Peace That Defines Us

I was reading an article recently about the leader of Iran. This individual has caused quite a stir in the capitals of many nations due to the things he says when a microphone is placed before him. He has called for the destruction of Israel and America, and believes that he has a divine mandate from Allah to usher in the last great prophet who will prepare the return of Allah. And to think that this person is rapidly working on arming his nation with nuclear weapons, one can quickly see the fear that world leaders have concerning this man. As a Christian I realize that the world we now live in and understand will one day come to an end. God has made it clear that one day, much sooner than later when you look at world events in light of Bible prophecy, He will return to establish His Kingdom once and for all. That is why, as a Christian, I don't fear death, I don't fear getting old, nor do I fear the possibility that a terrorist may one day bring the same carnage to our nation as they do now in other nations. But its not just the world events that I refuse to give in to fear of, but also on a personal level too. There are many things one can fear, sickness, disease, loss of family, friends, or a loss of a job. People fear the loss of loved ones, either a spouse walking out, or suddenly passing away. There are many phobias that people deal with, and many things that life can throw at us. But as a Christian, I choose to let peace be my guide. I believe what Paul meant when he wrote in the book of Phil 4:6-8 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.", was that peace should define us, it should define who we are, and that is we are Christians, followers of Christ. And as such, we don't live our lives or conduct our lives according to what we fear, but according to what we know. And we know that in the end, God will have the final say, and ultimately He will prevail! And that my friends is the reality of it!

The Times We Live In

I haven't blogged lately, due to my wife's repeated hospital stays, but thankfully this last time turned out to be successful and hopefully she shouldn't have to go in again anytime soon. So I'm back and ready to blog! Yesterday while driving down the road in our home town, an older gentleman pulled out in front of me. By the way he was driving I could tell he was in a hurry but nevertheless, what he did was rude so I decided when I got the opportunity I'd let him know it! I figured he knew what he did but needed to be reminded that such rudeness won't be tolerated! When the lanes shifted to two, he got over in the turning lane and I thought, what a perfect opportunity for me, I'll be able to pull right up beside him and let him know that he ticked me off. When I did get beside him, I laid on my car horn, which is pretty loud and was about to mouth, "you drive like an idiot, why did you pull out in front of me" words when at the sound of the horn, he looked over and reacted by waving, assuming it was a friend! He then realized I was upset and looked away, and I thought to myself, He don't get it! He really doesn't even get it! That got me to thinking, our society has really changed. People are more self centered than ever before, and not only self centered, but less concerned about others, which is related to self-centeredness. I was convicted by my own actions too, as a Christian, I should have not let it bother me so much, but my belief has been, people won't know what their actions do unless they are told, I should have been more kind in my telling though! I'm reminded what Jesus said in Matt 24:12 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." He was talking about the last days, and how people would change, losing their love for their fellow man and I beleive for themselves also. Which is why you and I as the salt of the earth should continue to let our light shine in an increasingly darkened world. I'm determined that the actions of others will not illicit a reaction that cheapens Christ in me, but one that allows me to respond in a manner that strengthens Christ in me, and sends a message of hope. And that my friends is the reality of it!

A Challenge For Change

One thing I love probably more than anything else is to be challenged as a Christian. Very few ministers do that for me. Very few can say things that really cause me to stop and ponder the deeper things of God. Don't get me wrong, I've heard many good ministers, and I've shouted with the best of them. But shouting doesn't cause you to stop and consider your ways, it doesn't cause you to look deep within your spirit and consider your relationship with God. Tonight at church I was challenged. Our Associate Pastor, Pastor Neil, of whom I've mentioned before spoke from John 14:12-14 where Jesus said that we as Christians would do the same works that He had done. Pastor Neil took those verses and specifically that verse and taught on being in a place with God that we fulfill that verse, we do what Jesus did. What challenged me was some of the things he brought out. He reminded us that as Christians we weren't saved just to attend church and go to heaven. We were saved to bring reconciliation to others, to point others to Jesus. Of the 6 plus billion people on this planet, just over 1 1/2 billion are Christian. Who's responsible for telling them? You are, I am. And to be honest, I've done a poor job of sharing my faith. It's more than just going door to door and inviting people to church though, I've done that, our church does that, there's a place and a time for that. But more importantly, its about living out our faith every day with those we come into contact with. It's being a Christian when we're at work, when we're out and about. He also made four very powerful points about Jesus, that I want to emulate in my own life, 1) Jesus met people. He was called a friend of sinners. He didn't let them rub off on Him, He rubbed off on them. 2) Jesus mended people. He just didn't meet people, He mended them, He fixed what was wrong. 3) Jesus ministered to people. He just didn't tell people what they were doing wrong, He showed them how to do it right. 4) Jesus mentored people. A big problem in the church is that we get them to come, and they come to the altar realizing they need Jesus. But we never teach them how to live as a Christian. That was the challenge in my spirit tonight, to do what Jesus did, to live as He lived. A couple years ago I wrote a book about drawing close to God. Having a closeness with Him that rivaled those special people in the Bible who knew Him so well. Sadly, I've not lived up to their standard. I've tried to lower that standard to my life, rather than raise my life to His standard. I was challenged tonight to come up higher. To become more like Christ than ever before. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Worship To Survive

I must confess, the name of this blog came from a thought my wife had, she was thinking about worship and everything she's been through when the thought came to her, to make it she must worship to survive. That stuck with me and the more I thought on it, the more I liked it. Worship is such a powerful thing, along with praise it really does lift us up from the valley that we may find ourselves walking through. Even for those who aren't Christian, finding solace in music is uplifting during times of trial or tribulation. Music has that ability to put into words what we're feeling deep inside. What makes worship music different than any other kind of music is that there is a spiritual side to it. Worship, unlike other kinds of music, lifts us into the very presence of God, which in turn lifts us up from where we're at, whether it be a trial or just a time of adoring God. I'm reminded of a time that Jesus had a conversation with a woman who had come to a popular well to draw water, it was there that Jesus said, in John 4:23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." To worship Him in spirit is to worship Him from our inner most being, in truth is to worship from the fact that He is who He says He is, therefore true worship encompasses those two facets, it flows from our inner most being to the one we know exists. And the very next thing Jesus says is "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Because of who He is, He desires only a specific kind of worship, that which is in spirit and in truth. To truly understand worship one must experience it in the context of how God intended it be, not just unintelligently singing some songs, but from the deepest part of our hearts sharing our love for Him. It is within that context that worship, when genuine has the ability to lift us into His presence, making its abode within the very heart of God. For some, its their very survival. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Casual Repentance

Last night while laying in bed thinking about the days events and talking to the Lord, I said something that I say every night before falling to sleep. I said to the Lord, "Father thank you for this day, I ask Your forgiveness for any sins that I've committed, good night." After I said that as I have for many years, I stopped to think about what I had just said. It was then I realized for the first time that what I was saying with out much thought or heart was nothing more than casual repentance. And as such it wasn't getting any further than my ceiling. Repentance by definition is more than just words that we say when we've been caught doing something wrong, or we're feeling guilty over something. According to Websters 1828 Dictionary, repentance is defined as the relinquishment of any practice, from conviction that it has offended God. Repentance includes not just voicing our grief over violating God's law, but turning from what we've done and willfully going in the opposite direction that we were previously walking that caused us to sin against Him. The Bible says in 2 Cor 7:9 "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner.." True repentance results in a change, a change of heart, direction and thought. And the fruit that is borne is that of a clear conscience and a pure heart towards God. I've done some soul searching today, with a desire that I won't offer casual repentance to God for my shortcomings and sins anymore. The greatest gift given to us from God besides His Son, is found in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" What a privilege we have in that we don't have to walk around with guilt when God is there to extend His mercy and forgiveness. But our repentance must not be casual, it must be genuine if its going to get His attention. And that my friends is the reality of it!

Going To Heaven With Hell On Your Back

Life can be difficult for us, whether your a Christian or not life can throw you a curve ball and totally catch you off guard. For people who choose not to believe in God, or haven't heard of Him, getting through the many trials and temptations we face everyday can be very difficult. We sadly see the result played out each day in the news when somebody, tired of this life, decides to end theirs. As a Christian, we aren't immune to life's problems either. No where in the Bible are Christians assured of a free pass in this life from circumstances or situations that test our resolve or mental capacities. Yet, because we are Christian, we have the assurance that though all hell may seem to be breaking loose or coming against us, Christ has promised to be there through the trial, standing hand in hand with us. David wrote in Psalms 23, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." God never said we'd never walk through those dark valleys of life or the soul, but He's promised to be there, and offers comfort also. Oh how I love my savior Jesus, who is always there for us. It's what keeps me laughing, when inside I feel like crying. It's the reason that our journey to Heaven, though Hell may be hanging off our backs, still doesn't steal our joy. There awaits a far better life for us on the other side, and the best part of it all is that we're that much more closer to His return than we were yesterday. That my friends is the reality of it!