Satan attacked Job's motive, saying that Job was blameless and had integrity only because he had no reason to turn against God. Ever since he had started following God, everything had gone well for Job. Satan wanted to prove that Job worshiped God, not out of love, but because God had given him so much.
Satan accurately analyzed why many people trust God. They are fair weather believers, following God only when everything is going well or for what they can get. Adversity destroys this superficial faith. But adversity strengthens real faith by causing believers to dig their roots deeper into God in order to withstand the storms. How deep does my faith go? How deep does your faith go? Put the roots of your faith deep into Gods Truth so that you can withstand any storm that may come your way.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Job 1:9-22 part 3
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Job 1:6-12 part 2
Satan answered the Lord, 'I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.'" v. 6-7
Satan, originally an angel of God, had become corrupt through his own pride. He has been evil since rebellion against God (1 John 3:8). Satan considers God as his enemy. He tries to hinder God's work in people, but he is limited by God's power and can do only what he has been permitted. Satan is our enemy because he actively looks for people to attack with temptation and because he wants to make people hate God. He does this through lies and deception. Job, a blameless and upright man who had been greatly blessed, was a perfect target for Satan. Any person who is committed to God should expect Satan's attacks. Satan, who hates God, also hates God's people.
From this conversation we can learn a great deal about Satan.
1.) He is accountable to God.
2.) Satan can only be at 1 place at a time.
3.) Satan cannot see into our minds our see the future.
4.) Because Satan can do nothing without God's permission, God's people can overcome his attacks through God's power.
5.) God put limitations on what Satan can do.
Knowing this should change our perspective about how we deal with everyday life. As we remain close to God, expect Satan to try to deceive and tempt us. But take courage God is greater than Satan.
Friday, March 28, 2008
One Cries to get out . . . One Cries to get in
I don't understand our boys! Josiah the oldest who is now 4 threw a fit when we didn't let him get in the pack and play with his 10 month old brother Jackson. While Joe was crying on the outside to get in, Jackson was crying from the inside of the pack and play to get out . . . So we did what any good parent would do . . . COMPROMISE! Here's what happened next . . .
Wagon Ride
Yesterday the weather was awesome here in Texas. It was a little too windy for a bike ride so we took a walk and pulled the boys in a wagon. It was a good time and they both actually did really well sitting together for the adventure. Fun Times!
Gone Country . . . Not!
I was reading Josh's blog today and hit a link to a Trace Adkins video. I decided to watch the video and as much as I hate country music, the video has an awesome message. You should check it out for yourself!
PS - This doesn't mean I am going to start listening to country music!
Job 1:1-8 part 1
"Then the Lord asked Satan, 'Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.'” v. 8
Job was a model of trust and obedience to God, yet God permitted Satan to attack him in an especially harsh manner. Although God loves us, believing and obeying him do not shelter us from life's calamities. Setback, tragedies, illness and sorrows strike Christians as well as Non-Christians alike. But in our test and trials God expects us to express our faith to the world.
When trouble hits how do you respond? Do you ask God, "Why Me????" or do you say, "Use me"? There is so we can learn from Jobs leadership, Integrity, and Faithfulness.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
What Is Your Leadership Skill Set?
Next week I am heading to a leadership summit put on by, you guessed it, leaders summit. Tuesday, two days ago, I was given a stack of stuff for the conference and was told before I attend I have to take an online leadership evaluation and fill out 3 pre-session info sheets. I took a deep breath as he handed it to me and set it on my desk to plow threw yesterday. Well yesterday came and went and i didn't touch it so today I pulled it out and took the online test to see what my strengths and weaknesses were when it comes to my leadership. I hate taking test like this, I think it's partly because of my perfectionist mindset and trying to read in-between-the-lines sickness, plus I never give myself a perfect 10 because only Jesus was perfect so I probably mess everything up by that. I know I need help!
However, the test was informative and it is free to take at www.leaderssummit.org . Here is how I scored
Vision 9
L3 8
Followers 8
Signature Soulprint 9
Change Agent 7
Emotional Intelligence 8
Execution 7
Character 9
Communication 8
People Skills 8
Inspire 9
Social Intelligence 8
I am guessing 1 bad 10 great. I typically look at this in terms of percentage. A 9 would be 90% and so on. Some of the questions were based on my opinion and I am sure I skewed it one way or the other. I think I am going to ask 3 of my volunteers to take it with me in mind and see how I come out in thier opinion. That will at least help me see where I really am and where I think I am.
I let you know how the conference goes! If your a leader I encourage you to take the test and see where your strong and weak points are. It only takes about 10 minutes if you're slow like me!
Esther 6 & 7
What a turn of events. Haman who despised Mordecai and plotting to kill him now had to escort him through the city shouting, "This is what the king does for someone he wishes to honor." I am sure when the king asked Haman, "What should be done to honor someone who truly pleases me?" his first thought was what can I get. Obviously thinking he was going to be the one honored. Sadly, Hamons pride, arrogance, and pursuit of popularity was his downfall.
Our initial response to the story about Haman is to say he got what he deserved. But the Bible leads us to ask deeper questions like:
1.) How much of Haman is in me?
2.) Do I desire to control others?
3.) Am I threatened when others don't appreciate me as I think they should?
4.) Do I want revenge when my pride is attacked?
Confess these attitudes to God, and ask Him to replace them with an attitude of forgiveness, and the ability to be humble. Otherwise, Gods justice will settle the matter.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
SAMS Meeting
Getting ready to go to a S.A.M.S meeting here at Grace to talk to the Senior team about the vision for the next year. I am representing the Student Ministry. This will be my 4th time meeting with this team. The first time talking about money. This is much different than what I am used to. Learning a lot about leadership, and trying to become a better leader myself. I pray that Student Ministry can have a voice and can acquire more resources. It would really help us, more like . . . make it easier, to do some of the things we feel led to do as a ministry. Pray for me!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Who do you talk to?
Just talked to my good friend Tyler V. We both served together at FBC WBURG and now God has us serving in different places, I am at Grace and he is at Life Church. I like talking to him because I feel like we are a lot alike and we can encourage and challenge each other with our various learnings and ministry experiences. Ministry can sometimes cause us to feel very lonely and maybe even ineffective. If we aren't careful, we could easily withdraw from people and feel overwhelmed. I know several Pastors who are no longer doing ministry because of this. It breaks my heart to see this happen. So I have to ask myself, what am I doing to keep this from happening to me.
I do several things from my own personal time with God, hanging out with my family, fellowship with other people; students, volunteers, and other youth workers. But I have found that being able to talk with a trusted friend is very valuable. Not only is it a time that I can encourage and be encouraged it's a time where I can listen and think outside the box in a safe environment. Some of the best ministry learnings and ideas have come from these types of conversations. I am thankful that these people are in my life, because they make me better, and encourage me to be all that God wants me to be.
Who do you have to talk with that can encourage you, challenge you, and listens to what's going on in your family, ministry, and personal time with God. I hope you have someone!
Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
Esther 5
Hatred and bitterness are like weeds with long roots that grow in the heart and corrupt all of life. Haman was so consumed with hatred toward Mordicai that he could not even enjoy the honor of being invited to Esther's party. Hebrews 12:15 warns us to "watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many." Don't let hatred and it's resulting bitterness build in your heart. Like Haman, you will find it backfiring against you. If the mere mention of someone's name provokes you to anger, confess your bitterness as sin. Ignoring bitterness, hiding it from others or making superficial changes in behavior is not enough. I bitterness isn't completely removed, it will grow back, making matters worse.
Monday, March 24, 2008
MTV Generation
Below is a post I wrote 2 years ago after a volunteer meeting. I am reposting it because of the the previous blog titled "MUSIC" I posted earlier today!
Yesterday, during one of my meetings the topic came up about what I and others watch on television. I don’t think it was a negative thing, I just think some people were surprised when I said that I watched MTV. In shock the next question was, "Do you watch it to learn teen culture or for entertainment?" I simply said, "I watch it for both reasons!" After I said that, it was almost as if people looked at me in a different way. Like they were shocked that I had just said that I watch MTV for entertainment purposes. Now please hear me when I say this, not everything on MTV is good, but not all of it is bad either. The question here really isn’t IS MTV OK, the question is what is the content and purpose of what you are watching on any network channel, MTV or TBN. We have become people that are more worried about what people might think instead of challenging them to think and relating to them. Yes, there are some shows on MTV and other popular, more “Christian acceptable” TV stations that my wife and I won’t watch simply because of the message or the vulgar content of the show. But at the same time there are many things that have caused us to talk though and challenged us to take our faith deeper. On the same note, I have also had countless opportunities to have spiritual conversations with people who don’t have spiritual conversations because of something that we both have seen on TV.
The truth is simply be careful what you watch, and be able to explain why you don't watch something or you don't listen to something. Let me give an example. When my son was first born my wife would watch a show that was designed to help women start over and get a better handle on life. The show was a great tool for those women. But for us it caused a lot of problems. After watching a few shows, my wife began to over analyze our marriage and family and look at all the negative things instead of looking at the positive things. It really became a battle for us and we began arguing about things we never use to argue about. When we sat down and talked it out, we realized that this show was creating some problems that we really didn’t have. (some of you may be thinking I was trying to cover up a problem, but there really wasn’t one. The enemy was using this show to produce doubt. He does that you know John 10:10) So we cut that show off and things amazingly got better. You see even though the show was something very good, for us it had become something that was damaging to our relationship. Now does that mean others shouldn’t watch it . . . not at all, it just isn’t something we are going to watch.
Now I understand some will try to bring out the extremes and say does that mean I should get drunk to be accepted by people who get drunk in order to share my faith with them. The answer is no, the Bible tells us not to be drunkards for one but we miss the point. I am simply saying that there has to be willingness to learn and relate to a world that desperately needs Christ. How we do that is the dying question. What makes something good and what makes it bad? What makes something Christian?
I realize that all truth is from God, and it may come from places that are least expected. Example, the death of a WWE superstar caused the gospel to be heard by several people watching a couple of weeks ago when WWE did a memorial event to recognize and celebrate the life of Eddie Guerrero.
Here are a couple of verses I think of when it comes to this topic, check them out and let me know what you think if you have the time!
Galatians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 10:5; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:2-6
Music
For some reason today I have had "Party Like A Rock Star" playing in my head. I know, the question has to be asked, Can you be a student pastor and listen to that kind of music. If you know me there is probably alot of things I do that like watching MTV that could cause some to be shocked however, I do have strong beliefs and will post a blog from a year ago later.
Anyhow back to the song, "Party Like A Rock Star". I don't know how I came across it but found this song redone by a christian with christian lyrics. Pretty good check it out. I also included a song that was big in August/September.
Praise Him Like a Rock Star
Crank Dat Holy Ghost pt2
Esther 4
Esther risked her life by coming before the king. Her courageous act gives us a model to follow in approaching a difficult or dangerous task. Like Esther, we can:
1. Calculate the Cost - Esther realized her life was at stake.
2. Set Priorities - She believed that the safety of the Jewish race was more important than her life.
3. Prepare - She gathered support and fasted.
4. Determine a Course of Action and Move Boldly - She didn't think too long about it, allowing the interlude lesson her commitment to what she had to do.
Do you have to face a hostile audience, confront a friend on a delicate subject, or talk to your family about changes to be made? When you face challenges in life, seek to know what God wants you to do, and then do it, confident that God will do His part. Rather than dreading difficult situations or putting them off, take action with confidence by following Esther's inspiring example.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
What A Week-End
This last week was a busy one, Spring Break, Family, The Zoo, Josiah's 4th Birthday, and Easter. There was a lot going on, but I think I survived. I was glad to rest this afternoon!
This weekend 2 teenagers accept Christ as we held simultaneous services for teens while the Big House, had services for the adults. We have great volunteers and student leaders. We faced some technical challenges Saturday Night with our screens not working but the crew stayed late to fix the problem for this morning.
Saturday was Joe's 4th birthday party. His first actual party where he had friends he wanted to invite. We rented a bounce house from party guyz and man can the kid jump! (all day, wanted to all night, and then again this afternoon). I wish I had that stamina and heart and legs and energy. Oh what it was like to be 4. The bounce house was great would totally do it again and use the same company!!!
Friday, the family went to the zoo. It was a great day all the animals were out and the highlight was seeing the gorllias get fed right in front of us. Way cool. We fed the birds after walking the whole place and then boarded the DART, Joe calls it a train, his favorite thing back to Plano and met the rest of the Family at Texas Road House which has become our favorite place to eat.
Great Weekend!!!!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
MO Flooding
I grew up in southern Missouri. As you know MO is experiencing some major flooding. Some places worse than the flood of 1993. This golf coarse isn't far from the home I lived in in Nixa. You can read about it from the local paper.
One Year Anniversary
Well today marks my one year anniversary at Grace Community Church. A year ago my wife and I pulled into an empty parking lot that was going to become our new church family. A lot has happened in this year. . .
We have seen God do some amazing things in our family. Not always easy, well pretty much all of this last year was hard with the birth of our son Jackson. It seemed we went from one heath problem to the next. However, today, he seems to be doing good and hasn't been to the doctor in a month, It's a new record for him. Joe turns 4 Saturday and several of his friends and our family will be here for his party. Stephanie now works at the church as the front desk receptionist in the afternoons. She loves it and it gives me some time in the afternoons with the boys. She is such an amazing mom, and wife. I really need to tell her that more often.
We have seen God do a lot in our student ministry. We knew we faced some great challenges. However, God has been changing lives. I wish I had a better way to track the salvation's that have happened this last year, but if i counted hands right we have seen over 30 students pray to receive Christ this year. Now we just need to see that number being matched by baptisms. Our leaders are great, and we are so thankful to have the leaders we do. They are so faithful and fun to be around. God has used them more than they will probably ever know. We do need more, so if you are reading this an want to get involved, let me know. It is exciting and the students are so thankful. Watch a video to see!!
I have seen God do a lot in my leadership development. This year has stretched me and grown me into hopefully a better leader. I know I have seen things modeled that I want to press toward and seen things modeled that I want to steer clear of. Leadership is challenging, I have had to have more than one hard conversation encouraging people, holding them accountable, and trying to lead with integrity. This part of leadership can be tuff, but God has been faithful.
I look forward to what He is going to do next. But pray that He prepares me now for what He has for me today!
Esther 3
Haman enjoyed the power and prestige of his position, and he was enraged when Mordecai did not respond with the expected reverential bow. Haman's anger was not directed just toward Mordecai, but toward what Mordecai stood for - the Jews dedication to God as the only authority worthy of reverence. Haman's attitude was prejudiced: he hated a group of people because of a difference in belief or culture. Prejudice grows out of personal pride - considering oneself better than others. In the end, Haman was punished for his arrogant attitude. God will harshly judge those who are prejudice or whose pride causes them to look down on others.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Esther 2
God placed Ester on the thrown even before the Jews faced the possibility of complete destruction, so that when trouble came, a person would already be in the position to help. No human effort could thwart God's plan to send the Messiah to earth as a Jew. If you are changing jobs, or location and can't see God's purpose in your situation, understand that God is in control. He may be placing you in a position so you can help when the need arises.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Easter
I have been working on my talk for this weekend and having a little trouble knowing exactly which direction i feel led to go. I get started and it just doesn't feel right. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone but me. However, I have found some videos that have been inspiring to me. One uses a song from Lincoln Park, one is a churches Easter Promo, and then the last one is from some of our students here at Fusion. It is neat to see them even thinking beyond the Easter Bunny. Speaking of which, I am thinking about doing an Easter Trivia. If you have some questions, (with answers) shoot them to me! Enjoy the Videos
Esther 1
Queen Vashti refused to parade before the kin's all male party, possibly because it was against Persian custom for a woman to appear before a public gathering of men. This conflict between Persian custom and the king's command put her in a difficult situation, and she chose to refuse her half-drunk husband, hoping he would come to his senses later. That didn't happen as she hoped it would.
King Xerxes used her as an example, stating that women should do as their husbands ask. She was removed as the Queen setting up a search for a new queen.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Nehemiah 8
Friday, March 14, 2008
Nehemiah 5
Nehemiah led the entire construction project, but he also worked on the wall alongside the others. He was not a bureaucrat in a well-guarded office but a leader who got involved in the day-to-day work. He did not use his position to lord it over his people. A good leader keeps in touch with the work to be done. Those who lead best lead by what they do as well as what they say.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Dad and Donuts
Today, I joined my 3 year old (for only one more week) Josiah at his school for dad and donuts. It was fun seeing his excitement. As we ate the donuts there were two things that he had made for me. It was a fact sheet about me form his perspective, and then a poem "Daddy's Footprints" with his footprints on it! Here is how Josiah answered these questions/statements:
My Daddy's name is: DANNY
He is 2 MONTHS old.
My Daddy's favorite sport is: FOOTBALL
He likes to eat: SANDWICHES
My dad spends most of his time WORKING ON THE COMPUTER
When we are together, I like to PLAY TRAINS
It is interesting to hear his point of view, obviously some of them are way off but others hit close to home. Kid's are kids for only a short period of time. One-day he will grow up to be a teenager then an adult. I want to learn how to enjoy each phase of life with him so he know that his Dad and Mom ALWAYS cared more about him and our family before anything else!
"Walk a little slower, Daddy,"
said a little child so small.
"I'm following your footsteps,
and I don't want to fall.
Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.
Someday when I'm all grown up;
You're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
Who'll want to follow me.
And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you!"
There is a great responsibility in being a Dad. Sometimes easily overlooked, but every second we are modeling what it means to be a Man, Father, Husband, Friend, and most importantly a Christian. When we do these things we develop and model character, trust, integrity, love, patients, a humble spirit . . . and the list goes on and on and on. I want to take advantage of every second, don't you?
Father help me be more like you, because he wants to be more like me!
Nehemiah 2:1-20
Then I was terrified, 3 but I replied, 'Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.'" v. 2-3
"So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding. After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but my donkey couldn’t get through the rubble. So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.
The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. But now I said to them, 'You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!' Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king.
They replied at once, 'Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.'" v. 11-18
Nehemiah wasn't ashamed to admit his fear, but he refused to allow fear to stop him from doing what God had called him to do. He acknowledged the kings position and clearly stated the response for his own sorow. When we allow fear to rule us, we make fear more powerful than God. Is there a task God wants you to do, but fear is holing you back? God is greater than all of our fears. Recognizing why you are afraid is the first step in committing your fear to God. Realize if God has called you to a taks, he will help you accomplish it!!
Secondly, Nehemiah arrived quietly in Jerusalem and spent several days careflly observing and assessing the damage to the walls. Following this time of thoughtful consideration, he confidently presented his plan. Nehemiah demonstrated an excellent approach to problem solving. He got firsthand information and carefully considered the situation. Then he presented a realistic stratagy. Before jumping into a project, follow Nehemiahs example and plan ahead. Check your information to make sure your ideas will work - be realistic. Then you will be able to present your plan.
Spiritual renewal often begins with one person's vision. Nehemiah had a vision, and he shared it with enthusiam, inspiring Jeresalem's leaders to rebuild the walls.
We frequently underestimate people and don't challenge them with our dreams for God's work in the world. When God plants an idea in your mind to accomplish something for him, share it with others and trust the Holy Spirit to impress them with similar thoughts. Don't regard yourself as the only one through whom God is working. Often God uses one person to express the vision and others to turn it into reality. When you encourage and inspire others, you put teamwork into action to accomplish God's goals.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Ezra 3:7-13
'He is so good!
His faithful love for Israel endures forever!'
Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid.
But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy. The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance." v.11-13
The celebration after laying the temple foundation was marked by contrast of emotion - shouts of joy and sounds of weeping. Both were appropriate. The Holy Spirit can stimulate us both to rejoice over the goodness of his grace and to grieve over the sins that required him to correct us. When we come into the presence of almighty God, we may feel full of joy and thanksgiving, yet at the same time be sobered by our short comings.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
2 Kings 22 & 23
When Josiah heard the law, he tore his clothes in despair. He immediately instituted reforms. With just one reading of God's law, he changed the course of the nation. Today many people own Bible, but few are affected by the truths found in God's Word. The Word of God should cause us, like Josiah, to take action immediately to reform our lives and bring them into harmony with God's will.
Monday, March 10, 2008
2 Kings 11
Have you ever needed a redo, or a start over? The Israelites did! Jehoiada the priest anointed a new king, who happened to have been in hiding and was only seven years old. This covenant was, in fact, a recommitment to a very old covenant - the one set up in the book of Deuteronomy for the righteous rule of the nation. It was meant to function as a constitution for the people. This covenant, however, had been virtually ignored for over 100 years. Unfortunately, after Jehoiada's death, the reforms were discontinued.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Family Day
Its been a long, but fun day with the family. It all started with one of my sons friends b-day party. Hayden turned three today and had a party at Going Bonkers. What a fun place!!! Josiah and I played in all the ropes/nets and slides together. It's a lot easier on the knees than the tubes and tunnel stuff typically at a fast food places play place. It was so much fun! However, after watching the staff rush the party through I don't know if I would pay to have a birthday party there. It seemed like we would just get done with one thing and we had to move on to the next. But this was just the beginning of out long day!
Next we went to one of my favorite places Steak N Shake. It was the usual good food. But the best part came when Josiah (3) asked if he could go pay. So I gave him some money and the ticket and he went to the counter and paid. You could tell he felt so grown up!!! As he sat on the stool he told the manager that he was ready, then he looked to my wife and I who were watching him from our table and winked at us. Where he gets this stuff is beyond me, but it was so awesome to see him be so proud of himself!
After Lunch we went to the Lewisville Mall (also known as the vista ridge mall). Not that we needed anything, we simply went to hang out and walk of all the good Steak N Shake we ate. Walked the whole mall, bought one pair of shoes that would send my wife on a hunt for shoes that would fill the rest of our day. After we left the mall we had to go to DSW, Famous Footwear, Payless Shoesource and the Shoe Pavilion, all to find out that non of these places had her size in the shoes that she wanted. After Josiah cried through the whole last store we took him to Toys'R'Us. He loved it. AND we actually walked out of there with two boys not crying and no toys. Suprise.
We ended the night at Ihop for dinner, all to remind ourselves that the time changes tonight. Fun day, alot of memories, tiered boys and feet! We are so blessed!!!!
2 Kings 5:1-27
But Naaman became angry and stalked away. 'I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!' he said. 'I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?' So Naaman turned and went away in a rage." v.9-12
Naaman left is a rage because the cure for his disease seemed too simple. He was a hero, and he expected a heroic cure. Full of pride and self-will. Naaman could not accept the simple cure of faith. Sometimes people react to God's offer of forgiveness in the same way. Just to believe is Jesus Christ somehow doesn't seem significant enough to bring eternal life. To obey God's commands doesn't seem heroic. What Naaman had to do to have is leprosy washed away is similar to what we must do to have our sin washed away - humbly accept God's mercy. Don't let your reaction to the way of faith keep you from the cure you need most.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Dallas Desperados
Taking my small group of 8th grade boys to an arena football game tonight. Should be fun hanging out and getting to know two of their dads better!
2 Kings 2:13-25
This groups of biys was from Bethel, the religious center of idolitry in the northern kingdom, and they probably were warning Elisha not to speak against their immorality as Elijah had done. They were not merely teasing Elisha about his baldness, but showing severe disrespect for Elisha's message and God's power. They may have also jeared because of thier disbelief in the chariot of fire that had taken Elijah. When Elisha cursed them, he did not call out to the bears himself. God sent them as a judgement for their callous unbelief. These young men mocked Gods messengers and paid for it with their lives. Making fun of religious leaders has been a popular sport through the years. To take a stand for God is to be different from the world and vulnerable to verbal abuse. When we are cynical and sarcastic toward religious leaders, we are in danger of mocking not just the person but also the spiritual message. While we are not to condone the sin that some leaders commit, we need to pray for them, not laugh at them. True leaders, those who follow God, need to be heard with great respect and encouraged in their ministry.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Book On Leadership - Taking Charge
I have to apologize, for my lack of discipline in getting through this book. The book started out really good, but then seems to be redundant as we glean in-depth insite to the passage. At times, I feel like saying "I got that already". We are getting ready to look at what Paul says is leadership in the next couple of chapters in the book. So that will be nice. Here is what I underlined from chapter 4:
*** True leadership is tested and proved in crises. The real leader is the one who can handle the stress. He is the one who can solve the problems, bear the burdens, find the solutions, and win the victories when everyone else is merely flustered, confounded, and perplexed.
* Leadership Principle #7 - A Leader Never Compromise the Absolutes!
*** When God has spoken, there can be no compromise.
*** The person who refuses to compromise under any and every circumstance is obstinate, unreasonable, and selfish. That sort of strong-willed inflexibility is sinful and has been the ruin of many relationships and organizations.
*** But when it comes to matter of principles - moral and ethical foundations, biblical absolutes, the axioms of God's Word, God's clear commands, and the truthfulness of God Himself - it is never right to compromise. The true leader understands that and knows where to hold the line.
*** Too many people are timid and fearful of confrontation in circumstances like these. Not the real leader. Real leaders have a clear understanding of what is absolute and what is negotiable, and they hold the line on the principles that truly matter.
*** For the spiritual leader, the absolutes are established by the Word of God. A leader who applies all the other principles of leadership can perhaps achieve a measure of pragmatic effectiveness. But this principle will test your true mettle as a leader. No one can be a truly effective spiritual leader unless he understands the essential truths of Scripture and refuses to compromise its absolute authority. This principle applies, I am convinced not just to pastors and church leaders, but also to Christians in any walk of life who desire to be good leaders.
* Leadership Principle #8 - A Leader Focuses on Objectives, not Obstacles!
* Leadership Principle #9 - A Leader Empowers By Example!
*** Paul's triumph was the triumph of great leadership. Tested in the crucible of crisis, he stepped up and showed how a true leader acts. He was decisive. He was determined. He was clear thinking and levelheaded. He took control when things were otherwise out of control. And God honored his efforts with amazing success. He didn't compromise the absolutes, nor was he distracted from his objective by the obstacles. And he led by example.
More Snow in Texas
Yesterday, 65 . . . Today, 30 and snow. Some of the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen . . . and I have seen a lot of snow!
2 Kings 2:1-12
Elijah was taken to heaven without dying. He is the second person mentioned in scripture to have this honor. Enoch was the first (Genisis 5:21-24). The other prophets may not have seen God take Elijah, or they may have had a difficult time believing what they had seen. In either case, they wanted to search for Elijah. Finding no physical trace of him would confirm what had happened and strengthen their faith. The only other person taken to heaven in bodily form was Jesus after his resurrection from the dead (Acts 1:9).
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
1 Kings 22:29-40
Ahab couldn't escape God's judgement. The king of Aram sent 32 of his best chariot commanders with the sole purpose of killing Ahab. Thinking he could escape, Ahab tried to disguise himself, but a random arrow struck him while the chariots chased the wrong king - Jehoshaphat. It was foolish for Ahab to think he could escape by wearing a disguise. Sometimes people try to escape reality by disguising themselves - changing jobs, moving to a new town, even changing spouses. But God sees and evaluates the motives of each person. Any attempted disguise is futile.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Texas Weather
Well I thought Missouri weather was crazy! In the last five days Texas weather has been in the high 70 low 80, to Snow last night, to mid 50's today. Here is a picture of the snow that was here for most of the morning!
1 Kings 21
Ahab was more wicked than any other king of Israel, but when he repented in deep humility, God took notice and reduced his punishment. The same Lord who was merciful to Ahab wants to be merciful to you. No matter how evil you have ben, its never too late to humble yourself, turn to God, and ask for forgiveness.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Why Student Ministry?
This weekend we celebrated our Small Group Leaders with a video of some of their students saying thank you. Very encouraging and meaningful to them and me as a leader. As we watched the video it was obvious to all why we do student ministry, watch the video, I think its pretty obvious.
Weekend Review
Started the weekend on Friday taking MS Students to Planet Wisdom. Great time with them learning from Mark Mattlock, Sean McDowell, The Skit Guys, and Addison Road.
Started a new series this weekend called SHOUT! Great start to a three week series on evangelism. Here is a video we used to kick off the series.
1 Kings 19
Elijah experienced the depths of fatigue and discouragement just after his two great spiritual victories: the defeat of the prophets of Baal and the the answered prayer for rain. Often discouragement sets in after great spiritual experiences, especially those requiring physical effort or involving great emotion. To lead him out of depression, God first let Elijah rest and eat. Then God confronted him with the need to return to his mission - to speak God's words in Israel. Elijah's battles were not over, he still had work to do. When you feel let down after a great spiritual experience, remember that God's purpose for your life is not yet over!
