"NO ONE WHO PUTS HIS HAND TO THE PLOW AND LOOKS BACK IS FIT FOR SERVICE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD."
LUKE 9:62
"The mind is a terrible thing to waste." Most of us have heard this all of our lives and it's true. The mind is one of God's most amazing creations. It is also were a lot of spiritual warfare takes place. That's right...a lot of the spiritual battles waged in our lives happen in our mind. Think about it (forgive the pun), but where does Satan like to attack us the most? We are constantly thinking, worrying, agonizing or strategizing over something. It's even been made light of in cartoons and TV programs. You know, where you see the angel sitting on one shoulder and devil on the other. That stuff really happens, but instead of animated characters, it's our "old nature" vs. our "new nature."
In last weeks study of Ephesians 2 (especially verses 1-3), we talked about how it is important to realize our past. To understand where we've come from and acknowledge the mistakes we've made. Why? So we learn from it, apply it and move forward. So we learned it's a good thing to reflect on our past....but it's not good to be consumed by it.
You see our minds store all kinds of information. Good memories are stored forever and bad memories are stored forever. We're cool with the good memories, but what do we do with the bad ones? How do we handle them? What if someone has been unfair to you? What if prejudice or judgment has caused you pain? What if someone has started a rumor about you that is damaging? What if you've had a friend turn on you and betray your trust? What if you or your spouse have been unfaithful? What if someone you loved died and you're finding it hard to move on? Whatever it may be that is haunting you, how are you dealing with it?
Like I said earlier, reflection can be helpful when it comes to making positive changes to our lives. It can also be very damaging if we aren't careful in how we do it. Christ warns us of this in Luke 9:62.
If we as believers are going to follow Christ with all of our hearts, we've got to learn how to deal with looking back. This will be our focus this week and together (through our sharing and the reading of God's word), it is my prayer that we will draw closer to Him. Please pray this week for God to speak to us on this topic and to reveal His purpose through His scripture.
God Bless.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
When you see me, what do you really see?
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."
Proverbs 23:7
When people see you, what do they see, and do you truly want to know?
I'm sure each person that I know could describe me in different ways, but with some common ground (by the way, my wife is not allowed to comment on this topic). I mean different people experience people and things in different ways (For example: I like oysters, but they are not for everyone). So how would people interpret me, what would they say? What would be the common thread and would I be pleased to find out. To be honest, this question scares me to death. Why? because I know what kind of person I am and what kind of person I can be. I know the truth.
You see in our society identity is huge, it seems like it's everything. What we wear, what we drive, who we know, where we live...that's how we measure success right. Even as Christians our identity has become where we go to church, how many people attend, and what kind of music is played during worship. So what's different about us compared to the rest of the world?
When people see you do they see the world, or do they see Christ? So, I guess the real question is..., who am I in Christ? I would like each of you to ask yourself just that. This week, we will look to God's Word for guidance, as we search for our true identities as followers of Christ. After all He knows us best, He created us.
It's a scary question indeed, but one we really don't have to survey. We know how we are and we know how we act....and surprise, surprise, so does God.
God Bless, and I look forward to our time together Sunday.
Proverbs 23:7
When people see you, what do they see, and do you truly want to know?
I'm sure each person that I know could describe me in different ways, but with some common ground (by the way, my wife is not allowed to comment on this topic). I mean different people experience people and things in different ways (For example: I like oysters, but they are not for everyone). So how would people interpret me, what would they say? What would be the common thread and would I be pleased to find out. To be honest, this question scares me to death. Why? because I know what kind of person I am and what kind of person I can be. I know the truth.
You see in our society identity is huge, it seems like it's everything. What we wear, what we drive, who we know, where we live...that's how we measure success right. Even as Christians our identity has become where we go to church, how many people attend, and what kind of music is played during worship. So what's different about us compared to the rest of the world?
When people see you do they see the world, or do they see Christ? So, I guess the real question is..., who am I in Christ? I would like each of you to ask yourself just that. This week, we will look to God's Word for guidance, as we search for our true identities as followers of Christ. After all He knows us best, He created us.
It's a scary question indeed, but one we really don't have to survey. We know how we are and we know how we act....and surprise, surprise, so does God.
God Bless, and I look forward to our time together Sunday.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Growing Up....Maybe It's Time
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does it's work.
Ephesians 4:11-16
Over the past several weeks our focus has been on spiritual roadblocks and how they can make us complacent in our daily walk. If we are standing still we are not moving forward (profound isn't it), and we are not growing....spiritually speaking.
So why do we choose to put the proverbial brick on our own heads? Why do we allow ourselves to become lukewarm? Why is it that we can't get off the milk? More on this later...
Have I ever mentioned how much I love Paul? This guy is a fireball!!! He can hit you in the teeth and make you like it so much that you smile :) Paul was an encourager as much as he was a teacher. He understood that in the process of building a church, that these infant Christians were easily swayed back to their "old nature". He understood that they (the early church), would encounter spiritual roadblocks, but he also understood that if they unified...they would encounter God. Just as he spoke to the people of Ephesus in the text above, he speaks to us. Through God's word he speaks the "truth in love". He encourages us (the church of today), to use our God given gifts to prepare each other to do God's work. GROW!!!! in "faith and in knowledge...and become mature."
I didn't event screwing up, but it feels like I've mastered it at times. I don't understand why I put the brick on my head. I don't understand why I allow myself to become lukewarm. I do however, know what it takes to get off the milk. If you're like me you have to ask WHY!?!?! If I know how, why don't I do it? That's just it "I" can't do it...not alone. Not only do I need God's help, I need your help too. I need the "whole body" to be the Christian God is growing me to be. You hear me say all the time that I'm so very thankful God has placed each of you in my life. I hope the text above makes it clearer and I also hope that it provides encouragement to you.
DJ sent me a devotional today by Henry Blackaby. The first line really jumped out at me and I want to share it with you now. It says, "If you are walking daily with the Lord, you will not have to find God's will------you will already be in it."
Maybe it's time to grow up.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does it's work.
Ephesians 4:11-16
Over the past several weeks our focus has been on spiritual roadblocks and how they can make us complacent in our daily walk. If we are standing still we are not moving forward (profound isn't it), and we are not growing....spiritually speaking.
So why do we choose to put the proverbial brick on our own heads? Why do we allow ourselves to become lukewarm? Why is it that we can't get off the milk? More on this later...
Have I ever mentioned how much I love Paul? This guy is a fireball!!! He can hit you in the teeth and make you like it so much that you smile :) Paul was an encourager as much as he was a teacher. He understood that in the process of building a church, that these infant Christians were easily swayed back to their "old nature". He understood that they (the early church), would encounter spiritual roadblocks, but he also understood that if they unified...they would encounter God. Just as he spoke to the people of Ephesus in the text above, he speaks to us. Through God's word he speaks the "truth in love". He encourages us (the church of today), to use our God given gifts to prepare each other to do God's work. GROW!!!! in "faith and in knowledge...and become mature."
I didn't event screwing up, but it feels like I've mastered it at times. I don't understand why I put the brick on my head. I don't understand why I allow myself to become lukewarm. I do however, know what it takes to get off the milk. If you're like me you have to ask WHY!?!?! If I know how, why don't I do it? That's just it "I" can't do it...not alone. Not only do I need God's help, I need your help too. I need the "whole body" to be the Christian God is growing me to be. You hear me say all the time that I'm so very thankful God has placed each of you in my life. I hope the text above makes it clearer and I also hope that it provides encouragement to you.
DJ sent me a devotional today by Henry Blackaby. The first line really jumped out at me and I want to share it with you now. It says, "If you are walking daily with the Lord, you will not have to find God's will------you will already be in it."
Maybe it's time to grow up.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Spiritual Roadblocks...
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
1 Peter 2:1-2
As I've been preparing this lesson, my mind keeps taking me to that song, "Life Is A Highway" by Tom Cochran. I'm not endorsing secular music, nor am I advocating BAD secular music; I'm just drawing a comparison. Think about it...our lives as a highway, hmmmmm. What about our spiritual lives?
Recently we've talked about the Bible being a spiritual road map, but what happens when we get off course. We men completely understand this because we don't like using maps or taking direction of any kind. Instead, we rely on "the Force" and simply feel our way, until we are completely and hopelessly lost. What about when traffic comes to a complete stop, or we are forced to detour and our journey becomes an inconvenience? What happens when our road runs into a wall?
Our road as Christians is not only bumpy, long and narrow, but it also has roadblocks....spiritual roadblocks. What is a spiritual roadblock? I would say it's anything that we allow to keep us from our daily walk. Anything that keeps us from growing spiritually. It's the harmful attitudes and the evil actions that we can't lay down. It is the sin in our lives that keeps us separated from God. We all have them, but it's just like the elite military group G.I. JOE says...."knowing is half the battle."
This Sunday we will discuss recognizing spiritual roadblocks in our lives, we will also explore how to use Peter's instruction in the verses above. You know what they say...milk does the body good. That's especially true when it comes to the body of Christ.
Have a great week, God bless and see you Sunday.
1 Peter 2:1-2
As I've been preparing this lesson, my mind keeps taking me to that song, "Life Is A Highway" by Tom Cochran. I'm not endorsing secular music, nor am I advocating BAD secular music; I'm just drawing a comparison. Think about it...our lives as a highway, hmmmmm. What about our spiritual lives?
Recently we've talked about the Bible being a spiritual road map, but what happens when we get off course. We men completely understand this because we don't like using maps or taking direction of any kind. Instead, we rely on "the Force" and simply feel our way, until we are completely and hopelessly lost. What about when traffic comes to a complete stop, or we are forced to detour and our journey becomes an inconvenience? What happens when our road runs into a wall?
Our road as Christians is not only bumpy, long and narrow, but it also has roadblocks....spiritual roadblocks. What is a spiritual roadblock? I would say it's anything that we allow to keep us from our daily walk. Anything that keeps us from growing spiritually. It's the harmful attitudes and the evil actions that we can't lay down. It is the sin in our lives that keeps us separated from God. We all have them, but it's just like the elite military group G.I. JOE says...."knowing is half the battle."
This Sunday we will discuss recognizing spiritual roadblocks in our lives, we will also explore how to use Peter's instruction in the verses above. You know what they say...milk does the body good. That's especially true when it comes to the body of Christ.
Have a great week, God bless and see you Sunday.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Passion of Christ....
"BY THIS ALL MEN WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER."
JOHN 13:35
Over the last couple of weeks our focus has been on finding stability in God's Word. We talked about how we all go through things and no matter what the situation God's Word can minister to our every need. As we draw closer to Easter I think it is appropriate to shift our focus to the cross.
For the past two Sunday's Daryle (our pastor at Concord Baptist Church in Calera), has preached a sermon series on "The Passion of Christ: As it relates to servanthood and love" (the above text was taken from Daryle's sermon on "The Passion of Christ: As It Relates To Love"). His messages each Sunday have really spoke to me. Since our men's accountability group agreed that we would start reviewing how we are applying our pastor's messages to our lives, I've started taking notes. That's right it's never too late to try something new when it comes to spiritual growth. I'll be the first to admit that I've got the note taking down, but I'm still trying to get the application part down. I feel however, there is hope for me yet. Anyway, as I was saying...Daryle's messages have really struck at the core of my being and God has revealed to me that I've got a lot to learn in both servanthood and love.
God has blessed us with a "nontraditional" opportunity in that we get to hear our pastor's message before we have Bible study/Sunday school. So, after a conversation with one of our very wise and spiritually mature class members (that's not a jab and doesn't mean "old"), and coupled with how God has spoke to me through His servant and our Sheppard; what better lesson could we study than the message inspired by God from our pastor?
Our focus will indeed turn to the Cross, as we mirror our pastor's message until he concludes this sermon series on "The Passion of Christ." What better way to celebrate the greatest Gift ever given to man. "What can wash away my sins.....Nothing but the blood of Jesus."
As we are coming up on commitment Sunday, it is my prayer that each of you view every Sunday as commitment Sunday. I want to encourage each of you to be in worship this Sunday so we can: worship and praise God together, be fed on the message together and so that we can take what has been shared and expound on it. This should be our passion.
JOHN 13:35
Over the last couple of weeks our focus has been on finding stability in God's Word. We talked about how we all go through things and no matter what the situation God's Word can minister to our every need. As we draw closer to Easter I think it is appropriate to shift our focus to the cross.
For the past two Sunday's Daryle (our pastor at Concord Baptist Church in Calera), has preached a sermon series on "The Passion of Christ: As it relates to servanthood and love" (the above text was taken from Daryle's sermon on "The Passion of Christ: As It Relates To Love"). His messages each Sunday have really spoke to me. Since our men's accountability group agreed that we would start reviewing how we are applying our pastor's messages to our lives, I've started taking notes. That's right it's never too late to try something new when it comes to spiritual growth. I'll be the first to admit that I've got the note taking down, but I'm still trying to get the application part down. I feel however, there is hope for me yet. Anyway, as I was saying...Daryle's messages have really struck at the core of my being and God has revealed to me that I've got a lot to learn in both servanthood and love.
God has blessed us with a "nontraditional" opportunity in that we get to hear our pastor's message before we have Bible study/Sunday school. So, after a conversation with one of our very wise and spiritually mature class members (that's not a jab and doesn't mean "old"), and coupled with how God has spoke to me through His servant and our Sheppard; what better lesson could we study than the message inspired by God from our pastor?
Our focus will indeed turn to the Cross, as we mirror our pastor's message until he concludes this sermon series on "The Passion of Christ." What better way to celebrate the greatest Gift ever given to man. "What can wash away my sins.....Nothing but the blood of Jesus."
As we are coming up on commitment Sunday, it is my prayer that each of you view every Sunday as commitment Sunday. I want to encourage each of you to be in worship this Sunday so we can: worship and praise God together, be fed on the message together and so that we can take what has been shared and expound on it. This should be our passion.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Finding Stability In God's Word
NOW THAT YOU HAVE PURIFIED YOURSELVES BY OBEYING THE TRUTH SO THAT YOU HAVE SINCERE LOVE FOR YOUR BROTHERS, LOVE ONE ANOTHER DEEPLY, FROM THE HEART. FOR YOU HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN, NOT OF PERISHABLE SEED, BUT OF IMPERISHABLE, THROUGH THE LIVING AND ENDURING WORD OF GOD. FOR, "ALL MEN ARE LIKE GRASS, AND ALL THEIR GLORY IS LIKE THE FLOWERS OF THE FIELD; THE GRASS WITHERS AND THE FLOWERS FALL, BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD STANDS FOREVER." AND THIS IS THE WORD THAT WAS PREACHED TO YOU.
1 Peter 1:22-25
1 Peter 1:22-25
Have you ever been looking for something and it be right in front of your face and you just can't see it. For example, I may tear the house apart looking for my sunglasses for like 20 minutes only to realize they've been propped on top of my very large and very empty melon. That can be frustrating. You don't know whether to laugh, cry or beat yourself up. You may not know what to do, but I guarantee your spouse will... they will laugh (at you!!!, not with you). Don't even get me started on car keys, ughhhhh. I think you get the point and we've all been there.
So that makes me think, how does God feel about us? How frustrated should He be. He's given us the best "road map" that we could ever have and we still we get lost. All of life's questions are answered in His Word, but some of us, most of us choose to figure it out on our own. By the way...How's that working out for ya? Yeah, me too.
It almost seems to easy right. I mean His Word has stood the test of time. It was provided to us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, by the one true God who created us and who loves us. So, why is it so hard for us crack it open and use it? Every situation in life that you are going through or have gone through, God knows and He's got the answer. He speaks to us through His Word, He ministers to us through His Word and He saved us with the Word.
Just about every lesson I've ever prepared has come through God's conviction. This week we are going to discuss how to better use the Bible and the other resources that can help us grow closer to Him in our daily lives. I know that I need to do a better job of opening up my Bible and seeking God. So we are going to share some ideas how to do it everyday, for every situation and every need.
I'm glad God doesn't get frustrated with us. I'm glad that He loves us and cares for us no matter how forgetful, or ungrateful or stubborn we are. You see I think He's got a great sense of humor. He's smiling down on us chuckling to Himself, because He knew where the sunglasses were the whole time.
May God bless each of you.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
When Trouble Hits Your Life
WE ARE HARD-PRESSED ON EVERY SIDE, YET NOT CRUSHED; WE ARE PERPLEXED, BUT NOT IN DESPAIR; PERSECUTED, BUT NOT FORSAKEN; STRUCK DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
I know it has been a while since I posted anything...but, it's been a while since I've been teaching. So now that I've got my excuses out of the way I guess it's time to get honest. I've let myself get lazy, I've fell victim to a bad case of the poor mes, and I lost some focus. However, I feel God led me to this blog and it's about time I start to obey!
I want to start by saying WOW!!!!! God is good, He is an awesome provider and His grace is sufficient. It's so crazy how He's got things mapped out. For instance...those of you who were in class Sunday know, Teddy was out sick and was unable to finish his lesson. So I was unprepared to lead the class, but God said..."I Got this." I gave it to Him and He provided us with an awesome time together. I think God provided us a time to share our troubles and praises, a chance to remind one another that there is a reason that we are together. To lift one another up as brothers and sisters in Christ when there are times of trial.
As you know it's been a tough time for our family as of late. You know because YOU guys have ministered to us more than you could ever understand...and for that I could never thank you enough. Even though I've been focused on my own problems over the last couple weeks God has shown me that if I just trust in Him, have a little of that "FAITH" stuff that we talked about, that He would provide and He has. He also revealed to me (whether it be through the lose of a friend or a prayer request made in class), that I'm not the only one going through something. Sometimes it's hard to realize just how blessed we are. No matter how bad we think things are, someone else could be going through something much worse, and handle it much better. That is FAITH in CHRIST!!!! That is flexing that spiritual muscle that Teddy is always talking about. Let me tell you that Regina Thompson is RIPPED and SHREDDED with spiritual muscle and I need to hit the gym.
Teddy will be finishing his lesson this Sunday and to tell you the truth I was looking forward to teaching again. But, I will be having surgery next Wednesday on my back and that may keep me out of class for a week or two. I don't know what will happen, but I do know God has a plan and He will provide.
God bless each of you. Thank you for sharing this week, thank you for praying and thank you for your obedience to our Savior.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
I know it has been a while since I posted anything...but, it's been a while since I've been teaching. So now that I've got my excuses out of the way I guess it's time to get honest. I've let myself get lazy, I've fell victim to a bad case of the poor mes, and I lost some focus. However, I feel God led me to this blog and it's about time I start to obey!
I want to start by saying WOW!!!!! God is good, He is an awesome provider and His grace is sufficient. It's so crazy how He's got things mapped out. For instance...those of you who were in class Sunday know, Teddy was out sick and was unable to finish his lesson. So I was unprepared to lead the class, but God said..."I Got this." I gave it to Him and He provided us with an awesome time together. I think God provided us a time to share our troubles and praises, a chance to remind one another that there is a reason that we are together. To lift one another up as brothers and sisters in Christ when there are times of trial.
As you know it's been a tough time for our family as of late. You know because YOU guys have ministered to us more than you could ever understand...and for that I could never thank you enough. Even though I've been focused on my own problems over the last couple weeks God has shown me that if I just trust in Him, have a little of that "FAITH" stuff that we talked about, that He would provide and He has. He also revealed to me (whether it be through the lose of a friend or a prayer request made in class), that I'm not the only one going through something. Sometimes it's hard to realize just how blessed we are. No matter how bad we think things are, someone else could be going through something much worse, and handle it much better. That is FAITH in CHRIST!!!! That is flexing that spiritual muscle that Teddy is always talking about. Let me tell you that Regina Thompson is RIPPED and SHREDDED with spiritual muscle and I need to hit the gym.
Teddy will be finishing his lesson this Sunday and to tell you the truth I was looking forward to teaching again. But, I will be having surgery next Wednesday on my back and that may keep me out of class for a week or two. I don't know what will happen, but I do know God has a plan and He will provide.
God bless each of you. Thank you for sharing this week, thank you for praying and thank you for your obedience to our Savior.
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