Run Jonah, Run!

Have you ever been asked or even told to do something but you were reluctant to do it?  If yes, why?  It might be that we are reluctant for fear that we will fail.  Maybe we lack confidence.  Or, maybe we don’t want to work with certain people because of past issues.  There are a variety of reasons why we are reluctant to take on a new job, begin a new relationship, start a conversation, teach a class, share our faith, say no, say yes, go on a date, ride in an airplane.  Whatever the reason, being reluctant is crippling.

There is this guy by the name of Jonah in the Old Testament who had to deal with his own reluctant issues.  Jonah was given a task by God to go to a city called Nineveh to deal with the issues and down right wickedness. (Jonah 1:1-2) 

Just who are these people God is sending Jonah to talk to about their wicked behavior? They weren’t your monastery kind of people; rather, they were thugs, liars, haters, and rejecters of God and murders!  It was their policy to never keep their prisoner of war alive.  While holding the victim down, they would pull out their tongue.  For some, they would skin their victims alive.  They would take the human skulls of their prisoners and build pyramids outside of the conquered city. 

I can’t say emphatically that I would be jumping for joy to get the assignment to go and talk to a group of people with a reputation of ruthless murders and terror tactics that gave the Ninevite regime a name to be feared.  I can see why Jonah was so reluctant; his life is in jeopardy.

As crazy as the people were about ruthless living, God was as crazy about his people and if they would turn away from their wicked ways, God would demonstrate his grace and mercy and love on them and embrace them as if there was never a problem in the first place.  God has crazy love for his people and desires to have a close-knit relationship with each of us.  Part of Jonas issue about going to Nineveh was the fact that he knows how God would respond to a people who would turn away from their sins and accept God’s ways. Jonah did not want Nineveh to get one ounce of God’s grace and mercy.  They didn’t deserve it.

 Because of Jonah’s reluctance, the Scripture says, “Jonah ran away from the Lord….”  (Jonah 1:3)   One of the key strategies of a reluctant person is to run away from the problem, issue, relationship, or whatever the circumstances are in order to avoid facing the problem that has a grip on them. 

For many believers in Christ, there is a reluctance to teach for fear they do not know enough.  There is a fear to share their faith, for fear they will get rejected. There is a fear to speak in a public gathering for fear they will not know what to say or forget what they want to say.  There are a variety of reluctant reasons people have for not getting more involved in the different aspects of the church ministries. 

I am reluctant to climb a ladder because I am afraid of heights.  However, in order for me to over come my fear, I have to face it head on. The more we do, the less reluctant we are about doing it and the more confident we become in our relationships, speaking, teaching, sharing our faith, or whatever we have been reluctant about. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian  

A Walk with God

The Apostle Paul in 1^st Timothy 4:7&8 tells the young preacher,“…train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”  (NLT)

What does it mean to be godly? 

Often I’ve heard it said at funerals of the one being remembered, “she was a godly lady.”  What made her a godly lady?  Was it because she attended church gatherings or read her bible?  Was it because she never cursed?  Maybe it was the kindness she had showed toward others?  Or, could it have been that she was a person who truly followed God and allowed him to lead her life in every way?

In Genesis 5:21-24, Moses describes a guy by the name of Enoch as one who walked with God.  The bible says that he lived 365 years and then God took him away.  The statement, “walked with God” is a powerful one.  How does one walk with God?

When I joined the Army, I had to attend basic training.  It was intense in every aspect.  Though it was basic, it taught us the fundamentals of walking in step with the values of the United States Army.  To veer off of those values meant disciplinary action or a dishonorable discharge.  The training was valuable to every soldier serving the United States.  If one could not be trusted to carrying out the values of the Army, then it puts the entire nation in jeopardy.  Training in loyalty, honor, duty, integrity, respect, selfless service, and personal courage are vital in walking in step with the Army values.

Walking with God is key to developing the godliness God desires.  Without the walk, there are no training opportunities to know how God wants us to live.  Enoch’s walk made headlines in the faith chapter of Hebrews 11.  The Scripture says, “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away.  For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”  Hebrews 11:5 (NIV)

Enoch did two things:  He walked with God and He pleased God.  Godliness is walking and pleasing God.  God wants to walk with us and he desires for each of us to live in his ways, not the worlds.  Paul said in his own defense in Galatians 1:10, “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” (NLT)  Paul’s values were God’s values.  He wasn’t concerned about being politically correct or ensuring his popularity was intact, rather he was concerned that the gospel of Jesus was being lived out in his life daily and others were able to see it in him God’s values in his walk and in his messages.   

The Apostle Paul writes another message to a younger generation preacher by saying, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”  Godly living is saying YES to a self-controlled life and modeling a spiritual character that conveys to the world that God values are leading our lives, not the latest fads of what is socially accepted.

The Apostle Peter declares that Jesus is coming without warning and the earth will be destroyed. Peter then asked a question in 1^st Peter 3:11, “What kind of people ought you be?  He answers his own questions by saying, “to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God.” Peter is saying that godly living means prepping oneself for the day of the Lord.  The way one does that is by walking, pleasing and living out God’s values that the Spirit enables us to do in Galatians 5:22-24, “But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely… Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.” (The Message)

Walking, pleasing and living out God’s values are key to being godly.  In the pursuit of being godly, here are five ways each of us can be successful in godly living: 

Train your mind to be godly; not worldly:  Colossians 3:1-10, "...set your minds on things above...."  What areas in your life needs to be spiritually worked out?

Keep focused on Jesus, not on self:  Hebrews 12:1-2, "...throw off everything that hinders us...fix our eyes on Jesus...."  How does focus help keep you spiritually fit?

Prayer and positive thinking will help during the long walks:  Philippians 4:4-9, "...in everything, by prayer...think about such things...." Are you more negative or positive?  Why?

Kick the bad habits:  Galatians 2:17-21, "...I no longer live, but Christ lives in me...."  How does Jesus and Spirit help keep the bad habits from coming back?

Be around motivators, not grouches:  Hebrews 10:23-25, "...let us consider how we may spur one another...let us encourage one another...."  On a scale of 1(low)-10 (high) how much does encouragement help you in your life?  Spiritual life?

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Tips for a Godly Lifestyle

First Thessalonians five gives practical principles for living the Jesus life.  No one can live effectively without values to guide them.  The following are key elements in the believer’s life that demonstrate a godly life and the ability to build relationships with others more effectively.

Be an encourager (5:11)  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up….” Nehemiah was a great example of building on the positive qualities in a person’s life.  In Nehemiah 3:20, “Baruch was noted for his zealous work.”  It is vital to praise and recognize the hard work and the committed lifestyle of all believers. 

Respect the leaders (5:12 & 13)  “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.”  It is one thing to disagree with a leader, but it is another to blatantly disregard or criticize the leadership of the church.  Paul says in I Timothy 5:17 that the “elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor….” 

Warn the idle (5:14)  “And we urge you, brother, warn those who are idle….” Statistically, the work of the church is done by 10% of the entire church family.    Proverbs 19:15 says that “laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry.”  Without the help of every believer, the work of the church takes longer to do, more souls are lost because we do not have the time to evangelize them, and those who are working get tired and become very discouraged.   Take Paul’s warning and get involved.

Encourage the timid (5:14) The Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines timid as one who lacks courage or self-confidence.  Elijah was a prophet for God who stood up against 450 prophets of the idol Baal.  It was that confidence, determination, and faith that gave him victory.  For Elijah, his victory was short lived, his confidence was shattered, and his determination to proclaim God’s message was quenched because of his fear of Queen Jezebel.  The queen was enraged at Elijah for killing her prophets because she relied on them.  The Bible says in I Kings 19:3 that “Elijah was afraid (timid) and ran for his life….” Elijah looked at his circumstances rather than keeping his faith in God.  It is vitally important that when we face the Jezebel’s in our life, we remember that God will never leave us.  He is at our side and pouring on the courage to stand firm.  

Help the weak (5:14) We all have weak moments at some point in our lives.  This is not the time to criticize our spiritual family when they are having a weak moment. Rather, it is a time we rally around them to give support and prayers. 

Be Patient (5:14) Patience is a Spirit fruit that is produce in those who allow the Spirit to do what that Spirit is supposed to do, indwell and produce.  I know folks who have a short “fuse” life.  If it is not right, or they move too slowly, they blow their inner fuse.  Paul is saying to have a long fuse mentality.  Allow some time to cool off.  Be patient!

Don’t be revengeful (5:15) Don’t be scheming up some plan to get even with those who do you wrong; rather, try to find ways of doing good.  This is not an easy task.  It takes patience, prayer, and determination to do good when bad had been done. 

Be joyful always (5:16) James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”  Paul and James are giving practical advice on how our attitudes should be in the mist of difficult circumstances.  A positive outlook puts a negative situation into a learning opportunity.  Joy happens because the trial didn’t defeat us; rather it strengthened our resolve to stay focused and God-led.

Pray always (5:17) Someone once said, “Seven prayer-less days makes one WEAK!” It has also been said, “A home that prays together, stays together.”  Prayer is the resource that everyone needs to tap into more and more each day.  Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  All Jeremiah had to do was call God.  No long-distance to worry about.  No busy signal to deal with.  No lost connection to hinder the call.  All we have to do is call.  Prayer is the key to handling problems, hardships, and/or sufferings.  Without prayer, our life is hopelessly lost.  Go ahead, pick up the phone and dial J-E-R-3-3-3 today and receive your free conversation with God.  God is standing by! Make that call right now!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Really, Who is a Christian?

I have listened to a plethora of preachers, teachers, and commentators describe how one becomes a Christian.  It seems we have complicated the process.  Also, based on what “Christian group” one is affiliated with, arguments and debates have ensued over “the how” one becomes a Christian and “who is” a Christian.  The Christian community has created more division and caused more non-believers to be turned off by our bad behavior and our self-righteous attitudes that they want nothing to do with Christianity at all. 

Being a Christian simply means that one is a follower of Christ.   Being a Christian isn’t always easy.  It can be demanding.  And, it can cost a person his or her life.  However, the benefits of choosing to be a Christian far outweigh the negatives. 

Here are a couple of beneficial reasons to become a Christian:

Acts 2:38 says that we get the gift of the Spirit.  Imagine buying a brand new car.  You go to drive it off the lot, but it does not have a steering wheel.  Crazy, right?  You’ve got to have a steering wheel in order to maneuver the car where you need it to go.  The Spirit is much like the steering wheel.  John 16:13 says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (NLT)  The Spirit steered the Apostles to truth.  Without the Spirit, the Apostles would have had trouble getting to where they needed to go and teaching the people whom God would send them to teach.  For the Christian, the Spirit guides us out of trouble.  Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” (NLT) The benefit of being a Christians is the steering of the Spirit. 

Another benefit of being a Christian is being added to Christ church.  Colossians 1:18 says, “Christ is also the head of the church….” (NLT)  Notice it says, Christ is the head.  All churches must ensure that Jesus is the head, not anyone else.  Acts 2:41 says that about 3,000 people were added.  The reason they were added was because they accepted a message to turn their lives around.  They were willing to surrender their lives to Jesus by being baptized.  The baptism demonstrated their full submission and it made way for them to be added to Christ church. 

Baptism is important, but it one of many things that marks a Christian.  Another defining mark of a Christian is when one totally acknowledges that Jesus is Lord and is willing to surrendering their life to Jesus, by denying oneself of things that are not Christ-like and by living out the truths of Jesus’ message found in Matthew 5 where he calls all of us to be poor in spirit, mourn over sinfulness, demonstrate a meek lifestyle by submitting to God, hunger and thirst for right living, show mercy to everyone, keep our hearts pure, and be a peacemaker, not a rebel.

Becoming a Christian isn’t hard to do, but it is a hard decision to make; especially when so many of us are teaching different ways on how one actually becomes one.  The most essential way to ensure one becomes a Christian the right way is to study what the bible teaches.  Compare what everyone else is saying with the Scripture, not with what every denomination teaches to be right or wrong.  In the end, it is each of our responsibility to come to our own conclusion. 

The bible does teach that baptism is essential.  The bible also teaches that living a godly lifestyle is important, too.  Just because someone is baptized doesn’t mean they are going to live the lifestyle of a Christian.  One becomes a Christian because they desire to go to heaven, serve God, be a witness for Jesus, and live a spiritual lifestyle.  Being baptized does not make one any one more of a Christian; rather it is an outward act that demonstrates our commitment to living the values of Scripture and allowing the Spirit to lead us. 

What makes a committed Christians isn’t what our church doctrines say, but what Scripture says. It is also living for Jesus and following him only.  Not what is on our church marquees, but Jesus.  Jesus only.  Jesus alone.   If you want to know more about being a Christian and the awesome benefits of being one, I would love to chat with you about it.  Please call me at 836-2874 or email me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Perseverance Strong

Difficulties.  Hardships.  Trials.  Financial woes.  Marital problems.  Family issues.  Health concerns.  And on we could go.  All of these zap our spirit and can cause depression, loss of sleep, anxiety, and/or sorrow.  How can I overcome adversity?  How can I persevere when life seems to be crashing down and there is no end in sight?  What can I do when it is hard to get out of the bed and face another day of turmoil and shame?  

Any relief in sight?  

Any solutions to heartache, marital problems, or financial crisis?  

Help!  

There’s a guy in the New Testament that says to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (NIV) James 1:2-3

James was one of the half brothers to Jesus.  Although Jesus and James grew up under the same roof, James, along with his other siblings did not believe in what Jesus was teaching to be true.  It took the brutal punishment and the resurrection of Jesus before James and his siblings to come around and finally believe that Jesus was truly the Son of God.  That being said, if there ever was a person who witnessed adversity in a person’s life, it was James.  He witnessed the horrendous, bloody and gut-wrenching murder of his brother. James saw first hand the brutality of godless people.  He heard the laughter, insults and blasphemy of the barbaric and so-called religious people of his day that were hurled toward his sibling.  

Not only did James witness the details of a brother who was murdered, he witnessed a brother who persevered under extreme and intense pain.  James not only heard the insults of the mob, but he heard the forgiveness of the man who claimed to be the Son of God toward a people who murdered him for that very claim.  

James came to understand that in all trials it isn’t the pain and suffering that is the most important part to focus on, rather, it is the life-lessons, experiences, and what we take away for each trial and testing when it is all over that is the most important.  A person who is filled with the Spirit of God will experience the full measure of joy when they see what the end results of the trials and testing ultimately give them – PERSEVERANCE!     

Perseverance is the ability to keep moving and not give up in spite of trials in ones life.  Helen Keller said, “The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome.  The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.”

When Keller was one and a half years old, she developed a fever that would eventually take her eyesight and hearing.  Eventually, her determination to persevere catapulted her to learn.  She was able to communicate in five ways:  Touch-lip reading, braille, speaking, typing, and finger spelling.  Keller went on to write her first book called, “Story of My life” and graduated cum laude from Radcliff College, which is now, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study-Harvard University.  Keller’s ability to get past what she didn’t have and persevere under extreme difficulty; inspired a nation.

To be perseverance strong, each of us has to see what can be, rather than, what isn’t.  We have to be a determined people who are bent on allowing the Spirit of God to lead through every difficulty, trial, financial woe, martial problem, family issue, and health concern.  Traveling the road of hardship by ourselves will only create animosity towards God and those around us who we feel don’t know what it is like to suffer. 

To be perseverance strong each of us must allow God to hold us and give us the needed rest along the journey.  Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “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.”  (MSG)

To be perseverance strong each of us must trust God.  God told Joshua when he got the job to lead a few million people into the promise land in Deuteronomy 31:6, “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (NLT)

God is in the business of ensuring we have all the tools to develop within each of us a perseverance strong mentality; all we have to do is trust him.  Philippians 4:13 says that we can do anything because of Christ.  You can!  Trials and hardships are temporary, but God’s love and resources are limitless.  

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian
  

Jesus Strong

Livestrong is an organization that is bent on helping others to be fit, giving advice to those who suffer from cancer or suggesting nutritional programs aimed at helping each individual need.  They provide counseling, mentors, and staff that are equipped with the abilities to effectively help everyone.  As one who struggles with staying fit, having organizations like Livestrong helps me effectively overcome the challenges of being lazy, complacent, or with dietary needs. 

Eating right and staying healthy and fit is God’s desire for each of us.  Proverb 23:2 says, “When you go out to dinner with an influential person, mind your manners:
Don’t gobble your food, don’t talk with your mouth full.  And don’t stuff yourself; bridle your appetite.” (MSG)  In order to stay healthy, fit, and maintain an honorable weight, we must ensure that we are Jesus strong, too.  As I write this article, I am failing to fulfill God’s desire to respect the body he has created for me.   Putting into place measures that will aid one in getting to the place God wants us to be will enable each of us to experience spiritual success. 

Not only should we strive to be fit physically, we must ensure that we are fit spiritually, too.  Physical fitness is a spiritual matter, but it is only one element of the spiritual life.  God has given us the best resource to spiritual fitness that has ever been written; it is called the bible.  The bible doesn’t beat around the bush or sugar coats spiritual living; rather, it gets to the point.  A Jesus strong life will ensure that all resources are used effectively and consistently. 

Within Jesus’s sermon that he gave on the mountain, he taught some very simple truths that will help each of us effectively become a Jesus strong Christian.  If each of us follows these basic life lessons, no amount of temptations, trials, pressures or hardship will be able to knock us out of our pursuit of a Jesus strong life. 

The first Jesus strong lesson is found in Matthew 5:13&14.  Jesus taught that effective people are favorable.  Meaning, when a person speaks to you, everything you say back is seasoned with the right tone and attitude.  A salt-life person will ensure that his/her life is tasteful.  Jesus also said that an effective person would light up a room or a community positively.  The light reveals to others what a Christian looks and acts like.  Being a Jesus strong light will uncover the right morals, ethics, and character the world needs to see. 

The second Jesus strong lesson is found in Matthew 6:14&15.  Jesus said that those who desire to be forgiven must practice forgiveness, too.  Forgiveness can be tough to give out.  I know!  When we’ve been done wrong, lied about or hurt; the desire may be to get revenge.  A Jesus strong person seeks to be the best he/she can be by giving to others what they really want for themselves; that is forgiveness.  Forgiving releases and opens the floodgates of relationship building.  It also keeps us from disappointing God and continuing to receive the forgiveness we want, too. 

The third Jesus strong lesson is found in Matthew 7:1&2.  Jesus was concerned about the judgmental attitudes some had developed.  He nailed it when he said, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  (NIV)  That is a tough saying.  I cringe when I think of the times I have judged others.  I surely do not want that same judgment heaped on me.  God did not give any of us the role of judge.  We teach.  We love.  We demonstrate.  We live out godly lives.  But, we do not judge.  Period.  For anyone to condemn others is condemning him/herself as well.  A Jesus strong person will focus on seeing the value in each person for who they are, not what they think they should be. 

A Jesus strong person will help shape a community for the better.  When each Christian values what Jesus says and lives out the teachings of Scriptures, it will make a difference.  One of the most important acts all Christians can do is to unite together for the cause of Christ, become a spiritual flavor and a light to attract a world that does not know Jesus.  Mostly, when judging stops and unity begins, Christianity is elevated to what Jesus desired all a long when he first spoke to the people at the base of the mountain. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Spirit Walking

We don't seem to talk about the powerful work the Spirit does in our lives. We haven't given Him the attention that is deserving of one who spends a lot of time empowering us to do right. Convicting us of sin. Motivating us to be on top of our spiritual game. I like what Rubel Shelly says about the Spirit: "If the Spirit is in you and lives within you, a yielded, surrendered vessel, the things your life displays will allow everyone to know you are God's own."

Galatians 5 is a section of Scripture that reveals the powerful importance of the Spirit in our daily walk. Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” The Spirit is God’s agent to keep us from spiritually destroying ourselves whenever the sinful nature gets out of control.

Sandwiched in between Galatians 5:16 and 5:25 is a description of what a non-Spirit controlled person lives like and one who is walking in the Spirit. Both walks get gratification and rewards. However, the sinful, non-Spirit led walk gets only temporary satisfaction and the reward is death and separation from God for allowing self to be controlled by fleshly desires. But, the one whose walk is in step with the Spirit gets eternal gratification and eternal blessings in heaven forever with God, Jesus, and Spirit!

Galatians 5:22-23 gives a description of the things the Spirit does in our life. It is the testimony of a controlled life, not by us, but by the Spirit. "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law." (NLT)

The Spirit does an extreme makeover within us. He transforms us. Remember the old you? You know, the one who lacks patience when the person in the checkout line needs to go back and get a price check. Remember how impatient you were? Or, how about the time when you lost all control and you blasted away at your spouse, kids, co-worker, parent, or friend because you were controlled by you, not the Spirit?

The spiritual walk gets tiresome and at times, we are totally depleted of energy. This is why I say all the time, “the best time to get dressed is before we ever get out of the bed.” If we leave the bed spiritually undressed, we leave vulnerable and an easy target for the flesh to take over. However, if we leave the bed spiritually dressed, then the Spirit is fully engaged and prepared to get us through that days walk.

Remember, Be God, Jesus, and Spirit Controlled!

Brian