I was blessed today by the children in our church. I got to lead Children's Church this morning and it was a true blessing. I probably got more out of the lesson than they did. If you read this blog often, you will know that usually I recap the sermon each week. Bro. Edd was away leading revival this week and we had a guest pastor with us today. However; my heart was still satisfied even though I wasn't sitting in a pew this morning. My Children's Church lesson came from Matthew 20: 1 - 16. Many of you may know this to be the parable of the workers. Funny how, the lesson though written for children to understand, made me reflect on my own attitude and life. I think sometimes, we adults, need to be like children. Afterall, we are His children and sometimes He chooses the strangest of ways to speak to us. And yes, sometimes it is through a lesson meant for a child!
One of the hardest lessons we learn is that sometimes life just doesn't seem fair. Last week, the post talked about people who we felt die too early. We hear it all the time, "Why do the good ones always go first?" We walk around admiring people who live like there is no debt and wonder how they do it. You've been there. I know you have. You've said it....."Life isn't fair."
But isn't it?
Let's look at the parable Jesus shared. Read Matthew 20:1 - 16. To paraphrase what happened. So an owner of a vineyard needed help for just one day. He goes out at 6 am and finds men to work. He promises them money for their work. They are to work all day. He sets them to work. He then goes back out around lunchtime and finds more men to work. He promises them the same amount of money as the first group and they are to work the remainder of the day. He sets them to work alongside the men who got there at 6 am. He then goes back out close to quitting time and finds even more men to work. He promises even them the same amount of money as the first two groups and they are to only work for the next hour. He sets them to work alongside all the other men. When it comes time to quit the job for the day, he pays them all the same. Obviously the men who had been there the longest worked more, but were paid exactly the same as the ones who had only worked for an hour. And yes, obviously they felt they deserved more. But isn't the money the landowner's and didn't he have the right to decide what to do with it?
The parable tells us at the beginning that "The kindgom of heaven is like the person who owned the land." And you know what? God is the owner of that land. He sent His son, Jesus to gather us as His workers in the field. Some of us were called at 6 am (or early in life) while some of us are called close to quitting time. Our pay is eternal life in heaven.
This is the part that hit me when I was studying for this lesson. You see, back in 1996, my uncle was murdered. He was a good man in the wrong place at the wrong time. He couldn't hear very well, and had been hired to paint the interior of a new huge home. The owner of this new home was a well known doctor who collected rare guns and artifacts. Someone broke into this new home while my uncle was there painting. He didn't hear the burgular come in till it was too late. What does this have to do with the lesson? Well, it hit me. This guy that murdered my uncle, he could be one of those called close to quitting time by God. His pay is the same as mine. We will both be paid with eternal life in heaven. Did you see that coming? How many of your enemies on earth will walk beside you in Heaven because they were called close to quitting time? Doesn't seem fair does it? I mean, here I am......someone that tries to live my life making choices God would be pleased with. Since I can remember, I have been in church. I have always tried to live right by God. I was called at 6 am to work. I know my pay is coming, but really, I get the same pay as the man who committed murder if he accepts God? YES! Doesn't seem fair but honestly, if we got what was fair, NO ONE WOULD GO TO HEAVEN!!!!! Is it fair of us to claim we are workers for God, yet we just sit in a pew every Sunday? Is it fair of us to claim we talk to God but really the only time we ever talk to Him is on Sunday or when we need something? Really.....are we deserving of the pay we are promised? Thankfully, God loves me even though I am the one being unfair.
Romans 3:23....."All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God!"
Meaning? In God's eyes, all of us are sinners. All of us make mistakes and no mistake, though we tend to rate them on Earth, is bigger than the next in God's eyes. I am so thankful that God is a forgiving God. I have so much that I don't deserve and I know I owe it all to Him. He blesses all of us with so much each day. We often take those blessings for granted. God gives us blessings because He loves us and cares for us......EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US! We are ALL loved the same.
I personally know people, ones I have begged to come to church, that say, "I have done so many bad things in my life." Guess what?!!! It doesn't matter! We have ALL sinned! Their sins are no different than mine. Do not let your mistakes fall on an earthly rating scale. Allow your mistakes to fall on a Heavenly rating scale! Mistakes all weigh the same! God still takes me in day after day, month after month, and minute after minute though my life is not perfect. He loves me through every mistake I make and teaches me valuable lessons in life. Don't wait till quitting time to accept God's calling.....you will miss the blessings of an earthly life with God by your side. I consider that a BONUS on my paycheck! Don't you?
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Question Isn't: "Where Were You?" It is...."Where Will You Be?"
Brother Edd Deaton shared a wonderful message this morning. In the shadows of the 10 year anniversary of the falling of heroes in this United States of America, Sparta Baptist gathered together for a moment of silence and then took a step out of our sheltered box to look at where our country is headed. Many would say that our country has found power and strength, that we are finally united as we should be. But are we where we should be? Brother Deaton took us into the book of Isaiah.
We will focus on Isaiah 1:18 - 31. I encourage you to dig out that Bible and read the scriptures. And as you read them I want you to take out the word "Jerusalem" and substitute it with the "United States of America". Wow! As tragedies occur all around us, we often hear people question God. "Why did God let this happen and to so many good people?" Sadly it isn't God's choice to let this happen. We cause much of this ourselves. Look at how times have changed. Look at what is acceptable now compared to what was acceptable 100 years ago. So much bad is now just accepted as part of being free in this country of ours. God gives us warning to not be polluted by such foolishness. United States is further away from God than we have ever been. As I watch the specials and memorials for 9/11 victims I see people holding hands and crying together and comforting each other, yet I wonder how many of them have cried out to God. How many have accepted Him because they saw no other way out of their misery? How many now thank God for thier lives and blessings with their waking breath? How many made that promise to never take anything for granted, not even their salvation?
Are we fooling ourselves to believe this country is heading in the right direction? Our society has killed our spirt. No longer do women teach their children right from wrong nor do we see kids respecting their parents or elders. We no longer have schools or political systems built on God and His laws. Prayer has been swiped from our children. Unless a child attends church he/she is most likely not exposed to God in any way. And even then, some of our churches have become too politically correct that we are scared to speak God's warnings and laws. What are we doing? Read the scripture! We are turning our backs on God.
You know the song, "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning". Everyone that lived that day can tell you where they were and what they were doing. It is forever sketched into our memories and will be until the day we no longer take breath. But really it isn't about where you "were", it is really where you will "be" that is important! Where will you be when the world changes back to the way God expects it to be? Where will you be when teachers unite together and say, "This isn't right to tell me I can't teach about God or say God or even pray to God and we won't stand for it anymore"? Where will you be when our judges unite together and say, "I can't worry anymore about hurting your feelings or embarrassing you....you did the crime and you will pay the consequence." Where will you be when everyone around you stops thinking selfishly and agrees to help their neighbor in need? Where will you be when it becomes the norm to walk outside and be rushed by a group of people caring about witnessing to you? When our kids' role models stop parading around town like fools in little to no clothing? When television becomes wholesome and shows Christians how to be Christians instead of polluting our minds with filth? When you can turn on the radio and finally hear a song that hit number 1 on the charts and it doesn't have a single curse word in it or talk about sex, drugs, or violence but instead talks about one's walk with God? Imagine living in God's United States of America. It seems so far away from reality because we have just become so immune to the filth around us.
God is asking and begging for a change in our world. We aren't "one nation under God" anymore. We are "one nation in need of God"! And we are fooling ourselves into believing that if we stand united we can overpower anyone. And, unless we are united and following God with our actions we not going to overpower anyone but ourselves.
Where will you be when all Christians stand together to fight for what our country SHOULD be built on?
The sacrifice has already been made and we must not forget. They laid the path, sadly many of us refused to walk the right path and have chosen the path where our pride has wedged itself between us and God.
Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones that day and days since due to the horrible conditions they had to face. The world has not stopped and we must move forward. Our hearts now, more than ever, need to be set on changing our country into a country and world that God is proud of. And where will you be when that happens?
We will focus on Isaiah 1:18 - 31. I encourage you to dig out that Bible and read the scriptures. And as you read them I want you to take out the word "Jerusalem" and substitute it with the "United States of America". Wow! As tragedies occur all around us, we often hear people question God. "Why did God let this happen and to so many good people?" Sadly it isn't God's choice to let this happen. We cause much of this ourselves. Look at how times have changed. Look at what is acceptable now compared to what was acceptable 100 years ago. So much bad is now just accepted as part of being free in this country of ours. God gives us warning to not be polluted by such foolishness. United States is further away from God than we have ever been. As I watch the specials and memorials for 9/11 victims I see people holding hands and crying together and comforting each other, yet I wonder how many of them have cried out to God. How many have accepted Him because they saw no other way out of their misery? How many now thank God for thier lives and blessings with their waking breath? How many made that promise to never take anything for granted, not even their salvation?
Are we fooling ourselves to believe this country is heading in the right direction? Our society has killed our spirt. No longer do women teach their children right from wrong nor do we see kids respecting their parents or elders. We no longer have schools or political systems built on God and His laws. Prayer has been swiped from our children. Unless a child attends church he/she is most likely not exposed to God in any way. And even then, some of our churches have become too politically correct that we are scared to speak God's warnings and laws. What are we doing? Read the scripture! We are turning our backs on God.
You know the song, "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning". Everyone that lived that day can tell you where they were and what they were doing. It is forever sketched into our memories and will be until the day we no longer take breath. But really it isn't about where you "were", it is really where you will "be" that is important! Where will you be when the world changes back to the way God expects it to be? Where will you be when teachers unite together and say, "This isn't right to tell me I can't teach about God or say God or even pray to God and we won't stand for it anymore"? Where will you be when our judges unite together and say, "I can't worry anymore about hurting your feelings or embarrassing you....you did the crime and you will pay the consequence." Where will you be when everyone around you stops thinking selfishly and agrees to help their neighbor in need? Where will you be when it becomes the norm to walk outside and be rushed by a group of people caring about witnessing to you? When our kids' role models stop parading around town like fools in little to no clothing? When television becomes wholesome and shows Christians how to be Christians instead of polluting our minds with filth? When you can turn on the radio and finally hear a song that hit number 1 on the charts and it doesn't have a single curse word in it or talk about sex, drugs, or violence but instead talks about one's walk with God? Imagine living in God's United States of America. It seems so far away from reality because we have just become so immune to the filth around us.
God is asking and begging for a change in our world. We aren't "one nation under God" anymore. We are "one nation in need of God"! And we are fooling ourselves into believing that if we stand united we can overpower anyone. And, unless we are united and following God with our actions we not going to overpower anyone but ourselves.
Where will you be when all Christians stand together to fight for what our country SHOULD be built on?
The sacrifice has already been made and we must not forget. They laid the path, sadly many of us refused to walk the right path and have chosen the path where our pride has wedged itself between us and God.
Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones that day and days since due to the horrible conditions they had to face. The world has not stopped and we must move forward. Our hearts now, more than ever, need to be set on changing our country into a country and world that God is proud of. And where will you be when that happens?
Monday, September 5, 2011
A Lesson For My Heart
I usually post about the message given in church on Sunday morning but this morning I have been led to do something different. This morning my devotional spoke right to me and my heart. This past week has been a difficult one for me. It seems to be true what they say, "When it rains, it pours." It has been one problem right after another this past week for me. I have cried a lot. Early in the week, I found myself saying, "When you get closer to God, Satan gets closer to you....this is just Satan trying to beat on you." I convinced myself everything was going to work out because I am a child of God. Then Saturday rolls around and I have a health scare. Right now, as I type, it is still unknown what is wrong with me. The scariest part is the unknown. What will be done? What will the outcome be? Is it fixable? Is it life threatening? All these thoughts staring me in the face as I type right now. Satan again, sitting in my head laughing at me for being scared. He thinks he has won.....He is mistaken. I opened my bible this morning to do a daily devotion and prayed that God speak to me. Guess what?! He did.
I am a believer that God speaks to me through the great Book! I often in times of question, just let my Bible fall open and believe God will show me answers on the page it opens to. This morning, my Bible opened up to a special devotional page titled: "FEAR"! Wow! When He speaks, He speaks! It wasn't too long ago that my husband and I walked through a storm of fear. In a past post, I shared the devotional message God gave to me then about being on the anvil and that my faith had been restored when God took care of that situation. I still believe He gave us that situation to help us through other trials......um....like the one I am now facing. Sometimes we don't understand why we go through trials in our lives but I can tell you that it is so you can face other trials with more faith than you had in the last trial. Each time you face trials in your life, your faith builds and begin to realize you can depend on God to carry you through every storm. I want to share word for word what my Bible gave me this morning. This comes from the Max Lucado Devotional Bible.
It says:
"Faith is often the child of fear. Fear propelled Peter out of the boat. He'd ridden these waves before. He knew what these storms could do. He'd heard the stories. He'd seen the wreckage. He knew the widos. He knew the storm could kill. And he wanted out.... Look into his eyes tonight and see fear - a suffocating heart racing fear of a man who has no way out. But out of this fear would be born an act of faith, for faith is often the child of fear. If Peter had seen Jesus walking on the water during a calm peaceful day, do you think that he would have walked out to him? Nor do I. Had the lake been carpet smooth and the journey pleasant do you think that Peter would have begged Jesus to take him on a stroll across the top of the water? Doubtful. But give a man a choice between sure death and a crazy chance, and he'll take the chance....every time. Great acts of faith are seldom born out of calm calculation. It wasn't logic that caused Moses to raise his staff on the bank of the Red Sea. It wasn't medical research that convinced Naaman to dip seven times in the river. It wasn't common sense that caused Paul to abandon the Law ans embrace grace. And it wasn't a confident committee that prayed in a small room in Jerusalem for Peter's release from prison. It was a fearful, desperate, band of backed-into-a-corner believers. It was a church with no options. A congregation of have nots pleading for help. And never were they stronger. At the beginning of every act of faith, there is often a seed of fear."
God is speaking to me it seems, almost all the time. My faith in Him will not be shaken. I know that whatever comes my way, He will use this to build me up and make me stronger for my next little storm. This is not going to be the last and I know that. Walking beside God will not always be a smooth road. Without rocks and roadblocks along the way, I would probably be walking the path alone but I realize that God is there walking beside me. If I walk out ahead of Him, I will stumble and get hurt. If I walk beside Him He is there to save me and help me across these hurdles in the way. I can't do this alone. He has to carry me and He will as long as I am willing to crawl up into His arms. I have to trust He knows what He is doing. He counted these tears and knew this day before I was born. He knows the outcome. I just have to trust and have faith in my God.
I know I am not alone. Many people out there are facing trials too. I pray that you are comforted by the words I found this morning in my devotion. I often can feel God cradling me when I need that comfort. I can hear Him saying, "Fear not my child. I am with you. I will take care of it." It gives me peace to know that my God is so awesome that He does teach me faith through my little storms of life. What has He taught you? Think about it.
I am a believer that God speaks to me through the great Book! I often in times of question, just let my Bible fall open and believe God will show me answers on the page it opens to. This morning, my Bible opened up to a special devotional page titled: "FEAR"! Wow! When He speaks, He speaks! It wasn't too long ago that my husband and I walked through a storm of fear. In a past post, I shared the devotional message God gave to me then about being on the anvil and that my faith had been restored when God took care of that situation. I still believe He gave us that situation to help us through other trials......um....like the one I am now facing. Sometimes we don't understand why we go through trials in our lives but I can tell you that it is so you can face other trials with more faith than you had in the last trial. Each time you face trials in your life, your faith builds and begin to realize you can depend on God to carry you through every storm. I want to share word for word what my Bible gave me this morning. This comes from the Max Lucado Devotional Bible.
It says:
"Faith is often the child of fear. Fear propelled Peter out of the boat. He'd ridden these waves before. He knew what these storms could do. He'd heard the stories. He'd seen the wreckage. He knew the widos. He knew the storm could kill. And he wanted out.... Look into his eyes tonight and see fear - a suffocating heart racing fear of a man who has no way out. But out of this fear would be born an act of faith, for faith is often the child of fear. If Peter had seen Jesus walking on the water during a calm peaceful day, do you think that he would have walked out to him? Nor do I. Had the lake been carpet smooth and the journey pleasant do you think that Peter would have begged Jesus to take him on a stroll across the top of the water? Doubtful. But give a man a choice between sure death and a crazy chance, and he'll take the chance....every time. Great acts of faith are seldom born out of calm calculation. It wasn't logic that caused Moses to raise his staff on the bank of the Red Sea. It wasn't medical research that convinced Naaman to dip seven times in the river. It wasn't common sense that caused Paul to abandon the Law ans embrace grace. And it wasn't a confident committee that prayed in a small room in Jerusalem for Peter's release from prison. It was a fearful, desperate, band of backed-into-a-corner believers. It was a church with no options. A congregation of have nots pleading for help. And never were they stronger. At the beginning of every act of faith, there is often a seed of fear."
God is speaking to me it seems, almost all the time. My faith in Him will not be shaken. I know that whatever comes my way, He will use this to build me up and make me stronger for my next little storm. This is not going to be the last and I know that. Walking beside God will not always be a smooth road. Without rocks and roadblocks along the way, I would probably be walking the path alone but I realize that God is there walking beside me. If I walk out ahead of Him, I will stumble and get hurt. If I walk beside Him He is there to save me and help me across these hurdles in the way. I can't do this alone. He has to carry me and He will as long as I am willing to crawl up into His arms. I have to trust He knows what He is doing. He counted these tears and knew this day before I was born. He knows the outcome. I just have to trust and have faith in my God.
I know I am not alone. Many people out there are facing trials too. I pray that you are comforted by the words I found this morning in my devotion. I often can feel God cradling me when I need that comfort. I can hear Him saying, "Fear not my child. I am with you. I will take care of it." It gives me peace to know that my God is so awesome that He does teach me faith through my little storms of life. What has He taught you? Think about it.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Humble Yourself, Pray, Seek, and Ask
Our message this week was a special one with celebrating our 130th year as Sparta Baptist Church. The message fit perfectly as we reflect on the years past we also reflect on the four pillars of being a Christian. Our message comes from:
14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
There are 4 main things we must safeguard as Christians in this scripture.
1.) Humility
2.) Pray
3.) Seek
4.) Ask
Let's begin with humility. Why is it so difficult for people to humble themselves? We all battle this even though we KNOW that Satan uses our pride agaist us. Satan knows he has you when your pride gets between you and the Lord. If you have read this blog before you have already read about the importance of doing things for the glory of God alone and not for the glory of yourself. If you are there doing a service only so people will glorify you, then you are in trouble. How many real blessings has God sent your way but you missed because of your pride? How many times have you robbed ourself the grace and blessings of God because you are too worried about what people think of you? It is time to humble yourself before God and do things for the right reasons. I encourage you to read James 4:10.
Next, lets talk about something Christians don't do enough of......and that is.....Talk to God! Think about this...Do you answer God as quick as you answer your cell phone when it goes off? Do you talk to God as much as you should? We are told to pray without ceasing. That means continuously talking to God because He is there every minute of every single day and night. Why wouldn't we talk to Him? It is like a marriage or relationship where you are giving your partner the silent treatment. Think of how God must feel to be ignored. Do you like to be ignored? Would you like it very much if God decided to ignore you when you needed Him? We should never ignore God and pretend He isn't there. Pray without ceasing! I encourage you to read John 14:13, Ephesians 6:18, and 1 Thesalonians 5:17.
Seek! How often do we judge ourselves as being weak if we are Christians? Have you ever really just sat and thought about what people think of Christians? They see us as being weak and push overs. Being a Christian does not mean we tuck our tails between our legs and become a whimp. We are to stand up for what we believe in. We are to boldly seek His face and His will for us. And here is something to think about: If you are married how often do you seek your spouse's attention and approval? Most likely more than you seek out God's attention and approval! We are to look to God for everything. Read Psalms 27:8.
Lastly, Ask for Forgiveness! We are ALL sinners. We have to daily repent our failures. We hide too much behind our pride somtimes to ask for forgiveness. Sin is like a cancer that eats away your life. You can't do anything on the outside of the world till you take care of your own heart! We keep no secrets from God. It is impossible to do so. Everything we do is clear and lies open before him, and to him we must explain the way we have lived. Read Hebrews 4:13. It is important for us to understand that confession is simply agreeing with God that our acts were wrong. I think so many times people are scared to tell God what they did but really we have it all wrong.....He already knows what we did. Read Nehemiah 15:9.
2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us that these 4 things are important in the Christian walk. He will hear us only if we do these 4 acts together. It is also important to remind those we witness to that no sin is too big to forgive. I think sometimes people who have never stepped inside a church feel they could never step into a church because their sins are just too big and there are so many but we have to let them know He does forgive and He throws our sins as far as the East is from the West. We can no longer allow ourselves and others to hide behind their pride. It is time to get things right. God WANTS to forgive your sinful deeds and thoughts through His grace. When we fall, we can dismiss it, deny it, distort it, or we can deal with it. God wants us to deal with it. Humble yourself, pray, seek God's will instead of your own, and ask for forgiveness!
2 Chronicles 7:14
King James Version (KJV)
14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
There are 4 main things we must safeguard as Christians in this scripture.
1.) Humility
2.) Pray
3.) Seek
4.) Ask
Let's begin with humility. Why is it so difficult for people to humble themselves? We all battle this even though we KNOW that Satan uses our pride agaist us. Satan knows he has you when your pride gets between you and the Lord. If you have read this blog before you have already read about the importance of doing things for the glory of God alone and not for the glory of yourself. If you are there doing a service only so people will glorify you, then you are in trouble. How many real blessings has God sent your way but you missed because of your pride? How many times have you robbed ourself the grace and blessings of God because you are too worried about what people think of you? It is time to humble yourself before God and do things for the right reasons. I encourage you to read James 4:10.
Next, lets talk about something Christians don't do enough of......and that is.....Talk to God! Think about this...Do you answer God as quick as you answer your cell phone when it goes off? Do you talk to God as much as you should? We are told to pray without ceasing. That means continuously talking to God because He is there every minute of every single day and night. Why wouldn't we talk to Him? It is like a marriage or relationship where you are giving your partner the silent treatment. Think of how God must feel to be ignored. Do you like to be ignored? Would you like it very much if God decided to ignore you when you needed Him? We should never ignore God and pretend He isn't there. Pray without ceasing! I encourage you to read John 14:13, Ephesians 6:18, and 1 Thesalonians 5:17.
Seek! How often do we judge ourselves as being weak if we are Christians? Have you ever really just sat and thought about what people think of Christians? They see us as being weak and push overs. Being a Christian does not mean we tuck our tails between our legs and become a whimp. We are to stand up for what we believe in. We are to boldly seek His face and His will for us. And here is something to think about: If you are married how often do you seek your spouse's attention and approval? Most likely more than you seek out God's attention and approval! We are to look to God for everything. Read Psalms 27:8.
Lastly, Ask for Forgiveness! We are ALL sinners. We have to daily repent our failures. We hide too much behind our pride somtimes to ask for forgiveness. Sin is like a cancer that eats away your life. You can't do anything on the outside of the world till you take care of your own heart! We keep no secrets from God. It is impossible to do so. Everything we do is clear and lies open before him, and to him we must explain the way we have lived. Read Hebrews 4:13. It is important for us to understand that confession is simply agreeing with God that our acts were wrong. I think so many times people are scared to tell God what they did but really we have it all wrong.....He already knows what we did. Read Nehemiah 15:9.
2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us that these 4 things are important in the Christian walk. He will hear us only if we do these 4 acts together. It is also important to remind those we witness to that no sin is too big to forgive. I think sometimes people who have never stepped inside a church feel they could never step into a church because their sins are just too big and there are so many but we have to let them know He does forgive and He throws our sins as far as the East is from the West. We can no longer allow ourselves and others to hide behind their pride. It is time to get things right. God WANTS to forgive your sinful deeds and thoughts through His grace. When we fall, we can dismiss it, deny it, distort it, or we can deal with it. God wants us to deal with it. Humble yourself, pray, seek God's will instead of your own, and ask for forgiveness!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
I Know Who You Are On Sunday....But Who Are You Every Other Day?
Our message today comes from Matthew 4:18 - 19.
18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
How does this scripture relate to me? I don't know much about fishing except for the fact that it is absolutely disgusting to bait a hook! The only memory I have of fishing is the time spent with my grandfather out in a barren cow pasture. I couldn't bait the hook....but grandpa did it for me. However; if you thought this scripture was about fishing you are mistaken!
Peter and Andrew were fishing because that was their everyday job. It was how they put food on the table for their families. Today's message is about where you are on Monday through Saturday. Anyone that goes to church with you knows who you are on Sunday. Most know what you do Monday through Saturday. But do they see the same person on Monday through Saturday as they see on Sunday? As Jesus walked by the sea and saw Peter and Andrew fishing there, he called to them saying, "Come and follow me. I will make you fishers of men."
I don't know about you, but in our economy I care about my job and keeping my job. In my line of work, as a public school teacher, I battle this every day. It is sad that I have to tiptoe around with what I say when talking about my Faith. So this is a tough one for me. I would love to be able to just come out and teach my students like I do my Sunday School Class. I would love to share Jesus with them, but by law, I am forbidden. I pray that God takes hold of our schools every night so that I am more free to do that. I am not alone. There are many other jobs out there where our hands are tied. I have to be creative in the ways I share my faith. I do it through love and my actions with my students. I am not quiet about my life outside of school. I try to be a good role-model and teach good morals and values to my kids. Those same morals and values I expect my own daughter to have as she grows up in today's world. But just like Peter and Andrew, God has called me to cast out my net. He has called me to be fishers of men. It is no coincidence that I am a teacher. It is no coincidence that we have so many good Christians as teachers. God knows what He is doing. God placed us there for a reason. God also placed you in your job too for a reason.
Maybe you are to encounter a lost soul God intends for you to help. Maybe you are there because you are a peacemaker and you are surrounded by people who are not. Look around you. Tomorrow, when you go to work, step back and think about why God put you there. Do you realize how important your outside life is to your ministry? How many of us go to bed one person on Sunday night and wake up a totally different person on Monday morning? God knew you before you were born. He knows every hair on your head. He placed you in your job. He knows why he placed you there. What are you chasing? Are you chasing the American dollar or the glory of God? Be who God wants you to be at all hours of every single day no matter where you are.
Peter and Andrew gained the practice of gathering fish. God used their job to train them for His glory. Their everyday practice of catching fish prepared them to gather men together and share the Gospel with them. What is your physical job preparing you for? Why did God put you there?
It is so easy to just say you are a Christian, punch in your clock on Sunday, go home and then get into the groove of 9 to 5 everyday only to do the cycle over again. But how often do we minister outside the church? We typically just walk by, in our daily lives and we turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the problems around us. Oh, but then on Sunday, we sit in our pews and sing our songs and listen to our preacher. 12:00 noon, watches are going off...time to go home! Punch out! See you next Sunday!
Think about this.....how many "Workaholics" do you know? How many people are giving so much time to their job that their family time and God time suffers? I know of a lot of fellow teachers, me included, work in the school on Saturdays and Sundays just to make their lessons perfect and their classrooms ready. At what cost? Our family, time spent with God, maybe even church. Now what if only 1/2 the people in the world worked as hard at ministering as they do in their physical jobs? Instead of being "workaholics" we should be "Godaholics", "Witnessaholics", and "Ministeraholics"! Our complete effort should be spend on working non-stop for Him and His glory. Do you work as hard with your personal walk with God as you do your physical everyday job? Remember, God put you there in that job for a reason. It isn't time to forget God, it is a time to use what you learn in church on Sundays for His glory!
If God brought you to it, He'll see you through it. Do you just punch in on Sunday morning only to punch out at noon? Or do you allow God to punch in with you everyday of the week and work alongside you?
Here is your invitation from God:
18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
How does this scripture relate to me? I don't know much about fishing except for the fact that it is absolutely disgusting to bait a hook! The only memory I have of fishing is the time spent with my grandfather out in a barren cow pasture. I couldn't bait the hook....but grandpa did it for me. However; if you thought this scripture was about fishing you are mistaken!
Peter and Andrew were fishing because that was their everyday job. It was how they put food on the table for their families. Today's message is about where you are on Monday through Saturday. Anyone that goes to church with you knows who you are on Sunday. Most know what you do Monday through Saturday. But do they see the same person on Monday through Saturday as they see on Sunday? As Jesus walked by the sea and saw Peter and Andrew fishing there, he called to them saying, "Come and follow me. I will make you fishers of men."
I don't know about you, but in our economy I care about my job and keeping my job. In my line of work, as a public school teacher, I battle this every day. It is sad that I have to tiptoe around with what I say when talking about my Faith. So this is a tough one for me. I would love to be able to just come out and teach my students like I do my Sunday School Class. I would love to share Jesus with them, but by law, I am forbidden. I pray that God takes hold of our schools every night so that I am more free to do that. I am not alone. There are many other jobs out there where our hands are tied. I have to be creative in the ways I share my faith. I do it through love and my actions with my students. I am not quiet about my life outside of school. I try to be a good role-model and teach good morals and values to my kids. Those same morals and values I expect my own daughter to have as she grows up in today's world. But just like Peter and Andrew, God has called me to cast out my net. He has called me to be fishers of men. It is no coincidence that I am a teacher. It is no coincidence that we have so many good Christians as teachers. God knows what He is doing. God placed us there for a reason. God also placed you in your job too for a reason.
Maybe you are to encounter a lost soul God intends for you to help. Maybe you are there because you are a peacemaker and you are surrounded by people who are not. Look around you. Tomorrow, when you go to work, step back and think about why God put you there. Do you realize how important your outside life is to your ministry? How many of us go to bed one person on Sunday night and wake up a totally different person on Monday morning? God knew you before you were born. He knows every hair on your head. He placed you in your job. He knows why he placed you there. What are you chasing? Are you chasing the American dollar or the glory of God? Be who God wants you to be at all hours of every single day no matter where you are.
Peter and Andrew gained the practice of gathering fish. God used their job to train them for His glory. Their everyday practice of catching fish prepared them to gather men together and share the Gospel with them. What is your physical job preparing you for? Why did God put you there?
It is so easy to just say you are a Christian, punch in your clock on Sunday, go home and then get into the groove of 9 to 5 everyday only to do the cycle over again. But how often do we minister outside the church? We typically just walk by, in our daily lives and we turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the problems around us. Oh, but then on Sunday, we sit in our pews and sing our songs and listen to our preacher. 12:00 noon, watches are going off...time to go home! Punch out! See you next Sunday!
Think about this.....how many "Workaholics" do you know? How many people are giving so much time to their job that their family time and God time suffers? I know of a lot of fellow teachers, me included, work in the school on Saturdays and Sundays just to make their lessons perfect and their classrooms ready. At what cost? Our family, time spent with God, maybe even church. Now what if only 1/2 the people in the world worked as hard at ministering as they do in their physical jobs? Instead of being "workaholics" we should be "Godaholics", "Witnessaholics", and "Ministeraholics"! Our complete effort should be spend on working non-stop for Him and His glory. Do you work as hard with your personal walk with God as you do your physical everyday job? Remember, God put you there in that job for a reason. It isn't time to forget God, it is a time to use what you learn in church on Sundays for His glory!
If God brought you to it, He'll see you through it. Do you just punch in on Sunday morning only to punch out at noon? Or do you allow God to punch in with you everyday of the week and work alongside you?
Here is your invitation from God:
YOU HAVE BEEN INVITED TO BE A FISHER OF MEN
Who: YOU
Where: EVERYWHERE YOU GO
What: MINISTER TO OTHERS THROUGH WORDS AND ACTIONS
When: NOW!!!!
Why: WHEN THOSE WHO ARE CALLED TO FISH, FISH THEY FLOURISH AND GOD CALLED YOU TO DO SO!!!!
Tomorrow when you clock in, look around you. Are you missing the opportunity to bait your hook or are you waiting for someone else to do it for you? Did you purposely leave God at home or did He help you clock in? Cast out your net everywhere you go and be a fisher of men!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Are You Willing To Step Out Of The Boat?
Our message today comes from Matthew 14: 26 - 31.
26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Most people have heard this story of Jesus walking on the water. Many relate it to miracles of Jesus but there is so much more to this scripture than just the miracles Jesus performed. It is about stepping out of the boat on FAITH. If we are ever going to act on our full potential as Christians we must get out of the boat. Many are scared to even get into the boat let alone step out of the boat. Jesus told Peter to "Come and step out of the boat." Peter knew the water was beneath him. He knew he would need to take a leap of faith to step onto the water with Jesus. Imagine the thoughts that probably went through his head before stepping onto the water. He stepped out and for a moment walked on the water with Jesus, but the minute he let his FEAR get the best of him, he began to sink.
FEAR can help us grow but FEAR can also cripple us. You either have FEAR WITH FAITH or you have FEAR WITHOUT FAITH. Fear WITH Faith is good. People that possess Fear With Faith act on their callings. People that possess Fear Without Faith are the ones that sit in the boat all their lives. How many of us are sitting in the boat and just watching the others step out of the boat? A lot of people who attend church are doing just that. They are afraid to step up because something requires too much responsibility or time or they are afraid of what others will say to them. OR they are afraid they will be asked to do even more?! Many church going people think and act in this way...."No, pastor, I think today I am going to just sit in this boat where I am comfortable and let everyone else step out. I'm too tired. I'm too old. I'm too young. I'm not good at this or that. But, pastor, when Jesus returns, I'll be ready."
LISTEN.....Do you really think God is going to notice you if you are just sitting in the boat? He will come for those with FAITH. You are either WITH Him or AGAINST Him. Where are you? Are you sitting in the boat letting everyone else do the work YOU are being called to do? Are you scared like Peter was to step out. Jesus said, "DO NOT BE AFRAID." Look at the scripture again. What happened when Peter began to sink? He called out, "Save me." Jesus didn't just let him drown. Jesus grabbed him and helped him.
We are seeing churches fall and sink because people are just sitting in the boat afraid to step out. Noah never told God, "You got the wrong man." Noah "got out of the boat" in a sense. He took a leap of faith. He listened to God's commands and acted on them. If you are struggling with a decision to serve, God is telling you to "Come" just as Jesus said to Peter. It isn't what you've got, it is what He will give you. What exactly have we to fear (except answering to God)? STEP OUT of the BOAT!
You either have to step out of the boat or we will just be another church. Your church can not grow and DO WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO DO if all the member lazily just sit in the boat. Don't put it off another day. God has a plan for you. No excuses will be accepted.
Great is the reward for those that step out of the boat. This week I encourage you to look up and study the following scriptures. Genesis 15:1, Matthew 5:12, Matthew 6:1 - 2, Revelation 20:11, Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10. Please, I urge you....if God has spoken to you, don't just sit there! Get out of the boat and serve!
26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Most people have heard this story of Jesus walking on the water. Many relate it to miracles of Jesus but there is so much more to this scripture than just the miracles Jesus performed. It is about stepping out of the boat on FAITH. If we are ever going to act on our full potential as Christians we must get out of the boat. Many are scared to even get into the boat let alone step out of the boat. Jesus told Peter to "Come and step out of the boat." Peter knew the water was beneath him. He knew he would need to take a leap of faith to step onto the water with Jesus. Imagine the thoughts that probably went through his head before stepping onto the water. He stepped out and for a moment walked on the water with Jesus, but the minute he let his FEAR get the best of him, he began to sink.
FEAR can help us grow but FEAR can also cripple us. You either have FEAR WITH FAITH or you have FEAR WITHOUT FAITH. Fear WITH Faith is good. People that possess Fear With Faith act on their callings. People that possess Fear Without Faith are the ones that sit in the boat all their lives. How many of us are sitting in the boat and just watching the others step out of the boat? A lot of people who attend church are doing just that. They are afraid to step up because something requires too much responsibility or time or they are afraid of what others will say to them. OR they are afraid they will be asked to do even more?! Many church going people think and act in this way...."No, pastor, I think today I am going to just sit in this boat where I am comfortable and let everyone else step out. I'm too tired. I'm too old. I'm too young. I'm not good at this or that. But, pastor, when Jesus returns, I'll be ready."
LISTEN.....Do you really think God is going to notice you if you are just sitting in the boat? He will come for those with FAITH. You are either WITH Him or AGAINST Him. Where are you? Are you sitting in the boat letting everyone else do the work YOU are being called to do? Are you scared like Peter was to step out. Jesus said, "DO NOT BE AFRAID." Look at the scripture again. What happened when Peter began to sink? He called out, "Save me." Jesus didn't just let him drown. Jesus grabbed him and helped him.
We are seeing churches fall and sink because people are just sitting in the boat afraid to step out. Noah never told God, "You got the wrong man." Noah "got out of the boat" in a sense. He took a leap of faith. He listened to God's commands and acted on them. If you are struggling with a decision to serve, God is telling you to "Come" just as Jesus said to Peter. It isn't what you've got, it is what He will give you. What exactly have we to fear (except answering to God)? STEP OUT of the BOAT!
You either have to step out of the boat or we will just be another church. Your church can not grow and DO WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO DO if all the member lazily just sit in the boat. Don't put it off another day. God has a plan for you. No excuses will be accepted.
Great is the reward for those that step out of the boat. This week I encourage you to look up and study the following scriptures. Genesis 15:1, Matthew 5:12, Matthew 6:1 - 2, Revelation 20:11, Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10. Please, I urge you....if God has spoken to you, don't just sit there! Get out of the boat and serve!
Monday, August 1, 2011
How to Grow
We want to welcome Brother Edd Deaton and his family to our church family. Brother Edd has officially taken the job of shepherd in our church. We thank God for this man being given to us. We know great things are happening before our very eyes and are overflowing with excitement to see what God has in store for us! This past Sunday Edd shared a sermon on tithing. However; it wasn't what you think.
When you want your love for someone to grow, or a relationship to grow, what kinds of things do you do? You most likely said, "Sacrifice". You have a beautiful child to raise...what do you do to help them grow? You sacrifice and become selfless. Can you buy love? We all know the answer to that question is no. When you want your marriage to grow, do you do it with money? Do you just toss out 100$ here and 100$ there and expect your spouse to love you more because of it? No, to truly allow your relationship to grow you make sacrifices for that person. You stop being so selfish and you give a little more. You give of yourself, your time, your efforts, etc... Have you ever stopped to think about growing your relationship with God or growing as a church even? What do we automatically think of when we shift our minds to growing a church? That's right.....money. But God doesn't want our money.....he wants our sacrifice. Just like we sacrifice for our children, He sacrificed for us. He gave more than we could ever give our children. He gave His only son to die on the cross to save us from our sins. It hurts God to see us so unappreciative of His sacrifice. If we want our churches to grow, we must sacrifice more than money. We must sacrifice our time, efforts, wisdom and talents. We must give our ALL! If God has your heart, He has your wallet. So many churches fall into that money trap but we mustn't. We must give of our hearts and minds. Those are the real tithes God expects from us.
In Mark 12:42 we read about the widow woman who had very little to give. In fact she had, to her name, only 1/2 a penny. She had no food, no husband to take care of her, no one, yet she gave all she had. Yet, the richest of rich dumped loads of money into the offering plate. Jesus stood up and said that the widower had given more than anyone else there. When she dropped that small offering into that plate, she was offering so much more than 1/2 cent. She was demonstrating her trust in the Lord. She had faith that He would take care of her. As He promises to do. Do you think it was easy for her to give all she had? Most likely, no. It won't be an easy road for anyone that makes sacrifices for God because that is the very thing that feeds Satan. He preys on people who give their ALL. This doesn't give you the excuse though to just sit around and let a few people do all the work either. God doesn't just call a few of us, He is calling ALL of us. We are all expecting to get into the same wonderful Heaven therefore we are all expected to tithe what we have for the honor of God.
We don't all have the same wisdom and talents. Some of us are called to pray, some are called to sing, some are called to guide and teach, some are called to witness, some are called to love and listen. Your job is to listen to what God calls you to do and then give your ALL in that area. A chain isn't a chain with just one link. We all have to do what we are called to do with 100% effort and sacrifice in order to grow as a church. We are to work as a team together in order to grow. It is like a college basketball game. The biggest game or our lives! We will never grow to our full protential if some of our teammates just want to sit on the bench. You want the church to grow, you must be willing to work. Remember this: NO ONE is EVER called to be a PEW WARMER! Help us grow. Pray to God that He let's you know what your calling is. Once you discover that, give 100% to it! That IS what we are told to do....."Deny thyself, pick up your cross, and follow me." This is the Final Four people. We must work to win (grow). It isn't time to sit on the bench....it's time to shine. The "head" of the NBA is watching this game! I'd hate to see you LOOKED OVER or TRADED to that "other" team!
When you want your love for someone to grow, or a relationship to grow, what kinds of things do you do? You most likely said, "Sacrifice". You have a beautiful child to raise...what do you do to help them grow? You sacrifice and become selfless. Can you buy love? We all know the answer to that question is no. When you want your marriage to grow, do you do it with money? Do you just toss out 100$ here and 100$ there and expect your spouse to love you more because of it? No, to truly allow your relationship to grow you make sacrifices for that person. You stop being so selfish and you give a little more. You give of yourself, your time, your efforts, etc... Have you ever stopped to think about growing your relationship with God or growing as a church even? What do we automatically think of when we shift our minds to growing a church? That's right.....money. But God doesn't want our money.....he wants our sacrifice. Just like we sacrifice for our children, He sacrificed for us. He gave more than we could ever give our children. He gave His only son to die on the cross to save us from our sins. It hurts God to see us so unappreciative of His sacrifice. If we want our churches to grow, we must sacrifice more than money. We must sacrifice our time, efforts, wisdom and talents. We must give our ALL! If God has your heart, He has your wallet. So many churches fall into that money trap but we mustn't. We must give of our hearts and minds. Those are the real tithes God expects from us.
In Mark 12:42 we read about the widow woman who had very little to give. In fact she had, to her name, only 1/2 a penny. She had no food, no husband to take care of her, no one, yet she gave all she had. Yet, the richest of rich dumped loads of money into the offering plate. Jesus stood up and said that the widower had given more than anyone else there. When she dropped that small offering into that plate, she was offering so much more than 1/2 cent. She was demonstrating her trust in the Lord. She had faith that He would take care of her. As He promises to do. Do you think it was easy for her to give all she had? Most likely, no. It won't be an easy road for anyone that makes sacrifices for God because that is the very thing that feeds Satan. He preys on people who give their ALL. This doesn't give you the excuse though to just sit around and let a few people do all the work either. God doesn't just call a few of us, He is calling ALL of us. We are all expecting to get into the same wonderful Heaven therefore we are all expected to tithe what we have for the honor of God.
We don't all have the same wisdom and talents. Some of us are called to pray, some are called to sing, some are called to guide and teach, some are called to witness, some are called to love and listen. Your job is to listen to what God calls you to do and then give your ALL in that area. A chain isn't a chain with just one link. We all have to do what we are called to do with 100% effort and sacrifice in order to grow as a church. We are to work as a team together in order to grow. It is like a college basketball game. The biggest game or our lives! We will never grow to our full protential if some of our teammates just want to sit on the bench. You want the church to grow, you must be willing to work. Remember this: NO ONE is EVER called to be a PEW WARMER! Help us grow. Pray to God that He let's you know what your calling is. Once you discover that, give 100% to it! That IS what we are told to do....."Deny thyself, pick up your cross, and follow me." This is the Final Four people. We must work to win (grow). It isn't time to sit on the bench....it's time to shine. The "head" of the NBA is watching this game! I'd hate to see you LOOKED OVER or TRADED to that "other" team!
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