It’s great to be back after a long week. I am so thankful that I am able to leave everything in wonderful hands when I must be away on a trip! I pray you applied everything we learned last Sunday about prayer. Prayer is very powerful and is our primary communication with our Heavenly Father.
Job chapter two is found in the midst of his suffering. We see Satan talking with God and accusing Job of only following God because he has the “good life.” God allows Job to be tested but his life is not to be messed with. The scene quickly jumps from the throne room of God and to a scene taking place somewhere in the Middle East on earth. We see Job already stricken with soars and being pressured to renounce God. In Job 2:9 his wife comes to him and said, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” Notice in the question Job’s wife is questioning his motive for holding onto integrity. Job was faithful to God in the midst of all his suffering. Job spent a lifetime following God and when it comes to the moment of truth, Job matches his actions with his words. Job is truly a good example of a person with integrity.
How do we handle pressure at work, school, and home to go against everything we claim? Sometimes we are asked to put aside our integrity and give in just this one time. When Satan temps us to give in and forget that God seeks integrity, we must remember that these are vital moments to spiritual growth. Being an individual of integrity is not always easy, however, it is the most rewarding characteristic one can develop.
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Prayer Power
“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”--Martin Luther King, Jr.
The theme for today is prayer. Often prayer is left out of our devotional lives, our decisions, and our interaction together. The only time some people pray during the week is on Sunday morning and the beginning and ending of services. Jesus however saw the importance of prayer and the closeness it brings to the creator.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, prayer is around almost every corner. You cannot go very far until Jesus is found praying again or teaching about prayer. If prayer was so important to Jesus, it better be important to the spiritual giant. The spiritual giant seeks to have a close relationship with God and knows a key to that relationship is communication on his part.
Some very important points about prayer are made in John 18:
1) Don’t stop praying, there is way too much at stake.
2) Don’t give up when everything seems to be against you...keep asking.
3) Sometimes the answer is just around the corner, God hears you!
4) Keep praying, God is working...even if you can’t see it at the time.
5) Jesus keeps his promises and he tells us that if we ask, God will respond.
Sometimes we get caught up in tough times and situations and feel alone. Sometimes we pray and forget that juts because we think it is an urgent matter, that God should feel the same way. When you are tempted to stop praying and take matters into your own hands, remember that God is faithful and will answer when the time is right. All we need to do is continue to talk to Him.
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
The theme for today is prayer. Often prayer is left out of our devotional lives, our decisions, and our interaction together. The only time some people pray during the week is on Sunday morning and the beginning and ending of services. Jesus however saw the importance of prayer and the closeness it brings to the creator.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, prayer is around almost every corner. You cannot go very far until Jesus is found praying again or teaching about prayer. If prayer was so important to Jesus, it better be important to the spiritual giant. The spiritual giant seeks to have a close relationship with God and knows a key to that relationship is communication on his part.
Some very important points about prayer are made in John 18:
1) Don’t stop praying, there is way too much at stake.
2) Don’t give up when everything seems to be against you...keep asking.
3) Sometimes the answer is just around the corner, God hears you!
4) Keep praying, God is working...even if you can’t see it at the time.
5) Jesus keeps his promises and he tells us that if we ask, God will respond.
Sometimes we get caught up in tough times and situations and feel alone. Sometimes we pray and forget that juts because we think it is an urgent matter, that God should feel the same way. When you are tempted to stop praying and take matters into your own hands, remember that God is faithful and will answer when the time is right. All we need to do is continue to talk to Him.
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Paralysis of Analysis
Many times people amaze me at how they handle situations. I’ve sat with people who have only a little time left on this earth. One obvious observation is there are basically two ways people handle this point in life: 1) some people accept it and are at peace and even ready for death, or 2) others become angry, afraid, or heartbroken at the news (understandably so). I’ve also sat with cancer patients, surgery patients, many sick people, and recovered people. However, sick people aren’t the only ones who amaze me at their responses to the lemons life throws them. My father has amazed me with his response when he was let go from his job of many years. Others also have this amazing “up-beat” attitude. But how do people handle the crossroads in life? Sometimes somebody’s response to difficulty makes me think “wow, talk about a spiritual giant!” While other times, I can’t help but wonder if they truly are who they claim to be.
Life is full of struggles, ups, and downs. We do our best to trudge through the swamps and (on a good day) enjoy the grassy fields. As a people of God, we must follow the example of the spiritual giant when we face both difficulty and a time of joy. The spiritual giant asks for God’s direction, even if it takes him down a less desirable path at the time. Often we get so caught up in making a decision that we forget to seek out God’s decision FIRST. However, sometimes we paralyze ourselves when we cannot clearly see God’s direction (especially between two wonderful choices) by not moving at all. When this happens I want to encourage you to do what Peter did in Matthew 14—get out of the boat and just GO! But when you do, stay focused on the goal and don’t second guess your choice. Trust that God will let you know if it was the right choice or not. After all, God works all things for the good. What boat do you need to step out of this week?
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Life is full of struggles, ups, and downs. We do our best to trudge through the swamps and (on a good day) enjoy the grassy fields. As a people of God, we must follow the example of the spiritual giant when we face both difficulty and a time of joy. The spiritual giant asks for God’s direction, even if it takes him down a less desirable path at the time. Often we get so caught up in making a decision that we forget to seek out God’s decision FIRST. However, sometimes we paralyze ourselves when we cannot clearly see God’s direction (especially between two wonderful choices) by not moving at all. When this happens I want to encourage you to do what Peter did in Matthew 14—get out of the boat and just GO! But when you do, stay focused on the goal and don’t second guess your choice. Trust that God will let you know if it was the right choice or not. After all, God works all things for the good. What boat do you need to step out of this week?
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Finding Passion
One of the things I love about the Apostle Peter is his passion for God. Although we often give him a hard time about action without thinking, one has to admire the dedication and passion in Peter’s heart. Peter loved Christ so much that he was willing to fight for him against a mob of people. I can’t help but wonder if Peter was a bit of an outsider before Christ met him. The devotion Peter shows to Christ challenges the faith and devotion of us all.
One of my favorite stories of Peter (besides when he walked on the water) is at the end of the life of Jesus. When Jesus declares that somebody will betray Him, Peter quickly announces that it would not be him. In fact, he would never do such a thing! Can you imagine how Peter must have felt when Jesus looked him straight in the eyes and said, “Actually Peter, you’re going to disown me three times before morning breaks”? Poor Peter put up his guard so that the prediction would not come true. In fact, he shows just how dedicated he was when he drew his sword at the arrest of Jesus. We all know the story, however. Peter let’s down his guard and disowns not only his Savior, but his best friend three times before the night is over.
The reason I love this story is not because of the events and Peters commitment (or lack there of). No, the real reason I love this story is because of Peters reaction after he disowns his friend. At a low in Peters life, the Bible tells us he heard the rooster, remembered the words of Jesus, and then went out and bitterly wept. Even though Peter messed up, you can still see his love for Christ.
When we mess up, do we still weep? Have we been hardened so much that it has been a long time since a tear was shed on the behalf of Christ? A while back I stated that one thing I loved about the Amazed!? video was it reminds me of my sinfulness and Christ’s love. Do you still weep at the thought of your sinfulness? Do you still have a passion for God or have you allowed the world to harden your heart?
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
One of my favorite stories of Peter (besides when he walked on the water) is at the end of the life of Jesus. When Jesus declares that somebody will betray Him, Peter quickly announces that it would not be him. In fact, he would never do such a thing! Can you imagine how Peter must have felt when Jesus looked him straight in the eyes and said, “Actually Peter, you’re going to disown me three times before morning breaks”? Poor Peter put up his guard so that the prediction would not come true. In fact, he shows just how dedicated he was when he drew his sword at the arrest of Jesus. We all know the story, however. Peter let’s down his guard and disowns not only his Savior, but his best friend three times before the night is over.
The reason I love this story is not because of the events and Peters commitment (or lack there of). No, the real reason I love this story is because of Peters reaction after he disowns his friend. At a low in Peters life, the Bible tells us he heard the rooster, remembered the words of Jesus, and then went out and bitterly wept. Even though Peter messed up, you can still see his love for Christ.
When we mess up, do we still weep? Have we been hardened so much that it has been a long time since a tear was shed on the behalf of Christ? A while back I stated that one thing I loved about the Amazed!? video was it reminds me of my sinfulness and Christ’s love. Do you still weep at the thought of your sinfulness? Do you still have a passion for God or have you allowed the world to harden your heart?
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Leaders Prioritize
As we talk about spiritual giants and what it means to be a leader, I couldn’t help but think about all the roadblocks we come across in day to day life. If we are supposed to be leading others to Christ, how do we fit that into a schedule that is already filled with kids, soccer games, work, church, family, and friends? This question has an answer which is simple in theory yet more complicated in practicality. The answer is PRIORITIZING.
Look around at today’s young people. One thing missing is the discipline of prioritization. Caught up in incredible technology, advanced communication, and an ever changing culture, young people have become accustom to the art of multi-tasking. However, while this is an important skill, when it is not balanced with prioritization multi-tasking becomes a crutch. In fact, even adults deal with this dilemma. A church does not grow by adding 20 or 30 ministries to its portfolio. Rather, it grows by assessing and prioritizing needs. It grows by excelling in one or two areas. Sadly, because so many want to play the resume game, multi-tasking becomes the only disciplined practice of Christ’s body. If we are going to be intentional about growth, we must prioritize.
A poem by William H. Hinson reads:
He who seeks one thing, and but one,
May hope to achieve it before life is done.
But he who seeks all things wherever he goes
Must reap around him in whatever he sows
A harvest of barren regret.
Interestingly enough, this mirrors a teaching of Jesus found in Luke 14:28-33. It is here that Jesus discusses the discipline of planning and prioritizing. As Hinson and Jesus point out, those who fail by lack of prioritizing will be ridiculed for it.
As a church (and individual) we can take a very important lesson from this. If we take a shotgun approach to reaching our community, we will likely fail. Although that multi-tasking is at times beneficial, it cannot be separated from prioritization. However, if as a congregation we prioritize and excel in one or two areas to begin with, growth will come. The same is true for ones spiritual life. We all have lots to work on. Some of us need to work on our prayer life, cussing, drinking, Bible reading, etc. Rather than tackling all at once, try focusing on one or two at first. Once those are mastered it’s time to move to the next. This approach will bring more success and will leave you with a better sense of accomplishment.
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Look around at today’s young people. One thing missing is the discipline of prioritization. Caught up in incredible technology, advanced communication, and an ever changing culture, young people have become accustom to the art of multi-tasking. However, while this is an important skill, when it is not balanced with prioritization multi-tasking becomes a crutch. In fact, even adults deal with this dilemma. A church does not grow by adding 20 or 30 ministries to its portfolio. Rather, it grows by assessing and prioritizing needs. It grows by excelling in one or two areas. Sadly, because so many want to play the resume game, multi-tasking becomes the only disciplined practice of Christ’s body. If we are going to be intentional about growth, we must prioritize.
A poem by William H. Hinson reads:
He who seeks one thing, and but one,
May hope to achieve it before life is done.
But he who seeks all things wherever he goes
Must reap around him in whatever he sows
A harvest of barren regret.
Interestingly enough, this mirrors a teaching of Jesus found in Luke 14:28-33. It is here that Jesus discusses the discipline of planning and prioritizing. As Hinson and Jesus point out, those who fail by lack of prioritizing will be ridiculed for it.
As a church (and individual) we can take a very important lesson from this. If we take a shotgun approach to reaching our community, we will likely fail. Although that multi-tasking is at times beneficial, it cannot be separated from prioritization. However, if as a congregation we prioritize and excel in one or two areas to begin with, growth will come. The same is true for ones spiritual life. We all have lots to work on. Some of us need to work on our prayer life, cussing, drinking, Bible reading, etc. Rather than tackling all at once, try focusing on one or two at first. Once those are mastered it’s time to move to the next. This approach will bring more success and will leave you with a better sense of accomplishment.
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Great Leaders Set The Example
A young boy had just gotten his driving permit. He asked his father, who was a minister, if they could discuss the use of the car. His father took him to his study and said to him, "I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible a little and get your hair cut and we’ll talk about it." After about a month the boy came back and again asked his father if they could discuss use of the car. They again went to the father’s study where his father said, "Son, I’ve been real proud of you. You have brought your grades up, you’ve studied your Bible diligently, but you didn’t get your hair cut!" The young man waited a moment and replied, "You know Dad, I’ve been thinking about that. You know, Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair, and even Jesus had long hair...." To which his father replied, "Yes, and they walked every where they went!"
Moses, Samson, Abraham, and Noah are all considered leaders. These great leaders all had something in common: whenever they led the people, they FOLLOWED AFTER GOD. Another good example of this is the Apostle Paul. We would all agree that Paul knows how to lead people. After all, he had a HUGE impact on the early church and has continued to impact us over the last many centuries. Paul was able to confidently say “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).
As leaders, we must be able to make a similar claim as Paul. We need to encourage others to follow us. They need to have an example of how to walk, talk, live, and give of themselves. We must be able to exclaim “follow me as I follow Christ.” It isn’t for our glory. It’s not to bring attention to ourselves and our actions, it is to point those following toward Christ. We are only a mirror of Christ. We reflect the image of Christ back to Christ himself. What do you need to change in your life so that you can exclaim “follow me as I follow Christ?”
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Moses, Samson, Abraham, and Noah are all considered leaders. These great leaders all had something in common: whenever they led the people, they FOLLOWED AFTER GOD. Another good example of this is the Apostle Paul. We would all agree that Paul knows how to lead people. After all, he had a HUGE impact on the early church and has continued to impact us over the last many centuries. Paul was able to confidently say “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).
As leaders, we must be able to make a similar claim as Paul. We need to encourage others to follow us. They need to have an example of how to walk, talk, live, and give of themselves. We must be able to exclaim “follow me as I follow Christ.” It isn’t for our glory. It’s not to bring attention to ourselves and our actions, it is to point those following toward Christ. We are only a mirror of Christ. We reflect the image of Christ back to Christ himself. What do you need to change in your life so that you can exclaim “follow me as I follow Christ?”
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Greetings From Virginia
Greetings from Richmond, VA! As you worship this morning, Katie and I are worshiping in Richmond, Virginia (along with her mom) and preparing for the journey back to the great, white north! This morning, Terry Tenney will be bringing our message about God’s Grace and how it restores us to a relationship with Him. This is one of the most important ideas when speaking to a non-Christian. We need to completely understand that if it was not for the grace of God, we would not be able to be in communion with Him! In fact, if it wasn’t for Jesus Christ, we would not be set free from our sins!
Tonight, brother Chris will bring our lesson concerning commitment and salvation! When you share the gospel with an individual, you cannot stop with only sharing. We have to call for a response of sorts and that is where commitment comes in. If a person accepts the appropriate response, they can move on into salvation. However, we must remember that from time to time, we will need further study with somebody as they may not be ready at the moment. Many times they have objections and questions as Joe discussed in class this morning! Evangelism is about having patience and love. We must make sure our focus is to help them in the process and remember that we may not have all the answers. We must remain vulnerable and able to share our own personal stories with them.
This study has truly been a wonderful one! I pray daily that you have all gained a nugget of fresh knowledge and have been more prepared in the process of reaching out to your friends, family, and even those you don’t know yet! In order to learn the most effective means of evangelism, find somebody who has accomplished it and learn from them. Be careful who you look to…if you learn from someone who is no longer effective, you will not be effective. If you learn from somebody who has been effective and practices it daily, you too will learn to be effective. Katie and I were blessed to have learned and walked with many wonderful and effective evangelists. If you think about the wisdom of all who have mentored me…I have over 150 years of experience. You should also study under somebody! Make sure the 150 years of experience are from those who are effective and you will be unstoppable in this world!
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
Tonight, brother Chris will bring our lesson concerning commitment and salvation! When you share the gospel with an individual, you cannot stop with only sharing. We have to call for a response of sorts and that is where commitment comes in. If a person accepts the appropriate response, they can move on into salvation. However, we must remember that from time to time, we will need further study with somebody as they may not be ready at the moment. Many times they have objections and questions as Joe discussed in class this morning! Evangelism is about having patience and love. We must make sure our focus is to help them in the process and remember that we may not have all the answers. We must remain vulnerable and able to share our own personal stories with them.
This study has truly been a wonderful one! I pray daily that you have all gained a nugget of fresh knowledge and have been more prepared in the process of reaching out to your friends, family, and even those you don’t know yet! In order to learn the most effective means of evangelism, find somebody who has accomplished it and learn from them. Be careful who you look to…if you learn from someone who is no longer effective, you will not be effective. If you learn from somebody who has been effective and practices it daily, you too will learn to be effective. Katie and I were blessed to have learned and walked with many wonderful and effective evangelists. If you think about the wisdom of all who have mentored me…I have over 150 years of experience. You should also study under somebody! Make sure the 150 years of experience are from those who are effective and you will be unstoppable in this world!
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
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