Greater Passion in Worship Part 4

Exodus 20:8-11 ESV

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

1. Close out all tradeoffs of the eternal for the temporal. God has created us for a purpose to bring glory to Him. One of the areas that we are to glorify God is in the profession (employment) that He has called us. It is just as high and important to call by God to be a garbage man as a pastor of a local body of believers. He has also given us a creation to enjoy with the purpose of giving Him glory individually, family and corporately. Like all other areas of our lives our sinful natures will take something good and make it evil by our heart and actions. When God created the worlds in six complete 24 hour days, He set aside the seventh to rest (Sabbath) He set the example for us the priority of work is not a 24/7 exercise of our lives. I coined a phrase a few years back that got me in trouble with a portion of our church congregation. The term was vocational adultery. The belief that one can be so engaged in the pursuit of a career, and/or money that family, church and worse God are neglected. God's purpose for the Sabbath was to force us to remember that our time on earth is limited and to spend time on careers, pleasures, or other human pursuits at the exclusion to worship of God individually and corporately was and still is a bad trade off.

• Do you willingly and even look forward to working in a constant overtime situation that keeps you and family from consistent corporate worship?
• Do you engage yourself and family members into activities that are scheduled regularly at the times of corporate worship.
• Do you make an effort to ask and seek for time off to corporate worship if you work a job that does schedule you during corporate worship?
• Does it genuinely ache in your heart when you are forced by your profession to work during corporate worship?

Greater Passion in Worship Part 3

Exodus 20:7 ESV
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

1. Cry out in word and deed the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I find it ironic that the one name that God commands us to not take lightly or dirty up it is His own. But we cannot go through a day without someone, who is angry, frustrated or in pain, using the name above all names to vent their emotion or feeling. Certainly we who are saved by the blood of Christ should not be guilty of such language. In Proverbs 30:3 we find a clear application of taking the (profaning) the Lords name in vain beyond just the vocal misuse of His name. My dad would constantly warn me that not only did what I say, but also what I did would always reflect on the name Blair. I was born a Blair and nothing would change that, but I could make the name Blair pleasant or repute just by my behavior. I am born again into God's family, and praise God I am secure by Jesus in this Family (Christian). But my behavior will reflect on the name of Christ in both speech and action. 
• Does my speech bring the name of Christ down by cursing, gossip, revenge, envy, unthankfulness, complaining, sarcasm, or just plain thoughtlessness?
• Does my speech lift up the name of Christ by, praise, forgiving, thankfulness, compliments, teaching and loving admonishment, and truth spoke in loving benefit towards the other person(s) in His name?
• Do the actions of my life bring down the name of Christ at work, on the highway, at home, in public, by selfishness, laziness, rebellion, or apathy?

• Do the actions of my life lift up the name of Christ at work, on the highway, at home, in public by kindness, diligence, obedience, or genuine concern for others in His name?

Greater Passion In Worship Part 1

Exodus 20:1-11 ESV

And God spoke all these words, saying,“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
        “You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Have you ever wondered why it is that when someone is angry, frustrated or in pain that the words "Ooooh Adolf Hitler" rarely ever seem to be uttered? Or how about "Oh Maria mother of Fidel Castro"?
I ask a couple of co-workers this question the other day at my place of employment. The looks and answers were quite enlightening. For all the answers of blaming the culture, family, or just plain co-incidence, they seemed to scoff the idea that the answer lies in the heart of each of us who are in rebellion and war against God.
When it comes to the purpose of our very existence the ultimate top of the list is our individual and corporate worship of God. Worship is at it's simplest definition is giving to God acknowledgement, devotion, and effort, to His glory and praise.
The first four commandments of the famous ten seem to be a good starting point for our goal of Greater Passion in Worship in 2013. Below are just some applications where some improvement and growth can come.

1. Clear out all competing gods. One of the biggest deceptions that we all seem to have is that we all worship all the time. Whether we realize it or not we in our heart give honor, praise, and time to something(s). It could be employment, sports, hobbies, entertainment, activities, people, or groups of people. God makes Himself very clear that He shares glory and praise with no one. We who claim Christ as Savior are in a life time warfare with ourselves to cast our these gods that seek to steal from the one true God who deserves our undivided attention. Sometimes comparison, commitment, or compromise will clue us in on our heart's attention. 
• In comparison does a headache keep you from group worship but not something else more fun, or "important"?
• Is your commitment to the group worship dependent on feelings and circumstance?
• Do you make compromising deals with yourself and others in name of doing a good activity?

Greater Passion in Worship Part 2

Exodus 20:4-6 ESV
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

1. Cleanse out all desires contrary to God. "Prone to wonder, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." That hymn writer was very honest with God and himself about the condition and desires of our heart. Even in our pursuit to to worship we try to out think God by making assumptions as to the best or only method of worship. For years I lived in the selfish belief that there is only a specific kind of music that pleases God and certain others could not possibly please Him. I was confronted with some convicting questions as to what the bible said and did not say about music. The most convicting was the use of the term sacred and unsacred music in the bible.
• Can you worship with fellow Christians who worship differently without being critical?
• Can you worship without being distracted by those around you?
• Can you change and maybe even eliminate worship methods that are unbiblical?
• Can you change and maybe even eliminate worship methods for the benefit of other believers growth?

Happy New Year - A Fresh Start

Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.

As I tap this post out on my notebook, it is less than nine hours till our time zone celebrates the coming of 2013. It seems strange to consider 2012 in the rear view mirror, that is a reality of "ready or not here I  come". 

I am one who retrospects, introspect, and every other kind of spects. I can't help connecting this to God doing the same on the seventh day of Creation. As God introduces the concept of the Sabbath, it is somewhat ironic to call New Year's a kind of Sabbath. I look back on the successes, failures, in events and relationships of 2012 with an eye toward 2013 of how can I learn improve and grow for God's glory and other's  benefit.

The fruits of this meditation has harvested in an outline of goals in three areas. These areas I hope to focus in more specifically in the coming days or weeks in this blog and postings on facebook, and twitter.

Next Time:

Goals in 2013

1. Greater Passion in Worship

2. Greater Compassion in Fellowship

3. Greater Application in Discipleship

Success That Sins

Colossians 1:11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, (ESV)

It is hard to believe that a hard working responsible person could be sinning in his hard work. Most employers will probably tell you that finding a person who will show up on time, follow orders, be a self-starter and finish the task in a timely manner, would be an employee of great rarity. This certainly should be the goal of every Christian worker's reputation. No Child of Jesus should ever be guilty of be late, rebellious, lazy or unreliable.

However, there are a couple of snares that this hard working responsible person could face.
1) A desire to seek to approval of those in authority personal gratification. The need to be honored and praised by others in order to feel worthy. Sometimes I call this "for the love of attention is the root of all evil". Seeking the approval of people usually leads to disappointment, discouragement, and even bitterness. The end result most commonly is feelings of lack of appreciation which leads to discontentment in the workplace, or constant job hopping. No hope in Christ with little or no joy in life.
2) A self-sufficiency that deceives the Christian into thinking God is blessing his total human effort. This person confuses busyness with godliness. Very little time is spent in prayer, bible reading, church attendance, or any other recognition of God. The end result is usually frequent burnout, exhaustion, sleeplessness, and worst of all a sense of self-righteousness.

In both cases above the common thread is an empty, unfulfilled, and unrewarding life. Isn't it a shame that there is an all powerful God who begs His creation to not only be reconciled to Him, but also to be energized by Him? What would be better than being more pleasing to God by His enabling us to be more like Jesus. More loving and patient with co-workers, family and friends. Better at worship, praise, and adoration towards God. What a fruit basket, what a life!

What the hard working responsible person needs to do is start every day remind himself of his need for Gods power. He remembers that report, that flipped burger, that meeting, that delivery, whatever he does needs to be in subjection to God's power and strength. He understands his joy, and peace depends on yielding to God to give it. Are you that person?

Thankful in 09

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.(ESV)

 I am thankful most of all for Jesus Christ, my Savior. I am so glad that He is the one who gives strength and courage to face all the problems of life. I am also thankful for the second great gift God has given me after my salvation, and that is my wife of nearly 21 years Lisa. This has been a hard year for her with health and loss of her mother and other family members. Yet through it all she has not only remained faithful to God but she has also been a bigger blessing to me than ever. I am also thankful for the dad God has given to me. What a blessing to see how God is still using him at 80 years of age, and a widower of 4 years. I again thankful for Pastor Rick. I pray that God gives him the strength and restored health to continue to be the shepherd of our church.

In 2009 we faced a hard winter, the moving away of the Klings, the surprise death of Lorenzo, and other trials, and yet God is still good. As we move into 2010 we can be confident that God will be still working in our lives that we may become for accepted (well pleasing) to Him. Praise the Lord for His mercies endure forever.

We WILL Miss You

Proverbs 31:29 Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. (ESV)

My mother-in-law passed away last Friday night. She did not have a flamboyant personality and yet anyone who would meet her would probably not forget her. Words like kind, gracious, joyful, caring are the most common of her first impressions. As one got to know her better words like godly, faithful, prayer warrior, servant, and even bible student and scholar. Funny there does not seem to be anything negative.
When we had the visitation before the funeral, folks who knew her (family,church members, neighbors, childhood friends, etc...) were saying the above descriptions over and over again. Laverne Cooper did not always have an easy life. WWII and the depression were especially hard the Tennessee south. But whether good times or bad you could alway count on her faith in the Lord and His Word.
Before the funeral I had chance to talk to the preacher, Charles Pratt. I told him that I envied him because this is the type of funeral that every preacher dreams of doing. The opportunity to proclaim a life that loved and honored God, and the hope of seeing that saint in Heaven again.
There are three thing that we who knew Mrs. Cooper could all agree with:
1) That she was a woman who loved God with all her soul, mind, and strength, loved her neighbor as herself. Both evidence of true salvation.
2) That no matter how long you knew her, you were in some way influenced by her for God.
3) That you are going to miss her. And that is a good thing both in never forgetting her and in seeing her again in Heaven.

Overwhelming Praise

Psalm 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name!

Praise the Lord! Oh praise God! These were the words of an older female customer when I use to work for RadioShack some time back. I must confess that I was somewhat uncomfortable with this woman. Especially since all I did was change her watch battery. I want to say to her "let it go, ma'm. This is the real world."

That would have been a shameful mistake if I did. Why shouldn't I be just as thrilled with the works of God in the "real" world? Why should I be embarrassed by another Christian who not only obedient to God, also showing amazing love towards Him.

Because of that, I believe there are at least three reasons (oh there's a lot more) why we should overwhelmingly praise God.

First, He deserves it. That's so obvious it needs to be mentioned and re mentioned. We forget, neglect, excuse, and maybe even rebell. How ungrateful and sinful to not praise the Creator, and Redeemer. These titles only begin to justify God's praise.
Second, others need to hear it. At the time of this writing, I have just received a rheeming from my boss that was painful. Justified or not, he would probably expect to receive some type of negetive feedback. What he needs to hear someone who is thankful to God even for the tough events of life. Would that not make God more real to others around us?

Lastly, we need it. Sometimes we get discouraged, or we may get cocky. Either way we need the reminder that God is in control watching and protecting

Try It You'll Like It!

Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him

When I go to a resturant I usually like to look at the menu and the most exotic food. I have picked out frog's legs, squid, and even cow brains. Now anyone can order chicken, hamburger, or steak. But, I learned no one really has to be told or persuaded to eat what they already like. But it becomes an act of faith to not only risk one's tastebuds, but also "someone's" money on a meal that may not be a delight.

When David writes "taste and see" was not meant for food. He was challenging the reader to step out and choose the more unfamiliar events from life's menu. Maybe there is a need for a Sunday School teacher and someone is afraid of the call. Taste and see. Maybe there is a task at work that needs to be done and no one is stepping up. It could be time to learn a new responsibility that may or may not lead to higher position later. Either way it is a great time to trust God.

The ordinary life lives from day to day avoiding, fearing, and ignoring trials, challenges, and hardships. The Everyday Christian eagerly looks for the next event to be encouraged to grow for Christ.
How are you doing with the menu of life? When was the last time you tasted to see that the Lord is good?

For Anyone Who Has Screwed Up

Proverbs 24:16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity. ESV

If I could I would ask for a raise of hands right now of those who have made a nobody else to blame, self created mess at home, church, work, or school. For my own sanity I hope that at least one person reading this would be raising their hand.

Time and pride keep me from giving example. Let's just say that it would not be hard for those around me to quickly retell of events. It would be one thing if there was someone to ligitimently to blame. But, saddly no.

It is very easy to want to runaway from our disasters. Even if we do not run physically, we fantize about another job, church, or mythical environment where we are happy and successful

Maybe that is where you are. You wish you did most if not all things well. Never mixup an order, fail a test, or break a tool. The bad news is in this life that day will never come. The good news is that you really are not the worst or only one who messes up. You may have to stop focusing on yourself all the time to notice.

The great news is God can and will use your messes. God is so powerful, wise and loving that He is worthy to be trusted and followed even in our failures.

The key is to not focus on staying on the ground. I use to have a kids blowup punching bag when I was I in grade school. I think it was Captain America or Iron Man. Anyway it was the one where hit it, it would fall back and then stand right back. No matter how hard I hit or kicked it, it came right back.

If we fall and stay down (mentally or physically) our true joy is gone and the life story is just about over. But if we get up (seek God's help and maybe forgivence) we are ready to show others God is still ready, willing, and able to use us for His glory.

How about you tired of falling into messes of your own making? Don't stay on the ground! Look up and get up. True humility admits mistakes, sins, and need for help. Staying down gives into pride and selfishness.

The Power to Divide

2Samuel 15:3-4 Absalom would say to him, "See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you." ⁴Then Absalom would say, "Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice."(ESV)

It has been said that Absalom had it all. A rich, powerful, and spiritual family heritage. Physically, he was probably a handsome man with a good amount of educated intelligence. By some he may even have been in line for the throne. God had promised his father David a long line of rule for his descendants. What great potential he had and probably alot of people watching him as he grew up and seemed to follow in his dad's footsteps.

But, Absalom just could not wait. He knew he had influence on people already. Maybe that boosted his esteem, or fed his desire for power. Maybe he just was tired of being taken for granted or unappreciated for his talents. Whatever the motivation, he was now on a path of usurping his father's authority in subtle an not so subtle ways.

Sowing discord, or doubt in the loyalty toward leadership is the most common of methods of division. I have been the "Second man" for over 22 years under 3 different pastors. Plus I have had more bosses in more jobs than I can remember. There is one common threat to all these leaders and that is ease of distrust, disunity, and discouragement just by a few reckless, or destructive words. I wonder how many church splits could have been averted or at least minimized if the assistant stood with the pastor instead of standing with preference. The workplace believer, just as the assistant pastor must be on guard not to say or agree with statements like: If I were leader I would..., the leader is okay, but...., nobody listens to me... etc.

Sometimes we walk a fine line. I once coined a saying "an assistant pastor (or workplace believer) should not be a yes person, but he/she should be accused of it once in a while." We should never sacrifice principle for unity, but we should never sacrifice unity for pride.

Cross references:

1. 2 Samuel 15:4 : Judg 9:29

Submission: God's Cure for Crisis Part 4

Paul's Submission to God's Promises

Acts 27:29-38 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go.

As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you." And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

Nothing shows true submission to any authority than trust and obedience to that authority's promises. Here Paul showed his submission to God best when in the mist of dangerous circumstances and the discouragement of others he boldly says he believes God.

Notice when all others were exhausted, hungry and fearful Paul remains positive concerning God's promise of safety. This was not an attitude that promoted Paul's positive thinking, but a genuine belief that God would perform His promise in face of all that seemed hopeless. Imagine being layed off from your occupation with no human guarantee of return any time soon. When all you co-workers are fearful about how the bills will be payed and food will be put on the table for the family. Those are real concerns and from a human view defiantly hopeless. Now comes the hard part for you as the workplace Christian. The need of the hour is for someone to express and live out Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Like Paul, even though there will be resistance and even contempt, there will be those who will be encourage towards God at least in the long run and you may never in this world see that happen. But we will all be surprised as to who really was influence in that crisis.

With the down turn of the world economy, God's people have an opportunity not seen since the 70's and early 80's to shine in darkness. There are co-workers, neighbors and even family members who may never know how to navigate through the crisis of life until they see and hear someone who is submitting to God's promises. Not when it is easy but when it is the most difficult.

Real Men Don't Use Manuals?

2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

An employee was asked by his boss to change a taillight on one of the trucks in the company fleet. This employee has changed taillights before, even on large vans. However, he had a question about the placement of the lights. So he searched the user manual of that truck. His boss found out and chewed out the employee for not knowing how to do the task ahead of time.

When I heard the above event I was reminded of a series of radio spots on sports radio about a year or two back. The add campaign was a highlighting of what were called manlaws. Now I found this to be humorous to listen to at the time. The one that stuck out in my mind was real men don't ask for direction nor use user manuals. All humor aside this was a message that real men are self sufficient. To ask such help is a sign of weakness and lacking in true manhood.

How sad this philosophy is when applied to the trials and troubles of life. It is a cruel and frightful thing if we are to fend for ourselves in our pitiful earthly knowledge against the tumult that we face from within and without. That's why the bible, God's Word is not only essential, but is also relevant and sufficient to all the events of life. If we face money troubles, God has the answer. If we face parent child conflict the bible is the only true source to depend on. If we have sinful habit the bible gives counsel for that.

I am so glad that God does not leave defenseless. But we may handicap ourselves by ignorance, rebellion, laziness, or pride.

Submission: God's Cure for Crisis Part 3

Paul's Submission to God's Love

Acts 27: 21-26 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island."

Do you believe love is a feeling? What do you feel like when you are "in love" Have you ever considered love to be more to be an action verb rather than a description of of emotion? I suspect Paul was not leaning on emotion or feeling to determine his next course of action. Paul would have probably felt betrayed, belittle, and bewildered, but that does not seem to effect his behavior to those on the ship in crisis.

When we think of the love of God assume some kind of all covering warm feeling of security. Submission to God's love has to be shown to others to be genuine love of God. Paul's submission in this crisis shows God's love by his focus on others rather than himself and his comfort.

Paul's submission was shown by his stay close to God during the crisis. Unlike Jonah who was also in a ship in crisis, he ran from God's presence and he had to be compelled to even to pray. What selfishness to rest, sleep and seek one's own comfort the priority. Paul on the other hand made prayer for others and guidance of service. He was not afraid to reveal to others about his relationship to an all powerful God who is up close and personal. Many times all that we do is complain, blame, and fight for survival. When we face hardship God should be the first and only destination for the telling of grief and seeking of wisdom.

Paul's submission was shown by his meeting the physical needs of his shipmates. When facing stress and conflict the natural response is to seek one's own welfare. To horde all resources, and work for number one. The world would tell us if we don't care for ourselves, who will? Again Paul does just the opposite. When he sees that the others have been so distraught by disaster he appears ready, willing and able to meet the need of food and comfort to them above his own. When it is easier to run and self-protect, God is well pleased when His love to us is transferred to serving others when all others do not.

Paul's submission is shown by his meeting the spiritual needs of his ship mates. It is all well and good to strive for the physical comfort of others. However, that is an incomplete mission at best. What good is it to comfort in this life and leave eternity of hell and suffering in that persons future. Paul bravely mixed the Gospel and worship of God with the meat that he dispensed. It is certainly more desirable to present the God to the lost by first showing the concern for their physical comfort. It was the way Jesus did his ministry. But as Jesus is heal and comfort He also made sure He never neglected what His true purpose was to "seek and to save..."

Love is without a doubt and action verb, that when performed God's way can lead to good feelings. Truly the Love from God was not meant for our security alone but to be channeled from God through us out to others around us. And there is no better time to do this than when others are complaining, hurting, and even rebelling authority.

Next: Paul's Submission to God's Promises

Submission: God's Cure for Crisis Part 2

Paul’s Submission to God’s Leadership

Act 27:9-12 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.
As we continue to explore the Christian response to crisis, we look again at Paul's behavior during a disastrous trip in the Mediterranean Sea. We see Paul sharing with the Centurion and the captain of the ship about the trip that they plan to proceed. In this event we see at least four aspects about the Christian's view to leadership in crisis and what to do when one disagrees with the leadership one serves. First, Paul submits to leaders who are not as spiritual as he is. It seems to be part of the American way of thinking to distrust leadership. We seem to especially distrust it if the leader is not a Christian, or at least as "separated" as we are. If the leader does not fit into our preference view of what a leader should be then we think we are less accountable to him/her. If anyone could claim a high spiritual plain it would be Paul. Here was the writer of most of the New Testament, a builder of local churches, and a winner of souls to Christ. He even told his followers to follow him as he followed Christ. He did not throw his spiritual weight around. He did not even fuss when his advice was not heeded. Many today get all frustrated with leaders and claim a better way, but Paul shows the better way is submission of spiritual status.

Second, Paul was submissive to the leaders even when he may know more. Paul was no stranger to sailing. As a matter of fact, this would not be his first ship wreck. Although, he was treated like an ignorant novice, Paul could see the physical signs of bad weather. He knew by experience what could take out a ship, and leave it's crew for dead. Yet as I mentioned before, Paul did not fuss, fight, or gossip about how inept the leaders were for not listening to him. At the time that I am writing this entry, a commercial aircraft had crashed into the Hudson River. The miraculous part about this that no one died nor seemed badly injured. The main reason for this is given to the captain and crew for their quick thinking and action. Very true! However, let's also give credit to the submissive passengers who did not second guess, rebel, or get offended in the ordeal. Just one rebellious passenger could have caused alot of damage and maybe loss of life. Many a crisis can be overcome by this submission.

Finally third, Paul was submissive to leadership just because God put them there as his leaders. If God is sovereign like I wrote in the previous entry, then the leaders we have are not accidental, or unfortunate. God has place that boss, that husband, father/mother, and even president in that position for His purpose. The bible teaches that unless the leader is violating scripture, follow ship is mandatory. Paul himself taught in Romans 13 that God takes submission to leadership seriously. yo the next time we feel like the boss is unqualified, or that husband is an idiot, or that parent doesn't understand, remember God put them there for you and how you will respond is not only accountable to the leader but also to God Himself.

God just does not seem to be a big fan of rebellion. Too many times in the bible we are commanded to obey Him through obeying our leaders. Nothing overcomes, and glorifies God in an crisis more then when submission is shown to the leadership.

To be Continued: Paul's Submission to God's Love

Submission: God's Cure for Crisis Part 1

Acts 1:1 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius.

Welcome to 2009!! What a year 2008 was. For me the year dealt in change of job, rearrangement of schedule, loss and gain of church members, and even an addition of a second car. For all of us a new president, disappointment in the Chicago sports teams, higher and lower gas prices, and an economy that ended the year worse than it started. Albert Molher's blog capsulizes 2008 best with "Ten for the History Books from 2008"

For most people, entering into the new year is dominated by the old pocketbook issues: what is the economy going to do? will I be able to keep up with rising prices? will I be able to pay for health care? will I keep my job? I am certainly not a prophet able to predict the future, nor an economist, who probably can't predict it either. Will this year be a economic crisis? Or even a national security crisis like 9/11? We certainly not only ponder these things but it is echoed by tv, radio and those around us.

So what's a Christian living the everyday life to do? This entry is part 1 of a 5 part series about what to do in crisis. The Apostle Paul in Acts 27 could not have been in anymore crisis. Being on a ship for over 2 weeks in storm and stillness. Helpless in every possible physical way. Yet victorious in the midst of crisis. In this entry we are going to look at:

Paul's Submission to God's Sovereignty

First we see Paul submitted as a prisoner. The Apostle Paul, the greatest missionary evangelist, church planter, and problem solver a prisoner. If there ever was a man could brag, and project himself to higher prestige it was Paul. I believe he was an ambitious man who submitted his goals, dreams and desires to the will of God. Sometimes people base comfort and security in a lifestyle, or status rather than how God will lead a life. Is God powerful and concerned enough to lead your life? Paul thought so.
Second, Paul submitted to God's timetable. This trip to Rome that Paul was on must have been taking forever. One ship to another to a long stay in a particular city. If Paul was an American he would have been pulling his hair out. We as American are so weak in this area. We want instant gratification in almost all areas of life. But God does not work that way. This crisis was going to play out on God's time not Paul's or any one else. Maybe the economy will be a problem all year. Maybe the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will last long than President Obama promises, only God knows because He is in control.
Third, Paul submitted to whatever conditions he live in. Whether in prison or on a ship I have to believe it got really hot, cold, wet, dry, and overall uncomfortable. Hunger, sickness, and insects were probably more common than steak, soft sheets, and heating/air conditioning. Paul was not as concerned about how comfortable he was as to what God was doing at particular time. We love material comforts and confuse them with needs. And even if we are concerned with needs, we are still forgetting about not just what God is able to for us, but also we forget what God is expecting from us.
Finally, Paul submitted to the fact that God just might know more than he. Paul did not spend much time trying to second guess God on what He should be doing. Paul believed and submitted to God being smarter. And if smart then know best. And if knowing best, then doing best.

Yes submission ( the deliberate yielding of rights) is the key to handling the crisis for the Christian.
Next: Paul's Submission to God's Leadership

The Power of the Light

Acts 27:42-44 The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

It has almost always been standard operating procedure for any law officer to kill a prisoner in transport rather than letting them escape to freedom. I imagine the guards that were on board that storm battered ship with the Apostle Paul were ready and willing to obey the order to kill on sight. With the ship running aground and all passengers making ready to jump off, those guards knew that they would not be able to account for all prisons. What a surprise it must have been when the centurion gave the orders to let them get off the ship to safety. Why such a break from precedent? Any escaped prisons would mean certain dead to any of the guards involved. What could possibly cause the leader to take such a risk of career and life?

The reputation of one man. Just because the centurion wanted to spare the life of the Apostle Paul, he withheld the guards from killing any prisons. When Jesus call all Christians to be lights to shine, He calls us to be different not to call attention to ourselves but to Him. The centurion was so taken by the light of Paul's testimony not because of who Paul was but who he proclaimed and lived for in this lost and dying world.

The power of Paul's reputation was not from his personality, intellect, or charisma. But rather his submission and relationship to the Savior. Read the whole chapter in Acts 27, you see saturated throughout the text Paul encouraging the crew not by standup comics, or possibility thinking, but how God has promised safety and deliverance. This shows Paul's continual devotion to Christ even in the weeks of storms and crisis. It is this type of commitment that catches the attention of others.

It makes me wonder if given the same circumstance would my reputation have such an effect? The workplace with the boss and coworkers. The school with teachers and classmates. Our neighborhoods and even in our own homes. Does the light of Christ shine through us, or our more concerned about our own selfish interests. How much do we burden authorities with our petty disobedience. Fight for our own way with peers. Even in our churches we fight and feud over music, clothing, versions, decorations, and other issues that show our immaturity more than our spirituality.

At the writing of this entry, we face a new year of possible financial troubles of whatever level. The world needs to see Christ's with hope and faith in the God of all comfort. Not Christians who get mad and offended when their preferences are not met. Strong belief in a God who is upclose and person. Not a strong will that is uptight and sour.

What Makes the Grumpy Tick?

Psalm 50:22-23 "Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"

Have you ever been around a true grump? Someone who not matter what happens can always find something bad, or something to criticize. I guess we all have. I personally do not appreciate being in their presence, especially when they use their special talents on me. I use to have a variety of thoughts towards them. Such as anger, resentment, fear, and even bewilderment. Until recently I rarely had feelings of compassion or sympathy. I always categorized them as mean, selfish people to be avoided.

But, I realized that the grumpiness was just a surface symptom of a deeper heart problem. The reason for this lack of joy in their lives certainly can be many, I believe one of the biggest failings is a lack of thankfulness, and truly thankful towards God. I must admit that as I bemoan and dread another Northwest Indiana winter with snow, I realize my depression may come in part to the discomfort and inconvenience, but really comes from being unthankful.

It seems that if we are not thankful for anyone, thing or event in our lives we usually hate, fear, or neglect the subject. The absence of thankfulness in a Christian's life becomes an ugly sore upon their character and testimony. The very joy of the Lord that the forgiven ones in Christ are suppose to show is choked off like a weed to a flower. The ability to show a lifestyle and commitment to the Savior, and Creator of this world is futile and frustrating without a thankful spirit.

To sum this up the grumpy critic that we all avoid will never experience true joy unless they become thankful. Thankful not just for the pleasant, but for the unpleasant. Which then brings the focus back to us. How thankful are we? Not just at Thanksgiving, but on January 23rd or March 16th or any other day of the year.

True Christian joy is born out of thankfulness, and can not exist without it.

Leaving My Mark

Psalm 78:2-4 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.(NASB)

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to run into an individual that I graduated high school with thirty years ago (1978). I did not recognize this person right away, but this person had happened to be wearing a name tag on a neck lanyard. I did recognize the name immediately. As I look again I did see the resemblance. But shamefully my first thought about this person was about how much older they looked. Thankfully I only thought this and did not say what I was thinking. I also must admit that I am sure that they would probably be thinking the same of me. Although when I look in the mirror I do not see the same aging. (I of course jest)

Now that I have been reminded again of my fleeting and probably extinct youth, I again re-examine my next responsibility of handing down to the next generation the "faith of our fathers". Sadly, I have wasted much of the time with what God would judge to be preferential issues. Certainly for years I tried to present the best witness to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Not a trivial matter at all!) But I also spent much of the time trying to hold on to pseudo-convictions of outward rule keeping, and worship practices. I use to believe if the next generation did not follow the same music, bible version, and clothing standards as I have followed then that generation would be lost forever.

It has been in the last couple of years that I have repented from such practices. My demanding my way of worship for the local church services was more about pride than it was about pleasing God. I have since realized that God has given each generation the freedom to find it's unique worship styles according to the abilities He has blessed them.

My responsibility to the next generations is to introduce them to the Lord Jesus Christ want to not only offer Heaven for eternity but a loving relationship with Him. I am to show them the Word of God (in a version that is easily understood for them) that is to be learned, loved and lived out in my life and theirs. I am also to show, by example a prayer life that is real, and alive. Making it obvious that God is real and alive in my life. Then finally (and probably most difficult) I am to show them how God has used the talent and gifts in my life to be used in the lost and dying world around us. Then I am to instruct and encourage them to do the same, but realizing that it my not be in a manner that is comfortable to me still within the guidelines of God's Word.

It is sometimes easy and comfortable to believe that something new may not be Godly, but we must be careful not to twist, manipulate, or conjure up scripture to prove our preferences to be convictions. Example: I grew up in the Chicago area in the 60's and 70's. A favorite childhood show of my generation was Garfield Goose. My generation gets a warm feeling just at the mention of it. It would be foolish and unfair for our generation to force the next generation to understand and like this in the way we did. They have other choices more to relate to in their time. It is unbiblical to force the next generation to follow your generations worship style. To say that no new music styles can be used is also unbiblical. Every generation deserves the right to make their mark in worshiping the Lord within His guidelines, not our preferences.