The desire to discredit the Church is amazing. It's hard to believe that everyone can't see the true reason for these efforts. If the Church is discredited, if it has been built on false beliefs, then all the morals it teaches are wrong. If so, there is more credibility for the wild declarations of new age thinking, no reason for any guilt feelings and a better reason to do whatever feels good at the moment.
It did not begin with The DaVinci Code but it certainly gained momentum there. Here, the attack is on Jesus. He supposedly married and had children and was just a man with some really good teaching. A man can be right about so many things but still not worthy of worship. It makes Jesus a person with an opinion.
Millions of people read the book. Surveys reported that many of them believed it told the truth. Dan Brown, the book's author, started saying it was the truth. Cable channels began to get the most obscure "theologians" to say it was true. I had never heard of them or the places they taught.
Last week one of the major networks had a mini-series called "The Last Templar." Again, history was re-written to fit the story. In it a new gospel was to be found: The Gospel of Yeshua of Nazareth. It would say that Jesus was merely a man.
My wife had Tivoed the series for me. The first night's premise and acting was so bad I deleted it before I watched the whole thing. My wife told me there was another night of this garbage. I don't know why I watched the next night's airing. The story ended with the following moral: having faith in something is more important than knowing the truth. What balony!
The Gospels were not written hundreds of years after Jesus lived in physical form. They were written decades later. They were written by eyewitnesses or people who had talked with eyewitnesses. Many of the rejected so called gospels which abounded hundreds of years later were indeed written hundreds of years later.
There are no extant copies of the original Gospels. Why would I believe that a new gospel which has been discovered would exist in its orginal form?
The first disciples believed that Jesus would return soon after His ascention. They even hung around until an angel told them to get about His business. They didn't see the need to write the Gospels because they thought Jesus would return any minute. His delayed return caused them to write down the story of Christ.
These original disciples gave their lives for Christ. They were the most devious, evil people who have ever existed if they were perpetuating a hoax. Who would be percecuted, tortured and brutally killed to keep a lie alive? They did not believe that Jesus was merely a man. Their own sacrifices reveal what they believed.
Yet, that's not my only reason for believing that there will be no new valid gospels. The presence of Jesus in my own personal life testifies to the validity of who He is. If you have read my past blogs you know that I have not only spoken to Him but He has spoken to me. He had given my comfort, directed my life and even corrected me on occasion. He is my God, my Lord and my friend.
I will continue to read the books and watch the mini-series and so-called documentaries which will reveal new gospels which will challenge our beliefs. Their facts are full of holes and contain no holiness. The effort to destroy the Gospel of Jesus did not end in ancient times. It continues today. Their effort to destoy the Gospel depends upon a people who do not know the Gospel or the Lord.
I urge everyone to do some diligent research from credible sources. I plead for everyone to consider that Jesus is who He said He was: The Son of God. I ask everyone to try talking with Him and see if they do not get an answer.
The Church is not in danger of destruction by propaganda. However, I am concerned for the individual.
Do you know who Jesus is?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Make Sure You Value That Which Is Important During Bad Economic Times
People tend to let their values wander during good economic times. They have many more possibilities and these distract them from the really important things. I have heard many couples tell me that they were closer to each other when they were first married and struggling to make ends meet than when they later had plenty. It is easy to allow this to happen when there are no worries about tomorrow. Unfortunately, not taking care of today will always bring worries for tomorrow.
A bad economy will force us to remember that which is important. We can return to the things that will make a difference at the end of our lives by taking care of the important things today.
So, what are they?
They are: Friends, Family, and Faith.
I don't know why we have started insulating ourselves from the rest of the world. We don't know ou neighbors. We see them pull up in their cars and go into their houses and shut the door. They may wave but there is really no connection.
Our isolation is so great that a book, Bowling Alone, claims that people are still doing the things that they once did but they now do so alone. This includes those things which were formerly considered social events like going to the movies or bowling. We don't want to be bothered by others.
Isolation can be fearful when times get bad. There will be no one to bail you out. No one to come to your aid. This is too often seen when a group of people watch as another person is mugged.
We need to communicate this to the politicians. They believe they can simply go along like they always have because times haven't gotten bad for them. They keep voting themselves raises when their approval rating is abysmally low. They are not cooperating with each other. The majority simply snubs their noses at the others. They don't need the others to pass their agenda. They don't get it. In bad times we always need each other!
We must band together. We must watch each others' backs. We must renew and make friendships which will pick up that friend when he or she has fallen down. Friends are extremely important. We no longer have the luxury to be isolated. We must all work together.
Family should be valued during all economic times but it will be essential during bad ones. The destruction of the family is the destruction of a nation. Family is the seminal unit for any society. Values should be communicated by family. The weakness of a family is seen when values are communicated by the media, entertainment personalities and what feels good at the time. The destruction of the family has bred the sins of greed and dishonesty. We would never have fallen into the trap of sub-prime loans if we had solid values taught universally from our homes. If we are going to get out of this crisis, we must return to family values.
Last, there is faith. It is the foundation for friendships and family. It gives us hope for rain when there are droughts. It gives us an assurance of things hoped for and evidence of things not yet seen. It gives us values which have stood the test of time. It gives us forgiveness for our sins and a blessing for our future. It tells us what is really right and that right will never fade even in the prevailing mores of a society.
We must return to these three things. Especially now, for the fabric of our society is unraveling quickly before us. A desperate people will do unconscionable things to fulfill their basic needs. A bad economy may be the least of our worries when we have no significant values.
Friends, Family and Faith-- these are the really important values in our lives.
A bad economy will force us to remember that which is important. We can return to the things that will make a difference at the end of our lives by taking care of the important things today.
So, what are they?
They are: Friends, Family, and Faith.
I don't know why we have started insulating ourselves from the rest of the world. We don't know ou neighbors. We see them pull up in their cars and go into their houses and shut the door. They may wave but there is really no connection.
Our isolation is so great that a book, Bowling Alone, claims that people are still doing the things that they once did but they now do so alone. This includes those things which were formerly considered social events like going to the movies or bowling. We don't want to be bothered by others.
Isolation can be fearful when times get bad. There will be no one to bail you out. No one to come to your aid. This is too often seen when a group of people watch as another person is mugged.
We need to communicate this to the politicians. They believe they can simply go along like they always have because times haven't gotten bad for them. They keep voting themselves raises when their approval rating is abysmally low. They are not cooperating with each other. The majority simply snubs their noses at the others. They don't need the others to pass their agenda. They don't get it. In bad times we always need each other!
We must band together. We must watch each others' backs. We must renew and make friendships which will pick up that friend when he or she has fallen down. Friends are extremely important. We no longer have the luxury to be isolated. We must all work together.
Family should be valued during all economic times but it will be essential during bad ones. The destruction of the family is the destruction of a nation. Family is the seminal unit for any society. Values should be communicated by family. The weakness of a family is seen when values are communicated by the media, entertainment personalities and what feels good at the time. The destruction of the family has bred the sins of greed and dishonesty. We would never have fallen into the trap of sub-prime loans if we had solid values taught universally from our homes. If we are going to get out of this crisis, we must return to family values.
Last, there is faith. It is the foundation for friendships and family. It gives us hope for rain when there are droughts. It gives us an assurance of things hoped for and evidence of things not yet seen. It gives us values which have stood the test of time. It gives us forgiveness for our sins and a blessing for our future. It tells us what is really right and that right will never fade even in the prevailing mores of a society.
We must return to these three things. Especially now, for the fabric of our society is unraveling quickly before us. A desperate people will do unconscionable things to fulfill their basic needs. A bad economy may be the least of our worries when we have no significant values.
Friends, Family and Faith-- these are the really important values in our lives.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Cracks in the Foundation of Marriage
Many marriages are struggling. Many people have struggled for so long they are calling it quits. Many have decided to stay together for the kids or because of finances or other reasons which indicate the marriage has gone bad. Would these people have done something different if they had noticed that there were cracks in their marriage's foundation?
The foundation of a marriage is like the slab in your driveway. It will develop cracks if it is not maintained. It needs to be refinished and kept from the roots of trees and shrubs which can crack and eventually destroy it. Even water will eventually destroy a driveway if it is not routed away from it.
The cracks in the marriage foundation come first in the lack of communication. A man generally wins his wife's heart by talking to her. He talks to her about his life and what they will do together and whatever is on his heart. He wins her heart by sharing his.
Soon after marriage men often stop talking. However, they grunt more. Questions like, "How was your day?" or "Would you my mother this weekend?" are met with grunts. (Though not the same sounding grunt.) Each night the wife tries to engage her husband in conversation while he grunts. She knows only one way to get him to talk. Make him mad! He talks freely when this happens. There is a serious crack in the marriage foundation when much of the conversation between a husband and wife is said in anger.
I ask men what they think their brides want them to do when the wife talks and talks and talks to them. Their answer is nearly always, "Listen." WRONG! The wife wants him to talk to her. She craves a true relationship and that means communication.
Marriages need to be refinished often. Men should ask their wives for dates each week. He should talk to her during the date. The subject matter needs to be each other as much as possible. Keep talking about your dreams together and many cracks will be healed.
Men, on the other hand, need something that wives may not want to give. Men need admiration. I said this in an article several years ago and my wife greeted me with, "You're the man! The greatest! There's no one like you!" (This may not be an exact quote.) I laughed because I realized she had read what I had written but it felt really good at the same time. Words of admiration from the woman he loves will inspire a man to new heights. He will do anything for that woman. And thus, we have many affairs begin. When the wife doesn't give admiration, the man will gravitate toward someone who will.
I tell every pre-marital couple I counsel that there are three things I recommend to keep a marriage burning strongly. I have never done any marital counseling for couples doing these things.
First, be part of a church together. Regularly attend a Sunday School class or small group so that you will get to know these people. They will provide a common social atmosphere. They will be people you can share your triumphs and hurts. You will help them and they will help you. It is a common social foundation for the two of you. This is not merely going to church together. People can attend church like they it is a concert. They can listen and never meet anyone around them. They need the social interaction a Sunday School class or other small group of Christians can provide.
Second, pray together. This may be the most intimate spiritual thing that a couple will do together. It is often awkward for the man or woman to do so but it allows both of you to put your trust in God. It also gives you a common spiritual foundation which if sincerely meant will guide you through many of your decisions together.
Third, have lots of sex with each other. Most couples really laugh when they hear this because they think I am joking. Sex is a way we bound with our spouse in more than a physical way. It reveals a peace between husband and wife when it is done freely. (Rather than done with coercion) It should calm the husband and give security to the wife. If not, there is something wrong here.
A couple who has strong common communication, strong common social relations, strong common spiritual relations and strong common physical relations will have a strong marital foundation. The cracks can be noticed when any of these cease to be strong or common.
The foundation of a marriage is like the slab in your driveway. It will develop cracks if it is not maintained. It needs to be refinished and kept from the roots of trees and shrubs which can crack and eventually destroy it. Even water will eventually destroy a driveway if it is not routed away from it.
The cracks in the marriage foundation come first in the lack of communication. A man generally wins his wife's heart by talking to her. He talks to her about his life and what they will do together and whatever is on his heart. He wins her heart by sharing his.
Soon after marriage men often stop talking. However, they grunt more. Questions like, "How was your day?" or "Would you my mother this weekend?" are met with grunts. (Though not the same sounding grunt.) Each night the wife tries to engage her husband in conversation while he grunts. She knows only one way to get him to talk. Make him mad! He talks freely when this happens. There is a serious crack in the marriage foundation when much of the conversation between a husband and wife is said in anger.
I ask men what they think their brides want them to do when the wife talks and talks and talks to them. Their answer is nearly always, "Listen." WRONG! The wife wants him to talk to her. She craves a true relationship and that means communication.
Marriages need to be refinished often. Men should ask their wives for dates each week. He should talk to her during the date. The subject matter needs to be each other as much as possible. Keep talking about your dreams together and many cracks will be healed.
Men, on the other hand, need something that wives may not want to give. Men need admiration. I said this in an article several years ago and my wife greeted me with, "You're the man! The greatest! There's no one like you!" (This may not be an exact quote.) I laughed because I realized she had read what I had written but it felt really good at the same time. Words of admiration from the woman he loves will inspire a man to new heights. He will do anything for that woman. And thus, we have many affairs begin. When the wife doesn't give admiration, the man will gravitate toward someone who will.
I tell every pre-marital couple I counsel that there are three things I recommend to keep a marriage burning strongly. I have never done any marital counseling for couples doing these things.
First, be part of a church together. Regularly attend a Sunday School class or small group so that you will get to know these people. They will provide a common social atmosphere. They will be people you can share your triumphs and hurts. You will help them and they will help you. It is a common social foundation for the two of you. This is not merely going to church together. People can attend church like they it is a concert. They can listen and never meet anyone around them. They need the social interaction a Sunday School class or other small group of Christians can provide.
Second, pray together. This may be the most intimate spiritual thing that a couple will do together. It is often awkward for the man or woman to do so but it allows both of you to put your trust in God. It also gives you a common spiritual foundation which if sincerely meant will guide you through many of your decisions together.
Third, have lots of sex with each other. Most couples really laugh when they hear this because they think I am joking. Sex is a way we bound with our spouse in more than a physical way. It reveals a peace between husband and wife when it is done freely. (Rather than done with coercion) It should calm the husband and give security to the wife. If not, there is something wrong here.
A couple who has strong common communication, strong common social relations, strong common spiritual relations and strong common physical relations will have a strong marital foundation. The cracks can be noticed when any of these cease to be strong or common.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
What Should You Do in a Crisis?
Eventually it will happen to you. It happens to everyone. There will be a moment when something unexpected happens. It will be bad. It may be sudden. What should you do?
Most crises do not arrive totally unexpected. There are some indicators for most. Most people are fired with some warning. They know someone is going to get the ax but they may not expect it to be so up close and personal. People usually know the possibilities before they go to the doctor. They know that no one is impervious to bad news.
The first thing you should do if you suspect anything is going to happen is to determine what the worst news you would receive might be and think what the result of that news will mean. In other words, if you lose your job the worst result of that might be that you lose your house. Once you have determined the worst case scenario, do all that you can to keep that from happening. Don't sit on your hands and let the storm overwhelm you. Think of all the things you can do, choose those that are reasonable and do them. They will give you something to do and hope even if they don't work. They will show others that you don't let things run over you. You do something about your problems.
At the same time I would suggest that you pray. This is the best of times to pray even if you have never prayed before. You will mean every word because you need some relief from the crisis.
My suggestion for prayer might surprise you though. First, thank God for what you have. Through this you show God that you have recognized His grace to you already. You will be depending on His grace for your future, too.
Next, be specific with your prayers. What do you really need? Is it any job or a particular job? Most of us don't want any job. We want one that we enjoy going to. It could be that your crisis is an opportunity to get more training to get that job. Ask God to give you what you really need with the best of your ability to discern what that is.
Join with others in this prayer. Bring your family together and pray. They have a vested interest in this too. This will be an opportunity to bring your family closer than they have ever been before. So, make sure you don't hide the crisis from them. They can't help or pray unless they are aware.
Explore all the possibilities which will meet your need. Prayer does not rule out effort on your part. Look on the internet and email people who indicate they have answers you need.
Your greatest need may be encouragement. Stay away from people who believe there is no hope. They will bring you down and keep you from doing the things to get out of the crisis. Get around those who are possibility thinkers. I hope those people are at a church near you. God is on our side even when the crisis hits. Never forget that. Get encouragement from it. Never give up, never, never, never!
Finally, thank God for bringing you out of the crisis. You should do this before you are really out of the crisis. This reveals your faith in God. I once had a man with terminal cancer whom I wrote. I said, "I thank God that He will heal you. God is guaranteed to heal you; if not in this life, surely in the next." That man kept that note beside his bed until he died. He told me to read it at his funeral. I would have rather he was healed on this earth but heaven is not a punishment. It is a reward.
This attitude will help you get out of your crisis. The person who is crushed by his circumstances has a harder time healing, getting a job or convincing someone that he or she should buy his product. This person has a advocate who can't be defeated and knows that while he may be knocked down at the moment, he will get up to run again.
Most crises do not arrive totally unexpected. There are some indicators for most. Most people are fired with some warning. They know someone is going to get the ax but they may not expect it to be so up close and personal. People usually know the possibilities before they go to the doctor. They know that no one is impervious to bad news.
The first thing you should do if you suspect anything is going to happen is to determine what the worst news you would receive might be and think what the result of that news will mean. In other words, if you lose your job the worst result of that might be that you lose your house. Once you have determined the worst case scenario, do all that you can to keep that from happening. Don't sit on your hands and let the storm overwhelm you. Think of all the things you can do, choose those that are reasonable and do them. They will give you something to do and hope even if they don't work. They will show others that you don't let things run over you. You do something about your problems.
At the same time I would suggest that you pray. This is the best of times to pray even if you have never prayed before. You will mean every word because you need some relief from the crisis.
My suggestion for prayer might surprise you though. First, thank God for what you have. Through this you show God that you have recognized His grace to you already. You will be depending on His grace for your future, too.
Next, be specific with your prayers. What do you really need? Is it any job or a particular job? Most of us don't want any job. We want one that we enjoy going to. It could be that your crisis is an opportunity to get more training to get that job. Ask God to give you what you really need with the best of your ability to discern what that is.
Join with others in this prayer. Bring your family together and pray. They have a vested interest in this too. This will be an opportunity to bring your family closer than they have ever been before. So, make sure you don't hide the crisis from them. They can't help or pray unless they are aware.
Explore all the possibilities which will meet your need. Prayer does not rule out effort on your part. Look on the internet and email people who indicate they have answers you need.
Your greatest need may be encouragement. Stay away from people who believe there is no hope. They will bring you down and keep you from doing the things to get out of the crisis. Get around those who are possibility thinkers. I hope those people are at a church near you. God is on our side even when the crisis hits. Never forget that. Get encouragement from it. Never give up, never, never, never!
Finally, thank God for bringing you out of the crisis. You should do this before you are really out of the crisis. This reveals your faith in God. I once had a man with terminal cancer whom I wrote. I said, "I thank God that He will heal you. God is guaranteed to heal you; if not in this life, surely in the next." That man kept that note beside his bed until he died. He told me to read it at his funeral. I would have rather he was healed on this earth but heaven is not a punishment. It is a reward.
This attitude will help you get out of your crisis. The person who is crushed by his circumstances has a harder time healing, getting a job or convincing someone that he or she should buy his product. This person has a advocate who can't be defeated and knows that while he may be knocked down at the moment, he will get up to run again.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sometimes, You Just Have to Get Over It
I have had things done to me that hurt. There have been people who hurt me intentionally and unintentionally. I can believe what they have said to me. I can sit in my room all alone and cry. I can compensate for these hurts by overeating or drinking. I can overspend or overachieve in an attempt to buy friends or impress people.
I can do all of these things and find that none of them will make things right. Therefore, the best thing I can do is just get over it.
I forgive every last person who has done things which made me feel badly. I choose not to believe what they have said about me. I believe what God has said. He said that I was precious enough to Him that His Son would die for me. He said He loves me and that nothing can take that love from me. My failure to forgive only hurts me. I can't leave what they have done until I have forgiven them. Forgiving lets me get over it.
Today is the first day of my future. No statement of inadequacies made by others will affect me. I choose to set my sight on the Lord and allow Him to do amazing great things through me. I can truly do all things through Him who strengthens me. My past will not predict my future. Setting my sights on His greatest lets me get over it.
My present condition is not final. I do not have to stay where I am physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, intellectually or spiritually. I have boarded a new boat and have sailed from the shore on which I was exiled. I will not say this is all that will ever be. The God who is within me has made me more than victorious. With that victory in sight I will get over it.
Discouragement shall not be my master. Those who believe their mission is to criticize are not prophets. They hold no power over me. Bad events in my life are not final. They do not keep me where I am. My God has the power to lift me high if I will just wait upon Him. My belief in Him will help me get over it.
There is something worse than bad things happening to good people. Good people sometimes allow bad things to rule their lives. All of us should say we shall no longer live within the circumstances of this world.
In this world you will have tribulation but be of good courage because Jesus has overcome the world.
Now, isn't that the best "get over it" statement you have ever heard?
I can do all of these things and find that none of them will make things right. Therefore, the best thing I can do is just get over it.
I forgive every last person who has done things which made me feel badly. I choose not to believe what they have said about me. I believe what God has said. He said that I was precious enough to Him that His Son would die for me. He said He loves me and that nothing can take that love from me. My failure to forgive only hurts me. I can't leave what they have done until I have forgiven them. Forgiving lets me get over it.
Today is the first day of my future. No statement of inadequacies made by others will affect me. I choose to set my sight on the Lord and allow Him to do amazing great things through me. I can truly do all things through Him who strengthens me. My past will not predict my future. Setting my sights on His greatest lets me get over it.
My present condition is not final. I do not have to stay where I am physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, intellectually or spiritually. I have boarded a new boat and have sailed from the shore on which I was exiled. I will not say this is all that will ever be. The God who is within me has made me more than victorious. With that victory in sight I will get over it.
Discouragement shall not be my master. Those who believe their mission is to criticize are not prophets. They hold no power over me. Bad events in my life are not final. They do not keep me where I am. My God has the power to lift me high if I will just wait upon Him. My belief in Him will help me get over it.
There is something worse than bad things happening to good people. Good people sometimes allow bad things to rule their lives. All of us should say we shall no longer live within the circumstances of this world.
In this world you will have tribulation but be of good courage because Jesus has overcome the world.
Now, isn't that the best "get over it" statement you have ever heard?
Monday, January 26, 2009
How Can Anyone Have a Secure Future?
Have you watched the stock market? It goes up and down like a yo-yo! There is bad news, good news, undetermined whether it is good news and news that makes no sense at all. The jobless rate is up. The news questions whether you will keep your job. Your retirement money is all but gone. Social Security has little chance of survival. What are you supposed to do?
I asked the question of my congregation last night: How many mistakes would we have avoided if we had seriously, diligently, carefully asked God what we should do, waited for His answer and did what He said? The answer was: All of them!
God seems to be the missing factor for most people who are seeking a secure future. We depend on bailouts, presidential administrations and the way the wind is blowing before we depend upon God.
I remember the old preacher, Vance Havner, telling the story of the very ill grandmother who asked her family what her prognosis was. The family said, "The doctor told us it was in God's hands now."
She said, "Has it come to that?!"
Havner said, "It always comes to that so we might as well start with that!" It is in God's hands.
Where is the call to prayer that we should be hearing for our financial situation? Iceland's government has collapsed during this financial crisis. Will we wait until ours does the same before we will go to God?
Are we lifting up our employers in prayer? If they don't make money, they can't pay salaries. The most stable job is one in which you do great work for a company that makes lots of money.
Are we praying for our neighbors? The stability of a neighborhood depends upon consistency of the people who live in it. The house next door may be foreclosed upon if my neighbor's job is lost. A neighborhood of vacant houses is not good for those who are left behind. Housing values will fall and crime will come in.
Are we praying for those businesses in which we shop? Each store represents employees, transportation and manufacturing. The closing of so many shops will result in the loss of many more jobs than that one store employs.
Are we praying for the elected officials? They must make wise decisions that will not haunt us many years from now. I often tell my staff, "Today's problems were yesterday's solutions." We cannot simply look for the fastest way out of the economic crisis. We must do so with the future in mind. Who besides God can see the future?
Are we praying for our own decisions? We must make the right decisions as well. If it sounds too good to be true; it probably is. But how will we really know if we don't ask God?
Can we have a secure future? Yes, we can but it will mean putting everything in God's hands.
I asked the question of my congregation last night: How many mistakes would we have avoided if we had seriously, diligently, carefully asked God what we should do, waited for His answer and did what He said? The answer was: All of them!
God seems to be the missing factor for most people who are seeking a secure future. We depend on bailouts, presidential administrations and the way the wind is blowing before we depend upon God.
I remember the old preacher, Vance Havner, telling the story of the very ill grandmother who asked her family what her prognosis was. The family said, "The doctor told us it was in God's hands now."
She said, "Has it come to that?!"
Havner said, "It always comes to that so we might as well start with that!" It is in God's hands.
Where is the call to prayer that we should be hearing for our financial situation? Iceland's government has collapsed during this financial crisis. Will we wait until ours does the same before we will go to God?
Are we lifting up our employers in prayer? If they don't make money, they can't pay salaries. The most stable job is one in which you do great work for a company that makes lots of money.
Are we praying for our neighbors? The stability of a neighborhood depends upon consistency of the people who live in it. The house next door may be foreclosed upon if my neighbor's job is lost. A neighborhood of vacant houses is not good for those who are left behind. Housing values will fall and crime will come in.
Are we praying for those businesses in which we shop? Each store represents employees, transportation and manufacturing. The closing of so many shops will result in the loss of many more jobs than that one store employs.
Are we praying for the elected officials? They must make wise decisions that will not haunt us many years from now. I often tell my staff, "Today's problems were yesterday's solutions." We cannot simply look for the fastest way out of the economic crisis. We must do so with the future in mind. Who besides God can see the future?
Are we praying for our own decisions? We must make the right decisions as well. If it sounds too good to be true; it probably is. But how will we really know if we don't ask God?
Can we have a secure future? Yes, we can but it will mean putting everything in God's hands.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
What If God Did Something Today?
Many people come to church expecting the same-old, same old. The expect the songs to be sung and the sermon to be given and everyone will leave to eat their fried chicken. It will not be special. It is just another Sunday. There's no real reason to get excited about it.
This is not my case. I awakened at 3:30 AM with the message I will give this morning on my mind. I had prepared the message last Sunday night. I dressed at 4:00 AM and came to the church. I went over the message. I didn't change it. However, I did relive it.
This morning I preach a message called, "God Wants to Talk to You." It is a message that God has been working on me for a couple of months. You can tell by my previous blogs because I have mentioned that I hear God and want others to hear God, too.
While I very much appreciated the book The Purpose Driven Life, this speaks to those with The Purpose Given Life. I believe God speaks to us for many reasons which will lead to us knowing Him and His will for our lives. The most precious thing we can ever receive from God is His word to us. Our lives are transformed if we follow it. God's glory is multiplied if we follow it.
I have a great expectation this morning. God is going to do something!
(I know that God is doing things all the time. We, or at least I, don't often notice His work. I am speaking here of something extremely special; certainly not mundane.)
This is not my case. I awakened at 3:30 AM with the message I will give this morning on my mind. I had prepared the message last Sunday night. I dressed at 4:00 AM and came to the church. I went over the message. I didn't change it. However, I did relive it.
This morning I preach a message called, "God Wants to Talk to You." It is a message that God has been working on me for a couple of months. You can tell by my previous blogs because I have mentioned that I hear God and want others to hear God, too.
While I very much appreciated the book The Purpose Driven Life, this speaks to those with The Purpose Given Life. I believe God speaks to us for many reasons which will lead to us knowing Him and His will for our lives. The most precious thing we can ever receive from God is His word to us. Our lives are transformed if we follow it. God's glory is multiplied if we follow it.
I have a great expectation this morning. God is going to do something!
(I know that God is doing things all the time. We, or at least I, don't often notice His work. I am speaking here of something extremely special; certainly not mundane.)
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