There is a song from the old Rocky movies that I love. I do not agree with the singer famous for singing the song, but this song leads into this series extremely well. It is the James Brown song "Living In America". For many, just the title triggers the words and music rolling through our brain. At the end of the song, there is a dramatic closing that highlights the theme of the writers intent. Sing it with me - "living in America...I feel good!" I can just picture all you doing your best James Brown "I feel good!" Scary picture indeed!
Today it is next to impossible from a patriotic standpoint to say that we "feel good" about America. With multiple issues being magnified recently, no one can now doubt that America has changed greatly. Fear, sadness, and frustration are the most common emotions expressed once this new reality is grasped. And this new reality begs the question, "how are we Christians suppose to live in America today?"
I have more than hinted in this past on this blog that I think the best picture of how we Christians should live in the current American culture can be seen in the life of Daniel. The story of Daniel has been taught in many Bible Study classes and groups for years. The lions den and his unwillingness to bow to anyone but God are clearly etched in our minds. Daniels story is a great one. And yet there is more to the story than what we might think.
We begin by looking at:
His Commitment
Daniel was committed with all he had to God. His commitment was much different than what we may understand it to be today. When one reads of how God had brought him into favor with chief of the eunuchs in chapter 1, we see that Daniel was respectful and always seeking to help those around him learn. His commitment was not for dogma, but for the sharing of the awesomeness of God. Instead of demanding, Daniel was willing to be tested so that proof of God and His glory would be revealed. How was this possible? Chapter 1 reveals in verse 8 that he had PURPOSED in his HEART to NOT defile himself. The commitment of Daniel was more than a mental decision. The decision that Daniel had made was more than convenience and self rights. Daniel looked within his life and had made the decision that God was his God. He was determined to be used in whatever way God would choose. The commitment of Daniel began with his own surrendering of his life to God in his heart.
Applying Daniels Commitment
Many in our nation today have experienced commitment from the background of mere convenience. Just as America has slowly changed over the years, the idea of what a commitment looks like has also changed. It is extremely difficult for us to realize what it means to get to the core of our commitment. Priorities are numerous. But what priority is at the top of our list. This is where we must begin. For Daniel, it was God. For us, only each one can answer. Can we say that God is number 1 on our priority list? And if we say that, what does it look like? We like to add the word "but" when discussing our priorities. We will say something is number 1- BUT then will give importance to several other things at the same time.
Getting to the core of God being our priority in every aspect of life cannot be over stated. Understanding the depth of making that decision is vital. For once we determine as Daniel did, we will never have to make that decision again. It is a decision that helps in making other decisions down the road. As it was for Daniel, it will be settled once and for all in our lives. Only in making this decision is God then allowed to do His best work in our lives.
The results in Chapter 1 for Daniel spread beyond himself to those who were also willing to follow his lead. The first test of food resulted in Daniel and his men being found 10 times better than others who had eaten more completely. Daniel and his men sacrificed so that God and God alone could get all the glory in what would occur. Daniels commitment led him to put God to the test.
This is no small example of commitment. The life lesson from Daniel Chapter 1 reveals struggle and risk. Faithfulness and trust were immediately required. And do not overlook that Daniels commitment is highlighted by sacrifice. Commitment is not as easy as we Americans have been conditioned to think. Biblical commitment is tough!
Can we make Daniels type of commitment today? God says yes. The question for each one of us is will we?
Our commitment cannot be made to a way of life. Nothing Biblically nor nationally can guarantee a way of life. Our commitment can only have as the object the person of God! His glory and His glory alone must be the basis and focus of our commitment.
It was for Daniel, will it be for us?
Part 2 will deal with Daniels self marketing.
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Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Sharing Your Faith - Simple and Profound
Today's America reveals that Christians seldom share their faith in Jesus Christ outside of church circles. In fact, the truth is that often in the functions and activities of the church, little is shared by anyone except key figures. We hear of preaching to the nations but we hear little of sharing to the individuals we meet and interact with on a daily basis.
We have retreated as Christians into our safe cocoons. In ministry and life we only want the "Christian" brand and scene. We have Christian schools, sports teams, hangouts, etc.. I asked a question in our Bible Study group yesterday that gets to the heart of this - how many non believers do you know and interact with in your life? I remember growing up and attending public school that I was around many. In public school I had teachers who were Christians. They shared and cared and taught. Yes there were a few that were not believers. Yet there was a respect present. During pewee football, we would load the guys up after practice and go to our church Revival meetings. Most of the team was happy to go.
Today, we discover the shelter approach being implemented by parents. We talk about protecting. We emphasis fear from evil influences. We have withdrawn from the public and thus, rarely except within family do we find anyone that we have close relationships with that provide opportunity for sharing the Gospel. We talk about events at church that we hope will attract people. But we do not share Jesus with those we do not want to be involved in our lives. One could rightly say that we have adopted a "cult like" attitude towards our faith and lives. But not totally! For in our version, we are NOT as faithful to our beliefs and to God as the cults are to theirs. We miss worship and Bible Study for any reason. We put things before God that cult members would never put before their beliefs.
We have forgotten the role that God placed us in here on earth - we are missionaries. We have a calling to reach people! Yes, we have a calling to preach to the nations also. But our simple beginning starts with GO and share Jesus with all people! We can send money for special projects and do offerings to support missionaries serving around the world but we are to also BE missionaries. We are to care that people who die without Jesus go to Hell. it should disturb us that our lack of sharing has led to such an increase in people who have not seen a Bible nor have heard that Jesus died for them. Why is there no remorse and sadness?
We are quick to tell people how to live and yet we are selective in whom we desire to attend church with. It is easier for us to promote our soapboxes and feel good projects than it is to reach a world that needs Jesus. Lives all around are falling apart. People are experiencing things that many of us have never had to deal with. Children are growing up in homes where the normal roles of parents are corrupted and the lack of love and interest from parents to their children screams from every direction. And we as Christians just sit in our cocoons safe and feeling good. We point out the evil. We are good at that. We attack politicians as if they really could or would do anything that could fix our issues. But we keep Jesus to ourselves. As Christians we only seek to practice the parts of the Bible that we like. We are as selective with our faith as we are with sharing Jesus. We create man made systems of theology that excuse our sharing and we seek churches that only emphasis the certain things we like to attend.
Sharing our faith is simple! The only requirement needed is obedience to God. He promises that if we will be faithful, He will save! The Gospel is profound! The fact that someone loves us - period! The fact that someone died for us! The fact that we can avoid Hell! The fact that God has given us a guide book that fits our lives no matter where we come from and answers our most difficult questions! The fact that anyone can receive Jesus! Profound may be to small of a word! The Gospel goes beyond our understanding. The Gospel is freeing! The Gospel is life giving! The Gospel is AWESOME!
So can we answer why do we not share it and live it?
We have retreated as Christians into our safe cocoons. In ministry and life we only want the "Christian" brand and scene. We have Christian schools, sports teams, hangouts, etc.. I asked a question in our Bible Study group yesterday that gets to the heart of this - how many non believers do you know and interact with in your life? I remember growing up and attending public school that I was around many. In public school I had teachers who were Christians. They shared and cared and taught. Yes there were a few that were not believers. Yet there was a respect present. During pewee football, we would load the guys up after practice and go to our church Revival meetings. Most of the team was happy to go.
Today, we discover the shelter approach being implemented by parents. We talk about protecting. We emphasis fear from evil influences. We have withdrawn from the public and thus, rarely except within family do we find anyone that we have close relationships with that provide opportunity for sharing the Gospel. We talk about events at church that we hope will attract people. But we do not share Jesus with those we do not want to be involved in our lives. One could rightly say that we have adopted a "cult like" attitude towards our faith and lives. But not totally! For in our version, we are NOT as faithful to our beliefs and to God as the cults are to theirs. We miss worship and Bible Study for any reason. We put things before God that cult members would never put before their beliefs.
We have forgotten the role that God placed us in here on earth - we are missionaries. We have a calling to reach people! Yes, we have a calling to preach to the nations also. But our simple beginning starts with GO and share Jesus with all people! We can send money for special projects and do offerings to support missionaries serving around the world but we are to also BE missionaries. We are to care that people who die without Jesus go to Hell. it should disturb us that our lack of sharing has led to such an increase in people who have not seen a Bible nor have heard that Jesus died for them. Why is there no remorse and sadness?
We are quick to tell people how to live and yet we are selective in whom we desire to attend church with. It is easier for us to promote our soapboxes and feel good projects than it is to reach a world that needs Jesus. Lives all around are falling apart. People are experiencing things that many of us have never had to deal with. Children are growing up in homes where the normal roles of parents are corrupted and the lack of love and interest from parents to their children screams from every direction. And we as Christians just sit in our cocoons safe and feeling good. We point out the evil. We are good at that. We attack politicians as if they really could or would do anything that could fix our issues. But we keep Jesus to ourselves. As Christians we only seek to practice the parts of the Bible that we like. We are as selective with our faith as we are with sharing Jesus. We create man made systems of theology that excuse our sharing and we seek churches that only emphasis the certain things we like to attend.
Sharing our faith is simple! The only requirement needed is obedience to God. He promises that if we will be faithful, He will save! The Gospel is profound! The fact that someone loves us - period! The fact that someone died for us! The fact that we can avoid Hell! The fact that God has given us a guide book that fits our lives no matter where we come from and answers our most difficult questions! The fact that anyone can receive Jesus! Profound may be to small of a word! The Gospel goes beyond our understanding. The Gospel is freeing! The Gospel is life giving! The Gospel is AWESOME!
So can we answer why do we not share it and live it?
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
A tractor, chef, and markers!
Today I was called and told that one of the ladies in our church was out at our church property on the tractor mowing. This was a big deal for this lady is our church chef! I flew out of my desk chair with my phone in pocket to drive out and get a picture of this event. She can cook! And I learned today that, even with it being her first time, she can mow with a trim mower on a tractor. I have been driving tractors for over 40 years. I was blown away with her new discovered ability to cut grass - and even get the corners!
After I took the picture, we talked for a while and she said something that really got me thinking. I mentioned how she was cutting even the grass on the corners. She described her quickly learned lesson. She lined the ornament on the front of the tractor to outside of the yet to be cut area and thus, she cut all the grass. Nothing was left standing. You need to realize that she was doing this with a trim mower - smaller than a bush hog. Once she realized that grass was being missed, she adjusted!
Is this not the way markers work in our lives. We track along in our journey looking back to see what we missed. If only we would realize that it is the markers in front of us that must be lined up. They prevent and thus help to avoid the need to look back. When our markers are right, our lives are on the path with nothing left out. We experience the full reality with no turning around and going back to get something we missed.
Peter said it this way:
2 Pet 3:11-18
11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
15 and account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-- as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
(NKJ)
After I took the picture, we talked for a while and she said something that really got me thinking. I mentioned how she was cutting even the grass on the corners. She described her quickly learned lesson. She lined the ornament on the front of the tractor to outside of the yet to be cut area and thus, she cut all the grass. Nothing was left standing. You need to realize that she was doing this with a trim mower - smaller than a bush hog. Once she realized that grass was being missed, she adjusted!
Is this not the way markers work in our lives. We track along in our journey looking back to see what we missed. If only we would realize that it is the markers in front of us that must be lined up. They prevent and thus help to avoid the need to look back. When our markers are right, our lives are on the path with nothing left out. We experience the full reality with no turning around and going back to get something we missed.
Peter said it this way:
2 Pet 3:11-18
11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
15 and account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-- as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
(NKJ)
We need markers in our lives. Have you lined your markers up recently. The things we are reminded of when a church chef gets on a tractor!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Mass Publicity and the Truth - Big Difference
In 1980's being a rock Star meant you figuratively owned the world. Stars were idolized based on a bands popularity. Flowing from their singing or screaming was also a sense of fashion and appearance. Athletes picked up on the whole star thing and they had a guy named Micheal Jordan who led the charge in creating the star mentality for sports figures that surpassed anything up till then. We forget that all along there have been stars - real stars! Some reading this will remember Roger Staubach. Others will go way back to a few coaches like Tom Landry or Vince Lombardi. Stars have been around in all facets of life. We all admire somebody for some reason.
We are drawn to these figures today as we were once drawn to cartoons. Batman, Superman, Spider Man, and even the Hulk were characters that we would emulate as youngsters. My life was confined to basically three stars: Roger Staubach, Nolan Ryan and The FBI! Leading a comeback, striking out the side, and cuffing and stuffing. I picked those three for a reason. Each of them stood and still stand for something of value. Yes each were good at what they did. But there was a character quality about each that drove me to respect and admire them. So strong was this quality that I would pretend as I young boy that was in certain situations and my reactions to such were just like these three. Granted, these were the days when the only video game was a white ball going back and forth across the screen.
Fast forward to 2013 and something interesting is taking place. Mass publicity for years has highlighted the rock stars, the athletes, and the movie stars. Since the 90's these have been the "heroes" of many. Social media and reality TV have escalated their popularity. These figures developed a growing influence of our culture as they spoke out in favor or opposition of their desired interest. Much of the crazy ideas of today stem from a group that makes millions off of publicity. Truth be known, their talents and brain power are limited. But there is a change in the air. This change seems to be gaining steam as we see the truth that publicity often hid in the past, being exposed by mere over exposure. I actually love the irony.
I can sense as I scan Facebook and Twitter this new air blowing. First responders are growing in admiration and appreciation. Our men and women in uniform are admired and cheered for. Those who buckle it up and get it done day in and day out are miraculously becoming heroes. They should have been all along. People see the difference between those who promote and those who actually care and do. The millions made and flaunted by punk type people who would have a difficult time qualifying for any other type of work is about to reach a point of push back. The inside realities of these narcissist cannot compete with people who put their lives on the line daily because they value more than money and fame. Today's growing heroes are people who value life and freedom. They value it enough to do something about it. Politicians cannot escape this new air that is blowing. The truth is slowly but surely being seen. And the reality is gripping every age group. Blowhards will always be there sucking our money and ideas. But heroes are real people who do amazing real things.
The remaining ingredient for this new air to become mature is simple. When we all step back and realize that money and fame are nothing and that life and family are everything, we will rediscover one of the most precious missing values over the past 20 years. The ugly world we live in today, that will be even more ugly tomorrow, requires this simple value of life and reality. For when money and fame cannot be found, values show us what has been important all along. They remind us that we are here for a reason - to reach people with the gospel. They motivate us to action when lives are threatened. Values when present, drive us in positive directions that grow and build. Values give life and create freedom for life.
I read today an article about Tim Tebow. Much is being said in reference to his love for ministry and sharing Jesus. Often Christians have chided those who have ridiculed his treatment in the NFL. But this article highlighted the real issues that Tebow must deal with in regard to skill and knowledge. Now that he has been released, his promotion is limited. And it is now that we will see if Tebow can stand up and do what must be done to maintain his NFL career or not. The reality of all of this slams into our faces - though Tebow accomplished some great things in college and has been faithful in ministry, is he the person who can learn and grow to become a real NFL QB? Or is Tebow like the many before him who through publicity and promotion have hid the truth about his skills/weaknesses only to become a media frenzy with limited accomplishment. Only time will tell.
And guess what? Each of us are in the same spot today. Only time will tell what is the real truth about our values and character. Publicity fades. Promotion lacks real perspective. Self promotion is seldom accurate and often purposefully done to prevent the truth from being shown.
Time reveals the truth in each of us.
And that is a BIG DIFFERENCE!
We are drawn to these figures today as we were once drawn to cartoons. Batman, Superman, Spider Man, and even the Hulk were characters that we would emulate as youngsters. My life was confined to basically three stars: Roger Staubach, Nolan Ryan and The FBI! Leading a comeback, striking out the side, and cuffing and stuffing. I picked those three for a reason. Each of them stood and still stand for something of value. Yes each were good at what they did. But there was a character quality about each that drove me to respect and admire them. So strong was this quality that I would pretend as I young boy that was in certain situations and my reactions to such were just like these three. Granted, these were the days when the only video game was a white ball going back and forth across the screen.
Fast forward to 2013 and something interesting is taking place. Mass publicity for years has highlighted the rock stars, the athletes, and the movie stars. Since the 90's these have been the "heroes" of many. Social media and reality TV have escalated their popularity. These figures developed a growing influence of our culture as they spoke out in favor or opposition of their desired interest. Much of the crazy ideas of today stem from a group that makes millions off of publicity. Truth be known, their talents and brain power are limited. But there is a change in the air. This change seems to be gaining steam as we see the truth that publicity often hid in the past, being exposed by mere over exposure. I actually love the irony.
I can sense as I scan Facebook and Twitter this new air blowing. First responders are growing in admiration and appreciation. Our men and women in uniform are admired and cheered for. Those who buckle it up and get it done day in and day out are miraculously becoming heroes. They should have been all along. People see the difference between those who promote and those who actually care and do. The millions made and flaunted by punk type people who would have a difficult time qualifying for any other type of work is about to reach a point of push back. The inside realities of these narcissist cannot compete with people who put their lives on the line daily because they value more than money and fame. Today's growing heroes are people who value life and freedom. They value it enough to do something about it. Politicians cannot escape this new air that is blowing. The truth is slowly but surely being seen. And the reality is gripping every age group. Blowhards will always be there sucking our money and ideas. But heroes are real people who do amazing real things.
The remaining ingredient for this new air to become mature is simple. When we all step back and realize that money and fame are nothing and that life and family are everything, we will rediscover one of the most precious missing values over the past 20 years. The ugly world we live in today, that will be even more ugly tomorrow, requires this simple value of life and reality. For when money and fame cannot be found, values show us what has been important all along. They remind us that we are here for a reason - to reach people with the gospel. They motivate us to action when lives are threatened. Values when present, drive us in positive directions that grow and build. Values give life and create freedom for life.
I read today an article about Tim Tebow. Much is being said in reference to his love for ministry and sharing Jesus. Often Christians have chided those who have ridiculed his treatment in the NFL. But this article highlighted the real issues that Tebow must deal with in regard to skill and knowledge. Now that he has been released, his promotion is limited. And it is now that we will see if Tebow can stand up and do what must be done to maintain his NFL career or not. The reality of all of this slams into our faces - though Tebow accomplished some great things in college and has been faithful in ministry, is he the person who can learn and grow to become a real NFL QB? Or is Tebow like the many before him who through publicity and promotion have hid the truth about his skills/weaknesses only to become a media frenzy with limited accomplishment. Only time will tell.
And guess what? Each of us are in the same spot today. Only time will tell what is the real truth about our values and character. Publicity fades. Promotion lacks real perspective. Self promotion is seldom accurate and often purposefully done to prevent the truth from being shown.
Time reveals the truth in each of us.
And that is a BIG DIFFERENCE!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Encouragers needed and commanded!
I am posting a link to a post written by Perry Noble that highlights a few things each one of us really need to think about concerning our role in the lives of others. Critics are everywhere. Not much of life is free from those who love to "put down" or share their perceived insight in yours or my life. How do we handle these situations and what are we to do when they occur?
Our Sunday night Table Talk sessions have been focusing on this. This past Sunday, my wife Heidi also led in a great discussion concerning encouragement and our command to do so. She had no idea that I had been covering that topic and hit a home run in wrapping it up so well.
This article here is another added extra in the much needed understanding of our command to encourage one another and not tear down.
You can read it here!
And for those wondering - I do not agree with all that Perry Noble does or thinks. He just got this one right!
Our Sunday night Table Talk sessions have been focusing on this. This past Sunday, my wife Heidi also led in a great discussion concerning encouragement and our command to do so. She had no idea that I had been covering that topic and hit a home run in wrapping it up so well.
This article here is another added extra in the much needed understanding of our command to encourage one another and not tear down.
You can read it here!
And for those wondering - I do not agree with all that Perry Noble does or thinks. He just got this one right!
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