Giving the Gift of Gentleness

Fragile! Handle with CARE! Valuables. Breakables. Do NOT bend!

Gentleness is a demonstration of love and patience. Psalm 103:10 says “God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities." Matthew 1 sets the stage for how God is going to put gentleness into motion by giving two important names to the baby born to Mary: Jesus: “He saves” and Immanuel: “God with us.”

The baby Jesus grew up and became a man. The values that he learned as a child would be put to the test. One of the most important attributes of Jesus’ ministry that would be tested to the very core was his gentleness. However, gentleness is one of the least talked about or even noticed abilities of his ministry.

There are three stories in the Gospels that give us a glimpse of how effective Jesus was in dealing with sinners and those who proclaimed self-righteousness.

The Well Water Woman - John 4: Through Jesus' unbiased and non-prejudiced attitude, He demonstrated the power of gentleness by treating her like a real person and not being judgmental even though he knew about her five marriages and living arrangements with the live-in boyfriend.

The goal was salvation, not condemnation!

Jesus, Lawyers, Pharisees, adultery - John 8: Gentleness? Yes! To a woman who had an affair? Yes! Sinner? Yes! Stoning rights? Yes! Were the law keepers and Pharisees sinners? Yes!

This scene of sinners is a teachable moment for those of us who are hard-nosed, judgementalist who think they have a market on rightness, holiness, and their own parking spot reserved for them when they get to heaven. Sounds harsh and with no evidence of gentleness, right? This is why it is so important to watch how we talk and treat others the way we want to be treated

Matthew 7 and 25 makes it clear that all judgment is reserved for Jesus, not us. Next time someone falls into sin, use it as a teaching moment, not a condemning episode.

The taxman and Jesus - Luke 19: No one likes a thief! The mentioning of the IRS will send chills down our spines. For Zacchaeus, he was the kind of man that took more than his share. He was disliked and avoided by everyone; well not everyone. Almost everyone. It is the Jesus factor. Jesus invites himself over to Zach's house.
That's right, the Messiah himself is now going to audit the taxman

This was no ordinary audit with calculators and spreadsheets, it was a soul-to-soul, heart to heart conversation about right living, not taking more than your share, and being fair and honest.

It had to be gentleness that broke through the barriers of Zacchaeus' obsession for money. He made a promise to Jesus that he would give money to the poor and repay those whom he cheated out four times the amount.

No recording of bad-mouthing the taxman. No condemning the thief. A simple conversation that resulted in Jesus saying to Zacchaeus, "Today salvation has come to this house."

gentleness was the means that opened up the opportunity for conversations, which led to restoration.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Stepping Stones for Spiritual Growth

Our spiritual lives grow deeper when we our focused and taking steps to mature. If you are like me, it hard to be consistent in using the tools that equip us to battle sin, get along with others, and/or be faithful to the vows made to God. Most people do not wake up in the morning and say, “I wonder what sin I can do today.” When we were born again, we did not set out to live a mediocre spiritual life. But, in the busyness of our days, focus gets blurred and the steps to maturing gets steep and hard to climb.

There are four things that are key to spiritual growth that will enable each person to be a spiritual Christian each day.

Daily Worship – Worship is a 24/7 lifestyle: Revelation 4:8 "Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” When God becomes the center-piece of our lives and we see Him as the glorious and majestic God of heaven, it is then we worship with a heartfelt attitude toward Him. Worship is focusing on God: Psalm 95:6 "Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker." Being God focused means that we see clearly the richness of God, the power of God, and the gentleness of God. Our view of God will inspire us to worship Him with humility and reverence.

Daily Prayer – Prayer is an opportunity to Adore God: Psalm 8:1-2, "O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength,...." God has given us everything to sustain us in life. Prayer is an opportunity to Admit our sins: 1 John 1:9,"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." Prayer is an opportunity to Appeal to God: 1 Samuel 1 is a powerful prayer chapter of a woman who makes an appeal to God for a child. Hannah is a story that demonstrates persistence, faith, and integrity.

Daily Bible Study – God's Word is not just words, but food: Matthew 4:1-11, "...not live by bread alone, but on every Word...." Regular bible intake feeds us spiritually. God's Word helps us grow-up: 1 Peter 2:1-5, "...may grow up in your salvation...." God's Word will help us mature as Christians. God's Word equips us: 2 Timothy 3:10-17, "...be thoroughly equipped for every good work" The Scriptures teaches us how to live.

Be Spirit-Led – Galatians 5:16 says that if we live by the Spirit, we will not want to be involved in things that take us to places that isn’t God honoring. Spirit-led people keep right focus, right living, and right relationships.

When our days are filled with worship, prayer, God’s Word, and the Spirit leading the way, a change will come about in our lives that no power of evil can over come us. And, No amount of distraction can detour us from our purposed life.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Good News for a Broken World!

Gunfire. Roadside bombs. Suicide. Drugs. Abductions. Financial meltdown. Poverty. Bankruptcy. War. Rape. Divorce. Tsunamis. Earthquakes. Tornadoes. Hurricanes. Drunk-drivers. Drive-by shootings. Murder. Hate. Cancer. Disease. Racism. Homeless. Layoffs.

Broken?

Hearing the news their son has been killed in Afghanistan has shattered lives. Homes have been destroyed by wildfires. A trusted financial advisor has swindle every last dime. A baby girl has been taken from her crib…where is she? The doctor said, stage-4 cancer; no cure.

Broken?

Any relief? Yes! When? The pain hurts. The burden is heavy. The days are long. When will the shooting stop? When will I get a job? I just want my life back! Help! Somebody…Help!

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

To be broken is to be shattered. When we are hit with adversity, we are shattered into a thousand pieces. Our heart hurts and the pain cuts deep. However, we are not a lone. Never alone! God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.” Hebrews 13:5 (MSG)

God is in the reassuring business. Isaiah 40 says that he energizes those who get tired and for those who wait upon God get fresh strength…they run and don’t get tired. (MSG)

The gunfire may never stop and drunks may never stop driving. Cancer may not be cured and wildfires may rage on. However, we have a God who will get us through the difficult days and the painful nights.

Healing is God’s specialty. Comfort is a God promise. Hope is ours to keep. Strength is given freely. And, rest is on the lap of our Father.

Broken? Good News! God can fix it!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Good News for Imperfect People!

God is Love! God loves his kids unconditionally; no strings attached. He loves us for who we are, not for what we do. He loves us when we are not at our best and when we struggle with sin and when we lust with our eyes and when we say bad words and when we lie and when we cheat and when we are unfaithful to our vows of right living. Disappointed? Yes! Angry? Yes! Despite all of our acts of rebellion, he never stops loving any of us.

God’s desire for us is to be our very best and to live out our faith that is attractive. God’s intent for us is to be Spirit led, prayer driven, and faithful to our vows of right living. We are a blessed people to have a God who still loves us even though we struggle with sin.

God’s love is demonstrated in many ways. He creates a day for us to enjoy, play, and laugh. He provides for our needs and gives us resources to sustain us in life. He gave us his Son, Jesus so that our sins would be redeemed and his Spirit to indwell us so that we will have the strength to keep our vows of right living.

We do not have to be perfect to get God’s love. Because of our imperfect ways, Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s sacrificial love is evidence that his love runs deep for each of his children. John tells us “God so loved the world that He gave us His Son…” The gift of his Son is proof that God isn’t just a God of talk, but of action.

It is good news that our sins are forgiven. I John 1:9 says, “…He is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sins and purify us from all unrighteous.” Forgiveness is often not our way, but it is always God’s way. Isaiah 43:25 says, “I will blot out your sins and remember them no more.” God is not a grudge holder, nor will he ever bring up our past after he has forgiven us.

God is love! He loves us for who we are and not for what we do

Remember, Be God Controlled,

Brian

Salty and Lit Up!

Surrendering to God is a spiritual process. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:14 – “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolish to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

World without the Spirit:
The early bird gets the worm
No pain, no gain
There is no such thing as a free lunch
Demand your rights
Get what you pay for
I want people to get what they deserve – nothing more, nothing less.

Spiritually immature Christians have a negative affect on the world. Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-14, You are salt! You are Light! A NO Salt life means: “ A Christian life with no flavor.” A flavorless Christian life is tasteless, not Spirit-controlled, and it suffers from the “ME” syndrome.

The world with the Spirit:
Forgiveness (Not keeping our sin in his memory bank)
Love (He loves us for who we are, not what we do!)
Grace (Not earning our way to heaven)
Mercy (Not getting what we deserved)

In order to make a lasting impact in the world, every aspect of the Christian life must be seasoned with the flavor of Jesus. A Salt life means: “a tasty flavored life” If something doesn’t taste good; it generally isn’t eaten and thrown away. Christians have the responsibility of ensuring our life is tasteful so that it will cause someone to want to come back for seconds and thirds and fourths!

Jesus also said that we are the light of the world. Light helps others see what Christian values are all about. In order to help others see the value in having a relationship with Jesus, we must be lit up with love, joy, peace, kindness, and goodness. We must demonstrate godly values of mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

When the world puts the spotlight on Christians, they will see an attractive Spirit-filled person whose true beauty is spiritual and real living is tasteful, enjoyable, and reproducible.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

What Do You Do When You Fail?

Failing at something is a normal part of life. Babies do not learn to walk the first time they stand on their two little feet. A baby fails many times before she discovers the art of walking. Baseball player do not hit home runs or get on base every time they swing the bat. Archer’s do not hit the bulls-eye every time they let go of the bow. And, Christ- followers do not live perfect lives, nor do they resist the devil every time they are attacked.

God is not calling us to be perfect in anything that we do. However, He does call us to be faithful and resilient to being our best no matter what it is.

George Washington, the first president of the United States lost 2/3rd of the battles he fought in during the Revolutionary war. Despite the losing battles, his focus was not to give up and doom the young nation to failure. It was in the lost battles that Washington learned lessons and resolved not to repeat them in the next battle. Because of the resiliency of Washington and his fighters, they won the war.

During Babe Ruth’s career, he was considered one of baseball best players. Even to this day, Ruth is known as one of baseball’s best. His career lasted for 21 years. Ruth hit 714 home runs. However, Ruth didn’t get on base every time. Out of 10,617 plate appearances, Ruth struck out 1,330 times. It was not the failed plate appearances that made the headlines, but rather, the home runs.

Thomas Edison failed over 10,000 times. It is not the failures that are remembered about Edison, but rather, it is the light bulb that we use everyday. Edison went on to have over 1,000 inventions during his lifetime.

R.H. Macy failed 7 times before his store in New York caught on.

English Novelist John Creasey received 753 rejection slips before he published 564 books.

Do you get the point? I like the statement that was in the Wall Street Journal, “Worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.” It is not about failing that should ultimately be of concern, but rather, about how one reacts to failing.

Thomas of the bible is remembered as “doubting” Thomas, a man who failed to believe that Jesus was alive. While Thomas failed in believing that Jesus was alive, there is so much more about him than a momentary lack of faith. Upon seeing Jesus, he left his failed faith and became a spiritual leader that was willing to do what it takes to be a Christ-follower. John 11:16, "Then Thomas said to the rest of the disciples, let us go, that we may die with Him.”

Living the Christian life can be hard, demanding, and painful. Failing happens. Going against God’s best for us, happens. Sinning happens. However, those who will not get mired up in the spiritual failings and make the necessary changes will not live in failure, but rather in victory! Romans 6:22 says that we have been set free and that we have benefits that lead to holiness and eternal life.

Failings will happen. It is what you do after failing that will make all the difference in the world.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Yes dad, I trust you!

The water was murky, deep, and swarming with all kinds of river creatures. Black River is its name. Located near the town of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. My dad was born and raised in that little town before moving to the big city of St. Louis to work for the General Motors Corporation.

Many of my childhood memories take me back to Walnut Ridge. I remember the days of traveling in our green with brown paneling station wagon to see grandma. Before grandma moved into town, she lived deep in the woods. We drove on dirt roads for miles. There were watermelon and rice farms as far as the eye could see.

The scenery was a still frame. Farm houses. Outhouses. Dilapidated schoolhouse. And, an old white church house that use to be the gathering place of worshipers for the little community in the woods.

Many of our trips to see grandma would be spent on the banks of the Black River. It was as primitive as you can get. No RV’s. No electrical hook-ups. No bathhouse. It was camping as rough as rough can be. Thinking back to those days, I never remember anyone complaining about how rough it was.

The Black River was the center of our entertainment as kids and a place where I learned to trust. In order to play in the river, we had to know how to swim. One day, my dad decided he was going to teach me. He said, “I needed to trust him and not be afraid”. He picked me up as high as he could and asked me, “are you ready?” I said, “ready for what?” The next thing I know, I am flying through the air and seeing the water underneath me. I heard myself screaming in one moment and gasping for air the next. I’m kicking my legs and wailing my arms. “HELP!” I cried! My dad said, “It’s ok, I’m right here.” He picked me up and I held tightly to his neck. “I don’t ever want to do that again,” I said. But, I heard my dads voice say to me again, “trust me.” He picked me up as high as he could and said, “ready?” I said, “No!!!!!” Apparently, he didn’t hear me because I was flying through the air again. Gasping, kicking, and gasping. It was in the Black River that I not only learned how to swim, I learned how to trust.

Trusting in someone takes time. There are many who have been disappointed, abused, and/or neglected. To tell someone to trust in a God whom they cannot see and that He will never disappoint, abuse, nor neglect anyone has to be tested and approved over time.

I believe that the more we trust God and allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open to Him, the more we develop a deep trust in Him. Psalm 50:15 says “I want you to trust Me in your times of trouble so I can rescue you and you can give Me glory.” (LB) The psalmist said in Psalm 13:5, "But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me." (NLT).

Throughout Scripture, God has promised to meet our needs and always be there for us. Whether the needs are: Emotional. Financial. Physical. Spiritual. Relational. Or, just everyday needs. In fact, one of the Hebrew names for God is Jehovah Jirah, which means, “I am the God who provides for you.” Genesis 22:14. Paul said to a group of Christians: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

Life can be like being thrown into the Black River for the very first time: Gasping and kicking and gasping. Life isn’t easy, people will disappoint us, and some will even be abusive. However, God is always faithful to providing us with the resources we need to live physically and spiritually.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Scars of Jesus

When I was in college, I worked for a grocery store stocking shelves at night. One night, as I was opening a box with a box cutter, I didn’t move my right hand out of the way and I cut my hand right below the thumb. Blood went everywhere. Throbbing. Burning. Pain. A co-worker immediately got a towel, wrapped it around my hand and took me to the emergency room. I received eight stitches and a scar for life. Every time I look at my right hand, I take a trip down memory lane.

Scars tell a story of that day’s event. No matter how we got the scar, it is a constant reminder of what caused it? Who caused it? And/or, why it was caused?

Jesus has his scar story, too. His scars didn’t happen by an accident or a surgical procedure, but rather, by a group of thugs who hated him. Jesus’ scar story begins after the so-called “religious leaders” made a spectacle out of Him by persuading Governor Pilate to do a criminal swap…Barabbas for Jesus. Barabbas was a murderer; Jesus was the Son of God. No contest, right? Wrong! The people wanted the inspiring thug and gang leader Barabbas rather than the lowly liar Jesus, who “claimed” to be the Son of God.

For the Governor, the only politically correct thing to do was give the people what they wanted…A death by crucifixion.

The scars of Jesus began at the flogging. It was a beat down of the criminal before the crucifixion. Under Hebrew law, 40 lashes was the limit. But, under the Roman law, it was limitless. Jesus was beat to a pulp. Bloody. Bruised. And, weakened by the whip of metal or bone that pounded his body over and over again. Jesus received a crown to represent his kingship. However, this was not your ordinary crown of gold and rubies, but rather, a crown of woven thorn branches that was pushed into his head to cause head trauma. After the anointing of the crown, came the cross. It was cruel. Heavy. Painful. A criminal’s death made public. Nails that kept Jesus in place as they lifted the cross and placed it in the hole for it to stand and for the people to watch the show until He died.

The nailed scared hands and feet and the speared side would become the scars of proof that Jesus is truly the Son of God. Thomas, one of the original twelve disciples needed to touch the scared up Jesus as proof that He was alive. Just like any Jesus story, He accommodates the faithless. Unannounced, Jesus walks into the house, goes straight for Thomas and said, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” John 20:27 (NLT)

The scars of Jesus demonstrate hope and healing. Isaiah 53:5, “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” (NLT)

Jesus’ scars are not to be minimized nor marketed for the sake of making someone feel guilty or ashamed; but rather, to see the scars of Jesus as a testimony of God demonstrated love for all of us, Romans 5:8 and John 3:16!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Face of Jesus

When I was a kid, my parents had a big white family bible that was placed in the center of the coffee table in the living room. On the front of the bible was a picture of Jesus. Long flowing blonde hair, nice tan, and baby blue eyes. He looked like a GQ model. I wondered for a long time if that is what Jesus really looked like.

For centuries, scholars and artist have tried to concoct some type of picture of Jesus. Long hair. Short hair. Blue eyes. Brown eyes. Green eyes. Tall. Tan. Light skinned. Muscular. Skinny. Beard. Mustache.

So, What does Jesus really look like?

Is it the appearance of Jesus that really matters or is it the heart? God said to Samuel “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the Heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Commercials and infomercials are constantly trying to sell us products that will keep us looking younger, getting rid of wrinkles and removing unwanted facial hairs or blemishes and make-up that will change the way you look. We rush to buy these products because we think the outward looks are far too important to play around with.

But, God looks at the heart!

So, what does Jesus really look like?
-To Zacchaeus, Jesus looks like salvation – Luke 19:9.
-To the adulterous lady, Jesus looks like mercy – John 8:11
-To the 5,000 people, Jesus looks like generosity – John 6:1-13
-To the woman who was living with a guy, Jesus looks like hope – John 4:7-26
-To the murdering thugs, Jesus looks like forgiveness – Luke 23:34

For millions in our world, the first glimpse of Jesus’ face is ours. What do they see? Hope? Mercy? Generosity? Love? Acceptance? Kindness?

Putting on the face of Jesus isn’t a morning ritual that we mask on and then in the evening, take off. Wearing the face of Jesus means a spiritual face-lift that will dramatically change the scope of what we look like.

Being the face of Jesus is no easy task. It may mean rejection and disappointment. However, the permanent change will give eternal hope to those who become the face of Jesus.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Rescue 911

It was nearly 4:30 a.m. our mission team just completed a ten day preaching and teaching work in one of the cities in Mexico. We are now headed home! No one but our caravan of cars was on the road; so we thought!

As we were driving out of town, a police car passes us with his siren lights on. We didn’t pay much attention to it because most of the police keep their siren lights on as they drive around town. All of a sudden, the police car turns his car to block the road. We slam on our brakes. When we stop, about five black trucks pull up beside us blaring music and out comes about twenty-five masked gunmen screaming to get out of the car, while pointing their AK-47’s at our heads.

Not knowing how to speak Spanish, I was totally reliant on our Mexican preacher to help me. But, the gunmen separated us. My friend Barbara was following behind us and they pulled her over, too. I couldn’t see what they were doing to her.

Is this the way my life is going to end? Are we going to die at the hands of someone who may think we have invaded their territory or have drugs? I’ve heard all the stories of the Mexican drug cartel and now we are experiencing it first hand. He asked for my I.D and Passport. Finally, there was an English speaking person, however, he wasn’t interested in chitchatting, but rather, interrogating me as to why I am in Mexico and why am I leaving so early in the morning.

I wondered, “How will they kill me?” “Will it be a bullet in the back of the head or a machete to take off my head?” I prayed, “Surely God, this isn’t the place where my life will end, is it?” I thought about my wife, Sondra and my two children, Roman and Tessa. I thought about where I put my life insurance policy. I thought about Barbara. I thought about my dad and my siblings.

As I stood there surrounded by masked gunmen, with their weapons pointed at my head, I was scared. I didn’t want to leave my family, however, I knew that if this was the place God allowed me to stand for the last time on earth, I will thank Him for the gift of life, but mostly, for the gift of rescuing me from sin and the home He will give me in heaven eternally.

The drug cartel let us go after nearly an hour of interrogating Barbara, our Mexican preacher, and me. I am grateful and give God all the glory for our rescue.

God is in the rescuing business. John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 5:8 says that “God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God’s love is deep. His forgiveness is limitless. His grace is abundant. His mercy is relentless. His salvation is free. God doesn’t make us accept his gifts, but when we do, it changes our destination for all of eternity!

Life is uncertain, but God isn’t. He is with us every step of our journey. No matter if it’s the drug cartel or hundreds of Christians surrounding us, God is present. It is by faith that we accept God and Jesus as Lord and Savior. Once we have accepted Christ as Lord, we see the value in:

Acknowledging our sin and our need for God’s gifts - A sinner is one who goes against God’s plan for their lives. Habakkuk 1:13 says that God “cannot tolerate wrong.” A person sins in many different ways: - I.e. Lying; telling dirty jokes or saying bad words; talking about others in a negative way. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Even though we try to do things God’s way, there is no way we can ever be perfect and sinless.

Making changes by repenting - When a person repents, they make a change in their daily lives by living God’s way. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out….”

Connecting with God by being baptized - Baptism removes the dirtiness of our sinful life and makes us clean into a spiritual life. We are washed clean of our sins and raised to a new life in Christ Jesus. Peter said in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” It is the baptism that connects us with God, Jesus, and Spirit according Romans 6:1-11.

Baptism is our response to God for all he has done for us. Baptism is not a work to earn salvation as Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been save through faith—and this is not from yourself, it is the gift of God.” but our connection into His glorious family! What a God rescue plan!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

15 Items or Less Lane

The sign clearly says, 15 items or less. Not, 16, 22 or 30! I get all worked up over the fact that people in the “speedy” checkout lane can’t count! Can they read? Just because you have 24 of the same item doesn’t count as 1!

Am I overboard? Almost every time I go to the “speedy” (and I use the word “speedy” very loosely) I count the number of items that the people have who are in front of me. If they are over, I pitch a hissy fit. I sigh…loudly. I make comments to my daughter, “can’t people count?” To which my daughter, Tessa will say, “dad, do you remember that sermon you preached about patients?” Then I will say, “You pick a fine time to quote me.” Then she will say, “See, I told you I listen to your sermons!” Then I will say, “it’s not about patience, it’s about respecting the rules.” Tessa’s comeback is: “Well, who made the rules?” I say to her, “WALmarttttttttttttttttttttttttt!” In my very irritated tone!

Respecting rules are important. Someone says, “Rules are made to be broken.” Really? At what cost? Throughout the Scriptures, there are numerous times in which God deals with those who break the “rules.”

- Moses – Numbers 20:1-13 (Struck the rock, instead of speaking to the rock)
- Ananias and Sappphira – Acts 5 (Not telling the truth about some property)
- Lot’s Wife – Genesis 19:12-26 (Looked to see Sodom & Gomorrah destroyed)

What’s the big deal anyway? So what that Moses struck the rock or Ananias told a little fib or Lots wife wanted to take a peek behind her. So what that the “speedy” checkout lane says 15 items or less?

I am as much about grace as anyone. I also understand that we are not under law and can never earn our salvation. It is fully God’s gift to all of us. However, Romans 6:1 clearly states that we can’t go around breaking God’s biblical truths and turn right around and say, “I’m covered by the grace of God!”

We must respect God’s Word as truth and live according to its teachings. The Apostle Paul states in Galatians 5:19-22 that there are consequences for totally disregarding God’s instructions for our life.

When we respect the Word of God, the way we conduct our lives will be godly and honorable. When we respect something as simple as the 15 items or less lane, not only will those around you be less irritable (including me!) it fully demonstrates that the indwelled Spirit of God is leading every aspect of your life.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Lost and Found

I’ve looked everywhere! It’s not here! I’ve looked in my closet, the dirty cloths hamper, under the bed, even in the trash. I cannot find it! Why would someone be so cruel as to take it? Why? I loved it! It was mine. Now it’s gone. I want to put up posters around the neighborhood to see if anyone has seen it. I want to take an ad out in the local newspaper with a picture…it might be that someone has a tip that will lead to me finding it.

Where are you my favorite green pullover jacket? I know you had stains and holes and rips. But, you were mine. All mine! You went everywhere with me. I wore you with pride. And, when people made fun of me for wearing you so much, I just clung on to you a little tighter. You were my favorite! There is no jacket that will ever replace you. Until we meet again!

Silly? Probably!

Sin. Guilt. Stain. Lies. What have I done? God said (Isaiah 59:2-3) that our sins have hidden his face from us. He doesn’t hear me. My sins, guilt, stain, and lies have separated me with God.

This is not good! Help! Somebody…anybody! Help! I’m lost. I need help! Please help me! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you, God. I love you! I need you! Please, save me…I’m lost and afraid.

Wait. I see something! It’s a poster! “Call to me and I will answer you….” Call to me? It says that the number is: JER333…Jeremiah 33:3. It says, “No dialing required, just speak to me and I will answer you.”

As much as I miss my green pullover, I miss God even more when I go against God’s best for me and it causes Him to turn away from me. There are consequences to a blatant disregard for God’s Word. However, there are great rewards for those who turn away from a sinful life and renew their relationship with Him. In 1 John 1:9 John says, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”

Stained? Yes! Guilty? Yes! Sinner? Yes! Separated from God? Not anymore! Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were STILL (stained and guilty) sinners, Christ died for us!” Acts 22:16 declares that baptism washes away our sins.
Isaiah 43:25 says that God will blot out our sins and remember them no more! When I totally give my life to God and do what His word says, then I am no longer separated from Him!

Stained? Not anymore! Guilty? Absolutely not! Forgiven? Yes, Indeed! I may never find my green pullover, but as long as I have God, Jesus, and Spirit, I will be just fine! Actually, I will be eternally fine!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

My Shoe is Broke and My Sock is Wet!

The day started off with me walking right smack into the edge of my bedroom door. My head bounced off and my mouth said a few ungraceful words (no bad words, of course) to the door as I gave it a punch. Why did I punch the door? I still don’t know. I guess it made me feel a little better…well, until I looked down and saw a little blood and then felt the pain. Stupid me!

The day was cloudy and rainy. It was one of those days that I would have preferred to sit in my favorite chair, read a book, while listening to the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace.

I left the house at 7:15 a.m. to go to my office. I arrive in less than ten minutes. I’m alone! Ahhh. I open the window blinds, turn on my computer, and begin my day’s work. I write. I read. I watched a video for a class I teach. I gave a presentation at one of the assisted living facilities. I made several phone calls, answered calls. And, replied to e-mails. I was feeling good. Progress, I thought. It is now about 4:15 and I was making last minute preparations for a meeting I had at 7:00 p.m. My wife calls and asked me to pick up some items at the grocery store before coming home. So, I did.

It has rained all day. I drive to the store, step out of the car and make my way inside. As I was walking, I noticed that my foot was feeling wet. That’s weird, I thought. I walked over to the canopy to get out of the rain. I lifted up my foot to check the bottom of my shoe. To my surprise, the sole of my shoe had a crack all the way across.

My sock is wet and I could hear the irritating sound of a squeaky shoe as I walked through the store! I walked as quickly as possible and with the least amount of squeakiness I could possibly make. However, I felt uneasy, embarrassed, and vulnerable. I also thought about the Scripture where Paul talks about having our “feet fitted with readiness…” (Ephesians 6:15)

I didn’t feel ready. Sure, it was my shoe. But, the shoe I was wearing was not going to protect me from the rainy weather. At this point in my day, the stuff I accomplished after hitting my head and punching the door did not seem as significant as the shoe I was wearing in the rain.

Spiritually speaking, our shoes are vitally important. For anyone fighting in a war, his shoes were of utmost importance. If he lost his footing, he lost the fight. Paul says in Romans 1:16 that our footing is the gospel, the good news by which we were saved.

As you get dressed for work or the day, check the bottom of your shoes (also, watch out for the door!). Mostly, pray that God will equip you with the right shoes so that you can keep your faith firmly planted when your are tested and as you battle Satan. Without the proper shoes, we become vulnerable and we will not be able to keep our footing when there are tests, temptations, and trials.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Role Model? Me? YES!

During the “what we call the invitation song,” a little girl named Emily handed me a note. It was folded three times. On the very front it said, “Open!!” So, I did. The next fold said, “Keep going” So, I did, The next fold said, “One more” And, I did. Inside the note she wrote:

Dear Mr. Brian,
The lesson today was great! When you said “I can speak
for myself,” I thought, “Yep! Your Brian McCutchen!
Hero and preacher!!” I think of you as my role model in Christ terms!
Thanks Mr. Brian!

Sincerely,

Emily B.

Role model? Me? According to Emily, Yes! But, how? She said, “In Christ terms.”

How is one a role model in “Christ terms”? Jesus said, “For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me. "But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you'll soon wish you hadn't. You'd be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don't have to make it worse—and it's doomsday to you if you do.”
Matthew 18:3-6 (The Message)

Role Model? All of us? YES! How? Jesus said, “Be like a child” A child has an innocence about them that is pure and vulnerable. They are accepting. Loving. Forgiving. Trusting. Jesus said we need to be just like a child…pure and vulnerable; no hidden motives. Masks. Facade.

Role Model? All of us? YES! We have a responsibility to demonstrate spiritual truths that will keep our kids from sinning and seeing corruption that will destroy their faith. Our words and actions do matter! Our children are watching and listening.

Role Model? Yes! We are role models that will help our children see God. Jesus. Spirit. The way we live life will tell our kids how important our spiritual walk with God really is.

Role Model? Yes!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian