earth, taking on flesh, dying for our sins, and being raised to heaven. His Holy Spirit convicted us and now fills us and seals us for the Day of Judgment.

God is now guiding us through life. He enables us to be involved in His Kingdom Work and in meaningful connections. He suffers with us. He rejoices with us. He is always with us and still sovereign over all things.

Today, I praise God for making me His son and allowing me to live in Him.

Great Expectations

2010-12-03T05:33:00.000-08:00

“So you are saying that a person can accept Jesus as savior and then live a life of sin any way they want to?” It is interesting to me that I get this question a lot in view of Scripture’s teaching on the perseverance of the saints.

That is not at all what I see in Scripture. God’s makes it clear that Christians will struggle with sin, but that what will highlight their life is obedience to Jesus.

1 John 2:1–6 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Christmas is a wonderful time to remember what God did to save us and to reflect on how we are living out the redeemed life of grace we’ve been given. A good question to ask yourself is: What is my expectation? Do I expect to see God change my life as I seek to the best of my ability to live for Him? Or am I assuming on the grace of God and expecting God to simply understand that my desires determine my life and not Him?

I know those are stark contrasts and most live somewhere in between, but should we? Are our expectations for holy living great?

Don’t Quit When It’s Difficult

2010-12-02T05:11:00.000-08:00

The son of a good friend of mine is playing ball in a great deal of pain these days. He is playing with Osgood-Schlatter. He’s a tough kid, but the pain is starting to cause him to slow down. There is nothing that can be done for the disease. He just has to play through the pain.

Last night I watched Survivor Nicaragua. This group of people has been in the jungle for 28 days. There are 11 days left and last night two people quit. They just decided that it was too hard. That is a decision they will remember and regret the rest of their days.

Life is hard. There are going to be times when we do not feel like going on in marriage or work or ministry or some other important commitment. It may be because of the way we are being treated or because we don’t agree with a decision or because of the challenging requirements or any number of reasons.

In those moments we have to make a choice. We can choose to do the hard thing early and the easy thing later or do the easy thing early and the hard thing later. The easy thing to do early is to quit. Just give up, make an excuse, and walk away. It will feel good for a bit, but it will be hard on you later. You will regret it and you will miss out on the opportunity and hope the pain could have brought.

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

Do the hard thing early and learn from the pain. Through perseverance God has a way of changing us. It is in those moments in life when we hurt that God seems to do His best work in and through us.

Wanting to Get Home Well

2010-12-01T05:20:00.000-08:00

God tells us in 2 Peter 3 what we are to focus our hearts and minds on...
2 Peter 3:13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

When our mind is on our future reward and our eternal peace, our thinking about life now is transformed. Our priority becomes bigger and better than our physical appetites. Temptation is overcome with affection and excitement for God.
2 Peter 3:14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

My dad and my grandfather both fought to protect our nation. I remember at a Thanksgiving gathering when I was very young, both of them talking about some difficult days they faced. They both said that what got them through was thinking about home and remembering what it was they were fighting for. Looking forward to being safe with family and friends gave them hope.

For those of us in Christ, we are fighting the fight of faith. What will help us in hard times is remembering what we are fighting for and where it is we are looking forward to getting to.

Lets pray for the men and women that are away from home protecting our nation and lets pray that we will be faithful soldiers in our Lord's army.

So Glad HE Knows

2010-11-30T05:15:00.000-08:00

Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

When I read this text, I gain a great comfort. God knew exactly when, where, and through whom His Son Jesus would be born. There is nothing He does not know. God is above all things. He is before all things. His sovereignty has no end.

As I enter this day, I have a lot on my mind. There are crucial meetings that are going to take place today that will determine the direction of many lives. I have peace knowing that my Father knows what is going to happen, that Jesus is with me, and that the Spirit of God is going to work to bring about God's perfect end. I am thankful that I get to live in community with so many Christ-honoring leaders that will be praying and seeking God's face on these decisions as well. Like me, they have hope and are confident in the King that has called us to serve His divine purpose.

As you enter your day, I pray that you too have a peace in knowing that God already knows what you are facing. He is prepared to see you through it and will work in it toward a destiny that He has in mind.

What joy can be ours if we will simply trust and obey! God really does have the whole world in His hands.

Excited Already

2010-11-29T05:23:00.001-08:00

I am already excited about Christmas. We launched Advent at Living Hope in a big way yesterday. This morning I have my Christmas music uploaded and ready to play as I study and prepare for Sunday.

Sunday is going to be a great day as we enjoy cider, coffee, and hot chocolate along with all kinds of homemade muffins before each service. Then we will see people make public professions of their faith through baptism. Our worship team has an amazing concert mixed in with congregational singing and I will be preaching the Gospel from John 1:6-8.

I don't know where you plan to be on Sunday, but if you are anywhere near Bowling Green, you need to come and gather for worship with the family of Living Hope. The Father will be honored as we celebrate the coming of the Son in song, fellowship, and teaching in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Don't Blame Them

2010-11-26T04:49:00.000-08:00

"Nowhere in Scripture does God excuse one person’s sin because of someone else’s actions. If we make a habit of blaming others for our failures, we will not reach a point of honest repentance. God will hold us accountable for our own actions, not others (2 Cor. 5:10)." ~Blackaby

I once heard that you cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. This is a test of character and identity. When everthing is going your way and the day is unfolding in a pleasant manner, it is easy to respond appropriately. It is in the moment of tension, of frustration, or when others are making your life difficult that the test comes. When other's behavior leads to tempation is when your true faith is revealed.

The next few weeks will provide so many wonderful things, but stress and aggrivation are bound to come to. "In your anger do not sin." (Ephesians 4:26). As life comes at you, grab hold of God's hand and allow Him to lead you in peace and holiness. If you do sin, repent. Don't mess around blaming others. Just repent. Your Heavenly Father already knows. He just wants you to admit it and turn from it so you can find joy in Him and the grace He gives.

What I'm Most Thankful for Today

2010-11-25T05:41:00.000-08:00

As we enter into this day of Thanksgiving, I thank God for sending His Son, Jesus. He died for me. My soul has been ransomed from sin and death. My life is in Him. Not only am I forgiven of all of my sin, I have been given His righteousness. In Christ I am holy. God is my Father. I have been adopted into His eternal family.

I have all of this because of His mercy and my faith, which He gave me. I gladly rejoice and give thanks to the one true God that loved me and gave Himself for me. My mind is incapable of comprehending how amazing this is. All I know is that I once was lost and dead to God, but now I am found in Him and have life eternal.

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end

Lover of my soul
I want to live for You

Seasons for Divine Purpose

2010-11-24T04:56:00.000-08:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

After this opening statement, the writer of Ecclesiastes under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit gives a list of seasons in life.

We are about to enter into a season of Thanksgiving. It is a time set aside by our country to remember the blessings that we have been given by God. We are to gather with family and friends and celebrate the love of Christ that we share with one another. A part of that celebration is a feast and a time of prayer where God is honored as Jehovah Jireh (God our Provider).

This year has been a challenging year for me spiritually and emotionally, but God has been so faithful. I now stand closer to Him, closer to my wife, closer to my children, closer to my friends, closer to the leaders of my church, and closer to the people of my church than ever before. I love them more than I did a year ago and find greater joy and appreciation for them. The year has brought seasons of sorrow and laughter and each has created memories that now give me hope and an assurance of God's will. My divine destiny is before me and although there is still so much more sanctifying work to be done in me through the power of the Gospel, I am confident that I am on the path of God's choosing for me and I am making progress toward the goal to win the prize for which Christ has called me heavenward.

For that and many other reasons, I thank God my Father in the name of His Son, Jesus, who redeemed me. I do this in the power of the Holy Spirit, who regenerated me and now abides in me allowing me to abide in my Father's love through the grace given me in Christ.

And so today I will play with my immediate family. Tomorrow and Friday I will give thanks with extended on family. And on Sunday I will gather with my church family and worship the God who saved us. In all things I will praise my God and seek His face and give Him thanks.

We gather together
to ask the Lord's blessing;
he chastens and hastens
his will to make known.
The wicked oppressing
now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to his name,
he forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us,
our God with us joining,
ordaining, maintaining
his kingdom divine;
so from the beginning
the fight we were winning;
thou, Lord, wast at our side,
all glory be thine!

We all do extol thee,
thou leader triumphant,
and pray that thou still
our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation
escape tribulation;
thy name be ever praised!
O Lord, make us free!

So Many Needs... Thankful God Cares

2010-11-22T05:07:00.001-08:00

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

This morning I feel overwhelmed with the needs of so many wonderful people. A friend's baby died in a tragic accident yesterday. A young former muslim who recently accepted Christ is being ostracized by his family. A new believer is struggling to overcome the addictions of the old life. A man is fretting over his wife's health. He knows in his head she will be fine, but in his heart he is anxious.

As a pastor, God allows me to be a part of people's lives at the best and at the worst of times. It is hard on my heart, but it is so good for my faith. Over and over again, I get to see God show up in powerful ways and provide for His people. He truly is a great and mighty God who is compassionate and cares.

It is also a joy to see Him bless people through His people. I spoke on this yesterday. The church is God's chosen vessel for pouring out His love and care.

Today, we are all going to come across people that need compassion and love. Their symptoms may be sadness, anxiety or anger. Whatever is causing their dis-ease, we can know that the answer is the love given in Gospel. So let's share it and show the world the compassion of Christ.

What God's Grace Can Do

2010-11-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

Ur Video: Testimony from North Korea | Out of Ur | Conversations for Ministry Leaders

I am never surprised by what God's grace can do, but I am always amazed by the God who gives it. This Gospel can change lives. With Jesus Christ in a person's life there is no limit to the love and joy that can be released. We must never get sidetracked by other things. What the world needs is Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture as the Son of God who takes away the punishment and power of sin of all who believe. Those that are saved by Him love Him and are free to love and forgive others.

The Power of Deception

2010-11-18T06:22:00.001-08:00

This morning I was reading the list of "Mighty Men" provided in 1 Chronicles 11 and came across a name I'd not noticed before, but knew. It was Uriah the Hittite (11:41). He was the first husband of Bathsheba, whom David committed adultery with.

When I think about Uriah, I am saddened. This man was not an Israelite. He was proselytized, which means he had to go through a painful surgery and probably felt the scorn of his own family and friends.

I am sure David never intended to cause him harm and make light of the grace and goodness of God, but he did. I wonder what Uriah's family said about God, after their son was murdered by David. I wonder if they mocked the God of heaven and became twice the prisoners of hell they already were because of this sin of this "man of God." I wonder if the sin of "the king after God's own heart" made them despise God.

Our sin has consequences. It is deceptive. Make no mistake, it will cost us. Sin always takes us further than we intended to go, costs us more than we wanted to pay, and gives us less than it promised.

A Coach's Complaint

2010-11-16T05:03:00.000-08:00

"A true believer will crucify the question, 'Why?' He will obey without questioning." ~Martin Luther

I am coaching the second sport of the year for my oldest son. We just finished football last week and now we begin basketball this week. The time we get to spend together is amazing! We talk on the way there and on the way back and throughout the practice. We end up discussing stuff during the week that leads to other far more important discussions. I am blessed with this opportunity.

The thing about coaching that will drive you crazy is disobedience. It is one thing to assign a task to a player that does not accomplish their role because of the lack of ability. God made us all different. Not everybody can do what has been asked of them.

What will drive you crazy is when a person can, but won't. In that situation a coach is forced to determine how to motivate or discipline.

God has a lot of players that He has gifted, but refuse to obey. I want to be a player that God can depend on to do what He has gifted and assigned me to do.

When Thank You Just Isn't Enough

2010-11-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Today is Veteran's Day. If you are not familiar with this national celebration, you can read about it here.

I want to personally thank all of the men and women who have served the USA. You have sought to protect us and provide peace so that we can live our lives in freedom. Thank you for that.

But that is not enough. Saying thank you is not enough. I cannot earn what has been given to me. It is a gift. But what I can do is put to use what has been given to me to honor those that died to provide it.

Christ has died to set us free and the same attitude would serve the church well. Jesus did not save us to keep us out of harms way. That was part of it. He saved us so that we could join Him in bringing hope, light and love to this fallen world.

On this day when we celebrate national heroes, let's remember that we owe it to them to take seriously the freedoms we have been given to do good. Let's also remember our ultimate hero Jesus Christ who died to save us from sin and death. We owe it to Him to honor His sacrifice by serving His purpose.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Jailed for Sharing His Faith

2010-11-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

This Sunday the church in North America is being asked to pray for the persecuted church all over the world. I saw a video yesterday that shocked me. I was reminded of the plight of my brothers and sisters all over the world that are being tortured, killed, and ostracized for their faith in Jesus.

This video I have posted is an example of what is happening to those that are serving our Lord in dark places.

Go here to find out more about what is happening in the world and how you can help.

Renewing Strength

2010-11-09T04:58:00.000-08:00

I am running wide open these days. I have never been more busy than I have been over the past few weeks. It's mostly good stuff and I am loving almost everything that God has me doing right now, but I cannot believe how fast it is all happening.

I was talking to the guys I work out with about it this morning and they shared the same feelings. Our kids are growing up, our lives are full of good things, and challenges are there, but our faith is strong and we feel God's strength to go forward.

What a joy to be engaged in life knowing that the Lord has willed it and that He has strengthened us for the tasks that we are engaged in.

Someone once told me that you need to slow down and take it all in. Another friend once told me just to hang on and enjoy the ride. There is wisdom in both and I want to slow down, but that choice just is not an option so for now I'm going to hold on tight and enjoy the privilege of being a partner to my precious wife, a parent to my kids, the pastor of an amazing church, and a participant on this journey with my friends.

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)