Five Prayers for the New Year

My new year’s resolutions for 2006 are stated in prayers which cover five areas of life: spiritual, mental, social, physical, and financial. I know that it is impossible for me to do these things by willpower and self-determination. I need God. So here they are: Spiritually – Father, help me walk with my Lord, Jesus Christ. Protect me from the evil one. Keep me from sin. Keep me sober! Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I am faithful to you in everything. Make me hungry to know and do your will. Mentally – Father, help me to grow, stretch, and learn. Give me insight. Help me to understand. Reveal your will to me. Open my eyes, give me knowledge and wisdom. Help me to improve as a minister, counselor, and professor so that others can see my progress and I will give you the credit. Open doors of opportunity so that I can use the gifts you’ve given me. Socially – Father, strengthen my relationship with Kim and my daughters. Make me a good husband and faithful father. Deepen my relationships with my family and friends. Fill our hearts and homes with your joy. Physically – Father, help me to exercise regularly and stay active. Please keep my family and me healthy. Financially – Father, help me to prosper and be a good steward of everything you give me. It all belongs to you. Help me to use it wisely. In Jesus name, Amen!

The best are capable of the worst and the worst are capable of the best

Don’t be deceived by thinking that you cannot fall into sin. The most celebrated heroes in the Bible were guilty of the worst behavior. Noah got drunk. Abraham lied. Lot committed incest. Judah slept with his daughter-in-law Tamar because he thought she was a prostitute. Moses murdered an Egyptian. David committed adultery. Peter denied Christ. Do you really believe you are incapable of such things? Think again. The same sin nature that lived in these people lives in you. Remember, even the best are capable of the worst. On the other hand, don’t be deceived into thinking that you’ve done something so bad that God can no longer use you. God will forgive you if you place your faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, God will turn your worst failures will be your greatest strengths. The best are capable of the worst and the worst are capable of the best. Both are important to remember. One keeps you humble. The other gives you hope.

Bargaining with God

Leroy demanded a bicycle from his dad. He threw a temper tantrum when his dad said, “Leroy, we don’t have the money to buy you anything you want. Go to your room and write a letter to Jesus.” Leroy went to his room. He pouted and cried. Then he wrote this letter: Dear Jesus, I’ve been a good boy this year and I would appreciate a new bike. Your friend, Leroy He knew this was not true so he ripped up the letter and gave it another try. Dear Jesus, I’ve been an OK boy this year. I want a new bicycle. Yours truly, Leroy Leroy knew this wasn’t totally honest either so he tore it up and tried again. Dear Jesus, I’ve thought a lot about being a good boy this year. Can I have a new bike? Leroy Leroy looked down in his heart (which was what his dad was trying to get him to do) and he crumbled up that letter and trashed it. He was sort of depressed. He went outside and wondered about aimlessly. He finally found himself in front of a Catholic Church - a huge cathedral with a great big cross on top. He wondered in the church and began looking at all the statues. He had never seen so many statues in his life. Suddenly, he grabbed a small statue of Mary and ran home and hid under his bed. Then he wrote this letter. Jesus, I’ve broken most of the 10 commandments, I have shot spit wads in school, tore up my sisters Barbie doll and lots more. I’m desperate. I’ve got your momma. If you ever want to see her again give me a bike. Leroy This story makes me smile. It reminds me of James 4.3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. Do you ever bargain with God? Have you ever promised God that if he will do this you will do that? When you pray make sure you check your motives. When God answers your prayer be sure to accept his answer. If God says “Yes” then give thanks him. If he says “No” give thanks anyway. You might not understand it now but in time you will learn that God knows what is best for you.

The Next Time You Get Frustrated

I’m building an office in my garage. I am no carpenter but I’m doing well on this project. At first I was frustrated because I couldn’t get the concrete nails in my garage floor. The nails busted the concrete. I almost quit. Then I thought “What would Jesus do? He was a carpenter. He would know exactly what to do.” This had a calming affect on me. It seems so trite but it actually made me patient and renewed my resolve to continue. I went back to the hardware and discovered concrete bits and concrete screw nails. They worked like a charm. Since then I’ve made good progress. Inviting the Lord into simple everyday things really helps me. I’m enjoying working and making sure that it’s done right. At each successful point I show Kim what I have accomplished (just like a little boy) and she encourages me by saying things like “That’s good Jeff.” So with the Lord’s help and Kim’s encouragement I am accomplishing something I’ve never done before and I’m proud of it. The next time you get frustrated talk to Jesus about it and then go find someone to encourage you – it really works

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my fellow bloggers. God bless you and your family.

Begin With The End In Mind

Larry Walter’s childhood dream was to fly but his poor eyesight disqualified him from becoming a pilot in the Air Force. Determined to fulfill his dream, he purchased 45 weather balloons, filled them with helium, and tied them to his lawn chair which was anchored to the bumper of his jeep. In preparation for his flight he strapped on a parachute, took a CB radio to communicate with his friends on the ground, packed some soda, and a BB gun to shoot the balloons when he wanted to come down. Larry planned to float about 100 feet off the ground and come back down after a couple of hours. But things did not go as he planned. When Larry’s friends helped him cut the cords that anchored the lawn chair to his jeep he shot up into the LA sky as if he were fired from a cannon. He leveled off at 16,000 feet (about 3 miles high!). At this altitude he was cold, frightened, and helpless. He was afraid to shoot the balloons because it may unbalance the load. When he drifted into the primary approach corridor of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) he knew that he was in trouble. A TWA pilot passed Larry and radioed the airport explaining that he had just past a man in a lawn chair with a gun in his lap. Radar confirmed that there was an object floating 16,000 feet above the airport. LAX declared an emergency and dispatched a helicopter. Larry continued to drift toward the Pacific Ocean. The helicopter finally lowered a rescue line and pulled Larry to safety. He was arrested by LAPD for violating LAX airspace. As he was carried away in handcuffs a reporter asked him why he had done it. Larry nonchalantly responded, “A man just can’t sit around.” This story illustrates the futility and danger of taking off without knowing where you are going to land. Many people intend to float through life aimlessly. It’s always a good idea to pray, plan well, and seek advice from people who have experience. Don’t just take off. Begin with the end in mind. ____________________________________________________ This true story, which happened in 1982, was reported by the Associated Press. You can listen to the tape recorded CB conversation between Larry and his friends during his flight at http://www.markbarry.com/lawnchairman.html.

Kisses in a Box

She tried to wrap her dad’s gift but failed. The little girl wasted an entire roll gold Christmas wrapping paper. Her father became angry and disciplined her for being so wasteful. She went to bed crying. On Christmas morning she brought the gold box to her dad. When he opened the box it was empty and his anger flared again. He said, “You wasted all that wrapping paper for nothing. This box is empty!” With tears in her eyes she said “Oh Daddy. It’s not empty. I blew kisses in the box. I filled it up with my love and it’s all for you.” The father embraced his little girl and begged for her forgiveness. For years to come he kept that little gold box under his bed. Every time he was discouraged he would take the box and pull out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child that put it there.

Neil Young

George bought me a Neil Young CD for Christmas. I’m listening to “Down By the River” right now. It takes me back to 1979 in Zip Lilly’s garage where we (The Little Coal River Band) practiced. I remember Bobby, Zip, Pat, Randy, Jeff, Kim, Traci and me – good music, good harmonies, great friends, and rock and roll.

Joe Beam Interview on Focus on the Family

Joe Beam was interviewed by Focus on the Family. His interview was one of the most popular radio shows on Focus during 2005. You can listen to it at http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/focus_on_the_family/. Listen to it. It's great!

Focus on Planting Not Harvesting

Focus on planting not harvesting. Plant the seed of the kingdom and God will make it grow where he wills. It may not grow where you expect it to grow. It may grow in strange places. When it does not grow don’t feel bad, just move on. God may not be drawing that particular person at this time. When you see it spring to life, spend time cultivating it because God is at work. It’s easy to recognize because the person will be asking important questions of life. They will be motivated and interested to hear what you have to say about Jesus. Think differently. Know that evangelism is God’s work. You cannot make it happen if he’s not in it. Salvation is God’s work from start to finish. People cannot come to Jesus unless the Father draws them (John 6.44). God gives faith (Romans 12.3) and grants repentance (2 Timothy 2.25). The Holy Spirit is the true evangelist. The Spirit convicts people of their sin (John 16.8) and prompts them to confess Christ as Lord. This is impossible with the Spirit’s involvement. They cannot reason their way to Jesus. They cannot will it to happen and neither can you. No one can confess Jesus or even understand the things of God without the Holy Spirit because the gospel is spiritually discerned (2 Corinthians 2.6-16). So don’t feel pressure to convict people of sin or convince them of Jesus – that’s not your job. That’s God’s job. This puts a whole new perspective on sharing Christ. It's exciting. It heightens your sensitivity to God. Just plant the seed wherever you go and asked questions like "Where is God moving? Where is God working?" and then step into the flow of his power and do what he's doing. Join him in his work. He's always at work so you must always be looking.

Grading on a Curve

I finished grading exams and papers tonight. I will turn my students' grades in tomorrow. These grades reflect their performance on seven exams, one panel critique, and a 20-25 page theory preference paper. My class is hard but my grading scale is fair. Do you know what God's grading scale is? I will give you a hint. It's pass or fail. That's right! You pass if you are 100% righteous and you fail if you don't meet his perfect standard. Anything below 100% is fail. So, all you need for salvation is 100% obedience in thought, word, and deed to every commandment of scripture so that you are totally sinless. Isn't that good news? "No! That's terrible news" you say. "That's impossible!" Your right, it is impossible but that's God's standard and he doesn't grade on a curve. James 2.10 says For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. How can you be guilty of breaking all of it if you've broke only one? Let me illustrate: Suppose you are in a bucket that is dangling from a tall crane. The bucket is supported by a metal chain that has 1,000 links. How many of those links have to break before you are in trouble? If one link breaks you just as well break them all. If you break one of God's commands you have forever ruined your chance of being justified by law keeping. So, where do you stand? Are you 100% righteous? I am happy because I am 100% righteous. I have perfect obedience in thought, word, and deed to every commandment of scripture and I am totally sinless. "Jeff, that's not true", you say. "I know you. You have a history!" Well, let me explain. I didn't do it. Jesus did it for me. Jesus forgave me and he credited me with the righteousness of God (Roman 3.20-4.1-8). The same is true for you. You are justified by faith and not by works. You are saved because of your position and it has nothing to do with your performance. God made you righteous by your faith in Jesus. God cannot violate his standard of righteousness by grading on a curve. Jesus is the only way. So trust Christ and you pass.

The Password is "Jesus"

How many passwords do you have? Many computer users have to keep track of dozens of passwords for XP software, network accounts, email accounts, IM accounts, blogs, online calendars for scheduling, library accounts, premium websites for online purchasing, online banking, ATM machines, voice messages, and so on. Some people write their passwords on a piece of paper and loose it. When you loose your password it is a hassle. I simplified my life a long time ago. I have about 4 passwords that were assigned to me. For the rest of my accounts I use one word. It’s easy for me to remember. I know that it makes me vulnerable to thieves or snoops but I like to keep life simple. I’m grateful God made it simple. We don’t have to remember different passwords to connect to him. There is only one password. The password is Jesus.

Five Levels of Communication

There are five levels of communication.** 1. Cliché is surface level conversation e.g., exchanges hellos, talking about the weather, church isle chatter. 2. Sharing facts is a little deeper in that you talk about the details of what has happened or what could happen without evaluating it. 3. Sharing opinions is a little risky because of the potential for conflict. 4. Sharing feelings is even more risky because it requires you to be vulnerable and open about your emotion. 5. Transparency is open unguarded communication and requires trust. These levels move from the surface to deep meaningful conversation. We should be able to move in and out of every level naturally, depending on the circumstance and who we are talking to. Can you do this? Some people get stuck at level three and rarely share their feelings. Where do you tend to stay? Is there someone with whom you can be totally honest and transparent? ____________________________________________________ NOTE: The five levels of communication are from John Powell. I cannot remember the name of his book. I either loaned it or lost it but I remember it well because I’ve been using it for years in counseling.

Survivor

If you were deprived of basic comforts, exposed to the harsh natural elements, if your fate was at the mercy of strangers…who would you become? For 39 days 16 strangers were stranded on a remote island off the coast of Panama. They were forced to live together and use their collective wits to survive in a rugged environment. Day by day, the harsh elements and threatening animals tested the endurance of the survivors. They learned to cooperate, to building shelters, to gather or catch food in a contest for rewards. Those who succeeded in the day-to-day challenges were rewarded with things to make life on the Island more bearable. Those who failed did without. Every three days the survivors attended a Tribal Council. At this meeting, each person secretly voted to send one survivor home. The person with the most votes had to leave their tribe immediately. Week by week, one by one, people were voted off until only two survivors remain. At that point, the seven most recently eliminated survivors returned to form the final Tribal Council and decided who would be the sole survivor—and will win one million dollars! So goes the popular television show Survivor. If you were deprived of familiar surroundings, exposed to a different environment and culture, if your fate was at the mercy of strangers…who would you become? The book of Daniel tells a great story of four survivors. Their names are Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In 605 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated Jerusalem. The Lord delivered Judah into his hand. He took some of the articles from the temple which he carried off to Babylon and put in the treasure house of his god. He also took the survivors far away – 500 miles back to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family – they were superior in every way – they were young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. The Babylonians tried to do three things to the Survivors. 1) They tried to change the way they think - They enrolled in a rigorous education program. The curriculum included the language and literature of the Babylonians. The academic program included mathematics, astronomy, history, and magic. They went to school three years to change the way they think. 2) They tried to change the way they worship – They even changed their names. Their given names revealed their devotion to the true and living God. Daniel (God is my judge), Hananiah (the Lord shows grace), Mishael (Who is like God) and Azariah (The Lord is my help). But Ashpenaz gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar (Bel protect his life); to Hananiah he gave the name Shadrach (command of the moon god); to Mishael they gave the name Meshach (Who is like the moon god?); and to Azariah they gave the name Abednego (servant of Nego, the Babylonian god of wisdom). So the name of the God was replaced with the false gods of Babylon. They tried to change the way they worship. 3) They tried to change their lifestyle – 1.5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They tried to force them to eat food that was forbidden. So here were four young survivors – probably teenagers. They lost their family, they lost their home, their school, their temple (place of worship) – they lost their friends and familiar surroundings. They witnessed a foreign army invade their city. Then they are taken captive – they were 500 hundred miles away from home. But they did not compromise their faith even when faced the flames of death Daniel 1.8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Daniel chose not to eat the food because it was not kosher or the meat and wine had been sacrificed to idols. He quietly asked permission to abstain. Daniel said, "Please test us for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance to the others.” At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than all the others. So the guard took away their royal food and the wine and gave them nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Like Daniel and his three friends, your convictions will be tested. That’s why, if you are going to survive, you have to resolve not to defile yourself by compromising your convictions. They worked hard and they did their very best – and it paid off. They graduated at the top of their class. And Daniel was valedictorian. So they entered the king's service. The king found them ten times better than all the others. You may not be valedictorian but the Lord expects you to work hard and do your very best. Remember you represent Jesus Christ to your boss and your teachers. Some time later Nebuchadnezzar started having dreams that troubled him and he could not sleep. So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers (sounds like a Harry Potter movie) and he said to them, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble. But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards." They said, “There is not a man on earth who can do what the king asks!” This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked for more time He went to his friends and urged them to pray and God answered his prayer. So he appear before the king and the king asked Daniel "Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?" Daniel, “No, I can’t. Nor can anyone else. But there is a God in heaven that can.” And Daniel interpreted his dream. Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and said, "Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to tell me my dream and interpret it. How did Daniel survive? How did he cope with a temperamental king and the threat of death? He gained support from his friends and he prayed to his God. Can you remember to do that when you are faced with a temperamental boss, or problems at school or work? Some time later King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura. Then the herald proclaimed, "This is what you are commanded to do. As soon as you hear the music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold. Daniel 3.16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." They trusted God even when they could not predict the outcome. They said, “God can save us but even if he does not we will not bow down to any other god.” That is inspiring! You can’t be sure what is going to happen in the future. Maybe God will save your marriage, save your job, save your life from cancer – but even if he does not say, “I will trust God even when I can’t predict the outcome. “ Then Nebuchadnezzar ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie them up and throw them into the blazing furnace. The furnace was so hot that the fire killed the soldiers who threw them in. The king leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Yes, O king." He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." I believe that was Jesus Christ walking in the fire with them. Jesus promised us – I will always be with you. You may have to walk through the flames but he will be with you. Isaiah 43.1 But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So they came out of the fire and the king and his advisors saw that the fire unharmed and there was no smell of smoke on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." They were survivors and so are you. No matter what you face in life, God will protect you. He will see you through divorce, addiction, unemployment, or whatever you face. You are more than a survivor. You are more the conquerors through Jesus Christ. Praise God who delivers us from all harm and makes us victorious in Christ!

Family Secrets

Everybody has skeletons in their closets. Embarrassing family secrets that no one knows. But in Jesus’ family tree, there are no secrets. Matthew 1.1-17 lists the names of 46 people spanning 2000 years. Behind each name is a story. Some were heroes of faith – like Abraham, Isaac, and David. Some were ordinary people – like Hezron and Aram. Others were evil men – like Manasseh and Abijah. There are also five women listed in Jesus family tree – see if you can spot them in the text below. Matthew 1. 1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, …. 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife, … 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. Did you identify five women in the genealogy of Jesus? The most noble were Ruth and Mary. However, three out of the five women mentioned were involved in scandals. Have you read the story of Tamar (Genesis 38) and how her father-in-law got her pregnant? I can’t believe God allowed that story in the Bible. Then there was Rahab (Joshua 2). Do you remember her occupation? She was as an escort. That’s right - a prostitute! And then there was Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12) who committed adultery with David. David got her pregnant and had her husband killed to cover it up. God’s work in history was not limited by human failures or sin. Just as God used all kinds of sinful people to bring his Son into the world, he uses all kinds of people today to accomplish his will. Our moral failures cannot stop Jesus.

Donna Hester presented "Iron Apron Strings" at the Norway Avenue Church This Morning

This morning Donna Hester (from ACU) performed "Iron Apron Strings" at our church. The performance segment was a one-woman exploration into the maternal lineage of Jesus - vignettes of Eve, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Mary and the mysterious plan of God to use these women as paving stones to the birth of his Son. We saw Donna perform at the Zoe Conference and invited her to Norway Avenue. She is great! Donna is a professor of drama at Abiline Christian University. You should invite her to perform at your church.

Homework Stress

Homework often produces stress for children and parents. The academic requirements for children and teenagers have increased dramatically. Our daughters are in elementary and middle school. They are required to know some things that I did not study until high school and college. Our evenings are filled with extracurricular activities (3 different schedules for 3 basketball teams) and lots of homework. I pray for snow days!

You’re as Happy as Your Saddest Child

When your children are healthy and doing well it is easy to be happy. But when your children are struggling with problems it’s hard to think of anything else. If they are under pressure, confused about their identity, need good friends, or discouraged about their performance in school you feel their pain. Life looses its zest. Everything appears dull. You worry and fret. It’s hard to be excited about anything when a child has a problem. Today, someone said to me “You’re as happy as your saddest child.” That statement resonated with me. It’s so true. I’ve repeated aloud several times today. Lord, bless our children. They face so much. They are just little girls. Fill them you’re your Spirit. Affirm them. Encourage them. Guide them. Comfort them. Send strong angels to protect them. In Jesus name, Amen!

Property Laws of a Toddler

No one taught me to be selfish. I was born selfish. I am sinful by nature and by choice. Now, I don't want to sin. I want to do good but sin is in my members. Even when I try to do good sin trips me up. That's why I have to die to myself so that Jesus can live in me. But it is hard to stay dead. I've been struggling with sin all my life, since I was a toddler. My sinful nature was evident at an early age. Deb Lawrence listed 10 property laws of toddlers** which illustrate this point. 1. If I like it, it's mine. 2. If it's in my hand, it's mine. 3. If I can take it from you, it's mine. 4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine. 5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way. 6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine. 7. If it looks just like mine, it's mine. 8. If I saw it first, it's mine. 9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine. 10. If it's broken, it's yours. I've seen these laws at work in the lives of children. I've seen them at work in my own life. Lord Jesus help me. I don't want to be self-centered and selfish, but I am. Help me to die to myself. Live in me! Amen _____________________________________ **Deb Lawrence, Missionary to the Philippines with SEND International, quoted in Prokope, November/December, 1992, p. 3.

Visiting Other Churches

I like to visit other churches when I’m on vacation. This week I visited three different churches. Wednesday night I worshiped at the First Baptist Church in Proctorville. Sunday morning I went to Christ Temple in Huntington and tonight I worshiped with the Jefferson Avenue Church of God. I knew people in each of these churches through my involvement in the community (Mission Tri-State [a ministerial association], school, and AA). Tonight, at Jefferson Avenue, I sat beside one of my friends from AA and we worship God together. It was a great experience and I enjoyed worshiping at all these churches.

Love Jesus More than Your Family

We were watching the Matthew videos. Tori was listening intently when Jesus said, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10.37). Tori asked, “Daddy, do you love Jesus more than me?” I said, “Yes. If we love Jesus best we will love each other better. Do you understand?” Tori shook her head and said, “When we love Jesus infinity we can love each other 100%.” I said, “That’s exactly what it means.” C.S. Lewis put it like this: "When I learn to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. In so far as I learn to love my earthly dearest at the expense of God or instead of God, I shall be moving towards the state in which I shall not love my earthly dearest at all. When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased."

The Next Time You See A Homeless Person

J.D. Tant was scheduled to preach a revival in Tennessee on Sunday but he arrived the Wednesday before. He was unshaven and dressed in overalls. He looked like a homeless man and no one recognized him. Tant asked people for food and tried to find a place to stay. The church turned him away. On Sunday morning the old bum showed up for church but no one had seen the preacher. As they began the service a man explained to the congregation that Brother Tant had not arrived. Just then, from the back pew, Tant walked down the isle in overalls and said “I was hungry and you did not feed me. I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. I needed clothes and you did not clothe me. I was a stranger and you did not take me in.” At this, he mounted the pulpit to preach his first sermon for the revival. That’s the way Jesus came. He came to his own but they did not receive him. The next time you see a homeless person remember the passage below. Matthew 25.35 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, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

One Day at a Time

God told Joshua that he would give Israel the Promised Land little by little. They didn’t take it all at once. Joshua 3.29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land. Live one day at a time. Don’t become overwhelmed. Get your eyes off the entire war and fight your battles one at a time. With each victory you gain confidence. Nothing will be able to stop you because God with you. But you have to do it little by little.

Contrasting Healthy and Unhealthy Churches

My view of the church has changed. I used to think that a true church was one that baptized people for the remission of sins, never used an instrument in worship, observed communion every Sunday, had a plurality of elders and deacons (and refused to call the preacher “pastor”), rejected all five points of Calvinism, and taught a millennial eschatology. I used to think that unless a church could be described by the list above it was not a "true" church. My legalistic 6-item checklist was very sectarian and exclusive. Moreover, the Lord Jesus Christ was missing from all six items! The Bible paints a very different picture of the church. The list below is not intended to be exhaustive, but it does provide some thought-provoking contrasts between healthy and unhealthy churches.** I like to frame my view of the church with the words “healthy and unhealthy” as opposed to “true church and not a church at all.” It just seems to be a more gracious way of viewing churches and does not appear to be as sectarian or exclusive because all churches are unhealthy in some areas and can be nursed back to health. Carefully read the contrasting statements below and reflect on each one. All of the references are from the book of Acts. Healthy Church - Focused on Christ (2:22-36) Unhealthy Church - Focused on church Healthy Church - Relies on the Holy Spirit (2:1-47) Unhealthy Church - Relies on human effort Healthy Church - Based on the Bible (2:42) Unhealthy Church - Based on tradition Healthy Church - Emphasis on grace (15:1-35) Unhealthy Church - Emphasis on works-righteousness Healthy Church - God gets all the credit (2:47) Unhealthy Church - People get the credit. Healthy Church - Faithfully practices the ordinances of baptism (2:41) and communion (2:42) Unhealthy Church - Fails to practice these ordinances or overemphasizes them. Healthy Church - Diversity is encouraged (2:9-11), and there is a respect for individual beliefs and cultural differences Unhealthy Church - Conformity is prized, and individual beliefs & cultural differences are devalued. Healthy Church - Prayer is a priority (4:23-31) Unhealthy Church - Prayer is talked about but not practiced Healthy Church - Communication is clear & direct (15:22-35) Unhealthy Church - Communication is unclear & indirect. Healthy Church - Repentance is stressed (3:19) Unhealthy Church - Repentance is whispered Healthy Church - Members feel empowered (4:31) and share power with one another Unhealthy Church - Members or leaders use power and control over others. Healthy Church - Assemblies are dynamic; Inspiring worship (2:43, 4:23-31) Unhealthy Church - Assemblies are dull, predictable and boring Healthy Church - Thinking and questioning are encouraged (18:26) Unhealthy Church - Thinking and questioning are discouraged. Healthy Church - Obedient to God (4:19) Unhealthy Church - People pleasing Healthy Church - Members trust other members and leaders, or at least they openly express any lack of trust. (5:1-11) Unhealthy Church - Mistrust is evidenced by an undercurrent of unexpressed hostility. Healthy Church - Culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure (17:16-34) Unhealthy Church - Fixated on doctrine and uses out-of-date methods. Healthy Church - Goals are clear and specific (1:8) and shared by the members - the church is lead to meet goals. Unhealthy Church - Goals are fuzzy, abstract, and general. Members have unclear personal goals or no goals at all. Healthy Church - Most members feel a sense of inclusion, and excluded members are invited to become more active (2:44) Unhealthy Church - Many members feel excluded and cliques are formed - there is fear of expressing feelings of being left out Healthy Church - The leadership functions are shared by the group; people feel free to initiate activities and be creative (6:1-7). Unhealthy Church - There are power conflicts among members and leaders. Creativity is discourage. Healthy Church - Large group assemblies and small group sharing (20:20) Unhealthy Church - Large group and middle size group only. Small groups are viewed with suspicion. Healthy Church - Sin is confessed (19:18) Unhealthy Church - Sin is hidden and rarely confessed Healthy Church - Members give their money generously 4:32-37) – the leaders are accountable and open in the way they handle funds Unhealthy Church - Members are not charitable - the leaders are secretive and unaccountable. Healthy Church - Organizational structure is functional and flexible (6:1-7). Gift-based ministry. Unhealthy Church - Organizational structure in inflexible and dysfunctional. Haphazard ministry Healthy Church - Needs-oriented evangelism (1:8) Unhealthy Church - Evangelism is rare - few people are saved Healthy Church - Cooperates with other churches in ministry (21:18 & 24:17) Unhealthy Church - Isolates themselves from other churches - exclusive and sectarian. Healthy Church - Cohesion is high; there is a close emotional bond among members. Members share with each other (2:44-45). Unhealthy Church - Division exists; people feel distant from one another. There is a lack of caring and empathy. Healthy Church - Organized ministry for the poor (6:1-7) Unhealthy Church - No organized outreach to the poor Healthy Church - Men and women are free to pray and prophesy (1:14, 2:17, 4:24, 21:9) Unhealthy Church - Women and young girls are excluded from full participation in assemblies & small groups Healthy Church - Loving relationships permeate every aspect of the church ( 20:36-38) Unhealthy Church - Members are distant from each other Healthy Church - Conflict among members or with leaders is recognized, discussed, and often resolved (6:1-8, 15:1-30 & 36-41) Unhealthy Church - Conflict or negative feelings are ignored, denied, or avoided. Healthy Church - Passionate spirituality (18:28) Unhealthy Church - Lack of enthusiasm - low morale Review the distinguishing marks of a healthy church listed above. Don’t view it as a legalistic checklist. View it as a list of inspiring qualities to work toward. No church is perfect. A church can be unhealthy in numerous areas and still be the church of God. Think about the church in Corinth. The Corinthian church was divided (1.10), immoral (5.1-13; 6.12-20), they were suing each other in civil courts of law (6.1-11), they had problems with divorce and remarriage (7.1-40), they were insensitive to weak believers (chapters 8-10), they observed the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner (11.17-34), they were confused about spiritual gifts (12.1-30), their assemblies were chaotic (14.26-39), and their teaching on the resurrection was wrong (15.12-58). Yet, in spite of all of these problems Paul addressed them as the church of God in Corinth (1.2) and said that he always gave thanks for them (1.4). With the security of their salvation affirmed, he gave specific instructions to nurse this church back to health. This view of the church is very different than the prior view I described at the beginning of this post (i.e., the legalistic 6-item (checklist). This current view allows us to be just as grateful as Paul was, even for churches with as many problems as Corinth. We should stop ostracizing unhealthy churches and express gratitude for every church that confesses Jesus Christ is Lord. Think about each statement as it relates to your church. Identify strengths and build on them. Identify weaknesses and take measures to improve those areas. Work to improve the health of your church knowing that your salvation is secure. You are the church of God. One day Jesus will present his church to himself as perfect, without blemish. Until that time we pray and rely on the Holy Spirit as we strive to be all the Lord wants us to be as a church. _____________________ **FOOTNOTE: Where did I get the idea? The list of characteristics of a healthy church is adapted from Cory and Cory’s description of healthy groups in: Cory, Gerald. Theory and Practice of Group Counseling 6th edition. (2001) Wadsworth Press. Belmont CA. As I was preparing to teach a counseling course I was struck by the similarites between healthy and unhealthy groups and healthy and unhealthy churches. I took Cory's list and found relevant passages from Acts that described a healthy church.

The Penthouse or the Outhouse

Sonny Jurgensen was a quarterback for the Washington Redskins. After a very poor performance one Sunday afternoon he was interviewed by some reporters. The reporters were very critical. They talked to him about his slump. They asked him questions like, “Do you think you are all washed up? Do you think you’re going to make it through the season? Who do you think is going to take your place?” They verbally beat him up with their sharp questions. Finally, the crowd left but one reporter lingered. He felt sorry for him and asked “Sonny, how do you stand all this criticism? Doesn’t it just depress you forever? Don’t you just want to quit?” Sonny looked at him and said “No it doesn’t depress me. When I became a quarterback I understood that I will either live in the penthouse or the outhouse but I will seldom live in between.” That is true of all leaders. Some people want to put you in the penthouse. Others would like to have you in the outhouse. To some you are a hero. To others you are the ultimate villain in the plot. You are respected by some and hated by others. But leaders, if they lead the way God wants them to lead, cannot allow themselves to go up and down on the yoyo of popular opinion. It is impossible to lead any worthwhile cause without facing opposition and criticism.