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
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
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
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
Thursday, June 16, 2011
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
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
Thursday, April 14, 2011
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
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
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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
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
Thursday, March 10, 2011
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
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
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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
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
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