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Pt. 4 – Change Your Present

This week I have challenged each person reading this blog to take a self-examination. We examined our attitude, conduct, speech, representation and yesterday our future. Unfortunately, sometimes exams like this bring to light things we need to improve on. I know that there a certain things that I need to work on to better live my life for the Lord. I’m striving daily to work on those things so I can be a better reflection of the one who lives in me.

Maybe after taking a self-examination you feel as though there is no way that heaven can be your future because the things in your past are too bad to overcome. Perhaps you feel that you have no hope. If this describes you, I have great news! God can take someone with a bad past, use them for his glory and change their future.

Rahab

Perhaps you’ve heard about Rahab before. This woman had so many things against her that it’s hard to imagine her future being heaven. First, she was a woman. Women were viewed as second class citizens. There was an old Jewish prayer that said, “I thank my God that I was not born a Gentile or a woman.”

Second, she was a Canaanite from Jericho which made her a pagan. Before the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, they were told that God would drive away many nations, including the Canaanites, and they (Israel) were to utterly destroy them (Deut. 7:1-2). Why? The Canaanites practiced all different types of sexual relations that Israel was told to avoid (Lev. 18). The Canaanites were evil people.

Third, Rahab was a harlot. Her profession is one that our society, even today, looks down upon. Rahab’s past was unpleasant. She had three strikes against her and it would appear she was doomed. However, she was spared for her actions concerning the spies (Jos. 2) when the Israelites defeated the city of Jericho (Jos. 6). From that day forward she remained with the Israelites.

If the story of Rahab ended there, we would be left wondering what might have been. Thanks be to God that her story doesn’t end at this point. As one reads in the New Testament one finds Rahab is mentioned in the geneology of Jesus (Matt. 1:5) and is one of only two women mentioned in the great Hall of Faith (Heb. 11:31). It is pretty clear that this woman with a bad past didn’t let that keep her from having a bright future.

David

Most people, even if they are not religious, have heard of David. David was handsome, powerful and perhaps most importantly, the king of Israel that was chosen by God. Yet, David had a pretty messed up past didn’t he? He committed adultery with Bathsheba who was married to one of the soldiers (Uriah) in his army and she became pregnant. Instead of coming clean about the sin he committed, David tried to cover up his sin with lies and deception (2 Sam. 11:5-7).  He called Uriah home from battle in order to cover his tracks; when this didn’t work, David had Uriah murdered (2 Sam. 11:14-17).

Most people would read this and think that David was a man on a road to destruction. But that wasn’t David. Yes, he made plenty of mistakes. We all do! However, David is well spoken of throughout the New Testament. It is clear that he is a person who is held in high regard. Not to mention David was even described as a man after God’s own heart (I Sam. 13:14). When you consider all this and not just his sin of adultery with Bathsheba, it’s clear that David didn’t allow his past to keep him from having a bright future.

Paul

When I think about someone whose past was almost too bad to overcome, I can’t help but think about Paul. Before he encountered a name change he was know as Saul of Tarsus, a great persecutor of the early Christians. In fact, when Paul was giving a defense before King Agrippa he said, “And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them” (Acts 26:10). Paul had a pretty rough past. Apparently he felt it was so bad that he would tell young Timothy, “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all” (I Tim. 1:15).  

Paul saw himself as the worst of all sinners, but God saw something else. God saw a man who was dedicated to what he was doing so God chose Paul. That’s right. Paul was handpicked by God to serve as His instrument to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15) and that’s exactly what he did, even considering his own life to be worthless except for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. Saul, a persecutor of Christians, became Paul, persecuted with Christians.  

Never Allow Your Past To Determine Your Future

Friends, I don’t know what your self-examination revealed, but I know this…there is no past so bad that God can’t help you overcome it. Rahab, David and Paul: Three people, three past and yet, three futures that were not determined by the past. Never allow your past to determine your future! Change your present situation with God and make heaven your eternal home.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Pt. 3 – Choose Your Future

 We have spent the last two days examining our past. Today I would like for us to examine our future. The great thing about examining our future is that we have the opportunity to choose our future. What do you want your future to be? Personally, I believe in the end, everyone’s future will be one of two places.

HEAVEN

When I think about the future I can’t help but think about heaven. I want heaven to be my future more than anything else. What about you? Do you want heaven to be your future? Consider if you will a few reasons why I want heaven to be my future.

Heaven is being prepared by our Lord. Jesus told his disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (Jn. 14:1-3). At this very moment the Lord is preparing a special place for you and me.

Heaven is beautiful beyond description. Paul said it this way, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Cor. 2:9). WOW! Paul says, “You can’t even begin to imagine what the Lord is preparing for you.” When you stop and take in all the beauty around you realize this…it was all created by God. And if God created the world and everything it, how much more beautiful will Heaven be. It’s going to be even better than we can imagine.

Heaven is the dwelling place of God. John wrote, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them’” (Rev. 21:3). I want heaven to be my future because God will be there.

Heaven is a place of no more tears, pain, or death. John continued his thoughts on the holy city with these words, “And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). When I think about this life and the things about it which I do not like, I think about pain and tears. Most of us have experienced a fair amount of pain and shed probably more tears than we can recall. Perhaps a lot of our pain and tears were caused by the death of those we loved. I look forward to my future being heaven so that I won’t have to experience anymore pain, tears or death.

Heaven is a place to be reunited with loved ones. After David’s child he conceived with Bathsheba died, he longed for the day that he could be reunited with Him again in heaven (2 Sam. 12:23). I have lost some people I love dearly. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about them and miss them. I look forward to my future being heaven so that I can be reunited with them once again around the throne of God.

Heaven will last forever. When you think about our Lord preparing a special place for us in the dwelling place of God, that is going to be more beautiful than we can fathom, where we will know no sadness and be reunited with our loved ones who have gone on before, the only thing that could make this place any better is the fact that it will last forever (I Thess. 4:17). Friends, it doesn’t get any better than that!

Our future can be HEAVEN or our future can be HELL…

HELL

I have heard very few sermons preached on hell in my entire life. In fact, basically all I can ever remember hearing is that hell is a place no one wants to go. Have you ever stop to think about why you don’t want your future to be hell? Consider a few reasons why I don’t want hell to be my future.

Hell is a place of separation from God.  Have you ever been away from someone you love for a long period of time? If you have then you understand how unpleasant it is. Friends, we were created for the purpose of having a relationship with God and communing with Him. The fact that a future in hell means being separated from God is a main reason I do not want to go there.

Hell is a place of no hope. When one reads the account of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, it becomes pretty apparent that the rich man was in a place where there was no hope. He was told that he could not pass from where he was in torment into the place where Lazarus was in the comfort of Abraham’s bosom (v. 26). No matter how bad he wanted out of hell, it was hopeless.

Hell is a place of torment that last forever. John wrote, “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name” (Rev. 14:11). I have had times in my life where I thought I was in torment or times where I was being tormented by someone. Each time that torment ended. For those whose future is hell, their torment will never end; they will have no rest day or night.

Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels. I think the most telling thing of all is that hell was not created for God’s precious children. Hell was created for the devil and his angels. Jesus said to those on His left, “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). I do not want hell to be my future because I do not want to spend all of eternity in the presence of the devil and his angels.

I’m sure if we were to take a poll, every person would say, “I want heaven to be my future.” However, the sad reality is that most people will miss out on heaven (Matt. 7:13-14). Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’” (Matt. 7:21-23). Only those who do the will of God will have a future in heaven. For everyone else, their future is something to be dreaded, hell.

As you examine your life, what does your future look like? Do you see yourself enjoying a future in heaven with the creator of all things or in hell with the devil and his angels? Friends, I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that we have the opportunity to pick our future. I pick HEAVEN…what about you?

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Part 2 – Consider Your Past Continued

Examinations are never fun. You never know what might be revealed. As we continue this self-examination let us examine a couple more important aspects of our past! Consider your past…

SPEECH

The tongue is very powerful. In fact, there are few things more powerful. James said, “For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (Jam. 3:2). Why would a person, who could keep from stumbling in what he says, be considered a perfect man? James goes on to tell us, “But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil full of deadly poison” (v. 8). He would be considered perfect because no man can tame the tongue. It’s too powerful. Since the tongue is so powerful, it’s vital that we use our speech for good.

When you think about your past speech, was your speech used to build others up? Paul said, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29). Have you ever had someone say something to tear you down? It’s not a pleasant feeling is it? The wise man described reckless words as sword thrusts (Prov. 12:18). Just thinking about how we use our words to stab someone like one does with a sword is painful. We must be careful not to use our speech in a way that tears others down.

Also, when considering your past speech, was your speech used for godly communication? Paul told the church at Ephesus that there should be no filthiness or foolish talk out of their mouths (Eph. 5:4). Have you said anything in the past that would be considered filthy or foolish? I’m afraid if we are honest with ourselves, the answer is a definite yes! We’ve all been down this road before, perhaps in ways we have never considered. Take gossip as an example. Wouldn’t using our speech for this kind of talk be considered ungodly? The Bible has a lot to say about gossipers, whispers, backbiters, etc. The wise man said, “Where there is no wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases” (Prov. 26:20). Friends, we must be careful not to use our speech for ungodly communication.

Perhaps the best way to use our speech is for giving thanks. When Paul told the Ephesians there should be no filthiness or foolish talk out of their mouths, he ended with, “But rather giving of thanks” (Eph. 5:4). I know of no better way to use our tongues than to offer thanks to God for all that He has done for us. He has blessed us with far more than we ever deserved (Jam. 1:17). Have you used your past speech to offer up prayers of thanksgiving for all the good things that God has done for you? You should!

Another important aspect of our past to consider is our past…

REPRESENTATION

When you think about the way you represented your family in the past, what comes to mind? A representation that made your family proud or a representation that embarrassed your family? The wise man said, “Let your father and mother be glad, and let her rejoice who gave birth to you” (Prov. 23:25). It’s important for us to remember that our family has worked hard to make a good name for themselves. We need to be careful in how we represent that name. We should always be mindful of the fact, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Prov. 22:1). We should want nothing more than to leave our family a good name.

We should not only consider how we have represented our family, but we should also consider how we have represented our Lord and His church. The church does not belong to you, me, elders, or any other man for that matter. The church belongs to Jesus. He told Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). Jesus purchased His church with His blood (I Pet. 1:18-19). When you consider your past representation of the Lord’s church, how would you rate yourself. Have you been representing in a manner that would be pleasing to the Lord? When people look at the way you are living your life, is God glorified? Jesus said, “Let your lights shine in such a way that others may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). The manner in which we represent the Lord and His church has a great impact on whether or not people will choose to be a part of the Lord’s church.

Friends, the first part of our self-examination is to consider your past. How did you do? If your self-examination has revealed things about your past that are not what you would like them to be, stop right now and spend time in prayer asking God to help you in the areas of your life where you need it.

Great! Tomorrow we will continue with part three of our self-examination, “Choose your future.” Until then…let’s keep on keepin’ on!

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Part 1  - Consider Your Past

Most people I know do not enjoy taking test or examinations. That was and still is the one thing about school that I enjoy the least. Most people probably do not enjoy test because they are afraid of the results that will follow from that test.

However tests serve a valuable purpose. They help us make an assessment on what is or isn’t known.

The Bible is not excluded from the practice of examinations. Notice some of the passages we find in the word of God concerning examinations:

              David reflected on how God gave a test to examine his heart (Psa. 17:3)

              Jeremiah exhorted Israel to take an exam of their ways (Lam. 3:40)

Paul encouraged the Corinthian believers to examine themselves when it    

came to the Lord ’s Supper (I Cor. 11:28)

Paul exhorted the Galatians to take an exam on their work in the Lord (Gal. 6:4)

Paul even encouraged the Corinthians to examine themselves and see if

 they were in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5-6)

Friends, we need to take an examination of our lives and see where we stand with God. As we begin this self-examination, let’s begin with our past. I could spend a lot of time writing about examining our past, but I only want to focus on four aspects of our past. We will focus on two today and two tomorrow. Consider your past…

ATTITUDE

Attitude is something that we take notice of in our society. We look at people and say, “Now there’s a person with a great attitude” or “Would you look at her, she has a bad attitude.” When you consider your past attitude, what’s it look like? Are you a person who has an attitude of love? The apostle Paul tells us that we can have faith that moves mountains, give all our possessions to feed the poor and even surrender our bodies to be burned, yet without love, it profits us nothing (I Cor. 13:1-3). It doesn’t matter what we do, if we lack love, we fail to meet God’s expectations for His children.

Jesus was approached and asked by a lawyer which command was the greatest. He responded, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost command” (Matt. 22:36-38). What’s interesting to me is after Jesus answered the question He added these words, “The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets” (vs. 39-40). The lawyer only asked about the greatest command. He didn’t ask about the second greatest command. Jesus felt it was important to point out the importance of loving your neighbor to a guy who was only asking Jesus this question in order to test Him (Matt. 22:35).

Not only do we need to have an attitude of love, but we need to have an attitude of forgiveness. We all know people in our lives that have wronged us or hurt us. One of the hardest things to do is forgive that person.  Jesus teaches that we are to forgive others of their transgressions if we expect our heavenly Father to forgive us of our transgressions (Matt. 6:14-5). I have heard it said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.” Whether or not this statement is true, makes little difference… if we want God to forgive us, we must be willing to forgive others no matter how difficult that may be.  

Unfortunately, some people continue to wrong us time and time again. What about those people? Doesn’t there come a point when we no longer have to forgive them? Jesus was asked this very question by the apostle Peter. He said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:21-22). Thus, according to Jesus if a brother sins against us 490 times, come that 491^st time we no longer have to forgive, right? NO! Jesus was not putting a number on forgiveness. He was stressing that forgiveness is an attitude that we must all employ.

A second thing about your past to consider is your…

CONDUCT

How have you conducted yourself in the past? This can be a scary thing to consider. We all have had those moments that we are embarrassed about when it comes to the way we acted in a certain situation. If you are like me, you just hope those moments are few and far between. Paul told the Philippians that their conduct should be in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel (Phil. 1:27). No matter what happened to them, he wanted them to live like Christians. Have you ever been in a situation that made it hard to be a Christian? Maybe it was working in an office surrounded by non-Christians or being in a school where it seemed very few people had any morals or values.  Paul says that it doesn’t matter the situation you are in, our conduct should always represent the Gospel.

I understand that this is not always easy. We have to remember that Paul was writing these words from prison. That couldn’t be an easy situation for him. What he is asking the church at Philippi to do is nothing short of what he himself was doing. Paul says that his imprisonment had helped to advance the Gospel (Phil. 1:12-13). Even in prison, Paul conducted himself in a manner worthy of the Gospel.

What about our past conduct? Have we conducted ourselves in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel? Friends, the way we conduct ourselves when we are out and about makes a big impression on the people around us. It is my hope and prayer that you conduct yourself in a manner that inspires others to live differently. Paul’s conduct even in prison made an impression on others (Phil. 1:14).

When considering your past attitude and conduct, how would you rate yourself? Would you honestly give yourself a pass or a fail? If the answer is you would fail, why not resolve to change that right now and go to God in prayer and asked him to forgive you and help you with your attitude and conduct.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

The Challenge To Choose

Our days are filled with choices. From the time we wake up until the time we go to bed, we make choices. Some of those choices are small and insignificant while others are more important and have greater consequences. Let’s briefly consider a few of the more important choices we all have to make.

The words we speak are an important choice we make each day. The wise man wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Pro. 18:21). Our tongues are so powerful that they can bring death or life to the people to whom we speak. Have you ever had someone say something nice or encouraging to you? Those words made you feel better, didn’t they? Paul told the church at Ephesus the only thing that needed to come out of their mouths was that which built others up (Eph. 4:29). Each day we must choose whether the words we speak build others up or tear others down.

Not only are our words important but so are our actions. Every day we must choose whether or not our actions will bring glory to God. Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). When people look at our lives, what do they see? Do they see someone who is just like everyone else or do they see someone who is different, someone whose life reflects that of Christ? Paul told Titus, “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him” (Tit. 1:16). Each day we must choose whether or not our actions bring glory to God or deny Him. 

Joshua challenged the children of Israel when he said, “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Jos. 24:15). That is the same challenge you and I have to accept the minute we wake up each morning. If we fail to make that choice each day, we are more likely to give in to the temptations we face. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to the king’s idol because they had already made the choice to serve God (Dan. 3). Each day we must choose whether we serve God or the ways of the world?

We all are faced with choices each day. Although we face many different choices, some choices confront all of us. Do your words build others up or tear others down? Are you actions bringing glory to God or glory to something else? Is your heart devoted to the service of God or to the ways of the world? The choice is yours…I challenge you to choose!

What Are You Willing To Give Up?

What are you willing to give up for your religious beliefs? I dare say that most of us would be willing to give up almost anything for our religious beliefs, at least things that have no attraction for us. For instance, I would gladly give up alcohol and drugs because I have no desire to have either in my life. However, some people would choose the alcohol and drugs because either they enjoy them or they think alcohol and drugs make them look cool.  Still others are willing to choose sex, popularity and status over their convictions. What are you willing to sacrifice for your convictions?

Joel Northup was willing to give up a state championship for his religious beliefs. Northup, a sophomore in high school, refused to wrestle his first round opponent in the Iowa high school state tournament last week. His reason for forfeiting the match was because his first round opponent was a girl. Joel Northup felt that wrestling with a girl would conflict with his religious beliefs, because he would most likely have to touch her in inappropriate places.

I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of respect for this young man. He was willing to forfeit a match that he was favored to win, because of his religious beliefs.  By refusing to wrestle, Joel single handedly sacrificed his shot at a state title, something for which all athletes on the high school level strive. A lot of people probably thought he was crazy. Why sacrifice something so big like a state title for something so little as a religious belief? I mean, it’s not like he was going to intentionally touch and grope this girl. He was just going to compete against her as he would any other opponent on the mat.

When you read through scripture you find others who were willing to give up things of value and places of superiority for their beliefs and convictions. Take Joseph for example. While in Egypt his master’s wife pleaded with him to sleep with her. I have no doubts that Potiphar’s wife was very attractive. After all, Potiphar was an Egyptian officer in Pharaoh’s army. He was an important person in Egypt. However, instead of giving in to her advances, Joseph refused her day after day. Listen to what Joseph said, “How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9) Joseph was willing to give up sexual pleasure in order to remain true to His God.

Daniel is another example who was willing to sacrifice something most would consider important because of his convictions. Daniel was taken captive by the Babylonians, when they invaded Judah around 605 BC, for the purpose of serving in the king’s court. In time Daniel became an important figure in the Babylonian empire. Each time a new king took the throne Daniel always found favor in his eyes. In chapter 6 Daniel refused to obey a decree to only pray to the king and not any other god or man for thirty days. Daniel was sentenced to the lion’s den. However, we tend to overlook that before this situation occurred, the king was planning to appoint Daniel over the entire kingdom (Dan. 6:3). Daniel was willing to give up prominence in the kingdom for his convictions and beliefs.

This list could go on and on. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were willing to give up their lives for their convictions (Dan. 3). All the apostles were willing to give up the pleasures of life for their convictions. Many of the early Christians were willing to sacrifice all they had for their convictions. Many men and women throughout history have been willing to give up pleasure and prominence for their convictions.  

What are you willing to give up for your convictions? Joel Northup was willing to sacrifice the Iowa high school state wrestling championship because of his religious beliefs. Jesus said, “If any man will come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me” (Matt. 16:24). I hope and pray each one of you reading this is willing to give up and sacrifice everything that gets in the way of your relationship with God. In the end, that’s all that truly matters in life. Jesus said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).

What are you willing to give up in order to stay true to your convictions? Are you willing to sacrifice something as big as a state title? Joel Northup was!

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Who Do You Represent?

In the movie Miracle, Herb Brooks, played by Kurt Russell, is selected to coach the United States Olympic Hockey Team. The hockey committee’s only request is that the United States not be embarrassed on the ice. As Brooks’ team arrives at the training facility, he can see that he has his hands full. The team is made up of various collegiate players from rival schools who allow their rivalries to get in the way of their performance. Coach Brooks understands that in order for his team to be successful on the ice, they must come together as one. Each day during practice Brooks asks a player, “Who do you play for?” Inevitably, every day each young man responds the same way: “I play for (their college or university)”. This question is repeated each day, until finally, one young man understands what Brooks wants his team to realize. When asked the question, “Who do you play for?” the young man responds, “I play for The United States of America.”

You see, Coach Herb Brooks wanted his players to realize they were playing for something more than the colleges named on their jerseys. He wanted them to realize they were playing for their country. Until the players realized this, they would never come together on the ice and be successful.

Each time I watch the movie Miracle, I think about that very question. Who do I play for or represent? No, I don’t play for a certain sports team like the guys on the hockey team, but in the game of life who am I playing for? Who is it that I represent? Do I represent my family? My company? My home congregation of the Lord’s church? The answer to each of these questions is yes. I do represent my family, my company and my congregation. However, just like the players on the hockey team, I represent more than a name or group. I represent the creator of all things, God!

The apostle Paul wrote, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Col. 3:17). According to Paul, every word we say and every deed we do should be done for the glory of God. Literally, we are to be a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ in every thing.

When we go to work, we represent God (Col. 3:23). When we go to the store, we represent God. When we attend or participate in a sporting event, we represent God. “In whatever we do,” we always represent God; therefore, we must be sure our representation is one becoming of a child of God. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). As children of God, when people see us they should see us representing something far greater than any name or congregation. They should see us representing our Father in Heaven.

The 1980 United States Hockey team came together and did something only one other group of American Hockey players (1960) has ever done. They won the Gold medal. Those young men, from various rival schools, made a nation proud by the way they represented their country. Likewise, when we represent God in a worthy manner in our daily lives, He receives the glory and we make Him proud to call us His children. Do you represent God in a way that makes Him proud?

Now that's Something to Think About!

All Good Things Come To An End?

It was two weeks ago today that  news broke of Jeff Fisher’s tenure as the coach of the Tennessee Titans coming to a close. I remember when I first heard the report, I couldn’t believe it. Jeff Fisher has been the head coach of the Tennessee Titans organization for the last 17 years. During that time the Titans organization moved from Houston to Nashville, changed their name from the Oilers to the Titans, won 13 or more games 3 times, won the 1999 AFC championship and came a yard short of being crowned Super Bowl Champions.

During his press conference Jeff stated that he was proud of what the team had accomplished over the course of the last 17 years. He thanked the owner, Bud Adams, for hiring him and sticking with him for all these years. He thanked the fans for their love and support of him and the team. As he drew his statements to a close, Jeff said, “I have been blessed to be associated with one of the best franchises in the National Football League for this long, but as they say all good things come to an end.”

As I have had time now to reflect on the situation and the comments of Jeff Fisher, I suppose he was right… all good things do come to an end. People we love die, leaving us behind to pick up the pieces and move on with our lives. Jobs we enjoy are taken from us, leaving us to look for employment. Television shows we would never miss eventually go off the air, leaving us to look for something to replace our time with. Our favorite athletes retire, leaving us to look for some younger player to cheer for. And yes, the coaches we have come to trust and respect eventually say goodbye, leaving us anxiously waiting for the next guy to replace him. I guess it’s true; all good things do come to an end at some point.

Now the Titans organization has the tumultuous task of replacing one of the most respected coaches in the game. It will be sad to see someone other than Jeff Fisher leading the Titans into battle next season. I have always appreciated the way Fisher conducted himself, both on and off the field. He was a class act and a good football coach! Titans’ fans will miss him, but now we look forward to a new era. We look forward to the next guy leading us to a Super Bowl victory. As Jeff said, “All good things come to an end.”

Now that’s Something to Think About!

I Was Sick…And You Took Care Of Me

It’s that time of year. You know, the time of year when most people have to take time off from work because they are not feeling very well. For the past four days, I have been dealing with what I first thought was the common cold, but now believe to be something different. I have had a fever, intense cough, a sore throat and headaches. I have been very tired and weak no matter how much rest I tried to get. For the past three days I have felt miserable.  

While I have been dealing with this illness, my wife has gone out of her way to take care of me. She has fixed me food, gotten me medicine and even gone to the store and bought me fudge sticks, yes… fudge sticks can sometimes serve as the best medicine. She has done everything that a good hearted, loving wife could do. As she was taking care of me I couldn’t help but think of the words of Jesus where He said, “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me’” (Matthew 25:34-36).

When you think about all the things that Jesus said in this particular passage, notice how simple each of the things really is. It’s as simple as giving someone food or drink, taking someone in and clothing them and even as simple as a little visit. What my wife has done for me the past few days while I’ve been sick is pretty simple (although she might suggest otherwise). She has taken good care of me and that has made a difference. Through her actions I have been reminded of her love for me.

Friends, let us all make a point to look for the little opportunities we have to help someone who may have a need. It does not always have to be something big and fancy. It can simply be sending a card, making a visit or even taking someone food that has been sick or having a difficult time. Doing little things like this shows others how much we love and care for them and demonstrates our love and respect for our Lord.

“The king will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me’” (Matthew 25:40).

Dear Father, thank you so much for my loving and caring wife who so patiently and graciously took time to care for me while I was sick. Her love and kindness to me was a reminder of the way I should treat others around me. Her actions have reminded me that I should look for ways to be of service to others when they are sick and in need. Please help me to look for opportunities to serve others in every way, but especially when they have needs that I can meet. In the name of Jesus I pray, AMEN!

God Was With Us!

The other night, I watched with great anticipation as the Oregon Ducks took on the Auburn Tigers for the BCS National Championship. Many predicted the game to be a high scoring offensive field day. Instead, the game was won because one defense was able to make more plays than the other. In the end, the Auburn Tigers won only their second National Championship in school history and their first in over five decades.

As I watch the post game celebration, I was surprised by a comment made by Gene Chizik, the head coach of Auburn. When answering questions after the biggest win of his career, he said, “Tonight, God was with us.” My first thought was, “WOW, really? I didn’t know God was an Auburn fan?” However, the more I thought about his statement, the more I agreed with him. Not that God cares so much about Auburn football (or any other football team for that matter), but that God is always with us.

The writer of Hebrews said, “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). When Joshua was given charge of the Israelites, God said, “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

God never leaves His children. He is always watching over us. He is with us during all the moments of our lives, both big and small. When I go to the doctor for a major surgery, God is with me. When I am in an unfamiliar place on a mission trip, God is with me. When I’m working in my office, God is with me. When I am participating in something that is a big deal to me but not really a big deal to others, God is with me. And He is not just with me, He’s with all His children.

You see, Gene Chizik was right. God was with the Auburn Tigers. Not because God wanted Auburn to win or Oregon to lose, but because God is always present when it comes to His creation. He was watching over each and every one of the players and fans that were involved in the game just like He always has, because He is a loving and present God! Friends, no matter what you may think, God never leaves you or forsakes you.

Now that’s Something to Think About! 

Dear Father,

Thank you for your omnipresence and the loving way in which you are always watching over us. Father, I know that a lot of times I am guilty of forgetting that you are here with me. Please forgive me of this and help me to be ever mindful that you are always there for me, both in the big things as well as in the small things. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior I pray, AMEN!

A New Year Means A Fresh Start!

Can you believe that 2010 is now passed and 2011 is here? Most of us are excited about what this New Year holds. It’s as if we have a fresh lease on life. Every bad thing that happened in 2010 is gone, and we have done our best to forget about it.  Today marks the beginning of a fresh start.

            I’m not sure what goals or resolutions you have made for this New Year, but let me suggest to you a few that I think are worth your time and attention in 2011.

            First, make this the year where Bible class and worship are priorities in your life (Heb. 10:25). I never have understood why people like to skip out on something so vital to their spiritual development. Bible class and worship provide an opportunity to grow in our walks with God. Make it a point to begin your week with Bible study and worship. You won’t regret it!

            Second, make this the year where you look for ways to minister to others. There are so many ways to minister to others: listening to them, providing for them, praying for them, etc. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference in the lives of others. Make this the year that you look for ways to minister to those around you.

            Third, make this the year where you give God all of your heart. So many times we are guilty of half-hearted Christianity. Let this be the year where God gets your whole heart and not just what is left over after you have devoted it to all the other things in your life. When we give God our hearts, everything else falls into place (Mt. 6:33). 

            Last year is gone, and we need to make the most of this year. Let’s all make 2011 the best year possible by attending worship and Bible class, looking for ways to minister to others and giving our whole hearts to God. If we do this, 2011 will be a great year!                                                     

            Now that’s Something to Think About!

Holiday Thoughts!

Today marks the eve of Christmas Eve! In the next few days most people will be with family and friends celebrating. With this in mind, here are a few holiday thoughts to consider.   

Remember 'tis the season for giving!

If you receive a present, be grateful! Money is tight for everyone right now.

If you don't receive a present, be grateful. Most of us already have more than we need!

Enjoy the time you have with your family and friends!

Laugh!

If you don't get the gift you really wanted, you probably didn't need it anyway!

Remember, while you are enjoying lots of delicious food, there are people all across the world who have nothing to eat!

Say a prayer for the blessings God has given you! We are all blessed abundantly more than we deserve.

Laugh some more!

Don't lose sight of what is important!

Be safe as you travel!

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas!

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Are You Excited About Your Gift?

I have spent the last few posts discussing reasons why I believe this is the most wonderful time of the year. Today I would like to conclude this series of posts with a fourth and final reason and that is the excitement that this time of year generates.

With Christmas only 5 days away, kids and even most adults, are getting excited about all the events that they will be participating in come the next few days. In fact, I’m one of those adults. I am super excited about everything that we have going on. The holiday parties, the family get-togethers and yes, the presents. This is an exciting time of the year.

As I think about the excitement that I have and the excitement that I have observed from those around me during this holiday season, I can’t help but feel somewhat guilty. Why is it that this level of excitement that we see in our culture only comes once a year? Don’t we have a lot to be excited about?

Perhaps, it’s because of the traditions or family get-togethers. Maybe more realistically, it’s because of the presents and gifts that will be exchanged, at least every kid in America probably thinks so. However, as I think about this, I can’t help but realize that we have access to a gift that should generate excitement all year long.

Don’t get me wrong, I love getting Christmas presents. However, they all fail in comparison to the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. As I have already discussed, I think this is the most wonderful time of the year because of the focus that is placed upon Christ Jesus. This focus typically is in reference to his birth. However, maybe even more important than His birth was the reason He came to this earth in the first place. Jesus Christ was born in order to die. Yes, you read that correctly! Jesus was sent to this world for one purpose and one purpose only, to die for the sins of the world. Jesus Himself said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Friends, for this we should be excited all year long. God gave us the greatest gift that could ever possibly be given in order for us to have eternal life with Him. If that doesn’t get you excited, then I don’t know what will. In the next few days as the excitement and anticipation builds, think about the gift that God has offered to you, salvation. Are you as excited about this gift as you are your Christmas gifts?  

Now that’s Something to Think About!

We Are Family!

The last two days I have posted reasons why I believe this to be the most wonderful time of the year. Today, I would like for you to consider with me a third reason and that is family.

Over the course of the next few days, many of you will be traveling to the home of some family member to begin your Christmas celebration. You will probably enjoy a meal together; some laughs about an event that happened way back when, and then you will exchange gifts. I know that for me and my family this is always a special time. We always have so much fun when we get together. The stories, the jokes, the memories, they all add up to a wonderful celebration.

When I think about this being the most wonderful time of the year, I think about the opportunity that I have to spend time with my family. I am excited about all of us being together once again. In my opinion, family is so important, both biological and extended. Let me give you a few reasons why I believe this is true.  

First, family is important because our family serves as a support system. They are the ones who generally support us in our decisions. When Miranda and I were considering the work at Karns, both our families were very supportive even though that meant us moving farther away from them. They encouraged us to do what was in our best interest even if that meant us moving to Knoxville. When God created the home (family), God created a build in support system for each of us.

Another reason family is so important is because your family will always be there when you need them. When you are having a difficult time in life, your family is generally there for you. When something happens in your life and all your friends leave you or turn their back on you, your family will still be there. When I think about this I am reminded of the prodigal son who after leaving home with his inheritance lived a life of luxury. I picture this young man as one who partied with friends every night of the week. His life was good. Then one day he ran out of money, his inheritance was gone.  Where were all his friends? It appears they had walked away from him. Here he was out of money and having no friends. What was he to do? He hired himself out to a citizen of the land and became a caretaker to pigs. Now doesn’t that sound like a great life? It wasn’t for a young Jewish boy. Finally, one day he realized he could go back home and be a servant for his father and still have it better than what he currently had. So off he went. Only what happened next caught him by surprise. As he got close to home his father ran out to meet him, hugged and kissed him, and welcomed him home. What a great picture of family. Even when everyone else had walked out on him, his family was there.

I could go on and on about why family is so important, but I’m sure you get the point. Families are special! I have been blessed by God with a wonderful family that I love. I can’t wait to spend a few days with them in the coming weeks. I hope that you have an opportunity to be with your family in the coming days and weeks as well. If you don’t, plan an opportunity to be together sometime in the near future. After all, family is so important!

Now that’s Something to Think About!

‘Tis the Season for Giving!

We are only 10 days away from Christmas Day. On that particular day, most of you will gather with your family around a Christmas tree and swap gifts. For kids, this is their favorite part of Christmas, PRESENTS! I remember when I was young my brother, sister and I would get up bright and early on Christmas Day and run into my parents’ room and wake them up. After all, the presents were waiting for us under the tree with our names on them!

As I have gotten older my favorite part of Christmas has changed somewhat. Sure, I still love opening presents, just ask my wife. I’m like a big kid when it comes to Christmas presents. I love to shake them and try and guess what the gift is before I open it. However, even more than opening presents, I enjoy giving presents. I know it’s hard to believe someone would enjoy giving more than receiving, but that’s exactly how I feel. I’m not typically a fan of shopping except during this time of year. I love going and looking for the perfect gift and then giving that gift to the person I picked it out for. When Miranda opens her presents from me, I’m probably more excited about it than she is, well…probably not, but you get the point. I love giving Christmas gifts to others because of the joy it brings.

This is the time of year where giving gifts to others is a common practice. We give those gifts with smiles on our faces. However, outside the Christmas season, how often do we give gifts to others? If we are truly honest with ourselves, thinking about that might cause us to feel bad because sometimes we’re not very giving outside of the Christmas season.

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). You may be thinking, “But I am fairly good when it comes to giving.” If that’s you then ask yourself, “What’s my motive for giving?” Our motives really tell the story behind our giving. We may give a gift to someone, but is it because we expect something in return? Jesus said, “If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount” (Luke 6:34). Perhaps, you give not to gain something in return, but in order to be noticed by people. It’s that type of motive Jesus had in mind when He said, “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:2-4).

Friends, this is the most wonderful time of the year because of the giving attitude that most all those around us have. It is this kind of attitude that we should have every season. I hope and pray that the giving attitude you have this holiday season will be one that continues throughout the entire New Year!

 Now that's Something to Think About!

I love this time of year. The Christmas trees, the lights, the decorations, the holiday food, the cool crisp air and people getting into the holiday spirit. This truly is the most wonderful time of year. My next few post are going to center on why I believe this is the most wonderful time of year. I hope this serves as a challenge to you to live these things out all year long.

            I want to begin with what I consider to be one of the main reasons for this being the most wonderful time of the year. In my opinion it’s because people are more focused on Jesus. Drive around and it won’t take you very long before you will see a nativity scene in someone’s yard or a sign that reads, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” While it should happen more often, I am thankful that people spend this time of year focusing on our Savior. Paul tells us, “Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2). I wish people lived this way all the time and not just during this time of year!

Unfortunately, there are some people today who have forgotten what this country was founded upon and are trying hard to remove Christianity altogether. Prayer has been taken out of schools, kids can no longer carry their Bibles around and read them during their free time and now some Americans feel as though saying, “Merry Christmas” is politically incorrect. Instead, we live in a society that wants us to say, “Happy Holidays.”

This truly disappoints me. What’s wrong with “Merry Christmas?” What’s wrong with our country believing in a savior? What’s wrong with people placing their focus upon the son of God? Although, I don’t believe Jesus was born on December 25^th, I don’t have a problem with people celebrating His birth. In fact, I wish people would celebrate His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection every day because all are of great importance to our eternal destiny. Without His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection, we would have no hope. Friends, the focus that so many place upon Jesus during this time of year would do even more good if that same focus were seen year around.

            To me, this is the most wonderful time of year because so many people place Christ where He belongs year around: at the center of their lives. This Christmas season celebrate not only the birth of Jesus, but the life, the death and the resurrection of Jesus by placing Him at the center of your heart. Then live this way all day every day all year long.

            Now that’s Something to Think About!  

When God Has Enough!

I love getting mail, in particular, I love getting letters in the mail. There is just something nice about opening a piece of mail and reading what someone has written to you, at least most of the time. However in Jeremiah 29, that’s not the case. The exiles of Judah received a letter from Jeremiah while they were captives in Babylon. Imagine their delight when they realized that this letter was on behalf of the God of Israel. They were probably thinking, “Finally, we are going to get some good news. God is probably going to tells us that everything will be okay and that we will be out of here in no time.”

As optimistic as that seemed, that was not what the letter was about. The letter began like this: “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon” (Jer. 29:4).  Now, wait just one minute. Did that say what I think that said? Is God actually taking credit for them being captives in Babylon? They thought it was Nebuchadnezzar who was responsible for their captivity (2 Kgs. 24-25). They probably had built up hatred toward this evil king because they thought it was him who was responsible for their present situation. However, in this letter they find out that God is responsible for their current misery.

The question that we must ask is, “Why did God allow Nebuchadnezzar to invade the land of His people and take them away into captivity?” The answer can be found in Jeremiah 25. There we are told that God spoke to the people of Judah through the prophet Jeremiah and said, “These twenty-three years the word of the Lord has come to me, and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. And the Lord has sent to you all His servants and prophets again and again, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear, saying, ‘Turn now everyone from his evil way and from the evil of your deeds, and dwell on the land which the Lord has given to you and your forefathers forever and ever; and do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands and I will do you no harm.’ Yet you have not listened to Me, declares the Lord, in order that you might provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm” (Jer. 25:3-7).

We find out the reason for the people being in captivity is because of their own sins and failures to heed the words of the Lord. Jeremiah told them that God sent them prophets, but they still would not listen. God gave them plenty of opportunities to repent and turn from their sins, but they failed to do that. So God did something that would get their attention. He used Nebuchadnezzar as His servant (Jer. 27:6). Nebuchadnezzar was an evil king who didn’t worship the one true and living God. In fact, he and his people were more evil than Judah, but God used him as His servant to make Judah pay for their sins.

 Judah found themselves in some unpleasant circumstances because they failed to do what God expected them to do. They didn’t listen to Him, they didn’t obey Him, they didn’t worship Him, they worshipped idols and they even executed some of the prophets that God had sent to them. Judah had removed God from their way of life so God punished them!

Friends, let us learn from the example of the people of Judah. We may choose to turn our backs on God and ignore His commands and will for our lives. We may choose to live as though He doesn't exist, but remember this…the time is coming when God will have had enough and those who fail to obey His commands will pay the ultimate price, eternal separation from the presence of the Lord.

 The apostle Paul wrote, “For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Blessed With Friends

It has been almost two weeks since my pawpaw passed away. By no means have these two weeks been easy. They have been hard for me and my entire family. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him or reflect on something that he has taught me. He was a very important fixture in my life and now he’s gone.

Since word first got out I cannot begin to count the number of cards, messages, and kind words people have spoken to me. It was in reading and listening to those words that I was reminded how blessed I am to have great friends like that in my life. The wise man wrote, “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). During a dark hour in my life, my friends made their love for me known by their kind words and actions.  

I received hundreds of messages from friends telling me that they were praying for me. Now, I know that there is not a lot you can do when someone you know loses a person of great importance to them. However, one thing we all can do is pray. James wrote, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (Jam. 5:16). When I read all those messages saying that people were praying for my family and me, I knew that the Lord was going to help us get through our dark hour, because prayer is powerful. Praying is such a wonderful thing to do for those who are suffering from the loss of a loved one.

Sending a card is a nice gesture toward those who are hurting. It has been almost two weeks now since his passing and I am still getting cards in the mail. Every time I open those cards and read them, I remember how loved I am by the person who sent it to me. Each of the cards I received will be kept because they will serve as a reminder to me of how thoughtful people were during my time of loss.

While we were away with my family, some very dear friends of ours checked on our house and got our mail. This probably doesn’t seem like that big of a deal at first, but when you consider that we were away for an entire week, it’s a wonderful gesture. Our friends didn’t have to take time to do this, but they did and it gave us a feeling of peace. I am thankful that I have friends in my life who will do something for me that seems so insignificant to most people.

Perhaps, the gesture I will forever cherish is the fact that so many people came by the funeral home to pay their respects to my pawpaw and our family. Over 500 people took time to stop by and visit with us. I have friends who traveled a good distance just to spend five or ten minutes with me and then got back in their cars and drove home. Those few minutes will add up to a lifetime of memories for me.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Through all the words and acts of kindness I feel as though my friends wept with me. Words cannot express how truly grateful and appreciative I am to everyone for their words, actions and prayers. I am truly blessed to have wonderful friends in my life.

Now that’s Something to Think About!