Pay it Forward Through Serving!

Serving others should be a way of life and the service render must comes from the heart that is pure and honorable, not one that has hidden motives, deception or monetary gain.  The goal of service is to put the needs of others first and to ensure the person being served knows that they are loved and appreciated.  Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."

Each service we do must be in the name of Jesus.  The Apostle Paul said to the Christian in Colossians 3:17  "Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus...." (The Message) The service that we render isn't stamped with our name on it, but rather, Jesus’ name.  The desire is to demonstrate a servant’s heart toward others and at the same time, do it as representatives of Jesus.   I challenge each of us to find one person who needs help doing a task.  Use this time to help this person know about Jesus or be reminded that Jesus loves them unconditionally.  When you are finished, pray with this person before you leave. 

Serving others models the life of Jesus.  Jesus said, Matthew 20:28  "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve....” Jesus' idea of service was to go the extra miles, give food to countless thousands who were hungry, to open the eyes of the blind man for the first time, to help an old crippled man walk again, to teach a lady at a well compassion, and to serve humanity by dying for our sins.  Service comes in all shapes and sizes.  However, no service goes unnoticed by God when the heart is pure.

Service with love demonstrates a godly heart.     Galatians 5:13 "...Serve one another in love."  Love is colorblind.  Love has no ethnicity.  Love has no gender.  Love has no hidden motives.  Loves serves every individual without discrimination.  Our world is filled with hate and violence.  If there is ever a time where the world needs people who will serve with no strings attached is now.

Serving others with a smile breaks down barriers and puts those being served at ease.    

The Apostle Peter said in his letter, 1 Peter 4:9-10 "Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay...use them well to serve one another." God has blessed us abundantly.  We have cars to drive, houses to live in, money to spend, vacation homes, clothes to wear, and so much more.  None of these things are ours to keep.  God has given them to us to be good stewards over.  What we do with our things determines our priority in life.

Service to God shows our allegiance to him.  Deuteronomy 6:13   "Deeply respect God, your God. Serve and worship him exclusively."  We serve God in a variety of ways.  It may be that we open a door for the person behind us or we seek first righteousness or we love our neighbors or we do to others, as we want them to do to us. God serves us every day.  He provides.  He heals.  He loves.  He creates.  He shares.  He forgives.  He redeems.  He gives.  Knowing and loving God propel our service to him. 

This week, serve others.  Make someone’s day by an act of unexpected service.  Whatever service that is done, do it with love, a smile, a godly heart and with the desire to point the person being served to Jesus. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Value of Women

Women have as much value as men do.  When God said in Genesis 1:27 about creating humans in his image, he was referring to genders, male and female.  Women have an incredible ability to love and nurture and to make our world a better place.  Women also have the abilities to fix cars, build a house, engineer roads or bridges, and drive a semi-truck and a plethora of other things. 

For many years, women were expected to be barefoot and pregnant.  Their place was in the kitchen; laundry room and ensuring the kids were dressed and well behaved.  Women’s role from the beginning was not to be a servant to the husband or any man; rather she was designed to be a partner who co-exists in life.

There is constant bickering over the role of women is society, in the home and even in the church.  I cannot imagine God having a conversation with his son, Jesus and saying, “Son, let’s a make woman inferior.  Let’s not give them dignity or abilities or value.  Let’s tell them to know their place and never speak up or stand up for themselves.  Their role in life is to serve men only.” 

It is disturbing how women have had to fight for fair wages, the right to vote and to be heard in our society.  It is even more disturbing that women have had to suffer even in the body of Christ.  Galatians 3:28 declares, “In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ.”   

Women have value.  Abilities.  Intelligence.  Common sense.  Never treat them like a second-class citizen.  See their potential.  Throughout bible history, women have had a vital role in serving and helping God and Jesus.  The following women are inspiring and have helped change the course of our relationship with God.     

Hannah (Promise-Keeper) 1 Samuel 1&2 Hannah is one of the most inspiring stories.  Hannah wanted to have a child, but was unable to due to medical reasons.  Hannah also wanted to fulfill her husband by giving him a child.  The only resource Hannah had was God.  She set out to pray for a child.  Night and day she prayed.  She prayed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to God’s work all the days of his life.  Hannah wasn’t intending to have a trade-off with God; rather, she wanted a son who would make a difference in society.  God heard her promise and gave her the child.  Hannah kept her promise and Samuel went on to become on of the greatest leaders of his day. 

Phoebe (Servant) Romans 16:1-2 Phoebe was a servant among servants.  She served in the church with humility and urgency.  Paul counted her among the servants of the church who the other church members needed to support her.  Women do all kinds of ministry in the family of God every day.  God has equipped each woman with gifts and abilities that will enhance the kingdom of God in a mighty way. 

Mary (Mother of Jesus) Matthew 1 Mary was chosen by God to bring Jesus into the world through natural birth.  For a young teen girl, can you imagine the responsibility placed on her?  She did it without missing a beat.  She was true to raising Jesus up in a home that exhibited all the qualities of a Jewish home. 

When God made woman, he made a partnership for man.  Women are valuable in all areas of life and their service in the church family greatly enhances the effectiveness of ministry.  Thankfully, men are seeing women’s strengths in leadership, abilities in creativity and service in kingdom works

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

What Did Jesus Really Do?

Back in the 1990’s the acronym; WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelets took the United States by storm.  "The bracelets had a two-fold purpose," she says. "First, I wanted the young people to be reminded, every time they looked at the bracelet, of the commitment [to Christ] they made. Second, the bracelet could be a tool for witnessing to friends."   Sandy Sheppard, Copyright Christianity Today International

The effectiveness of the bracelet was immediate and as of today, over fifteen million have been sold.  How could four letters make such a huge impact?  I discovered that it is not that letters that made the impact, rather it was the word Jesus that made the impact.  What would Jesus do?  Jesus matters more than any one person.  Jesus’ actions toward situations or people or false accusations or plots to murder him or rough fishermen or Pharisees or teachers of the Law showed everyone his ability to act righteously, fairly and patiently. 

There are many examples in the Gospels where Jesus showed his unique ability to make the right decisions, act in a manner that pleased his Father, helped others, or gave a defense for truth that could not be disputed. 

What did Jesus really do?....

    …about his baptism he said he needed to do it to “fulfill all righteousness.”  Matthew 3:15

    …about being tempted by Satan, he answered each temptation with Scripture.  Mathew 4:1-11

…about feeding hungry and sick people he “had compassion on them and healed the sick…and fed the         

        5,000 plus people with fish and bread.  Matthew 14:13-21

    …about little children, Jesus said, “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” Mark 10:14

    …about paying taxes Jesus said, “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”  Mark 12:17

    …about loving your enemies Jesus said, “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”  Luke 6:27

    …about helping those in need, Jesus told a story about busyness, compassion & mercy.  Luke 10:25-37

    …about fellowshipping with a greedy taxman, Jesus changed a man’s life forever.  Luke 19:1-10

    …about treating a person who is living in sin and helping her find THE way.  John 4:1-26

    …about an adulterous life, Jesus demonstrates mercy to the sinner and shame to the accusers.  John 8:1-11

    …about humility, Jesus demonstrates his ability to serve by washing his disciples feet.  John 13:1-17

 What Jesus really did was change lives, help the sick, show patience toward the sinner, give food to the hungry, gave to the government what was due them, help the greedy see their selfishness, gave a drink to a thirsty lady and taught “religious” men that just because you’ve found a sinner, doesn’t mean you are not one yourself.  

What did Jesus really do?  He was honest.  Transparent.  Authentic.  Reliable.  Compassionate.  Genuine. Thoughtful.  Faithful. 

What did Jesus really do?  He came to seek and to save the lost.  He came to serve.  He came to save us.  He came to love us.  He came to be mercy.  He came to sacrifice.  He came to be grace.  He came to be the forgiver.  He came to give us hope and life eternally. 

Whenever you find yourself in a situation that isn’t honorable or Christ-like, you should never have to ask the question, what would Jesus do because those who know him as their personal savior and allow him to reign as Lord of their lives, already know what Jesus would really do!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Jesus Life

The Jesus life is an extraordinary life to live.  The Jesus life isn’t a splattering of do’s and don’ts or a life so difficult that we plead with God to make it easier.  The Jesus life is a life filled with helping others, loving your neighbor, treating others the way you want to be treated, walking many miles with someone who is hurting, feeding hungry people, visiting the lonely and sickly, giving a drink of water to a thirsty woman, putting clothes on a naked man.  The Jesus life is being charitable.  Being kind.  Being grace.  Being joy.  Being Jesus!

Living the Jesus life does not help only those in one particular tribe of people, nor does it profess to have all the answers.  The Jesus life is not bound by denominations either; rather, it is being recognizable that we are “…Jesus’ disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”    John 13:35 (MSG).  The Jesus life is a forgiving life.  It understands that forgiveness is a way of life and it has benefits to go along with it.  Jesus said in part of his sermon in Matthew 6:14 “that if you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (NIV)

As a young boy growing up going to “church”, it was hammered weekly to be obedient, to repent when you sin, to walk the narrow road because that is the only road that leads to eternal life, don’t cuss, don’t drink, don’t mix swim, don’t bring reproach on the church.  Don’t, don’t, don’t.  I’ve often wondered if there was anything I can do.  I do agree that cussing isn’t an attractive vocabulary and repenting when we sin is biblically the right thing to do, but being a Christian back then seemed so regimented and harsh.  I often thought that I could never measure up and I am doomed for hell.  As much as I tried, I just couldn’t be what the preacher said I must be.

Until…

Until I got a hold of Jesus’ sermon in Matthew chapters 5,6, &7.  Jesus gives the audience something to live for and live by.  Jesus was a master at helping those “law” abiding citizens see a better way of living.  Throughout his sermon, he captivates his listeners with truths that are attainable and he said them with tenderness and love and kindness.  Jesus did not send a mixed message, nor did he try to flatter anyone with is speaking abilities.  Jesus simply was telling them how to live a life that will be attractive and attainable for anyone who desires to change and live a new life.

The Jesus life desires God and mourns over their sins because they deeply desire to be honorable as a representative for Jesus.  The Jesus life submits to the will of God, not to our own will.  The Jesus life hungers and thirst for right living and is merciful toward others.  The Jesus life desires to live in purity and keeps the peace with others.  The Jesus life may be filled with hardship due to others not valuing the life chosen to live.  Persecution may come from those who despise Jesus and anyone who follows him. 

The Jesus life isn’t about what name is on our marquees of our church buildings, rather what is in our hearts and how we model the sermon of Jesus.  The Jesus life is leaving a good taste in non-believers mouths and being a light that is attractive by living who we say we represent. 

The Jesus life has no murderous thoughts nor does it undress a man or woman in our minds because we have such a lustful life.  The Jesus life keeps our word, loves our enemies and gives to those in need.  The Jesus life only stores things in life that will be usable and spiritual.  The Jesus life does not judge others, but leaves it up to God.  The Jesus life seeks God, walks according to God’s Word and bears fruit on his/her life.  The Jesus life has a strong foundation that will be sustained when the storms of life come. 

Jesus’ sermon is transforming and doable.  The Jesus life must begin today.  Right now.  Will you live the Jesus life?  Will you open your heart to Jesus and call him Lord and allow him to reign supremely in your life? I would love to chat with you about how living the Jesus life can change your life forever.  Call me at 931-545-7543 today. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Birth That Changed the World!

In the year of 1809, the world was in great turmoil. War was the coffee house conversation and newspaper headlines.  In 1809, Napoleon was sweeping through Austria, killing everything insight as blood flowed freely on the battlefield.

As the war raged on, nobody cared about babies being born that year.  No thought of who might be the next writer, President, or Prime Minister to help change the world for the better.  The births of 1809 were much like the birth of Jesus; everyone was preoccupied with the events of the day.  Out of a war torn year of 1809 came some extraordinary births:

 William Gladstone was born in Liverpool, England. He was destined to become one of  England’s Prime ministers.

Alfred Tennyson was born in Somersby, England.  He would become a great writer and help shape literacy.

Oliver Wendell Holmes was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  He was   considered one of the best writers of the 19^th century.  

            

Edgar Allen Poe began his life in Boston, Massachusetts.  He was known as an  nspiring writer. 

Abraham Lincoln was born in a rugged cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky.  He became the 16^th President of the United States and helped abolish slavery.

It is true to say that Napoleon was a force to be reckoned with in 1809, but it is also true that Gladstone, Tennyson, Holmes Poe and Lincoln would greatly impact the world for generations to come. 

More so than War Generals, Presidents, Prime Ministers and writers that came out of 1809, there would be a birth that would be the most significant and the most controversial of them all.  The birth would take place around 5 B.C.  The place was a stable.  The timing was during a census.  The parents were Mary and Joseph, a normal family among the rest of the crown that swarmed Bethlehem for the counting of the people.  Scriptures says that the baby to be born will be named Jesus, for he will save the people from their sins. 

As God set into motion the significant births that will help shape the literary world or congressional offices, God also set into motion the redemptive plan for his children. Without Jesus’ birth, there would no Joy to the World…let earth receive her king! Jesus’ life will open the gates of redemption, which means to experience freedom from our sins.  The Apostle Paul said, to the church at Ephesus in 1:7 – “In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

Jesus life brought about Reconciliation for all of God’s children.  It was a bringing together and experiencing hope!  Romans 5:11 says,  “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” 

The life of Jesus made way for a strong and vibrant Relationship with God!  The Apostle Paul also said, “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.”  Romans 5:10

Salvation is about a relationship with Jesus!  It is about accepting him.  Loving him.  Serving Him.  And, allowing him to be Lord of your life!  Jesus’ birth is very important and to celebrate it shows our desire to be connected fully to our Savior. 

May Christmas be in each of us throughout the year.  May each of us display hope and grace and peace in our relationships with one another.  Merry Christmas and Happy 2015

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

The Meaning of Christmas

City sidewalks,

Busy sidewalks.

Dressed in holiday style.

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing.

Meeting smiles after smile.

And on every street corner you'll hear

Silver bells, silver bells.

It's Christmas time in the city.

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day

Christmas is joy and laughter and gift giving and happy and music and nativity scenes and family and Jesus and peace on earth.  Christmas brings out the best in others and is a time when more are charitable to those who are in need.  Christmas is Silent Night, and O Come all Ye Faithful, and O Little Town of Bethlehem.  Christmas is eggnog, trees, lights, presents, and cantatas.  Christmas is Rudolf, Jingle Bells, Frosty, and Here Comes Santa Clause. 

Christmas has different meanings from one person to the next.  Some say it is the best time of the year, while others will say it is too commercialized and a money making holiday.  Still, others will say it is a time of peace and goodwill to all men.  In reality, Christmas is what you make it out to be.  For billions around the world, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth.  It is a time to be grateful for the gift God has given all of us. Luke 2: 10 & 11 says, “…I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (NLT)  Matthew 1:21 says, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (NIV)

For God, the birth of Jesus was good news and great joy and salvation.  Jesus’ birth was not a gimmick to boost retail sales nor send letters to a make believe person we call Santa.  The birth of Jesus was the event that bridged the gap between God and all of his children and made way for the world to once again live in hope. 

It is tragic to take a wonderful time of the year and make it about what we want, rather than be thankful for what God has already given.  We live in a society that cares more about Ipods, Play Stations, New Cars, and the number of gifts we get rather than remembering the very reason the Christmas day celebration was started in the first place.   What if we really meant the hymn we sing, “All to Jesus I Surrender” and lived out the lyrics that says, “All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.”  How would the early morning of Christmas day be played out if we believed, “All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give?  Would our kids be up bright and early?  Would there be wrapping paper thrown everywhere?  Would there be as much joy on Christmas day if there were no presents for anyone but Jesus? 

“In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas” Children laughing, people passing, meeting smiles after smile.”  The feeling of Christmas is a reminder of God’s gift of salvation and the ability to live life with hope and to know there is a limitless supply of love and to experience forgiveness that keeps on forgiving. 

Is it possible that gift giving isn’t in the form of a wrapped present or gift cards, rather it is forgiving someone where grudges have been held for years and years?  Jesus said, “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”   It is “loving your neighbor as yourself”  Matthew 22:39.  It is giving a thirsty person water and a naked man clothing and a hungry child food and a jailed lady your time, Matthew 25. 

Is it possible that Christmas could be 365 days a year for a lifetime?  Is it possible that a community that celebrates Jesus everyday would be a place where children are laughing and people passing, meeting smile after smile? 

What will you do with Christmas this year and how long will it last?

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Teachers are a Gift

“Teachers are those who use themselves as bridges, over which they invite their students to cross; then having facilitated their crossings, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.”  Nikos Kazantzakis

Romans 12:7”…if you are a teacher, teach well.”(NLT) The Greek word for “teacher” is: didasko, which means, “to teach one, to impart instruction, to explain or expound on a subject.” (Greek Lexicon)

The gift of teaching is the ability to communicate in a way that the student can understand and make life applications.  The gift of teaching isn’t to demonstrate the ability to teach, but rather, to teach people about spiritual living or academics.  While some will have the requirement to possess the gift of teaching, all of us have a responsibility to teach the core values of God’s Word.

Jesus the Teacher:

Jesus the Rabbi: The word “Rabbi” comes from the Hebrew word meaning “great one, my honorable sir.”  In the Greek language, “Rabbi” (Rhabbi) was a title used by the Jews to address their teachers.  Jesus was referred to as a “teacher” at least 45 times (depending on translation) within the gospels. 

Jesus used a variety of teaching methods to get his message across:  He told stories (Parables) that had spiritual meaning, such as, the Lost Sheep in Matthew 18:12-14 or the story about how to invest your money wisely in Matthew 25:14-30. 

Jesus taught through discourse (Sermons) by sitting on a mountainside in Matthew 5,6, &7 and instructing the people about the importance of spiritual living.

Jesus taught through one-on-one discussions.  In Luke 10:25, Jesus and a lawyer are discussing how one obtains eternal life and who is my neighbor.   Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council called Jesus, Rabbi. They both proceeded to have a discussion about being born again in John 3:1-21. 

Jesus taught by example.  Not only did he call his Twelve to go out and preach, He lead by doing it first in Mark 6:7-13

Pastors are Teachers

The gift of teaching is a vitally important part of the spiritual health of the church.  And, the gift of teaching is the third most important work within the life of the church according to Paul.

In Ephesians 4:11 the gift of teaching comes with the role of pastor.  Pastor comes from the Latin word for Shepherd.  A Shepherd is one who takes care of the spiritual needs of the church by serving the flock and by being an example of living out the spiritual teachings of Scripture as found in 1 Peter 5:1-4 and 1^st Timothy 3

Teachers are a wonderful gift to our churches and schools.  May God bless each of you as you instruct each student that God places in your classroom. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian