Social media use has become so pervasive in the lives of American teens that having a presence on a social network site is almost synonymous with being online. Fully 95% of all teens ages 12-17 are now online and 80% of those online teens are users of social media sites. Many log on daily to their social network pages and these have become spaces where much of the social activity of teen life is echoed and amplified—in both good and bad ways.

NEUTRAL

Depending on who you talk to you will get a wide array of opinions in regards to social media being a good thing or a bad thing.  The same could be said about firearms, drugs, etc.  You see a firearm in the hands of a police officer is a good thing.  A firearm in the hands of a robber is obviously a bad thing.  Drugs in the hands of your doctor can help you get well.  Drugs in the hands of a drug distributor is bad.  I firmly believe the same is true with social media.  It all depends on how we choose to use it!

NEGATIVE

However; 90% of teens reported they have experienced someone being mean or cruel to another person on a social network site. 15% stated they have personally been the target of such cruelty.   From time to time we have all probably witnessed some negative behaviors like gossip/slander, jealousy, bullying, sites depicting who is hot and who is not, apathy, lack of time management, posting positive comments about ungodly television shows or movies, arguments over politics and sports just to name a few.  Far too often these seems to be no “policing” of what people do and say making some of our experiences negative in nature.  We are commanded, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

POSITIVE

A recent survey revealed that most American teens who use social media say people are mostly kind to one another on social network sites. Overall, 69% of social media-using teens think that peers are mostly kind to each other on social network sites.

Jesus calls us to live in the world – in the culture that we are born into – to be difference makers for the cause of Christ (Matthew 5:13-16).  We need to show non-Christians, with all their stereotypes and negative experiences of Christ, what Christianity really is.  I believe that Twitter and Facebook are perfect media for this.  Christians can use social media to show the rest of the world what we’re really about.  Or, we can perpetuate the stereotypes we’re fighting against.  In the book of Revelation we find “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!  So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Rev. 3:15-16). 

So you may be wondering, “How can I use Facebook and Twitter for the glory of God?”  I would suggest you talk positively about other people and especially the church.  It is always encouraging to see a young person post Scriptures and even expound a little bit as to why you enjoy that Scripture so much.  I personally have been resolved to take the time to “inbox” notes of encouragement to other people.  It is a great way to post/share articles which cover a wide array of issues and topics relating to one’s spiritual well-being.  I have no doubt there are so many other ways to use it for the glory of God.

Pure Hearts/Pure Minds

I have no clue where you are in your walk with God.  I do not know the struggles you are currently enduring.  I do know that God loves you and wants you to live a life of holiness.  Holiness is being, “set apart from the world.”  We are called to live lives of holiness (1 Peter 1:15).  In order to be holy we need to strongly consider what we think about by transforming our minds (Romans 12:1-2).  We must fill our minds with those things which are right (Luke 8:35), bring about life and peace (Romans 8:6), and lead to a life of obedience (Hebrews 8:10).  We must also guard our hearts because whatever we take in, will come out (Proverbs 4:23).  Jesus stated, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander (Matthew 15:18-19).  Also note Jesus’ words in Luke 6:45, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks”.

May we always focus and portray those things which are good within our lives (Phil. 4:8-9).  May God continually bless you richly!

True north is a constant.  It does not change.  It is a measurable fact, a physical property of the magnetism of our planet, and is not a matter of opinion.  It has been used for centuries as a way to gauge where you are and how to get where you want to be.  It is used to help redirect you when you get lost and can’t find your bearings.  If early explorers closed their eyes and pointed which direct they felt, or understood in their own minds, was north, there would be fewer stories of successful explorers because they would have been lost and never heard from again.

How often do we close our eyes and rely solely on our own understanding of this world and our lives?

Proverbs 3:5-8 reads

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, 
and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
⁸ It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.

God provided for us a compass.  It is our Bible, God’s Word.  It tells us which way the Truth is, and gives us our bearings.  It is an unchangeable, inerrant truth that we can rely on to find our way in this life.  He gave us His compass so that we would not have to rely on our own understanding.  He gave us His compass so we could find hope when we are lost.  He gave us His compass so we could gauge where we are in His eyes and where we need to be.  He gave us His compass so we could find our way home.  He gave us His compass so that we could find our way back to Him.  He gave us his Word so that we could be saved from our sins.

The GPS is the newest technology that helps us find our way around.  It not only tells you which way is north, it tells you where exactly you are at and where to turn to reach a destination.  It has its flaws though, sometimes telling to head down wrong streets or dead ends.  This technology is nothing new to God, though.  His GPS (aka God’s Positioning System, or God’s Plan Saves) has been around since man was made, and doesn’t steer you down a dead end street like the current devices do.  Rely on God’s word, trust God, do not spend your time closing your eyes and pointing which direction you think is true north.  Study your Bible, it is the compass that you need to guide your life.

This article was written by Peter Nelson.  Peter may be contacted at peter.j.nelson@jacobs.com.

Laith Harlow, who had been committed to the University of Oklahoma since May, isn’t likely to ever play football again.  Harlow, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end from Tallahassee, Florida, had back surgery during the season, and recent reports surfaced that Harlow would receive a medical hardship. The hardship would keep Harlow on scholarship, which wouldn’t count against the NCAA’s limit of 85 per team. Once Harlow goes on medical hardship, though, his eligibility is over.

I have tried to imagine the level of stress and anxiety this young man and his family have endured.  Laith once had a promising career as a collegiate TE, only to find himself in the realm of uncertainty.  I have been moved by the willingness of Bob Stoops and the University of Oklahoma for fulfilling their commitment to this young man’s educational future regardless if he is able to ever suit up for the Crimson and Cream.

“And of some have compassion, making a difference.” (Jude 22)

Simple acts of compassion make a difference in every area of life.  When our children run through the house and fall down, they need a hug or a kiss to make everything all right.  When a friend finds themselves in a tough situation, a listening ear makes all the difference in the world.  When someone is sick, a call or a card can brighten their day.

What does the Bible teach us about compassion?

• Genesis 19:16 -  The Lord showed compassion on Lot.
• Deut. 13:17 – Compassion is promised for repentance.
• Deut. 32:26 -  The Lord has compassion on the weak.
• 2 Kings 13:23 – God’s shows special compassion with covenant people.
• Neh. 9:19 – God delivered Israel from Egypt because of His compassion.
• Psalm 40:11 – David begs God to show him compassion.
• Psalm 72:13 – God shows compassion on the poor and needy.
• Psalm 135:14 – The Lord has compassion on His servants.
• Matthew 9:13 – The Lord wants us to show compassion.
• Matthew 9:36 – Jesus felt compassion for the multitude because they were lost.
• Matthew 14:14 -  Jesus felt compassion on them and healed their sick.
• Matthew 15:32 -  Jesus felt compassion on the 5,000 and fed them.
• Matthew 20:34 – Jesus felt compassion and healed the blind men.
• James 5:11 – The Lord is full of compassion.
• Jonah 4:11 – God had compassion on Nineveh.

If you think about it; we have all experienced the compassion of Jesus in one way or another.  Our God is a just God who must punish us for our sinfulness.  However; our God is also a gracious, compassionate God who sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins so that we wouldn’t have to be lost for all eternity.

God wants us to have a heart of compassion for others.  Compassion involves feeling, but it involves so much more. If we only feel, then we are sympathetic. If our sympathy motivates us to act, then it becomes compassion. True compassion feels and it acts! Notice that compassion begins with feeling. Without feeling, there is no compassion. Feeling is not enough, but it is a place to begin. If we do not weep for those who are hurting, how can we minister to them? How can we tell the lost about a Savior if we are not broken that they will spend an eternity in hell? We cannot simply be concerned about our religious progress or the number of people filling our church. We must be about the Savior’s preoccupation with people. I believe that if we serve hurting people, encourage those in despair, help those in need, and hurt with those in pain, we will have more people than we can stand. People don’t go where the action is, people go where the love is!

• 1 Peter 2:8 – “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
• 1 John 3:17 – “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

Kindness is part of the wardrobe of a Christian’s soul.  We are called to cloth ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance, and forgiveness (Colossians 3:12; 2 Peter 1:5-7; 2 Corinthians 6:6).

How what can I do to become more compassionate?

First, we should see persons as individuals, not as member of a disliked group. Individuals are usually much more likable than a group we view with distorted prejudice. Someone said, “Make no judgments where you have no compassion.”

Second, we can recall times when we needed compassion. Jesus became a man and felt the things we feel (Philippians 2:1-5).

Third, we can imagine what we would need under similar circumstances—then apply the Golden Rule: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12). Abraham Lincoln said, “He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help.”

Fourth, we cannot expect too much at once   Ecclesiastes 7:8 states, “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Sometimes olives branches are knocked from our hands the first time we extend them. But if we’ll pick them up, shake off the dust, and extend them again with a smile, they may be taken. Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) wrote, “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”

Fifth, we can remember that we will one day be judged according to how we have helped others (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Corinthians 5:10). William Penn wrote, “If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not deter or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

May God bless you richly as we learn to develop a heart of compassion for others.

“As I travel and visit various congregations within our brotherhood, I try to take note of the different ways congregations are ministering to the flock.  It appears that most congregations are spending much of their resources on ministering to their women through retreats and monthly fellowships.  The men have an annual retreat, quarterly breakfast, and an occasional Bible class to minister to their needs.  The young people have lots of activities to aid in their spiritual growth development through devotionals, retreats, camps, etc.  But please consider, along with me, the question: “What are we doing to grow, strengthen, and minister to the ever changing needs of the family as a whole?”  It seems that almost everywhere we look we see and know people who are trying to persevere through the storms of life.  Many of them are facing financial strain, failing marriages, apathy, and/or dysfunctional parenting.  We see the toll it is taking on them; but what are we as ministers and the church doing to aid them?

There has become a growing trend in which the answer to this question is, “We have a youth and family minister who works with our young people and our families.  That is his area of ministry.”  However, when I speak with most of these ministers and inquire how they are ministering to the families I receive the same answer; “I’m not doing as much as I should or I don’t have the time to minister in this area because I am also working with the youth group.”  I even recently met a man who was hired as the new “family minister” for a large church who admitted that he had no clue where to begin or what to do because he had never seen a healthy, functioning family ministry model.

I have spent much time praying and meditating on some practical things that I feel can become a starting point for churches to consider.  I want to be very clear – I am in no way an expert.  I am just like many of you, a servant who is trying to discover the most effective way to minister to our church families.

A few things I would encourage you to consider as you look for ways to strengthen the church by strengthening the family:

Develop the compassion of Jesus

Jesus was a man of deep compassion.  He has compassion upon those who were distressed (Mark 6:34; Matthew 9:36), hungry (Mark 8:2), afflicted (Matthew 20:34; Mark 1:40-41; 9:22, 25), bereaved (Luke 7:12-13) and the spiritually lost (Luke 15:20) to list a few.  Like the old saying goes, “People don’t care what you know, unless they know how much you care.”

Truly know the sheep

Jesus saw people for who they really are.  Spend time with the flock and get to know them and their spiritual and emotional needs.  We must work to get past the “I’m fine so leave me alone” phase and get to the point where we can be accountable and transparent with one another’s true needs.

Fulfill our mission

God’s Word is very clear as to what the purpose and function of the body is to be.  He clearly states that we are to focus on evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 9:22; Philippians 2:15-16).  We are to fellowship together (I Corinthians 12:25-26; Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24; James 5:16). We are help others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ as an individual and as a family unit (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:17-19; Colossians 1:28; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 1:12).  The Lord wants us to serve others through ministry (Galatians 6:10; Mark 10:43-45; John 13:14-17) and finally we are to glorify God through authentic worship and Christian living (John 4:23-24; Romans 15:5-6).  I want to strongly encourage each of us to consider each of these purposes and find ways to incorporate each of them within our ministry to families.  If we spend too much time in one area then we do not have a healthy, well-balanced ministry.  Often many of our current ministries can simply be modified to meet more than one of these purposes.

Minister to their needs

There are so many good resources available to help get us started.  It is always a good idea to sit down with some of the families at church and brainstorm as to what type of ministry the families you minister to truly need.  They may need some classes over Biblical finances, parenting, grief recovery, marriage enrichment, and/or how to have family devotionals.

Don’t try to be the expert

This is the best advice I ever received.  Far too often we feel as though we have to be the expert on every problem or situation that our families will face.  Develop a team of people, and a good library covering strengths in various areas of ministry, that can be utilized as a resource for family growth and improvement.

I wholeheartedly believe that if we will follow these principles that families will be strengthened, lives will be enriched, and the church will be blessed beyond all we can possibly hope or imagine.  May the Lord bless each of us richly as we fervently serve Him by wholeheartedly serve one another.”

The blessedness of the godly person (1-3)

The psalmist begins with a triumphant proclamation: “Blessed is the man…”  The psalmist is stating, “How happy is the man…”  The psalmist opens this psalm with a statement that would cause many a nonbeliever to laugh.  He intends to show that the person who devotes himself to living a godly and righteous life is the one who finds true happiness, while the one who lives without regard to God is the miserable person!  The world doesn’t comprehend this truth because they have it the other way.  The God-devoted person is miserable and those who live for themselves find the fun.  Time will prove the psalmist to be correct.

What the godly person refuses (vs. 1)

The Counsel of the Wicked

If we replace the word “counsel” with the word “advice”, we quickly get to the heart of the matter.  The righteous person does not govern his life on the basis of bad advice from bad people.  It seems rather ironic for those who have no room for God often seem eager and read to offer advice to those who are living for God.  We find such advice in our personal conversations, in magazines and newspaper articles, in movies and television shows, and many others just to name a few.

The Path of Sinners

The focus shifts from the advice offered by the godless to their lifestyle or pattern of behavior.  It is one who does not conform to the laws of God.  Seeing this, the godly person avoids its.  He does not stand in this path, to be subject to their influence within their life.

The Seat of Scoffers

There seems to be a growing trend of people who hold nothing sacred, scoffing at God and all that are associated with him.  The psalmist uses the term, “to sit” to imply going a step further than walking and standing.  It suggests remaining and abiding with them and enjoying their company.   Those who are in Christ, always feel out of place and unhappy around those who make fun of God and His decrees.

What the godly person chooses (vs. 2)

Delights in God’s Word

A godly person is one who takes his counsel or way of living from the Word of God.  This is the source of strength, direction, and purpose for their life.  The Word is a delight and they find it to be immensely interesting and relevant.  Some have asked, “What does it mean to delight in the Word of God?  Here is a man who is in love with a woman.  He delights in her.  He yearns to spend time with her.  And when he is with her, he drinks in every word she speaks.  He is intoxicated with her beauty.  So it is with the godly person and the Word of God!

Meditates on God’s Word

The psalmist goes a step further.  The godly person also meditates on the Word of God “day and night”.  The word “meditate” means “to murmur or to mutter”.  It literally means to speak to one’s self in a low voice.  The Word of God is never far from the thoughts and considerations of a child of God.  When he is depressed or distressed, he calls to mind it promises.  When he is uncertain and perplexed, he considers its guidelines.  When his sins loom before him, he ponders it’s message of love and forgiveness made available through Jesus Christ.

What the godly person realizes (vs. 3)

The outcome of the godly person’s refusing and choosing is not left in doubt.  He will be “like a tree.”  For quite some time I didn’t fully grasp what the psalmist was conveying here.  Until I reflected upon my past travels to the Redwood National Forest in Northern California.  I can distinctly recall the strength and stability of these mighty trees.  They were trees of great beauty and refreshing shade.  I also recalled the fruit trees found around the home of my grandparents and their fruitfulness.  All of these things are found in the one who delights in the Word of God.  We have strength and stability in our times of trouble.  He manifests the virtues and qualities that are called the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).  And such a life makes him beautiful and refreshing to others.

The wretchedness of the ungodly person (vs. 4-6)

The psalmist points out the difference by comparing the mighty tree to that of a chaff.  The psalmist’s mention of chaff takes us back to the farming techniques of that time.  The farmer would place the harvested wheat on a stone threshing floor and drive his oxen around it so that their hooves would separate the grain from the husks.  He would then use a kind of fork or shovel to pitch the grain and the chaff in the air.  The grain would fall to the floor to be preserved and the chaff would blow away.

John the Baptist tells us a day or separation is coming.  Regarding Jesus Christ he shared, “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Those who choose to live apart from God and his people in this life will find that they will have no part with them in eternity.  Those who stand with the ungodly in this life will not be able to stand with the righteous in the next.

I hope you can see the wisdom in this psalm and find ways to apply it to your own walk with God.  There is no greater wisdom than adjusting our steps to be in accordance with the path He has set for each of us.

May God bless you richly!

Over the past ten years we have examined theme’s such as; “Quest for the Best, Standing with Giants, The Chronicles of Christ, Closer, Worship 180, Imagine, Enlightened, and Undone.“  Within these themes we have spent numerous hours examining God’s Word over topics such as Biblical acts of Worship; Heaven, Hell, and the coming Judgment; aspects of Evangelism; The deity of Jesus; and so many more.

This past weekend, we looked at the “The Game of Life”.  We spent time focusing on James’ words in James 4:14 – “What is your life?  For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

What is your life?  What is the meaning of your life?  Many individuals would say their life is all about finding happiness, fulfillment, and/or purpose.  Others may reply that their life is all about finding true love; a love that will last a lifetime.  Still others may share that their life is about displaying compassion, or acquiring power.

James gives us the illustration of a vapor.  Something which is here today and gone tomorrow.  Our life is but a vapor compared to the length and width of eternity.

David shares in Psalm 103:15-18, “As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.”  He understood the brevity of life and the steadfast love of the Lord as being from everlasting to everlasting.  What a beautiful scene for us to ponder today.

Since our earthly life is so short, I hope you will agree that we need to get it “right”.  In an attempt to help those young people who attended Winter Quest this year, we, as a staff, came up with a list of 13 topics (10 classes and 3 sermons) to prayerfully equip them with Biblical information about decisions they must make or aspects of life they will face in hopes of allowing them to gain some clarity of what they need to do to be found righteous before the Lord.

I want to again thank my awesome staff.  For without each and every one of them, we would not have been able to have such a great and powerful weekend.  They were willing to sacrifice the comforts of their own home to spend the weekend investing in the lives of others.

I would like to share with you the lesson/sermon outlines from that weekend.  If you are interested in some FREE materials, please click on this link.  http://kellercofc.org/2011/11/winter-quest-2012/

It is my prayer that we all may learn to invest a little bit more of ourselves in the lives of others so that in all ways, He may be glorified!

May God bless you richly!

What an incredible challenge!  The challenge is set before each of us to be a leader in our schools, in our workplaces, our local congregations, and even within our families. Yet far too often we fail to display the proper leadership in these and other vital areas; thus not fulfilling the will of God and as a result leaving us with feeling of failure and a displeased Lord.

God wants us to do some incredible things for His kingdom.  We only need to be available and obedient.  But you may be thinking, “You have got to be kidding me.  You want ME to do something big for God?  No way!” or better yet, “I have committed so many mistakes in my life there is no way I can do something big for God.”

Recently I began to consider a famous episode in the life of Moses in Exodus 3; a surreal experience by Moses with God at the burning bush.  As I began to reveal the layers of life application from this account, I began to consider my own walk with God.  I reflected upon those situations in which I didn’t display leadership or my faith because of my own insecurities.  I ask that you allow yourself to consider some vital applications from this sacred event in history.

God is Bigger Than Your Past

Moses was a man who had quite a past.  We find in Exodus 2:11-15, “One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, “Why do you strike your companion?” He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well.”

God knew all about Moses’ past, yet He still chose to utilize Him for His glory.  God saw something in Moses that Moses didn’t even see in himself.  I find this is often the case for us today.  Isn’t it amazing to serve a God who knows us better than we know ourselves?  God knows our strengths as well as our weaknesses.  God knows our gifts as well our crutches.  God knows everything about us!

God see our past.  He sees something inside of each of us that we may not even see.  In spite of our weaknesses and failures, He still chose you and me and He wants to use us!

God is Bigger Than Your Excuses

In Exodus 3:1-10 we find where God calls Moses to be his voice before Pharaoh.  Instead of jumping for joy at being called to serve Jehovah, Moses begins to question, doubt, and offer excuses as to why he cannot be His messenger.  Please note:

• “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Ex 3:11)
• I don’t know what to do…what should I do? (Ex. 3:13).
• What if they laugh at me and don’t believe me? (Ex. 4:1)
• I don’t have what it takes; I’m not talented enough! (Ex. 4:10)
• Don’t you have anyone else who can do it? (Ex. 4:13)

Moses was fearful and doubtful of his own abilities – just like us!  All the time, God just told Moses to focus on who He is and what they could accomplish together (Exodus 6:1:13).  What a great reminder for us today. The reminder to focus on our Heavenly Father and do what is necessary to shift our focus from our own insecurities and failures and to focus on His divine power (2 Peter 1:3).

Even through all Moses’ excuses, it didn’t change how God felt about him or disqualify him from what God wanted to do.  We must learn to persevere by pushing forward with our faith and good works.

God is Bigger Than Your Obstacles

As we continue with the account of Moses going before Pharaoh we quickly learn where Moses returns to Egypt, not knowing what obstacles would be in his way.  In chapters 7-13 of the Exodus account we learn of the stubbornness of Pharaoh, the fickleness of the Israelites, and the pursuit of the Egyptian soldiers.  Yet of perhaps the greatest obstacle of all was the Red Sea.  This sea is 1,200 miles long, ranges from 130-230 miles wide and at the deepest part is 7,200 feet deep.  This is no small puddle my friend!   But through all of these challenges, God was faithful to Moses.  He removed all the obstacles and worked through Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. (Ex. 14:21-28)

As long as our heart beats we will each face many obstacles in our life.  But always remember that God is bigger than any obstacle you have in your way.  His is willing to part the sea to use you!

As you read this post I want to encourage you to begin the process of working through some of the feelings, thoughts, and excuses you may be exerting and begin to focus on His divine power.  Accounts such as the one we find in Exodus 3 is written to help teach us to overcome whatever obstacle we may be facing (1 Cor. 10:11).  May we each find ways to be used and utilized by our Father for His glory!

May God bless you richly!

• 1 – Faith.  Believing you can win.
• 2 – Training.  The Cowboys work out four times a week.  They lift millions of pounds of iron each session.  They run many miles to win.
• 3 – Goals – All winning teams set goals. 
• 4 – You must possess the will to reach the goal you set for yourself.  This is probably the most important quality of all champions.”

Landry understood what it took to be a champion.  He witnessed firsthand the power of goal setting and then the will to reach the goals that were set.

Cancer survivor Greg Anderson once said, “When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live life.”

Spiritually speaking, we have got to set some goals within our spiritual life that will move us toward being the champion Christian that God desires us to be.

In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul shares with us at least three spiritual goals which would be of great value for us to consider today.

 The Goal of Perfection (vs. 12a)

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

We often hear people make statements such as, “Nobody’s perfect’” or “I’m not perfect.”  Statements such as these are usually made when they are under conviction about some sin in their life and they think this little sentence gives them an excuse.

It is true that no one is sinless (Romans 3:23) except for Jesus (2 Cor 5:21) Christ.  However Jesus Christ commanded in Matthew 5:48, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Paul also stated in Colossians 1:28, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature (perfect) in Christ.”

Paul is not talking about sinless perfection but about a worthy goal that every Christian ought to set for him or herself.  God’s Word has given us the task of growing into a full grown mature Christian.

The Goal of Dissatisfaction (vs. 13a)

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.

One noted author once wrote, “A sanctified dissatisfaction is the first essential to progress in the Christian race” (Wiersbe, pg. 88).

Far too often we end up comparing ourselves to other Christians as the measuring stick of our faith.  However; Paul refused to follow this line of thinking.  Instead of comparing himself to other men, he compared himself to himself and with Jesus Christ.

It is imperative for us to constantly evaluate our lives.  This is the only way we will be able to improve in areas in which we are coming up short and strive to grow in those areas. Anytime we become satisfied with anything in our lives other than the passionate pursuit of an intimate relationship with Christ, we are on dangerous ground.

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”  (Matthew 5:6)

 The Goal of Forgetting (vs. 13b-14)

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

If you are anything like me, you often have a hard time remembering?  If fact, if it weren’t for the large calendar on my desk, I would forget a lot of very important information.

If we are going to be champions for Christ, we need to practice some spiritual forgetfulness.  We need to no longer be influenced by or affected by the past.  Too often we allow ourselves to be weighed down by our sinfulness or shackled by the failures of others.  Paul understood that he would not go back and change the past.  The decisions and actions he portrayed in the past are gone.   Paul chose to focus on the present in order to have a glorious future with our Father and the saints in Heaven.

As we continue through this New Year, may we each take the time to monitor our spiritual walk with God.  May we be open and honest with ourselves about where we are verses where we would like to be.  Do whatever it takes!

May God bless you richly!

“I  believe  that  anyone  with  common  sense  would… not deny, that drinking alcoholic beverages  has tremendously devastated our society.  Countless homes have been broken, careers  have  been  ruined,  and  lives  have been ended because of drinking.  And no one with  any  Bible  knowledge  would deny that God condemns drunkenness (Deuteronomy 21:20-21;  1 Samuel 1:13-16;   Isaiah 5:11;   Luke 21:34;   1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10; Galatians 5:21).  So, it is not only lives, but also eternal souls that have been, and continue to be destroyed by the consumption of alcoholic beverages. We must …. Glorify God!

Nonetheless,  there  has been an increased push for the acceptance of “social drinking.”  While drinking  alcohol beverages  causes people to become  obnoxious, belligerent, and destructive;  advocates  maintain  that  moderate drinking,  causes some people to become light-hearted.  They  have  come  up with several arguments in favor of “social drinking;” some of which attempt to find Biblical support.  But, what do the facts… particularity the Biblical facts… have to say about those arguments in favor of “social drinking”?

 “Moderate Drinking Is Better Than Excessive Drinking”

This  is  perhaps  the  simplest argument for “social drinking,” and is a true statement in and of itself. But, just because  “moderate drinking”is better than excessive drinking does not prove that it is right.  One could probably argue successfully that cocaine use is better than  heroin  use, but  that would not prove that cocaine use is a remotely good idea.  And the scriptures teach against the recreational use of alcohol, even in moderation.

Upon  its  first  sip,  alcohol  immediately begins its process of affecting  judgment, and other  aspects  o f brain  function. A  study  at  the  University  of  Washington  School of Medicine noted, some of the first brain cells affected by alcohol are “those subserving the higher  cerebral  levels  of  will  power,  and  judgment.  The  brain  reserve  is   gradually whittled  away. “When  one  intentionally  clouds  his/her  judgment, and “whittles away”

His/her  brain  reserve,  how  seriously  can  he/her  be  taking  the  Biblical doctrine to be sober,    alert, and    watchful?  (Matthew 24:42-51;  1 Corinthians 16:13;  1 Thess. 5:6-8; Revelation 3:2-3). Some will ridicule the notion, but saying that a person who drinks one drink is  “one drink drunk”  is a fact. Every Biblical passage that condemns  drunkenness condemns even slight drunkenness.

Once  the  door  has been cracked to drinking [wine/beer] in small quantities, the flood gates have inescapably been opened wide to drink in larger quantities as well. No one has ever been guilty of binge drinking who did not take a first sip?  No one has ever become an  alcoholic who did not take that first sip. If some people [ your children?... and your grandchildren? ]  have a ‘genetic propensity’  to alcoholism as it is widely held, how can anyone  justify  allowing   such  people    [ your child/grandchildren ]  to  take  that  first, potentially life-ruining ‘sip?’  Experts speak of “gateway drugs,” less harmful drugs that eventually lead many of the users toward more dangerous drugs. (What about beer/wine)

There  could    not    be  a  more  obvious  ‘gateway’  than that from moderate drinking to excessive  drinking.  Many  men  and  women  who  decide  to  take their first drink never envision where it might lead them. No alcoholic arrives at her/his present predicament by design. It just happens!  If you drink ‘socially’…your  children will follow your lead!

There  can  be  little doubt that a relaxed attitude toward “social drinking’ can have far-reaching  consequences.  What  about  your  influence  and  example  to your  children, of witnessing  you  taking  a  sip  of  either  a sparkling  glass of wine, or a small can of cold beer?  Would you as a parent be,   “Glorifying God”  as your children  emulate your drinking of… any type of intoxicating beverages?

Note the following:

The  evidence indicates that teen-age drinking is a ‘reflection’ of the drinking habits of their  mothers  and  fathers, and the  ‘attitudes’  of  their  fathers and mothers toward any type  of  alcoholic  drinking.  Socially  drinking or drinking  excessively; they will imitate you! The  fact that a mother/father regard alcohol as a recreational beverage rather than a drug is reflected  in  the  attitudes of teen-agers. Only when parentsstart regarding all alcohol  as  a  ‘toxic  drug,’  can a sound effective alcohol education for  young people begin.

And  it  would  be  naïve  to  say  that  teenagers  are  the  only  one  affected by such a mindset  (Compare with 1 Corinthians 15:32-33). The New Testament strongly condemns those who would lay a  “stumbling block”  before others, who would cause others to go astray  (Matthew 18:6-7; Romans 14:13). Condoning  the  consumption  of alcohol in any amount may well be the ‘stumbling block’  that causes lives to be ruined, and souls to be lost that otherwise would not. How  could  anyone  that  ‘professes’  to  be  a Christian take   one sip of wine/beer that might cause their children/grandchildren lives to be ruined,  and  their  souls to be lost. A New Testament Christian will do nothing to cause anyone…young or old… to stumble… thus,  not Glorifying God!

A  Christian  is  suppose  to  confront culture, not merely reflect the same image of the culture. A  genuine  Christian is suppose to be a light shining in the darkness. Read of this light… in Ephesians 5:7-11 and also Matthew 5:14-16. We must be the…. ‘Light.’

* Unfortunately,  this  might  seem  harsh………  Many  people  today,  who  profess  to  be Christians , fail to shine in the darkness of this troubled world, because they hide their light under a wine glass, or a beer bottle…. This is a fact!

Lets  take  a  moment  and  take  a  look  at  the  favorite  passage of most every “social drinker.”  This  passage  in  John  2:1-11 tells  us  of  Christ’s  first  miracle,  in which He turned  water  into  wine at the marriage in Cana of Galilee. The reasoning is very simple: If  Jesus  provided  an     alcoholic beverage     at  this  marriage,  then  He  condoned  the recreational  use  of   alcoholic beverage.   And,  obviously,  if  Jesus  condoned  the recreational use of  alcoholic beverages,  then the recreational use of alcoholic beverages is permitted.  However,  this  argument  falls  flat  because  the major theme is false… Jesus most certainly did not provide an alcoholic beverage at the marriage recorded in John 2.

“Wine As It Is Used In The Bible”

When  modern  English-speaking  people  hear  the  word   “wine,”    they immediately envision an intoxicating beverage. However, ancient Hebrew/Greek,the original language of  the Bible, used  the same words to refer  to  intoxicating wine, and to non-intoxicating wine, to  fermented wine,  and  to  unfermented grape juice.  When one considers Christ’s nature,  and  mission,  it  is  all  the  more  astonishing  that some people attempt to justify “social drinking”  by  His  first  miracle  at Cana. His nature and His mission simply does not support the notion of providing intoxicating beverages……

So, if  He  provided  intoxicating wine  at  the  marriage  feast  in  Cana, He  hindered the guests  from  entering into the kingdom of God, and receiving the salvation of their souls. As Paul wrote in, 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10.   [ Highlight this one, in your Bibles] “Do  you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not  be  deceived:  Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes,  nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves, nor drunkards, nor the greedy, nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Instead  of  calling  people to righteousness, and the kingdom, He would have called them to  drunkenness,  and  away from the inheritance of the kingdom. But, Jesus would not do such thing…. BECAUSE HE WAS SINLESS!

No, Jesus  did  not  provide  an  intoxicating beverage  at  the  marriage  feast  in  Cana of Galilee. This  wonderful,  and  pure miracle of Jesus Christ “manifested forth His “glory” not temptation and debauchery (verse 11). The inspired account of John 2:1-11, serves as no justification whatsoever for “Social Drinking.”

Conclusion:  Is “moderate drinking better than excessive drinking?  Perhaps. But, this by no  means make it a good idea; neither does it provide Biblical authority for it, nor negate the Biblical prohibition against it.

God sees,   God knows,   God keeps count,   God remembers,   God rewards

We must  Glorify God  in everything that we say, and everything we do. If we do, or say anything that causes us to be a “Stumbling Block” to others, we are sinning, according to God’s Word!  I ask all to remember, our children, our grandchildren and our grand-children’s  children… are  watching  everything we do. Including drinking alcoholic beverages………. whether a can of beer, or a glass of wine!” (Ole Olson)

May we all take the time to carefully consider the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11) in order to be righteous before man and God.

May God bless you richly!

Although the service lasted less than 30 minutes, I could see the positive impact it had on those who were present.  As I stood before those hurting individuals I could see how this service was therapeutic for those in attendance.  Afterwords, I was greeted my many people who verbally thanked me for my time.

I must admit that even though I have experienced personal loss, I have not spent the needed time in finding appropriate ways to minister to those who are grieving.  Therefore I contacted Joshua Nichols and asked him to write an article to share with us his insight on this subject.  I hope you find his thoughts to be beneficial and insightful.  May God bless you richly.

“Once a year it comes to visit us.  It’s as dependable as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west.  Although we know it is coming, it always seems to sneak up on us.  It hangs around for several weeks, then, WHAM!  Just like that, it is gone.   In U.S. culture, this phenomenon has become known as The Holidays. 

Beginning on Thanksgiving, the Holidays are in full swing.  Almost immediately the nation goes into overdrive as patrons from all around the country partake in a shopping extravaganza known as Black Friday in effort to get a jump-start on Christmas shopping.  I heard a statistic on the radio the other day claiming that the average American spends $400.00 on this day.  For the next several weeks, our nation functions on heightened levels of anxiety as we hustle to finish our shopping, race to attend one holiday party after another, not to mention the decorating, baking, and getting those pesky Christmas cards sent out.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, for many, this is a very special time.  We are filled with wonder as we witness beautiful light displays in many surrounding neighborhoods. Bing Crosby brings warmth to our hearts as we hear him sing “White Christmas” on the radio.  Our televisions cause living rooms to become a place of comfort and cohesion as families gather together to laugh and cry at one of many heartfelt Christmas classics.  And we are often filled with awe as we think of Christ and the remarkable sacrifice he made so we can share in his glory.  This time of year, for many, is a time of giving, family unity, and spiritual nourishment.

However, there are also those whom anticipate the holiday season completely differently.  When the holidays approach, there are those whose hearts are filled with dread instead of joy; melancholy instead of nostalgia; grief instead of love.  To these people, the holidays are a reminder of heartache, loss, and loneliness.  There are countless reasons to explain their difficult emotions (e.g., divorce, death); but, these hurting souls are usually focused on one thing when the holiday season rolls around – survival.

There are two questions I would like to address concerning this matter: (1) What do I do if I know someone who is hurting this holiday season? (2) What do I do if I, myself, am the one hurting?

What do I do if I know someone going through this?

Pray.  Don’t underestimate the power of prayer for the “prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” (James 5:16).  Many of these people will welcome your prayers, but all of them need it.  Not only do we need to be praying for healing, but we also need to be praying for a better understanding of our role in their healing.

Empathize.  People who don’t enjoy this time of the year are often labeled “Scrooges” or “Grinches.”  However, when we put ourselves in their shoes, we often discover that they have good reason for feeling the way they do.  When we do this, we insert ourselves into their scary world, which they are often enduring alone.  We don’t like to do this.  After all, what kind of person doesn’t like the holidays?  We don’t want them to make sense to us, which is why we often make the mistake of dismissing or disapproving of their grief.  Remember, empathy and understanding are crucial ingredients for one’s healing.  The question we face is: Do we become the spoon that feeds it to them?

Jesus was exceptional at this. Take time to read the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-43).  Although he knew he would bring Lazarus back to life, he still wept with Mary and Martha (11:35).  He could have told them, “Ah, stop your boo-hooing! I’m about to raise him from the dead.”  No! Instead, he got into their world of grief and became for Mary and Martha exactly who they needed him to be (11:33).  What a powerful message for us as we help those who are dealing with grief, sadness, and depression this holiday season.

Gently assert yourself.  As I mentioned earlier, many of those grieving over the holidays often are dealing with intense feelings of loneliness.   We need to make our presence and our love known to them, not only by gifts, cards, and phone calls , but also by spending time with them if they will allow it (see Matthew 25:31-46).

What do I do if I, myself, am going through this?

Allow yourself to be sad.  When the holidays arrive, you may feel pressured to be happy, joyful, or “jolly.”  However, it is extremely difficult and somewhat painful to force these emotions when you are going through a tough time.  Keep in mind two things about grief.  First, grief is a process.  When you continually try to replace your sadness with forced positive emotions, you often do yourself a disservice by interrupting the healing process.  Second, there is no time limit on this process.  Don’t adhere to people telling you in some way, shape, or form to “get over it.”  They often say these things because they don’t know how to respond to what you are going through.  You get to be sad. You get to be depressed.  Don’t rob yourself of the healing process by forcing positive emotion.  Obviously, if you are concerned about your well-being (e.g., suicidal thoughts), then you need to inform someone (minister, counselor, crisis line, ER, etc.) so that they can help you formulate a plan of safety.

Turn to God with your grief. When dealing with sadness and depression, for some, it becomes awfully tempting to turn away from God as if God can’t handle it or doesn’t want to be bothered by it.  God already knows our thoughts; therefore, it is a sign of faith to be able to address those thoughts with Him directly through prayer.  Did you know that over 60% of our Psalms are laments? The psalmists understood the importance of laying their grief and hardships before the throne of God (see Psalm 137).  We need to strive to do the same.

Be with loved ones.  Although it is okay to have time alone, make sure you are not isolating yourself.  If you have the luxury of close friends, relatives, and/or a church family, utilize them.  This will not come easy, but healing never is effortless, which bring me to my next point.

Be proactive. This is one of the hardest parts of healing because when we are sad or depressed, we often don’t want to do anything.  However, we must take control of our healing.  If you are unsure of what to do, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.  Counseling is often a step in the right direction when dealing with grief.  Also, a minister or religious leader who has taken special interest in the area of grief could also be a beneficial resource. Remember, if your wounds are not healing, then they are festering.

Grief is never fun, but it can be excruciating during the holidays as it is often deemed unacceptable during this time of the year.  My encouragement to you is to not allow yourself to fall into this trap.  The wounded are among us; and just because the holiday season rolls around does not mean people cease to be wounded.  We need to recognize that there are a lot of people hurting this time of year.  When we witness this or experience it ourselves, we need not to ignore the situation by sweeping it under the rug until the New Year; but instead, we need to respond in a way that encourages healing.

God bless you all this holiday season!

Joshua Nichols is a licensed marital and family therapist in private practice in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.  He also serves as the College Minister at his home congregation, Wilshire Church of Christ.  He can be contacted via email at joshua.nichols@alumni.oc.edu.  To read more about his services, please visit his website at www.JNicholsLMFT.com. You can also follow Josh on twitter: www.twitter.com/JNicholsLMFT . If you’d like to know more about his parenting seminar – The R.I.S.K.S. of Parenting – please contact him directly via email.