In Mark 9, Jesus comes upon a group of disciples arguing with with the teachers of the law. The text indicates the argument was about Jesus' ability to heal this boy who is demon possessed. Jesus' disciples had been unable to heal the boy. When the boy is brought to Jesus the spirit in in the boy responds by throwing him into convulsions. He fell and rolled on the ground, foaming at the mouth.
The boy's father then pleads with Jesus, "if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
"IF YOU CAN"
Many times our walk with God is challenged with a nagging doubt that God won't or can't act in our situation. For some reason our faith is challenged and we desire for God to intervene on our behalf but we lack the true faith that God desires from us.
Let's look at Jesus' response in verse 23, "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Jesus is basically saying that our faith in God directly correlates to how God will choose to respond to our prayers. Look at: Matthew 8:9-11, Matthew 9:2, Matthew 9:22, Matthew 9:29, Matthew 13:58, Matthew 15:28, Matthew 21:21, John 14:12, Acts 3:16, Acts 14:9, ect...
Faith is so important in our walk with God that Hebrews 11:16 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
So how do we deal with these lingering doubts that war against our faith. The answer is found in Mark 9:24, "Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"
HELP ME OVERCOME MY UNBELIEF!
This man started out saying "I believe" but then he got real with Jesus "help me overcome my unbelief!" He knew that if he wanted to see God work in the life of his son that he needed to get real with Jesus. I can see it now:
"Ok, I confess, I don't believe. I want to believe but my son has been suffering for so long. I have tried so many things to get him help and nothing seems to work. My situation is some overwhelming. It seems every time I get my hopes up they get crushed over and over again. Please Lord! I want to believe. I really do but I have put my hopes in so many things before and I just don't have any faith left. Help me Lord Jesus. Help me to believe!"
I don't know what you are struggling with today but maybe it is time we get real with God. God loves you where you are right now. He doesn't want a show that looks like you have it all together, He wants you to simply come, as beaten, battered and bruised as you may be and He will help you with your unbelief.
Romans 3:3-4 says, "What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak
and prevail when you judge."
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Today
I remember visiting this church on time as a candidate to possibly be their pastor. As I was getting to know them one of the elders was telling me how they were primed and ready for God to do a great work in their church. This loving brother continues to tell me how the church had over $2,000,000 sitting in the bank. Wow! I began to share with them some ways in which they could use some of those resources that God had provided to reach the community and open peoples eyes to a God that loves them and sent His Son to die that they might get saved. I was then delivered the unexpected blow. "Oh no, pastor, that money is for the day that we need to build a new sanctuary." As the discussions continued, I discovered that this money had been sitting in the bank for nearly 25 years while this church had been sitting and waiting for God to grow the church. (the building they were in could sit around 200 and on their biggest Sunday they once ran 152 people; average weekly attendance was about 45)
This church, like many others, is stuck in wait mode. Waiting for the day that God is going to do something great. Their faith is something that will someday be great but not today. I need a God that is TODAY!
When Jesus started His sharing the Good News, He started with a simple message, "The Kingdom of God is near." (or at hand) In this little statement Jesus was saying that God and His kingdom are NOW! Stop waiting for a God who will do great things and start living for a God who is doing great things. God wants to be part of your life today. He has great things for you today.
When we live a life waiting, we fail to actively participate with God to bring resumption to to the world. God never called us to wait. It is His desire to use us as Christ's ambassadors to let others know that they can obtain God's kingdom NOW!
How about you? Are you waiting for a God who will someday do something great or our you living with a God who is working in your life right now?
James 2:14-26 says,
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do."
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
God loves you today! He wants to be part of you today. Will you live for Him today?
This church, like many others, is stuck in wait mode. Waiting for the day that God is going to do something great. Their faith is something that will someday be great but not today. I need a God that is TODAY!
When Jesus started His sharing the Good News, He started with a simple message, "The Kingdom of God is near." (or at hand) In this little statement Jesus was saying that God and His kingdom are NOW! Stop waiting for a God who will do great things and start living for a God who is doing great things. God wants to be part of your life today. He has great things for you today.
When we live a life waiting, we fail to actively participate with God to bring resumption to to the world. God never called us to wait. It is His desire to use us as Christ's ambassadors to let others know that they can obtain God's kingdom NOW!
How about you? Are you waiting for a God who will someday do something great or our you living with a God who is working in your life right now?
James 2:14-26 says,
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do."
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
God loves you today! He wants to be part of you today. Will you live for Him today?
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Good News
Hope! How often do we encounter people with no hope for tomorrow? Some are down on their luck, in need of a job. not sure how they are going to pay the bills and put food on the table. Some people are overwhelmed with depression, feeling that they have no value or self worth. Some are dealing with issues of heartache and pain, their marriage is falling apart, they are watching their children making poor decisions that could hurt them in the long run. Others are caught up in various sin issues that have some how managed to take control of their lives. This can show up as drugs, alcohol, pornography, violence, gluttony and so on. So many people are without hope today.
In Luke 4:18-19 we find Jesus sitting in a synagogue reading from the scroll of Isaiah. He reads these words, "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL (Good News) TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD." Then Jesus makes the the great statement in verse 21, "TODAY THIS SCRIPTURE HAS BEEN FULFILLED IN YOUR HEARING."
This Good News is no longer something we have to wait for. It is here, Now! Jesus came to give us a better life. To the poor, He says you you can be rich in God. To those chained to addiction or sin Jesus says you can be free now. To those who can't see beyond their circumstances He will grant a glimpse of the God who is in control. And if you are oppressed by man or demon to brings you favor of the God who is greater than all things.
This is the Good News, You can have HOPE TODAY! What ever the circumstance, what ever the pain, the God of the universe is saying to you come and I will give you rest. Jesus laid down His life that you may have peace. Jesus rose from the dead so that you may have a new life in Him.
In Luke 4:18-19 we find Jesus sitting in a synagogue reading from the scroll of Isaiah. He reads these words, "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL (Good News) TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD." Then Jesus makes the the great statement in verse 21, "TODAY THIS SCRIPTURE HAS BEEN FULFILLED IN YOUR HEARING."
This Good News is no longer something we have to wait for. It is here, Now! Jesus came to give us a better life. To the poor, He says you you can be rich in God. To those chained to addiction or sin Jesus says you can be free now. To those who can't see beyond their circumstances He will grant a glimpse of the God who is in control. And if you are oppressed by man or demon to brings you favor of the God who is greater than all things.
This is the Good News, You can have HOPE TODAY! What ever the circumstance, what ever the pain, the God of the universe is saying to you come and I will give you rest. Jesus laid down His life that you may have peace. Jesus rose from the dead so that you may have a new life in Him.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Stepping Stone
So there was this day when Jesus was talking to His disciples that I find very intriguing. Jesus asks, "Who do people say that I am?" Now at first glance we might think Jesus is concerned about other peoples opinion of Him, but He isn't. He is opening up a discussion that will set into motion the greatest movement the world has ever seen. A stepping stone that will shape everything His disciples will do.
Though His disciples, jump right in telling Jesus who people think He is: Teacher, prophet, Elijah, John the Baptist. So Jesus makes it more personal, "Who do you say that I am?"
This question is the stepping stone that we each need to ask. Who do we say that He is? The way we define Jesus, will directly effect the way in which we respond to Him.
If He is just a good teacher, we might study his life and teachings to grow in our intellectual pursuits, believing that they will make us a better, well rounded, person.
If He is just a savior, we will see Him will be someone that is there when we need help and is standing on the sidelines waiting to be called into play to save the day at the last moment, but doesn't seem to have a place in our normal every day life.
If He is just a judge, we will see Him as the black robed, gavel totting keeper of the law. Who walks around with His list of do's and don'ts just waiting to bust us for the smallest infraction.
Maybe we have the "Doggma" view of Jesus smiling with two thumbs up that says, "It's all good" as long as we are showing love in our own way we're fine.
Peter's response was, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
This answer was so profound that Jesus called it the ROCK on which He would build His church and the gates of hell would not over come it. (Matthew 16) What did Peter say? What was so profound that would change the face of the world.
By acknowledging the Christ, Peter, was saying that Jesus is the anointed one. As the "Anointed One" Jesus was The Prophet like Moses, The King like David, The Immanuel (God with us) from Isaiah, The Suffering Servant, The Son of Man and much more.
Peter continued to call Jesus the Son of the Living God. This is a reference to the deity of the Christ. That He is fully man yet fully God, that He is the great I AM. The wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Ever Lasting Father and the prince of peace. He isn't just a king but the KING of kings. Not just a lord but the LORD of lords.
How should our lives reflect the Jesus we serve? What do you call Him?
Though His disciples, jump right in telling Jesus who people think He is: Teacher, prophet, Elijah, John the Baptist. So Jesus makes it more personal, "Who do you say that I am?"
This question is the stepping stone that we each need to ask. Who do we say that He is? The way we define Jesus, will directly effect the way in which we respond to Him.
If He is just a good teacher, we might study his life and teachings to grow in our intellectual pursuits, believing that they will make us a better, well rounded, person.
If He is just a savior, we will see Him will be someone that is there when we need help and is standing on the sidelines waiting to be called into play to save the day at the last moment, but doesn't seem to have a place in our normal every day life.
If He is just a judge, we will see Him as the black robed, gavel totting keeper of the law. Who walks around with His list of do's and don'ts just waiting to bust us for the smallest infraction.
Maybe we have the "Doggma" view of Jesus smiling with two thumbs up that says, "It's all good" as long as we are showing love in our own way we're fine.
Peter's response was, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
This answer was so profound that Jesus called it the ROCK on which He would build His church and the gates of hell would not over come it. (Matthew 16) What did Peter say? What was so profound that would change the face of the world.
By acknowledging the Christ, Peter, was saying that Jesus is the anointed one. As the "Anointed One" Jesus was The Prophet like Moses, The King like David, The Immanuel (God with us) from Isaiah, The Suffering Servant, The Son of Man and much more.
Peter continued to call Jesus the Son of the Living God. This is a reference to the deity of the Christ. That He is fully man yet fully God, that He is the great I AM. The wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Ever Lasting Father and the prince of peace. He isn't just a king but the KING of kings. Not just a lord but the LORD of lords.
How should our lives reflect the Jesus we serve? What do you call Him?
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Decisions
“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Life is nothing more than a series of choices with each moment defining and setting a path in place for the next one. This is one of the greatest mysteries to me. That not only does my every decision affect my next but each choice we make has a ripple effect that impacts the decisions of others.
As a parent I make decisions for and about my children daily. In turn my choices build the values and principles that my children will use as a framework for the choices that they will make.
In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus has this to say, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction and there are many who enter though it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."
Jesus is telling us that we have to watch the choices we make. The easy way isn't usually going to be the best way. The tough choices are usually the ones that will build integrity and shape us as better men and women of God.
It is easier to respond in anger than to turn the other cheek. It is easier to Join the crowd then stand alone. It is easier to surrender to the flesh then be lead by the Spirit.
God desires to make you the best you that you can be but He isn't going to force your hand. He sets the path before you. He has provided His word as a lamp to guild your feet. His ways are not always easy but they always have the best result.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Life is nothing more than a series of choices with each moment defining and setting a path in place for the next one. This is one of the greatest mysteries to me. That not only does my every decision affect my next but each choice we make has a ripple effect that impacts the decisions of others.
As a parent I make decisions for and about my children daily. In turn my choices build the values and principles that my children will use as a framework for the choices that they will make.
In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus has this to say, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction and there are many who enter though it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."
Jesus is telling us that we have to watch the choices we make. The easy way isn't usually going to be the best way. The tough choices are usually the ones that will build integrity and shape us as better men and women of God.
It is easier to respond in anger than to turn the other cheek. It is easier to Join the crowd then stand alone. It is easier to surrender to the flesh then be lead by the Spirit.
God desires to make you the best you that you can be but He isn't going to force your hand. He sets the path before you. He has provided His word as a lamp to guild your feet. His ways are not always easy but they always have the best result.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Church Like Usual
Do you ever get stuck in the motions of your worship experience.
Watch this video
God desire an intimate personal relationship with you. Not just a routine of events that make us feel good. It is time to break the mold. Time to step back and look, and ask and pray does God desire more?
Watch this video
"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.
God desire an intimate personal relationship with you. Not just a routine of events that make us feel good. It is time to break the mold. Time to step back and look, and ask and pray does God desire more?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Examples
The other day I was sitting in a third grade class when the teacher handed out a paper that dealt with role models. This paper told about the lives of two iconic sports figures. The first was Michael Jordan and the second was Tiger Woods. Instantly the children began talking because they knew why Tiger has been in the news. After reading this paper the children had to answer a few questions, one of which was, "Which of these two men would you want as your role model?" Instantly a class full of hands went up...
The problem was that many of these children don't really know who Michael Jordan is, but they all know who Tiger Woods is and they had difficulty seeing him as a role model.
This got my attention! Children are watching, looking for someone to step up and be an example for them to follow. They want someone to look up to who they can trust to be an example in every area of life.
In John 13 we find this very humbling story of Jesus as He takes on the role of a servant and washes the feet of His disciples. Then Jesus says these words, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." Verse 15.
Jesus came to be an example in this life. Showing how we should and can live. Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:16 says, "Therefore I urge you to imitate me." We can also read in Hebrews 13:7, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
As the children of God, we are called to a higher standard. We are to be the example for others to follow. Paul tells Titus in 2:7-8, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
The problem was that many of these children don't really know who Michael Jordan is, but they all know who Tiger Woods is and they had difficulty seeing him as a role model.
This got my attention! Children are watching, looking for someone to step up and be an example for them to follow. They want someone to look up to who they can trust to be an example in every area of life.
In John 13 we find this very humbling story of Jesus as He takes on the role of a servant and washes the feet of His disciples. Then Jesus says these words, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." Verse 15.
Jesus came to be an example in this life. Showing how we should and can live. Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:16 says, "Therefore I urge you to imitate me." We can also read in Hebrews 13:7, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
As the children of God, we are called to a higher standard. We are to be the example for others to follow. Paul tells Titus in 2:7-8, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
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