IMPROVING MY BIBLE IQ (part 2)

The following are some suggested steps anyone can follow to improve their Bible IQ.  In a previous post (Improving My Bible IQ part 1) I explained how important Bible study is to developing a more intimate understanding of God.

Step 1 - Decide to study the Bible. 
The first step in every action is a decision to act.  In other words, Bible study doesn’t just happen by accident, it is intentional! 

Impress these words of Mine on your hearts and souls, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Deuteronomy 11:18 (HCSB)

Step 2 -  Deal with attitudes that might interfere with learning.
Jesus told a parable about a sower, the seed, and four types of soil (Luke chapter 8).  In that story the soils represent four different attitudes we can have toward God’s Word (the seed).  Attitude is a never-ending struggle.  I must confess there are days when I begin my study with the thought “let me get this done so I can move on.”  Every day I have to deal with all kinds of negative attitudes before my mind and heart is ready to read the Bible.  The key to winning this battle is prayer. 

Step 3 - Join a small group Bible study.
I cannot say enough about the importance of small group Bible study (aka Sunday School) to a believer. Here are just a few of the MANY REASONS why small group Bible study is so important. Jesus taught in small groups as did many of the apostles.  There is a reason for this, small groups (groups of twelve or less) have a level of intimacy.  Also within a small group there is shared interest and mutual support.  Finally, small group studies have a learning dynamic not available in learning groups of thirty or more. There is a large amount of literature on this topic, email me for a list of recommended texts. 

When He was alone with the Twelve, those who were around Him asked Him about the parables. Mark 4:10 (HCSB)

Step 4 - Take sermon notes.
Taking sermon notes produces positive results.  Many churches today provide an outline or a “fill in the blank” guide.  These are good places to start.  But, even if the pastor provides a “hand out” I recommend taking one’s own notes.  This allows space for the listener to write thoughts and questions that popup during the course of the sermon.  It also requires a higher level of attentiveness resulting in a greater retention.  With the invention of Ipad, Kendel, and other “tablets,” it is very easy to keep notes and organize them for future review. 

As a matter of fact, I still have on my book shelf the notebooks containing every sermon I ever heard between 1995 and 2002 (in 2002 I began keeping electronic copies). I have referred back to some of those sermons from time to time and received a blessing from those notes.  Every sermon is a commentary, just that some are better than others. (See Acts chapter 7)

When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”  “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts 8:30-31 (HCSB)       

Step 5 - Devote time daily to Bible study

A key factor in daily Bible study involves time.  Be consistent, try to study at the same time every day. Answer the question, “When is the best time for me to study?”  When I was in Army Basic Training, the answer was, “During my breaks.” For some moms, the best time is during the children’s nap time.  As a school teacher, it was easier for me to get up earlier and do it in the morning before I left home for work (this is still my practice as a pastor)

And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes,
Deuteronomy 17:19 (NASB)

Step 6 - Focus on quality not quantity.
It is good to read through the Bible in a year.  Every believer should do that at some point.  But I think it is better to spend a year reading and studying the Gospels.  I have a study method that I call the Jacob principle.  In Genesis Jacob wrestles with the Lord until daybreak.  Jacob says, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” (Gen. 32:24-28) 

The Jacob principle works this way.  Before I sit down to study, I pray, “Lord, I’m going to read this passage over and over (i.e. I will not let go) until you bless me with comprehension.  Then commit to reading that passage daily until it happens. 

The first time I practiced this style of study is when I was taking a doctoral seminar on the Gospel of Mark.  In preparation for the class, I decided to read a chapter of Mark every day until I finished the book.  Each day at the beginning of my study time I would say, “Lord, I’m going to read this Gospel over and over until you bless me.”  After I finished reading Mark the first time I thought, “Ok, that was nice, but I don’t feel like I’ve learned anything new.” So, I started over.  It was during the third time through the Gospel that the Scripture literally began to explode in my brain!  I think God was testing me to see if I was truly committed to reading His word.

Years later in preparing to teach 1 Peter, I applied the Jacob principle again and God blessed me in the same way.  In fact, I have practiced this for every difficult passage I’ve ever had to preach / teach and every time God has blessed my faithfulness. Sometimes it is the second reading, sometimes the fourth or fifth, but He is always faithful to reveal His Words to me.

For the record, I’ve been advocating this method of study for several years and every person who has followed it has experienced similar results.  Now this is nothing new, it is simply putting Scripture to practice.  Now that is a novel thought!

How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 (HCSB)

Step 7 - Make it a practice to memorize scripture

"Guard my words as your most precious possession.  Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart."   Pr. 7:2-3

Memorizing scripture can help me resist temptation.  It can help me identify false teaching.  It provides comfort and strength when I a troubled and discouraged.  Also it helps me to witness to unbelievers.

Right now someone is reading this and thinking something like, “I can’t memorize things.”  I used to be one of those people. For those who believe that they cannot memorize anything, here are two verses to read, meditate, and memorize:

I can do all things through Him [Christ] who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NASB)

Next, memorize this verse.

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10 (NASB)

Here are a few suggestions that may help to memorize a verse or piece of scripture:
1.  Pick a verse that speaks to you.        
2.  Study the verse, it’s context and meaning.
3.  Read the verse aloud many times.  Record it!       
4.  Break the verse into natural phrases.
5. Say the reference before and after the verse.
6.  Write out the verse on a flash card and carry it with you.    (Also use your smart phone)
7. Display your verses in prominent places, like your computer screen saver, background, or home screen.
8.  Put the verse to music.  Write a song or learn a song already written about that verse.    
9.  Get a partner so you can check each other.

KNOW THE WORD

We shouldn't let the fact that we can’t know everything about the Bible deter us from learning as much as we can about God’s Word!  By the same token, we shouldn't allow the thought that we can never know everything about God keep us from developing an intimate relationship with Him.

Theology teaches us about God.  Who He is, His attributes, His values, and His nature.  However, it is through personal interaction with God, primarily through His Word combined with prayer, that we get to know God.  That is to say, knowing about God is not the same as knowing God.

Granted, the Bible does speak of a “saving knowledge” (see Hebrews 10:26), however, it’s not the knowledge that saves rather it is hearing the message of available forgiveness.  A. W. Tozer addressed this very thought when he wrote:

The uncomprehending mind is unaffected by truth. The intellect of the hearer may grasp saving knowledge while yet the heart makes no moral response to it. (Born after Midnight, p.62)

The modern church, for the past 100 years, has communicated that the goal of the church is to convert unbelievers to believers.  Our efforts should not terminate with another’s salvation, instead we are to guide the unbeliever through salvation to holiness! Don’t get me wrong, salvation is important. But it’s the first step.  I am convinced that it’s our sanctification, that is to say, our holiness that is God’s goal for us.

We are indeed saved by grace and not by our intellect (or sight).  It is not how much we know, but rather it is who we know that counts.  However, our salvation is the beginning of our relationship with God.  We need to “mature in Christ” and that requires Bible study.

God provided the Scriptures as a way of displaying His nature and character to us.  He interacts with us through the Bible to guide us to understand Him (to some degree) and know how to please Him.

We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28 (HCSB)

Peter writes, “Be Holy . . .” (1 Pe. 1:16) and in doing so  quotes from three different texts in Leviticus (Lev. 11:44;  Lev 19:2;  Lev 20:7) all of which command us to do that very thing.  So holiness should be our goal and that will not be achieved without the work of the Holy Spirit accomplished through Bible study.

Holiness is often confused with perfection or sinlessness. To be holy is to be “set apart for God.”  To be sanctified.  Our path to holiness involves developing an intimate relationship with God.  Growing in our understanding of His nature and character.  The primary way of doing this is through Bible study.

There is among church attendees an epidemic of  biblical illiteracy.  The results of this biblical illiteracy is a shallow relationship with God.  This shallowness is displayed through apathy, marginal participation, diminished giving among believers.
 
Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., the President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, wrote:

Christians who lack biblical knowledge are the products of churches that marginalize biblical knowledge. Bible teaching now often accounts for only a diminishing fraction of the local congregation's time and attention. (“The Scandal of Biblical Illiteracy: It's Our Problem” www.christianity.com/print/1270946)

If we, as obedient followers of Christ, are to fulfill “The Great Commission” (Mt. 28:19-20), if we are to “make disciples”, then we have to know God’s Word.  More importantly, we need to know God!  Knowing about God isn't enough, we need to know Him like a child knows it’s father, like a loving wife knows her loving husband.  That is the only way we can function as obedient children of a loving Father.

AND the only way we can do that is by reading, studying, meditating on The Bible.

After all it’s not rocket science.

Therefore, get your minds ready for action, being self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance  but, as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct;  for it is written, "Be holy, because I am holy."  1 Peter 1:13-16 (HCSB)

FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY (part 2)

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and
do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NASB)

In my last post I wrote of freedom and responsibility from a social point of view.  In this post I’ll write regarding freedom and responsibility within the church specifically and Christianity in general. 

There is much freedom in Christianity.  We are free from meaningless rituals. We are free from human or animal sacrifices. We are free from legalism and what I call “behavior management” religion.  There is freedom is styles of worship, posture in prayer, and places to serve. Most importantly we are free from working to be “good enough” for Heaven.  Also, while we are commanded to tell others about God’s FREE gift of salvation, we are not held accountable for their free choice. 

However, like our nation (click see previous post), the church has failed to “keep standing firm” thus succumbing to inconsistencies.  It is quite possible that these inconsistencies within the church have been instrumental in supporting the inconsistences which exist in our society.  To be blunt, where society may have some excuse for being inconsistent, the church has none. 

Twenty-first century Christians gather weekly to declare our loyalty to God.  We sing praises to The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.  We proclaim the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the offer of salvation that results from that sacrifice. But when the service is over, we depart the gathering to live like everyone else. 

In our daily lives, no appears to be no significant difference in our behavior and the behavior of those who don’t believe.  More importantly, for all of our singing, clapping, teaching, preaching, and other activities designed to exalt God, once we are away from church, we tend to live lives of secret agent Christians, fearing to reveal our true identities. 

We will never speak louder or more clearly about our faith as when we live it out openly and without shame.  It is not enough to say “God is my top priority.” we must demonstrate it in our choices.  Not just the choices we make publicly, but also the choices we make privately. 

If I want a better World, we have to have a better nation.  If I want to have a better nation, we have to be a better state.  If I want to have a better state, we have to be a better county.  If I want to have a better county I have to be a better city.  If I want to have a better city, we have to be a better community.  If I want to have a better community, we have to be a better church.  If I want to have a better church, our families have to be better families.  If I want to have a better family I have to be a better me.  If I want to be a better me, I have to commit to living like Jesus! 

In our freedom to live, we cannot neglect our responsibility to imitate Jesus.  In our freedom from the punishment of sin, we cannot neglect our responsibility to make disciples of Jesus.  So it all comes down to who I want to be like.  Do I want to be like me or do I want to be like Jesus?

WHY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FAIL

What is your New Year resolution?  A common question among Americans during the first two weeks of January.  Many people, in hopes of self improvement, at the start of a new calendar year, resolve to live, think, behave, differently than they did the previous year.  A noble cause to say the least, but equally common as making a resolution is the failure to achieve our goal.

I am convinced that the majority of resolutions fail because they are motivated by selfish ambition. They commonly have an inward focus. We choose our goal(s) because of a benefit we will receive.  We choose to get in shape because we will become more attractive.  We choose to be kinder because we will gain more friends.  We choose to donate more time or money because we want to feel less guilty.  I think you get my point. 

Just because a resolution is inwardly focused doesn’t mean it’s bad.

For example, among the top ten resolutions is “to lose weight” in the coming year. We may chose to do this for several reasons: for our own health; for comfort; for our appearance; or to encourage and motivate others to do the same.

When we look at these reasons we may notice that they mostly focus on the positive results enjoyed by ourselves. However we all have a responsibility to those who love us to maintain good health. We have a responsibility to God to be a good "care taker" of  the body that He has provided for us to use. Also we have a responsibility to those who are and will be in need of help, to be available to provide the help they need.

HOW TO MAKE A RESOLUTION WE CAN KEEP

First, realize we all have a natural human tendency to be selfish and prideful.  So begin to think of making others a priority over myself.

¹³ You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. ¹⁴ So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. John 13:13-15 (HCSB)

Second, make a (short and realistic) list of ways I can make a difference this year in my church and community. Start with obvious areas where volunteers are needed.  Be aware that I may need to think in terms of which person or family, instead of an entire church or community.           

Third, pray about which single difference to get involved in and commit to playing a role in that activity for the entire year.

 ¹⁷ Pray constantly. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (HCSB)

¹²“ I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.¹³ Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.¹⁴ If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:12-14 (HCSB)

Finally,  avoid the "spot light", resist the desire to draw attention to how hard we are serving or the difference we may or may not be making.

 ⁹ Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 1 Peter 4:9 (HCSB)

Remember, it's not us, it's about serving God and making a difference in SOMEONE ELSE'S life.

³⁴ “I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (HCSB)

PRESS ON OR MOVE ON

About ten years ago my family and I walked into our first worship service at Deltona Lakes Baptist Church.  Right away we could feel the warmth of Christian love among the congregation.  Since that day, my family has been blessed to know the feeling of Koinonia* that can only exist in the hearts of God’s people. Not only have I experience this special love, but I have been blessed to witness many of our church members demonstrate that same love to each other and even to strangers!

It is said that the average stay of a pastor is 2.7 years (I once interviewed at a church that was preparing to hire their 6th youth pastor in 5 years). Our senior pastor is beginning his 21st year and I my eleventh.  There have been many difficult times, times when either or both of us have wanted to run away, but we have held onto God’s calling on our lives and stayed faithful to His ministry assignment.

Mature Christians learn to persevere through hardships and persecution. In fact, endurance is a requirement for spiritual maturity!

But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:4 (HCSB)

Ministry leaders will never develop a deep trusting relationship with God as long as we “jump ship” every time the job becomes unpleasant or difficult. If strong human relationships require a strong commitment how much more will a strong spiritual relationship also require a strong commitment to God?

Remember the earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions, and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way. For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession. So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised. Hebrews 10:32-36 (HCSB)

Note the key words the writer uses in this piece of scripture: hard struggle, sufferings, and sympathized with prisoners. Specifically, he uses the word endure three times once in past tense, once in present tense, and in the future tense.  The Bible seems to place a premium on endurance and perseverance.

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 2 Peter 1:5-7 (HCSB)

Reflecting back on the past ten years, I am amazed at the many ways God has blessed our congregation.  When we had 3 hurricanes in 6 weeks (we jokingly refer to this as “40 days of hurricanes), God protected us.  When our backs were against the wall financially, God provided for us. When we sent teams to help other towns following tornadoes and hurricanes, God prepared us. Singer Andre’ Crouch expressed it this way, “If never had any problems, then I’d never know that God could solve them.”  There is no denying that the Spirit of God continues to be at work. 

You are the God who works wonders; You revealed Your strength among the peoples.
Psalm 77:14 (HCSB)

There must be many in ministry who are struggling with the tough question, “Do I stay or go?” or “Should I press on or should I move on?” Only God can correctly answer those questions.  Have the courage to pray “I will not let go of this work until You bless me.” (Genesis 32:26 paraphrased).

So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.  Galatians 6:9 (HCSB)

My point is to demonstrate the value of the blessings received from enduring in any God-given ministry assignment. The day will come when we will say “It is done.” and we will pass the leadership role on to another. But until that day comes lets all continue to fight the good fight, endure hardship, and finish the task God has appointed us to complete.


* For more on Koinonia see: my post “Back to Blogging” at: http://docfox09.blogspot.com/2012/10/back-to-blogging.html

PSALM 55 AT 55

John Denver wrote, “I've been lately thinking about my life's time. All the things I've done and how it's been.” (Poems, Prayers, & Promises, 1971) The funny thing about these lyrics is that he wrote them at the age of 27.  I’m sure at 27 John thought he had lived a long life.  Another singer from the 70's declared, “Once was the thought inside my head, by the time I reached 30 I’d be dead.”

God, listen to my prayer and do not ignore my plea for help. Pay attention to me and answer me. I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint, because of the enemy’s voice, because of the pressure of the wicked. For they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger. My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me. Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. How far away I would flee; I would stay in the wilderness. Psalm 55:1-6

Psalm 55 opens with a call to God for help.  The writer begins by begging Elohim (Hebrew for God Almighty) just to listen to his plea.  I can not help but sense the helplessness and the feeling of abandonment obviously felt by the psalmist.  These depth of the author’s despair is evident as he expresses his wish to just “fly away”, in an effort to escape from the massive trouble which engulfs him.

In the movie Forest Gump, young Jenny's father is chasing her through the fields to beat her. Jenny and Forest are holding hands and kneeling together while hiding in the field. Jenny begins to pray, “Dear God, make me a bird. So I could fly far. Far, far away from here.”

When we have troubles in our lives, often the easiest thing to do is to run away. This is especially true when the trouble(s) in our life is overwhelming.  We may see the only choice available is to “fly away” to abandon the Titanic.  However, there are times when the best solution is to stand our ground and defend the Alamo.  It is hard to discern which is the appropriate action.

But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Psalm 55:16

A major problem we have is we try to handle life on our own power.  A problem arises in our life and we address it with all our might.  After we have tried everything we know to try, the problem not only still exists, but now looms larger.  We then, as a last resort, turn to prayer hoping God will bail us out.

When we bring problems to God, He will communicate to us when to fight, when to flee, and when to wait.  The question before each of us is, “If I believe that there is a God and if I believe He answers prayer, then why don’t I pray first and react second?”

I complain and groan morning, noon, and night, and He hears my voice.  Though many are against me, He will redeem me from my battle unharmed. God, the One enthroned from long ago, will hear, and will humiliate them.  Psalm 55:17-19

We need to take note that at the beginning of his lament, the psalmist begs for God to listen to his prayer.  However, after listing his complaints, the writer shares his assurance that not only does the Lord hear, but He will also rescue him.  The phrase, “Though many are against me” implies there is no trouble too tough, no problem too powerful, in short, nothing too big, for God!

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalm 55:22

There were many times in my own life, when I've faced physical harm, even death, in those times, God chose to protect me.  Additionally, there were other times when I've felt rejected, dejected, abandoned, and afraid, yet as I remember those times, I can now see how God was there with me.

This week I will complete 55 years of living and walking on God’s good Earth.  Like John, I too have spent some time thinking on my life. Looking at my past I have some regret, some pride, but mostly lots of gratitude.  Like Mr. Denver, I can say  “It’s been a good life all in all.”

My life has been one of trials, turmoil, and troubles, as well as blessings, pleasure, promises, and praise.  Those experiences allow me to echo, “cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you.”

But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You. Psalm 55:23

Like Forest Gump, “ I may not be a smart man” at lest I don’t claim to be smart.  However, after a life of undeserved blessings, undeserved forgiveness, and undeserved protection, I too declare to God, “I will trust in You.”

BIBLE KNOWLEDGE AT ALL-TIME LOW

I spend a lot of time emphasizing the importance of Christians knowing and living by God’s Word.  one reason I am so passionate about Bible study is because the Bible is our instruction book for life. In fact, EVERY relational problem that occurs in any church directly results from ignorance of God’s Word.

Recently I read several articles which presented various survey results that demonstrated a high level of biblical illiteracy among Christians in the United States. These results underscore the need for 100% of church attendees to be involved in a group Bible study.  Here is a summery of those articles followed by my "take-a-way".

In 2009, the National Biblical Literacy Survey demonstrated that biblical knowledge in people younger than 45 years old is in decline.  Of the more than 900 people from faith and non-faith backgrounds surveyed, fewer than one in 20 could name all of the Ten Commandments.  Additionally, 62%  did not know the parable of the Prodigal Son and 60% could not name anything about the story of the Good Samaritan. That is not the worst of it! the survey also showed that young people think of the Bible as "old fashioned" and "not relevant" to their lives. 

Here are two particularly disturbing results that document the lack of Bible knowledge among church attendees.

•  The most widely known Bible verse among church attending adults and teens is “God helps those who help themselves” (not in the Bible and actually conflicts with Scripture).

•  Less than one out of every ten believers possess a biblical worldview as the basis for his or her decision-making or behavior.(Barna Research Online, "Discipleship Insights Revealed in New Book”)

According to Gary Burge, professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, biblical illiteracy is at a crisis in America’s churches.  Burge references research conducted at Wheaton College in which the biblical and theological literacy of incoming freshmen was monitored. These students, who represent almost every Protestant denomination in the United States from every state in the country, have provided some disturbing data. 

•  One-third could not put the following in order: Abraham, the Old Testament prophets, the death of Christ, and Pentecost.

•  Half could not sequence the following: Moses in Egypt, Isaac’s birth, Saul’s death, and Judah’s exile.

•  One-third could not identify Matthew as an apostle from a list of New Testament names.

•  When asked to locate the biblical book where a specific story is found: half did not know that the Christmas story was in Matthew and half did not know that the Passover story was in Exodus. 

MY TAKE-A-WAY
The answer to this growing problem of biblical illiteracy is three fold. 

Step one, Know the Word: Pastors and other church leaders must spend time every day, reading, studying, and memorizing the Bible. Additionally, leaders must encourage church attenders to develop the same habit of a daily devotion to Bible study.

In personal study, we need to place a higher value in the quality of reading than on the quantity of text read.  It is nice to read through the Bible in a year.  However, it is better to take a year to study the Gospels, Paul’s letters, the minor prophets, or any other Bible book.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (NLT)

Step two, Teach the Word: The Bible holds the answers to a great life here on earth and a greater life in eternity.  The stories are exciting reading and are filled with examples of behaviors to imitate and to avoid.  We need to teach God’s word not as we might teach some boring text, but as it really is, alive, valuable, and exciting.  

The sad truth is people will never grow and mature by listening to a weekly 30 minute sermon.  Real life change occurs through a Bible study group. A place where learners can be discipled through the Scriptures. Churches in the U.S. are going to have to enthusiastically encourage attendees to become a part of a Bible study group, if biblical illiteracy is to be reduced.

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NIV)

Step three, Live the Word: The greatest criticism of Christians as a whole and the church in particular is hypocrisy.  That is we don’t do the things we tell others to do.  If the 21st century church is to be effective in our culture, we are going have to live what we say we believe.  This is the hardest part of the three steps, but it is the part that will result in the greatest blessing.  Lets commit today to “BE THE CHURCH” to our world.

This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Joshua 1:8 (HCSB)

BACK TO BLOGGING

A lot has happened since my last post in July.  I took a break from posting to go to Mexico for a mission trip.  Upon my return I got lost in the busyness of church work.  As a result, the words “next week” became addicting.  At least that is my story and I’m sticking with it.

We had a great time in Mexico and best of all, we participated in God's ongoing work there.  Each morning we had a different activity,  Two different days we walked around the city praying at different locations, two other days we worked on a new church building.  Of course, on Sunday we attended worship with a local congregation.  In the evenings we led Bible school for the children.

The last night in Mexico, I had the great honor to lead a joint Mexican and American communion service. We sang and read scripture in both languages, several prayed aloud in their own language, and through an interpreter I led in the observance of The Lord’s Supper.  Through out the entire service, Mexicans and Americans were unified by the Holy Spirit through koinonia. (See note below)

I have been on many other mission trips prior to this trip, however, on this trip the Holy Spirit has really helped me to understand what it means to “be the church.”  I wish I could point to a particular experience, a theological reflection, or another benchmark of the trip where I received an epiphany.  But that is not the case.

God has (and is continuing to) motivated me to embrace the importance of contemporary believers understanding that we are the church. Additionally, we are to be the church to our world.  This means we can no longer depend on pastors to do the work of ministry.  It means believers have to understand that while the church may gather at the church building, the purpose of gathering is to be scattered into the communities as Christ’s ambassadors.  (See: 2 Corinthians 5:20)

Most importantly, if we are to be the church, we must become consistent with our loyalty to God and become devoted to following Christ in every area of our lives.

Note: Koinonia is a Greek word that is very difficult to accurately translate into a single English word. Basically it describes a special relationship and intimate participation among people. The word is frequently translated as “fellowship” in the New Testament. However, koinonia implies a stronger, more intimate bond between people that the modern usage of “fellowship” describes. 

PARENTING TIPS FROM A SURVIVOR - 2

Part 2: SELF-CONTROL: It is Caught More than Taught.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (HCSB)

Perhaps the greatest thing that a parent can do for his or her children is to say no. Children may not like to hear that word, but they soon learn, one of the ways parents communicate love is by saying “no”.  It is the primary task of each and every parent to protect their children from harm.  The danger may be perceived or unperceived.  It may be immediate or potential.  Regardless of the details, it’s the parent’s job to protect their children from others, other things, even themselves.

This is where self-control comes into the picture. Lack of self-control will place our children into a multitude of immediate and delayed dangers. The obvious dangers involve things like financial harm, poor health, over (or under) weight, chemical abuse, harmful relationships, and a long list of addictions. 

God does the same thing in our lives.  He says “no” to lots of things we think are ok or even good for us. For example, we apply for a new job or position.  To us this might seem like the right thing to do, but God closes the door.  Maybe we decide to purchase a car.  The price is right, the vehicle is in good shape, there is no Biblical reason preventing us from this deal.  Again, God says no, we don’t know why, but He does.  Sometimes He will tell us later why He said no, sometimes He never tells us. 

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advancement of the gospel, Philippians 1:12 (HCSB)

Wise parents are always trying to teach their children when to say no, but in truth the lessons of self-control must begin with the parents.  When parents demonstrate the ability to say no to their own wants, they communicate the value of self-control to their children.  If children are to learn to understand restraint, then parents need to prove that they can and will say no to immediate gratification. 

Remember:
The values parents demonstrate are the values that will be caught and developed in the lives of their children. Self-control is not limited to fits of anger.  It includes our language, our passions, our priorities, and our purchases. Children will imitate their parents in how they treat people, the church, and God. 

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 2 Peter 1:5-7 (HCSB)

FIVE WAYS TO BE A BETTER FATHER

There is a crisis in our culture! A crisis that has been created by and can only be cured by men. 
Many of the problems we have in our society can be directly attributed to the failure of men to live a life worthy of imitation.  Too many biological fathers are absent from the lives of their children. There are those who pay support and maintain some level of interaction with their children, but only to the point where it is convenient for the father.  Selfishness rules in the lives of many of us (both male and female).

In recent years, (actually beginning in the 90's with “Beavis and Butthead”), the trend in television has been to portray parents as idiots and children as the most together members of a family (as evidenced by “The Simpsons”, “Married with Children” and “Family Guy” among others).  

The unity of the American family, those morals and values learned in family dynamics are foundational to the strength of our nation.  Many men understand the importance of family and the critical role a father plays in a family as a role model.  I especially admire those step-dads who are willing to step up and take on that daunting task.

1. LOVE YOUR WIFE PASSIONATELY . 
The way a man treats his wife has a direct bearing on how his son will treat his future wife and the way a daughter will expect to be treated by her future husband. Men need to let their children see them demonstrating respect and love to their wife and mother of their children. 

Also, keep children out of the battle when conflicts arise.  At the same time allow them to see their parents make up.  There is nothing wrong with kisses in the kitchen as long as it remains rated G. 

2.  MAKE FAMILY A PRIORITY
Children measure their value by the amount of time and attention their parents spend with them.
Our employers can be demanding and in today’s economy employment opportunities are limited. 
The more demanding a job becomes, the higher priority we need to place on spending time with my family. Our schedules don’t lie.  The things that I think are important are the things I spend the most time doing. Plan to spend time with your children. Pay the price to be at their performance or game. 

I mentioned in the opening paragraph that selfishness has become epidemic in our society.  It is this area, making my family a priority, where selfishness attacks the most.  We are physically tired at the end of our week.  We are mentally drained each evening.  It’s hard to pay the appropriate amount of attention to our spouse and children.  To win against the “selfishness monster” we need to place a higher priority on family activities than on me.  As a person with two adult children I can attest there is plenty of time for me now that they are gone.  Unfortunately, it’s time with them I desire.


3.  DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILDREN.
Discipline is one of the ways a father can communicate his love to his children.  Here is what the Bible has to say about discipline and love:

for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:12 (HCSB)

and

for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and punishes every son whom He receives. Hebrews 12:6 (HCSB)

Discipline doesn’t have to involve physical pain, but it does have to demonstrate consequences to disobedience.  The best discipline will involve character development.  It is unwise to discipline a child out of anger. Take time to reflect on the offense and an appropriate response to their actions.  Take the time to tell your children that when their privileges are taken away or when they have to be spanked, you are not trying to torment them.  Remember, the purpose of discipline is for training and correction.

And fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (HCSB)

4.  BE AN ENCOURAGER
In the quarter of a century that I worked with teens, the biggest difference I notice among them was between those whose parents encouraged them and those whose parents ignored them.  A father’s encouragement cannot be replaced by any other source.  Dads in particular have a powerful impact on their children by giving or not giving appropriate praise.

As I’m writing this section, I’m reminded of a situation that occurred while I was coaching football for a living.  One of my players was on the phone in my office and I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation as the boy asked his dad if he would be at the game that night.  I remember the boy pleading, “But Dad, I’m starting tonight!”  Here was one of the great moments of this young man’s short life and his father wasn’t going to be there to share it.  There were other games, the player was good and played often throughout the rest of the season, but his father would never get that moment back.

5.  BE A MAN OF INTEGRITY

But let your word ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’ Anything more than this is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37 (HCSB) 

Be a promise maker and a promise keeper. Also, men need to walk their talk. Our children see who we are behind closed doors and in public.  What kind of example am I setting if I correct my child for stealing but bring packages of copy paper or ink cartridges home from work. Anything said about kindness and caring won't count in our children's eyes if they see us treating others badly.

FINAL NOTE:  

With Father's Day happening this weekend, I want to say that my Dad is all of these things.  

Thanks Dad for being a GREAT FATHER!

LEGACY

leg·a·cy – something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.

At some point in life each person has or will reflect on his or her impact in this world.  Perhaps the first time is at high school graduation.  We see the end of high school, a time best described as the best of time and the worst of time, approaching and begin to reflect on those years perhaps wondering what difference did it make. 

In the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”, the main character George Bailey gets a view of what the world had been like if he had never been born. George is given an opportunity to see the positive impact his young life has had on the people of an entire town.  There is one scene where George has discovered his brother Harry's tombstone:

Clarence: [explaining] Your brother, Harry Bailey, broke through the ice and was drowned at the age of nine.
George Bailey: That's a lie! Harry Bailey went to war! He got the Congressional Medal of Honor! He saved the lives of every man on that transport!
Clarence: Every man on that transport died. Harry wasn't there to save them, because you weren't there to save Harry.

George's life even impacted people that he didn't know and had never met.

What a great gift it would be for each of us to see the positive impact our life has had so far.  At the same time, it might be a bit of a curse.  After all there are those of us who’s impact would have to be an established series.  Unfortunately, there are others of us whose impact would barley fill a commercial.  

I have an aunt who will celebrate her 89th birthday this Saturday, unfortunately I can’t be there.  She has and is continuing to build her legacy.  When my father was ten, his father died.  Circumstances required my father to live with several relatives.  Soon after my Aunt Gladys married my father went to live with her. Later after my brother, sister and I were born, my parents would not only take us to visit Aunt Gladys, but we were allowed to visit for a week or two every summer. 

There are so many wonderful stories that testify to the faith in God that anchored the lives of my aunt and uncle that they cannot all be told in one sitting.  My personal favorite is every night Aunt Gladys would gather all of us together and we would read from the Bible. After finishing the chapter or story she would then help us to understand the thing(s) God was teaching us through this piece of Scripture.

I am convinced that a big part of my being a Christian, even becoming a pastor, comes from the Godly influence Aunt Gladys has had and is presently having on my life!  Through me she is impacting people she doesn't know and will most probably never meet on this side of Heaven.

Here’s the short of all of this.  Aunt Gladys passed on her faith to her children, who then passed it on to their spouses and their children.  Those children (Aunt Gladys’ great grand children in case you are having trouble keeping up) are passing that same faith on to their spouses and to their children also.  But that’s not all!  Aunt Gladys passed her faith on to my father, my siblings and myself.  We in turn are passing that same faith and influence on to our children.  There is still more!  There were ten children in the Foxworth clan. That makes for a lot of cousins.  To my knowledge every one of those cousins spent time with Aunt Gladys and her faith in God was passed on to each of them too!  What a legacy!

So, take time to day to reflect on your legacy?
Ask: “Am I living a life that points people to Jesus or away from Him?”
“What will be my legacy?”
Hopefully my legacy will be more than a statue in a park, a name on the side of a building, or the dash between two dates on a grave marker. 

In the words of Clarence from “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?”

WHAT'S YOUR STORY?

There is an old Hymn which states, “We have a story to tell to the nations...” What a true statement! The most effective form of advertising is known as the “testimonial.”  That is why advertising companies get someone to say things like, “I tried (insert your favorite brand name), it works! You try it too!”

I have heard many wonderful stories in my time here on Earth of different ways people have come to commit their life to God. Some stories were dynamic.  Other stories were very ordinary.  Regardless of the "excitement value",  all of them need to be told!  Why? Because they all involve an "Amazing Grace" from GOD!

The truth is we don’t have to be eloquent (it’s better if we’re not), it’s OK to be nervous (it is better if we are), and my story doesn’t have to qualify to become a “made for TV” movie (most people’s won’t).  What we need to do is to be honest, open, brief, and focus on the guarantee of being forgiven rather than on glorifying my disobedience. 

I believe the greatest personal story about God’s involvement in a person’s life comes when we can say, “One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.”(John 9:29)  What a great story! What is your story? “I was ________ (fill in the blank), and now through faith in Jesus I __________ (fill in again).” It doesn’t have to be earth shattering, just real!  

Below is an excerpt from a song written in the 70's by a Christian couple and singers named Micky and Becky Moore:
Testimony Song
Well there is not much to tell
whenever I’m compelled
to share my testimony
there’s no hair-raising tails
of hell-raising days
with demons hanging all over me
and I never smoked dope,
or swore at the Pope
or spent the night with a “shady lady”
I just came in bold,
when I was ten years old
and said, “Preacher, I want HIM to save me. © Copyright-Maiden Music (http://www.mickeyandbecki.com)

The greatest story is one that involves a life lived Loving God and Loving People.

Final Note:  I invite readers to reply to this blog with your own story.  Please keep it to about 10 or 12 sentences or less.

HELPING PEOPLE DEVELOP A MEANINGFUL LIFE

NUMBER 5: 

PEOPLE ARE MADE FOR A MISSION (final part, AMEN)

Do you think any one of the people you know would be encouraged to know that God created him or her for a specific mission here on Earth? It’s true! God’s fifth reason for creating us is for a mission.  Jesus is quoted in the Gospel of John as saying,

 "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”  John 17:18 (NASB)

Every believer has two missions, one to fellow believers, the other to unbelievers. Actually it is more like a MINISTRY to believers, and a MISSION to unbelievers. It is not hard for us to do both, serving believers and helping unbelievers. The truth is most people are far more receptive to hearing the gospel from a friend than a stranger. That means our relationship with an unbeliever caries more value than our fame in this world. Put simply, “People don’t care how much you know.  They want to know how much you care.” This gives the average Christian an incredible opportunity for ministry and mission.

Each of us play a crucial role in helping the people around us to develop this sense of mission in their lives. One thing we can do is to help others see what mission God has planned for their lives. This doesn’t mean we have to be able to read tea leaves or someone’s palm, then declare to them the specific plan God has for their life.  Indeed not!  Rather, our role is to encourage and guide others around us.  God says this very activity (performing our ministry and mission) is one of the reasons why HE gives us the Bible.

God uses it [the Bible] to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:17 (NLT)

The hardest thing is for us to be living examples of what we say we believe.  What does it say to the world when we endorse one thing, but never use it.  For example, what are we saying to the world when we say, I believe in eating healthy as I’m chewing on a chocolate candy?  Get my point. Here is what the Apostle Paul had to say about this:

let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. Philippians 3:16-17 (NASB)

We need to begin by asking God to grow each of us in all of these areas.  At the same time we should be building into the lives of the people around us, a strong sense of how God created each of them to experience a meaningful life. The great lie is that we have to be perfect, or really, really good to help others.  Again, NOT SO! Not all of us are called to be leaders, but we are all called to be followers of Jesus Christ.  Don’t be afraid to say to the people around you,  “Walk with me as I try to walk with God.”  You'll be amazed at what God will do!

HELPING PEOPLE DEVELOP A MEANINGFUL LIFE (part 3)

People are created to be like Christ

Let’s review: Part 1 is: We were planned for God’s pleasure, and that’s called worship. Part 2 is: We Find Meaning in Community, that’s called relationships or fellowship.

Now, there’s a third reason God made us. He created each one of us to be like Christ, and we call that discipleship. God works in our lives to transform us into the likeness of his Son, Jesus Christ.

The Bible says in Romans 8:29 (HCSB)
For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

We need to have a clear understanding that Jesus was not an accident. His birth and our lives are all part of God’s original plan. God still working the same plan today that He has had from the very beginning of time.

God’s plan needs to become our plan -- immediately! Our goal needs to be to help the people around us to become more and more like Christ. Part of the process is helping them understand how God is going to take them through everything that happens in their life.  Just as Jesus went through joy we too will experience joy. Just like he went through sorrow, we too will experience sorrow.

Was there a time when Jesus was lonely? Yes.
Was there a time when Jesus was tempted? Yes.
Was there a time when Jesus was unpopular? Yes.
Misunderstood? Yes.
Criticized? Yes.
Went without basic needs? Yes.
Was there ever a time in Jesus’ life when things left him uncomfortable? Absolutely.

Our lives are filled with all these problems and too many more to list here. We need to remember God is not only in control, but He is right there with us in our Joys and our sorrows.  Only then can they truly become like Jesus.  Perhaps Corrie Ten Boom said it best when she wrote:

“No pit is so deep that He is not deeper still; with Jesus even in our darkest moments, the best remains and the very best is yet to be.”

The Bible also says that other people are able to see God at work through our own suffering.

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. John 9:3 (NLT)

In order to produce the fruit of the Spirit in us, God will place us in difficult situations, surrounded by people who don’t like us, won’t try to understand us and often will treat us unfairly. Our faithfulness through trials will help others to see their problems from God’s
perspective and will help them submit to his sovereign hand as he works to make them more like Christ.

HELPING PEOPLE DEVELOP A MEANINGFUL LIFE (part 2)

NUMBER 2:
We Were Created to Communicate the Truth.

The second thing that gives a person’s life meaning is to have a mission.  In the Star Trek series, the Enterprise was on a mission “to go where no one had gone before.” In Swamp people the mission is about catching ‘gators.  Even the Blues Brothers were “On a mission from God.”  Someone might think or even say, “Well, that’s just entertainment.”  Perhaps, but even in history there are examples of the importance of having a mission.  Phrases like “No taxation without representation” and “Remember the Alamo” were rallying cries calling people to a common mission.  Having a mission gives meaning to our lives.  God’s second reason for creating us is for mission.  

We all have a mission.  Like the Mission Impossible task force we can choose to accept it or not.  The difference is the mission we have is one that gives our lives meaning.  Our mission is to tell unbelievers about God and to encourage believers in God.  

 

God said to Moses,

and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel." Exodus 19:6 (NASB)

and Jesus said to the disciples,

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20 (HCSB)

Every believer should have a ministry to believers, and a mission to unbelievers. It is not hard for  people to do both. One possible way to accomplish both is to involve the entire family by going on a mission trip together. 

Studies show most people who come to Christ -- at least in the United States -- come to him before they turn eighteen . Other studies show people are far more receptive to hearing the gospel from a friend than a stranger. This combination gives Christian families an incredible opportunity for ministry and mission.

We all play a crucial role -- if not the most critical -- in helping people develop this sense of mission in their lives.  We have the power, more than that, we have the mission to begin building into the lives of people a strong sense of how God created each of them for a mission. 

DEVELOPING A LIFESTYLE THAT WORSHIPS GOD

Disclaimer: The following post are just some brief thoughts about worship.  For an in depth study of Worship I recommend: Will You Worship? by Ray Jones and Dr. Dino Sensi; also, Tozer on Worship and Entertainment. by A.W. Tozer; finally, The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life. by Louie Giglio

For worship to be more than “That thing we do on Sundays” we must begin by changing our understanding of worship. Most importantly I must begin with having committed my life to obeying God and receiving the forgiveness provided by the sacrifice of  Jesus.  Having done that, there are three steps involved in this change:
1- I must begin to think of God as always with me;
2- I must begin to pray more often than prior to eating a big meal;
3- I must establish a regular time alone devoted to meeting with God. 

Perhaps the place to start is to answer the question, “What do I worship?”  In the previous post I gave some examples of false objects of our worship.  I propose two formulas that a person can use to discover what they truly worship.

First, take time to consider what gets my attention, my affection, and my allegiance? In other words, what are the things I spend the most time thinking about?  What am I passionate about?  To what am I most loyal? 

The second formula which helps us discover what we truly worship is to make a list of what do I spend my money, my time, my thoughts and my energy upon?  Where I spend my money is bigger then “Do I tithe?” If we examen our shopping habits and our credit / debit card statements we will discover where our disposable income is spent. If I worship an activity, then I’ll spend my money on that activity more than anything else. My calendar will be dictated by the activity(s) I worship, that I will plan around and even cancel events because of what I worship.  I will spend almost all of my free time thinking and dreaming about my object of worship. All of my  energy will be focused upon my object of worship. 

In 1 Samuel chapter seven, the people Israel are told to get rid of their idols and devote themselves to God.

Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, "If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines." So the sons of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth and served the LORD alone. 1 Samuel 7:3-4 (NASB)

A serious misunderstanding is  possible at this point.  I am not saying that worshiping God means that there is nothing but “church” in my life.  The Bible teaches we have freedom to have hobbies, to enjoy various activities, to recreate, etc, as long as it doesn’t lead to sin by us or others. In fact, we can actually do various activities in a way that is actually worship, or leads to worship.

For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. Galatians 5:13 (HCSB)

and

“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up. No one should seek his own [good], but [the good] of the other person. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (HCSB)

and again

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory. Give no offense to the Jews or the Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (HCSB)

Once we discover the “false gods” we have in our lives, then we can begin to call on the Holy Spirit to enable us to remove those gods.  Begin by fasting from any object or activity that I suspect of controlling me.  Use the urges and desires for that object or activity to cause me to turn to The Father in prayer. Replace the time we spend on that object or activity with time spent with God or studying about God by reading the Bible.   These behaviors will start us on the path that will develop in us a lifestyle of worshiping God!

HELPING PEOPLE DEVELOP A MEANINGFUL LIFE

The most fundamental question people ever wrestle with is "Why am I here?" Unlike past generations, people today aren’t necessarily looking for “the meaning of life”. Instead they’re searching for meaning in life.

Americans especially are desperately seeking something that makes their life worth living. We are so desperate for it, we will grab onto any activity, cause, or belief regardless how poorly it fits into our lives.  The fact is we are seeking the very thing for which God made us. 

The Bible teaches that God made everyone for a relationship with Him.  That relationship is the key ingredient for a meaningful life.  For instance, in Colossians we’re told: 

because by Him everything was created, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16 (HCSB) 

The Bible also teaches that there are several steps we can take toward developing a meaningful relationship with God.  Following each of these steps is the single most important thing any of us can ever do.  God holds us accountable for living these five purposes as an example to the people around us and most importantly to our children as part of training them in the ways of the Lord.

STEP NUMBER 1:   We were created to Worship God.

If there is one thing people in the world, especially in the United States, understand it is how to worship.  People who worship Star Trek are called “Trekkies”; those who worship Jimmy Buffet are called “Parrot Heads”; those who worship famous stars are called “groupies”. I should also mention those who might worship sports, T.V. shows, possessions, pleasure, popularity, or power.  The truth is we get worship.  What we don’t get is the correct focus of our worship.  The Bible tells us that we were created to worship God!

"Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."  Revelation 4:11 (NASB)

Most people struggle with love and acceptance.  We need to understand how critical it is to build into other lives the precious knowledge that all of us were created as an object of God’s love.

By understanding God’s love for us, we can reflect our love for God. In Matthew 22:37 (the verse we know as the Great Commandment) Jesus says:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” (NIV)

People who miss this are missing something of critical importance in life. We need to teach people to know God, and we need to teach them to express their love to God through worship.

Before we teach others about worship, we must first understand worship and begin to develop a worshipful lifestyle.  Worship of God builds our relationship with God and gives our lives meaning. 
In my next post I will present some thoughts and scripture about developing a lifestyle of God worship.

TEEN CRISIS INTERVENTION (part 2)

Three Reasons to Help a Teen in Crisis

Now when Job’s three friends...heard about all this adversity that had happened to him, each of them came from his home. They met together to go and offer sympathy and comfort to him. Job 2:11 (HCSB)

1. When I was hurting God provided someone to help me.

Everyone of us has gone through or is presently going through a time of crisis.  (Personally my teen and college years were one crisis after another.)  Each time we experience a crisis God puts not only one, but usually several people, in our lives to be there for us.  This includes the Holy Spirit!

While I do not recommend the movie Pay it Forward (because of the excessive foul language) I do recommend the philosophy.  Someone was there for me, so I should be there for someone else.

Ignoring a person in crisis is equal to ignoring a person drowning in a pool.  Most people describe their crisis as feeling like they are drowning.  Job was in a crisis greater than most of us can imagine, he lost his property, his children, and his health.  But he still had three good friends who were there for him. 

2. When I needed someone no one but God helped me.

This reason is the opposing cause with the same result as the reason above.  Perhaps you experienced a life crisis alone (this never happens for believers because the Holy Spirit is always with us).  You know how hard it is to survive a crisis.  Surviving a crisis, either alone or with friends, highlights the importance of having a friend(s) to lean on and to provide that extra help to those in crisis.

Choose to be that person for someone else.  Job’s friends weren’t there by accident, even Jesus sought comfort and support from his friends while he was experiencing his crisis in the garden the night before his death (Mt. 26:38).

3. God is giving me an opportunity to participate in HIS work.

Each one of us has been commanded by God to love God and love people (Mt. .  Part of loving God is to love the things HE loves, that includes people.  Part of loving people is helping each other through various crises we experience in life.  There is a word we use for this, it’s discipleship.

God not only directs us, but HE also empowers us to help each other.  THIS DOESN’T MEAN WE ARE TO BECOME "THE SPIRITUAL ANSWER MAN."   I am convinced the best answer to helping those in crisis is, “I don’t know, but lets find out together.” 

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NASB)

H.A.B.I.T.S. (part 2)

This is part 2 of  "Six HABITS that will build a great life."  Part one contained the letters H. A. B. part two has I. T. S.

I.  = Involvement in a ministry of the Church
There are a multitude of ways to be involved in the church. One of the most important ways is to be involved in a small group Bible study.  A person will never connect with the church by attending Sunday services alone.  Small group Bible studies (some call this Sunday School or home groups) is the place where people connect, it is the place where true community happens.

Additionally, we need to become involved in the things of the church.  Things like being a hall monitor for children's or student ministry. Watching the parking lot during and following the mid-week services.  Spending one Sunday a month as a greeter or at the welcome center.  Volunteering to help put up decorations for a church member or at the church once a year.  Showing up for one or more of the "work days"  at the church.  These are only a few of the simple ways that every church has to be involved.  There are way too many to name them all here.

T. = Tithing to the church
Why is money the second biggest reason people give for not attending a worship service (the biggest reason is hypocrites in the church)?  It takes money to pay the electric, water, insurance, building repairs, paper, Bible study materials, copy machines, office supplies, cleaning supplies, building maintenance supplies, alarm system and monitoring, various licenses for audio and video, wages for nursery workers, maintenance/custodial staff, office staff, and pastors.  In addition to that a % of each offering goes to support missionaries all over the world.  The main reason to tithe is BECAUSE GOD COMMANDS IT!

A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)

Before someone says, “That’s an Old Testament idea.” check this out...

“Well then,” he [Jesus] said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” Luke 20:25 (NLT)


S. = Serve others through God’s Love
Jesus was in the HABIT of S-serving.  Since we are called to be imitators of Jesus we too should serve.  We serve God by serving His creation, people.

Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28 (HCSB)

Why is serving so important? Because, it demonstrates our love for God.

So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. John 13:14-15 (HCSB)    

When we start developing the first five parts of HABITS, the S. naturally begins to happen.  After all God wants EVERYONE to know HIM and love HIM.

This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:3-6 (HCSB)

Developing these H.A.B.I.T.S doesn’t happen over night or even in the course of a year.  It takes a lifetime.  So get started right-a-way.  The sooner we commit ourselves to developing good H.A.B.I.T.S. the sooner we will begin GROW-ing in Christ!

H.A.B.I.T.S. (part 1)

There are six habits that produce a GREAT life! Today I'm posting the first three of those habits (some have suggested that my posts are too long) and I'll post the other three later this week (so keep checking back, or just join and follow for automatic updates).

 Some time back Stephen R. Covey wrote a book titled, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The book identifies 7 habits that will make the reader more effective in his personal and public life. Additionally, Covey claims that “this is powerful advice that will help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.”
    These six HABITS will produce perseverance, joy, and fulfillment in life no matter how good or bad things get!  The only cost is the time to read this post and the effort to implement the habits. WHAT A GREAT DEAL!

Here are the first three HABITS!
H. =  Hang Out with God
The most important habit we can develop is to spend time with God daily. The more the better, but remember God values quality above quantity.  Choose a place and a time where there is the least chance of being interrupted. I have a place on my porch that I use.  Praying or singing is allowed, but also listening.  It may feel awkward at first but stay with it!  It takes a little time to learn to “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 49:10)

A. = Accountability with another believer(s)
Last year we emphasized every attendee being a part of an accountability group.  Here is the problem, many people have stopped their accountability groups.  Just because the banner is down, doesn’t mean the practice of accountability should end.  Strong Christians have trustworthy accountability partners (note more than one).  Begin today to gather a group of 3-5 devoted believers as accountability partners. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

B. = Bible Study regularly
To love God, we must first know God.  We get to know God through reading the Bible.  There are two ways we need to study the Bible. Alone (during our “hang time”) and together in a small group (accountability thing).  The Bible describes God’s personality, it helps us to experience Him, it describes His attributes, most importantly is repeatedly affirms His love for us.  There are more than 7,000 promises God makes to us in the Bible.  How many of them can you name? But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5 (NIV)

Take time this week to begin to develop these first three HABITS!  They will serve you well in working on the next three.  If you need some help with H & B I suggest "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers.  It's a 366 day devotional book that only takes about 8-10 minutes per day to do, but it is rich enough that you can also spend 30 or more minutes in deep study.  In short, it's very adaptable.