I Want to be Like Jesus!

He is different.  Unusual.  Odd.  To some, he is weird and out of touch with reality.  His identity is doing the will of his father, not his own.  His passion is people, not a self made man.  His ambition is to seek out the lost, not riches for himself.  His desire is to open up his house as a place to party and relax and live in complete satisfaction rather than lock his doors and be a hermit.  His love isn’t self-gratifying, rather it is offered to everyone.  His purpose is to be the peacemaker, redeemer, grace man and forgiver.

Who is this guy?  His name is Jesus! 

Oh, I want to tell you that Jesus is so much more than a story in the bible.  He is very much alive!  He is our personal savior.  He is our friend.  He is our teacher. 

Jesus’ desire was to put together words that would touch the hearts of his listeners.  His desire wasn’t to be a “preacher” who could quote more Scripture than anyone could obtain, rather, he wanted simplicity to lead his teaching so that everyone could leave with something.  He was a master at teaching a child to an adult. 

I want to be like him!  I mean, I want to live and love and teach and serve and lead just like Jesus.  Who better to mentor one’s life than Jesus?  I have many in my life who have mentored me and given me advice that helped shape the person I am today.  However, there hasn’t been anyone close to Jesus.  

The disciples had the best of the best!  Day in and day out they were taught by a man who could take a mustard seed and make a powerful story or demonstrate the power of feeding five thousand with a few fish and loaves of bread or he could have a faith walk on water to show that there is nothing that can hinder where he needed to go. 

In all of Jesus’ mentoring to his disciples, the one thing that was constant was Jesus’ prayer life.  The conversations he had with his dad were crucial to his life.   Sharing what was on his heart and getting the needed instructions from his mentor was a must. 

To be like Jesus is to live out the very attributes of Matthew 5, 6 & 7.  To have a deep need for God was at the pinnacle of Jesus message at the base of the mountain as thousands gathered to hear Jesus teach.  Being poor in spirit meant to put self aside and allow the desires of God to lead.  To be light and salt meant that one be a flavor of spirituality that put a good taste in peoples mouths and to be light demonstrates all the virtues of a Jesus led life.  The light says follow me because I follow Christ.  Forgiving has become a way of life because we desire the forgiveness from God. And, building our lives on a solid foundation ensures our security when we are thrown around by hardships and trials and health issues and financial woes and painful losses. 

Being like Jesus means living a life that trusts his Father to lead us where we need to go and getting us through the uncertainties of life.  Being like Jesus means that I might turn people off by my lifestyle, but in the end, the reward is much greater.  Being like Jesus will help others see truth in a way that isn’t dogmatic, brutal, or condemning.  Being like Jesus means that grace is for all, not for a select few. 

Will you be like Jesus?

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Memorial Day: A Tribute to Military Women

Going to war is never an easy decision to make; especially when we have to put our sons and daughters on the front lines to fight it.  In the history of our nation, war has been a part of it.  From the American Revolutionary War to the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, our nation has lost 1,321,612 of our sons and daughters.  It is heart wrenching to hear the news that your child, husband, dad, wife, mother, son, daughter, grandchild will no longer eat at the table to enjoy a meal, laughter, and conversation.  War is brutal.  It rips nations a part and it drives families deep into mental chaos wondering if their loved one will return home. 

Within the pages of our history, men and women have braved the elements of war.  They stood bravely on the battlefields and fought for a nation whom they loved, admired, and cherished.  They fought for freedom that they themselves may not have fully understood in its totality, but nevertheless it was important to fight and preserve.   

To answer the call to fight takes courage, trust, and an allegiance to God and country.  To say yes to fight and defend the values of our forefathers, families, and fellow citizens takes a wiliness and determination.  To leave the comforts of home to travel to a land where there are no guarantees of returning home takes love and passion. 

War doesn’t just call men, but women as well.  War is no respecter of persons.  It takes a “United” States to win a war.  So often, men are the headline news of war causalities.  However, women have had their share of causalities, too.  According to the Army Times, sixteen women died in combat in Vietnam and in the Persian Gulf, six female soldiers died.  According to the Korean Wall Educator, eighteen women died in the Korean War.  And, according to the History and Collections:  Women in Military Service for American Memorial Foundation, one hundred forty three women have died in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq.  While the numbers are nowhere near that of men, one death is still a tragedy.  The lost of a mother, a wife, a daughter is still devastating to the one losing her. 

Women have played a vital role throughout the history of our nation and throughout the history of the world.  In Judges 4, there was a Judge by the name of Deborah.  She was a mighty warrior.  She led a broken down Israelite Army to victory.  It isn’t the gender that should make the difference; rather it is the resolve and dedication of each person to make a better nation that should matter mostly. 

While I am grateful for every military member, this year I am especially proud of the women who have fought for our nation and have given their lives to help preserve our freedom.  Although some women may not be directly in the line of fire on the battlefield, her service to our nation doesn’t go unnoticed.  Her persistence in praying and taking care of the home and supporting in ways many will never know is greatly appreciated.  Thank you ladies for having courage to be protectors of our great nation we call the United States of America!  You will never be forgotten.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Is War Ever Right?

Our nation celebrates, morns, and remembers the fallen of our military on May 26, 2014. As a Veteran of the U.S. Army, I have a profound respect for every person who has put on the uniform of the United States of America military. So often, people question whether or not if it is right to go to war. Protesters line the streets of our cities to protest war.  The question is: Is war ever right?

What is war?:  According to the Webster’s Dictionary, war is:  “a state or period of fighting between countries or groups.  A situation in which people or groups compete with or fight against each other.  An organized effort by a government or other large organization to stop or defeat something that is viewed as dangerous or bad.”

There are many different types of wars:  War on drugs.  War on drinking and driving.  War on smoking.  Military wars. And on the list goes.  Each war is supposed to bring about a solution for the betterment or the protection of society as a whole. 

Ecclesiastes 3:8 Solomon said, "There is a time for war and a time for peace." According to Solomon, war is the right thing at times. The Bible tells of the times where God has commanded a war. When you look at the great heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 there are a number of great leaders who stood out during a time of war: Joshua, David, Gideon, and Samson. Throughout the Old Testament, there were times in which war was the only option or a God directive.

Our nation has fought in many wars: From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to World War 1 to World War 2 to the Korean War to Vietnam War to Iraq War to Afghanistan War. The call to war isn’t an easy decision to make, nor is it easy for families to let go of their sons and daughters to go fight them.

The United States is not the only nation who goes to war or is in a war.  As I write this article, Ukraine is in a bitter battle to keep their sovereignty.  Central African Republic is in a civil war. Egypt is dealing unrest. Nigeria is in war against Islamist militants. Sudan is in war against rebel groups and south Sudan is in a civil war.

Where you have people who want to control, manipulate or has a deep-seated hatred for others, you will have wars where blood is shed, people die, and nations go at it against each other.  I have seen firsthand protesters declaring their own war with those who have gone to war against another nation.  The protestor’s war may not shed blood or claim a life, but the desire to protest against someone else is still defined as a war. 

Is there any biblical precedence for declaring a war that sheds blood and takes lives?  Is there any justification for declaring war to stop dictators or to defend the innocent from oppression?  Is there any logic to the desire to stop the spread of evil by using force?  What would be some biblical reasons to go to war?:

To liberate a nation from dictatorship: God told Joshua to wipe out the Midianites, because they were very oppressive and evil. One of the evil practices they did was to throw babies into the fire.

In Numbers 32, God got very upset the Gadites and Reubenites tribes in Israel because they would not go to war. Moses says to these two tribes, "What are you going to do? Just sit here while the rest of your brothers go to war? Aren't you going to participate?" God became very anger and swore an oath: “Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years old or more who came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised Abraham.” Numbers 32:10b-11

 To defend innocent people: John Stewart Mills said, “A man who has nothing which he is willing to fight for, nothing which he cares about more than his personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free.” Proverbs 21:15 “When justice is done it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”

To stop the spread of evil: The Bible is very clear that God has authorized the government to enforce the law and punish offenders. Romans 13:4 “...He is God's servant, an agent of justice to bring punishment on the wrongdoers."

Remember, Be God Controlled,

Brian

Not to be Served!

Jesus lived his life in the same matter by which he was born.  Humble.  Simple.  And, servant-like.  Jesus’ motive was pure and transparent.  He loved people so much that he went out of his way to help others have a better day, better health, and better life.  Washing the disciples feet, healing the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, opening the ears of the deaf, helping a scarred disciple from sinking into the deep waters, feeding thousands, and using his body as a sacrifice for our sins is a true testimony of the Jesus way of life

Albert Einstein said is well, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."  This is Jesus!  Ralph Waldo Emerson must have gotten a glimpse of Jesus, too when he said, "Religion is to do right. It is to love, it is to serve, it is to think, it is to be humble."

Mahatma Gandhi was a walking Jesus in service to others.  He said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

Service is not an attention getter to self, but rather, to place the attention on the needs of others and to model the service attitude of Jesus.  The best way to be a Jesus server to others is to model the following traits:

Be a servant:  Greatness in the kingdom is not achieved by who is first, but rather by being a willing servant to one another.  Jesus said to his disciples in Mark 10:43-45,  “...Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Richard Foster wrote, "When we choose to be a servant, we give up the right to be in charge."  The essence of life is not about being in charge or the leader or the top dog.  The essence of life is about modeling the servant life so that the needs of others are met and the attention and glory is given to Jesus Christ!

Be a humble and loving servant:  The world's view of service is:  Since I helped you, you help me.  I scratched your back, now you scratch mine.

Jesus modeled a service lifestyle much differently than even his disciples had known.  Jesus regarded service as a primary way of demonstrating love for those whom He served and a way to put importance of one person over another in perspective.  Jesus told his disciples to follow His example of showing true servanthood by washing each others feet in John 13:12-16, "After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow.

Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth; slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message."

In Jesus' day, feet washing were reserved for the household servant.  Since Jesus and His disciples were meeting in a place of secrecy, there would not have been any servants.  Remember, Jesus is getting ready to suffer and die for humanity.  The fact that Jesus donned on a servants garb and began to wash the feet of His disciples is truly a testimony of His character as the Son of Man and a demonstration of His unconditional love for His disciples.   The feet washing was a way for Jesus to teach these guys that the ministry will not be about who is more important, who will be first, who will sit at His right or left side, but rather, it was a way of tearing down the pride and ego of the disciples so that the servant heart towards one another would be seen as kingdom priority. 

We as a community of Christians must do the same.  Serving each other is vitally important for our community and for each other.  The Christian community in Acts 2 at the tail end of the chapter was all about serving one another.  When we do this as a community of believers will make huge a huge impact on our towns, cities, States, and Country.  Model Jesus by serving rather than be served!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Prepping for Jesus' Return

Birds were falling dead from the sky.  Fish were dying.  Floods.  Earth quakes.  Wars.  Financial crisis.  Some scientist are now saying that an asteroid will hit the earth in 2032 and destroy all of us. They use formulas, world events, and Scriptures to determine their dates.

One of the first known predictions of the end of time was by a man named, Ben Zakkai.  He declared that Jesus would return before his own death in 80 A.D. Since that time, over 200 predictions have been made about the end of time and the coming of Jesus.

Matthew 24:35-37 makes it clear that Jesus does not even know the time of His return: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”  Furthermore, when Jesus does come, it will be a total surprise to everyone. 

1 Thessalonians 5:2 says, “For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.”

It is a biblical fact that Jesus will return according to Matthew 25:31-46.  It is also a biblical fact that every person must be prepared for Jesus’ return. Keeping oneself spiritually equipped and spiritually clothed is key in preparing for Jesus’ return.  Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”  Being prepared isn’t mere words, but rather, living out faith. Love. Works.  Being prepared is not keeping score of works either, but relying on God’s grace. 

The Apostle Peter gives great advice in our preparation of Jesus’ return.  If you listen to Peter and implement his advice, you will have the tools to keep you in readiness mode.   

Use good judgment

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” 1 Peter 4:7

The secret to maintaining the balance and calmness in life is prayer.  Prayer is what sharpens our awareness so that we’ll be more perceptive than we would normally be.  

Love one another deeply

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:8

If ever there is a time to love one another to our inner limit, it is now!  Proverbs 10:12 says, “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.”  Someone once said, “We are most like beast when we kill.  We are most like men when we judge.  We are most like God when we forgive.”  Words that have anger behind them will only cripple the relationship and at times, destroy friendships.  We must live by my motto:  Love people for who they are, not what they do.

Be nice without complaining

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9

This does not refer to just those who are lovable, friendly, or fun to be with.  It refers to all who are in the body of Christ, even the unlovable and unfriendly. 

Serve others

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 10-11

Peter points out that the gifts we have should be used in serving others in a way that gives total honor and glory to God.  We can serve others by giving a cold glass of ice tea or raking someone’s yard or visiting a nursing home or teaching someone about Jesus or cooking a meal for a sick person or driving your neighbor to the grocery store.  All of the serving we do is not for our earthly benefit, but rather our spiritual benefit.  Our serving does not earn us heaven points, but it does give us credibility to those whom we serve a putting our spirituality into practice. 

Jesus will come again, are you ready?

Remember, Be God Controlled,  

Brian

Why go to "Church?"

 Growing up in a home where we went to “church” every time the doors were open was a blessing and a curse.  It was the belief of my parents that we must attend every church gathering without hesitation.  No arguments could be made as to why we can’t go.  It was a must.  So, we put on our leisure suits, polished dress shoes and a dab of dippity do hair styling gel for the right hair look and off all eight of us went to “church.”

The blessing of going to “church” as a little boy was hanging out with my friends and playing out in churchyard after church.  As a teen, the blessings were going on youth group trips, canoeing, church camp, and other fun stuff. 

The curse as a boy was that I had to take a Saturday bath and get all dressed up on Sunday in a suit I hated to wear.  It was a powder blue leisure suit that made me look a bit like a smurf.  As a teen, the curse was no kind of sport could be played on a Wednesday night…PERIOD!  My parents did not waiver.  While all my friends were playing ball, I was sitting in a bible class thinking about how I wanted to be playing baseball. 

After growing up a bit, I can look back and see the value of attending church gatherings.  However, I really do not remember one moment in my young life a time when I was blown away emotionally by a sermon or a bible class that brought me to my knees before God.  It was the “hell fire and damnation” style of preaching.  It was guilt preaching.  It was God is the all seeing-eye type of preaching.  It was the kind of preaching that made you afraid of God.  No grace.  No mercy.  No love.  No forgiveness.  No Spirit.  It was dogmatic with a heavy dose of guilt trip. 

Years later, I am still asking the same questions:  What is the purpose of our church gatherings?  Why do we put so much emphasis on attending them?  What is the relevancy of the worship gathering on a Sunday morning? 

According to Barna Group, 40% of unchurched Americans say the reason they do not attend a church is because they can find God elsewhere, while 35% says that the church is not relevant to them personally.  The survey also states that churchgoers have decreased from 43% in 2004 to 36% in 2014.  Millennial’s give three reasons why they do not attend a church:  1. The church's irrelevance.  2. Hypocrisy.  3. The moral failures of its leaders

These are alarming stats.  If God isn’t present in the worship gathering, then why do we have them?  Worship must be experiential, meaning, helping each one connect to God and the community of people who are in attendance.  Psalm 100 the Psalmist says to shout for joy, he calls us to worship with gladness and to come before God with a joyful song.  He impresses on us the value of being thankful for God and to give him the praise. 

When God is the centerpiece of our gatherings, then and only then will others see the relevancy in gathering with a community whose desire is making it about God rather than all the traditions we have created over the centuries. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Rhythm of Heaven

 When I was a little boy, I had a dream that I died and went to heaven.  The place was magical and fun.  For a kid, it was a dream of all dreams!  Unlimited rides and candy.  Clowns.  Music.  Baseball. And, a host of other fun things to do for a kid.  Sounds crazy, right? 

In most church hymnals, there is a song called, “Mansion over the Hilltop.”  It isn’t my favorite song by far.  Personally, it is a selfish song about wanting to be in a city of gold, lined with silver and one who is searching for a mansion, robe and crown.  Am I off base?

Revelation 21 gives a description of the “New Jerusalem” or as Scripture refers to it as the “new heaven”.  In John’s vision, he sees a city made of gold, as pure as glass, the foundation of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone, the gates were made of pearl and the great street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

John’s vision is so different than my dream.  It was a bubble buster when I was told that my dream wasn’t the right description of what the “real” heaven would be like.  As a kid I wanted that heaven.  It was fun.  It had all that a kid could ever want and “needed!”  I was disappointed and bummed out. 

Almost everyday, I talk to someone about their salvation and what they want from God.  Most everyone says they want God to accept them into heaven when they die. 

Why? 

What is so special about heaven?  What does heaven offer that we do not have already?  Is there an alternative to heaven that drives everyone to want to go there?  

The alternative to heaven is hell.  It isn’t a happy or fun place.  As a matter of fact, Jesus describes hell as a future place of fire, darkness and a terrible reality of separation from God and some of the writings of the Apostle Paul deal with the impending doom of hell and the book of Revelation depicts hell as a place of torment forever (Revelation 20:10) I can see why people do not want to go to hell, including myself.

Heaven is a special place.   It is a place where we get a placard with our named inscribed on it according to Luke 10:20 and Jesus describes heaven as his father’s personal home in John 14.  Also in John 14 Jesus reassures his disciples that his father’s house has lots of room just for them.  It was Jesus’ way of saying to his closes friends not to worry, you will get to hang out at my dads house with me for all of eternity. 

Heaven has so much more to offer that we do not have right now.

Heaven offers total rest for all those who die in the Lord. (Revelation 14:13). 

Heaven will be a trouble free place.  No crying.  No death.  No mourning.  No pain. (Revelation  21:4)

Heaven will have an unlimited supply of crops for everyone living in the house.  Can you imagine opening up the pantry and never being out of food? 

Revelation 22:1-2 says that we will be furnished with all the amenities to sustain us. 

I love the lyrics to “Heaven is a Wonderful place”:  Heaven is a wonderful place,
Filled with glory and grace, I want to see my Savior's face, Heaven is a wonderful place.

Heaven is a wonderful place.  It probably want have carnival rides, clowns and baseball, but it will have an unlimited supply of resources to sustain us for all of eternity. 

None of us have been given the job to pick who gets into heaven or who doesn’t.  That responsibility has been reserved for Jesus (Matthew 25) No one Christian church  group has been selected as the straight to heaven group.  The bible says that those whom Jesus has chosen will get eternal life. 

The question I will leave you with is this:  What eternal home has your name placard on it right now?  God is grace and doesn’t want anyone to be lost.  Today you have an opportunity to look at where your life is headed and if you don’t like it, you can readjust and turn it around.  I would love to chat with you about heaven some more if you would like.  You can email me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com or call me on my cell phone at 931-545-7543.

Remember, Be God Controlled!!

Brian