I’m sitting in Mo Joes Coffee House and Café and they are playing one of those radio stations which conjure up memories of my childhood. I don’t have to explain it to you because you are well aware of the power of music to be able to take you back to a place in your past. For me, the song playing was James Taylor’s “How Sweet it is to Be Loved by You.” My brother, Tim, was a big fan of James Taylor while we were growing up and I used to make fun of him because the music was not my style. As time went on (and after hearing James Taylor over and over from the walls of my brother’s room) listening caused me to slowly fall in love with his music. He had this simple way of stripping away all the extra stuff and making you listen to the words. Don’t get me wrong…James Taylor is an amazing guitar player, but there is something about his voice and the words which cause people to listen to more than just the instruments. His songs tell a story and make you (or at least me) want to hear more. A good story always leaves us wanting to hear more. This is why at the end of a great concert there is always an encore. That is why a good movie has a sequel (sometimes). This is why your kids always ask for one more story before they go to bed…they want to hear more. Our life is a story we are writing each day. There are countless characters, many sub-plots, and lots of drama…even for people who think their life is boring. I guess the question I have for myself is “do people want to see more of my life?” Do they want to know more because of what they already see? I’m not implying that life is the simple acquiring of attention from others, but rather time spent pointing other people to the One who has given and sustains life. I want my story to begin and end with Him. I want Him to chose the characters, the plots, and the roads traveled. Thanks, Aaron, for reminding me that God writes a much better story than I do!
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I’m sitting in Mo Joes Coffee House and Café and they are playing one of those radio stations which conjure up memories of my childhood. I don’t have to explain it to you because you are well aware of the power of music to be able to take you back to a place in your past. For me, the song playing was James Taylor’s “How Sweet it is to Be Loved by You.” My brother, Tim, was a big fan of James Taylor while we were growing up and I used to make fun of him because the music was not my style. As time went on (and after hearing James Taylor over and over from the walls of my brother’s room) listening caused me to slowly fall in love with his music. He had this simple way of stripping away all the extra stuff and making you listen to the words. Don’t get me wrong…James Taylor is an amazing guitar player, but there is something about his voice and the words which cause people to listen to more than just the instruments. His songs tell a story and make you (or at least me) want to hear more. A good story always leaves us wanting to hear more. This is why at the end of a great concert there is always an encore. That is why a good movie has a sequel (sometimes). This is why your kids always ask for one more story before they go to bed…they want to hear more. Our life is a story we are writing each day. There are countless characters, many sub-plots, and lots of drama…even for people who think their life is boring. I guess the question I have for myself is “do people want to see more of my life?” Do they want to know more because of what they already see? I’m not implying that life is the simple acquiring of attention from others, but rather time spent pointing other people to the One who has given and sustains life. I want my story to begin and end with Him. I want Him to chose the characters, the plots, and the roads traveled. Thanks, Aaron, for reminding me that God writes a much better story than I do!
My five year old daughter comes into our room this morning and says “I had a dream last night.” I ask her “what was the dream about?” She responds “someone stole my shoes.” I said “really…what happened?” This question must have been too loaded because she did not answer, but she did say “I had to open my eyes to see if it was real.” Dreams are pretty confusing because they totally feel real until you wake up and sometimes, even then, it takes a while to convince yourself otherwise. If all dreams were true, I’d be dead. We’ve all had dreams where we die…we wake up sweating, shaking, and scared. In fact, our middle school pastor’s wife came up to me Wednesday night after church and said “I’m glad to see you here.” I was confused until she went on to inform me that I died in her dream the previous night. I may need to watch my back!!!! When she told me about her dream, I remembered a dream I had earlier in the week. This is really true and I am not making this up for the sake of this entry. It was the launch service of The Summit. I just remember nothing was going right – all the seats were not filled, the sound wasn’t right, there was some kind of snafu with the offering, and no one knew what they were doing. Instead of a dream, this was a nightmare…I woke up petrified! There must be some scientific reason why we have dreams (and I’m no scientist), but those things which consume our mind sometimes even become our sleeping thoughts. Of course, The Summit has been on my mind lately…not because I am scared, but I am excited. Every day I am reminded about the possibilities of changing lives through the power of Jesus Christ. Everyone deserves to hear that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for sin and that He was buried and rose again the third day securing eternal life for us. Paul asked a piercing question in Romans 10:14-15, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” If we do not take the gospel to Green, who will? Maybe in a few months, those who have stepped out in faith to launch this second campus will have to “open their eyes to see if this is real” because of all the wonderful things God has done. But for now we pray, we work, we dream, and then allow God to do His work in the lives of people.
As I have mentioned in a previous blog, our entire family was sick for a week in March. Arrogantly, I had commented to someone a few weeks earlier that our family had avoided being sick during the winter months…I even knocked on wood when I said it, but the flu made an unwanted visit to our home. The thing I hate about being sick is that it usually comes without warning and leaves no time to rearrange schedules. One day I was feeling fine and the next day I was in the doctor’s office reading a fishing magazine! I’m not sure about you, but when I get sick I’ll do anything to feel better, including going to the doctor, taking medications whose names I cannot pronounce, and shelling out insane amounts of money. No one wants to be sick but I assume most individuals would go to great efforts to be made well. The question must be asked: “Why will we take any measure necessary to secure physical health but ignore our spiritual health?” There is a writing in the book of Proverbs which says “keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” The writer is giving a warning to guard the heart (the center of all our passions and desires) because the things we allow to captivate it will be reflected in our attitudes and actions. If the heart and mind are being saturated with the ideologies and philosophies of the world, improper attitudes and actions will follow. In case you are misunderstanding the value system of the world, the Apostle John gives us a solid definition of the world‘s character: lust of the flesh (desire for evil), lust of the eyes (unquenchable passion to have more), and the pride of life (thinking highly of self). If you are like me, I get caught up in the world’s system quite a bit, sometimes without even recognizing it. I find myself drawn to evil, wanting more, and thinking I‘ve got it all figured out when in reality I have failed to guard my heart. How do I guard my heart? Well, I’m kind of old-school on this stuff but I firmly believe we guard our hearts through reading Scripture, meditating on it, and surrendering to God by talking to Him (Psalm 1). When we make the Bible a regular part of our routine, it allows us to understand truth and righteousness. When Paul writes to Timothy he reminds him that all Scripture is beneficial for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is wrong), for correction (how to get it right), and instruction in righteousness (how to keep it right). The writer James compares the Bible to a mirror which exposes the true health of our soul (James 1:21-27). As the Bible reveals the truth about our spiritual health, we must learn to surrender our selfish desires in order to follow God’s ways – the two cannot co-exist. The discipline of prayer is evidence that we are completely dependent on God and an admission that we cannot do life on our own. Maybe it is time for a spiritual check-up…
In my opinion, listening is a hard thing to do…even when someone is talking (and I’m quiet) I am usually thinking of what I am going to say next. Giving someone our full attention does not come naturally to most people because they see more value in what they are saying rather than finding significance in the words of another. However, there is one thing that seems to shut me up every time. Silence has met me on the canals of the River Delta in Argentina as well as the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina in late December. A bus tour through the glorious countryside of Utah and the mountains of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic also left me speechless. Simple things such as the quietness of falling snow, the boisterous noise of an approaching storm, and the changing colors of the leaves in the fall leave even the most eloquent without words. Even now as I write this entry I am content to listen carefully to the crashing waves against the shore from the ocean in front of me. I am listening…. God has a real way of speaking to people even though most would say that they have never heard Him speak audibly. In fact, I have never had the privilege of hearing God’s voice (nor do I think most people have), yet I think many are listening for Him in the wrong ways. Nature has this way of speaking and since I firmly believe God is the Creator of all things, I also believe He speaks loudly through His creation. I’m not talking about some freaky, mystical experience but rather a genuine communication of God’s power and might in conjunction with His love for beauty. I am quickly reminded of Paul’s words to the church at Colosse: “For by Him all things were created…. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). God created everything we see for His pleasure and since He enjoys what He sees, I think we should also find joy in what He has designed. Take some time out of your busy schedule to stop doing and start looking and listening. Look for God’s fingerprint in the simple, everyday things around you and then respond by giving Him your full attention…He may be trying to tell you something!
I write from a place which epitomizes fine cuisine and dining – CiCi’s Pizza. If you are not familiar with this restaurant, you should be! CiCi’s is an all-you-can-eat buffet which offers a smorgasbord of pizza, pasta, and salad. Usually every Thursday I eat here with our worship pastor, John McCaw. Today he had a busy day so I decided to take my laptop along for some company. John and I started coming here a couple months ago because of a precious gift given to us during Pastor Appreciation month – a CiCi’s community leader card. This card entitles the user to a free adult buffet and drink every visit. To me, that’s free money even though we feel like moochers when we walk to the front counter, show them our card, and begin our walk down the line…I feel kind of embarrassed that I am not paying. I’m not sure what it is that makes people feel ashamed to accept something which is free, but I do know there are not many free things in life. In fact, I’m not sure if anything is truly free because someone always pays the price. Even though the CiCi’s card did not cost me a thing, I get to enjoy the benefits because someone else paid the cost. On a much deeper scale, I want to tell you about the most important free thing which really was not free. It all started thousands of years ago when God decided to create human life from the dust of the ground. He placed man and woman in the Garden of Eden and told them they could eat of any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God was upfront with Adam and Eve informing them that disobeying this commandment would result in death, physical and spiritual. Being overcome with the empty words of Satan, Eve decided God was withholding something from them so she ate the fruit and then gave to her husband and he ate also. The Apostle Paul later writes that “by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). In short, sin entered the human race through Adam and now all men are sinners resulting in death as the final payment for sin. No one avoids death because all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Here is where the free part comes in…two-thousand years ago God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world in order to pay the price for sin (John 3:16). When writing to the church at Corinth, Paul explained Jesus’ payment for sin like this: “He [God the Father] made Him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died in our place so that we could escape the punishment of sin and receive the righteousness of Christ in exchange. John wrote that “whosoever believeth in Him [Jesus] should not perish [die] but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Paul added “that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). God gave Jesus as a gift to pay for the sin of all mankind and all those who believe in His death on the cross, burial, and resurrection will be granted eternal life. Salvation from the penalty of sin is free to those who will believe, but it cost Jesus His life.
Well, my sick day turned into a sick week. Thinking back over the last few years, I do not think I have felt that bad in a long time! My wife convinced me to go to the doctor so I begrudgingly made an appointment and found out I had Influenza B. I’m not really sure what that meant, but I knew I was in pretty bad shape. They gave me some medicine and told me to drink lots of fluid and get rest. As each day passed, I felt more and more tired. Even since I have been back at work this week, I still feel exhausted. In talking to others who have had the flu this season, they were able to confirm the normalcy of my symptoms. (it may sound like I am complaining a lot, but I am headed somewhere with this!) Times of prayer this week have yielded little as I struggled to find the strength to verbalize my thoughts to God. I found my mind wandering and just asking God for strength to make it. Don’t get me wrong…I know there are many people out there facing much more serious situations than myself, but I just felt weak and void of power. I began to contemplate whether God even cared that I was praying because I couldn’t understand myself, so I’m pretty sure He had no clue what I was saying…or did He? I am reminded of Romans 8:26 where Paul writes “the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Okay…I know Paul is not specifically referring to a person being sick, but I believe there is an overriding principle in this passage. Earlier, Paul mentioned that our bodies groan because they are awaiting redemption from the fallenness of sin. Because of sin our bodies experience corruption, shame, weakness, and limitations (1 Corinthians 15:40-44); however, those who have experienced the forgiveness of sin through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will receive new bodies at the rapture of the church. So, what about now? How does God help us through times of weakness in this life. Romans 8:26 holds the key. Sometimes we don’t know how to pray or what to pray about, but the Spirit understands the mind of God and prays on our behalf. The Spirit is said to pray with “groanings which cannot be uttered.“ This simply means that the Godhead expresses communication amongst themselves which cannot be translated into words, but are clearly understood by them. In those times when you find yourself empty before God and uncertain about the words you need to speak, remember the Holy Spirit is constantly praying for you to follow God’s will. Maybe silence before God is a regular occurrence for you…an unavoidable circumstance or looming temptation leaves you speechless. When you have no words to speak to God, He takes those yearnings of the heart and prays to God the Father for you to do the will of God. Take comfort in knowing that God prays for you and is begging Him to give you the strength to accomplish His will, even when you feel weak.
I woke up at 2:30am last night and knew it was my turn to face this hideous monster. I made my way quickly down the stairs of our home and walked into the kitchen. Behind the cabinet doors above the stove was my only hope of defeating this monstrosity. As I pulled the door open, my trembling hands reached for…medicine. Since last Wednesday, a virus had been making it’s way through our family claiming victim after victim. First, my daughter awoke with those fateful words – “I think I’m going to puke!” A day later, our son woke up and said he was sick. We often refer to him as the “little boy who cries wolf” because he is known for saying he is sick when he really is not, so we went through a series of questions to try to catch him in a lie. After a careful cross examination by my wife, we decided that he really was sick. Ty was the second victim of this ugly monster. My wife was the next in this creature’s rampage and I was soon to follow. Today I had to take a sick day at work and I hate doing so because I’ve always had a tough time laying around doing nothing. My body ached all over and a sore throat gave way to coughing…I figured the people at work would not appreciate me endangering them, so in better judgment, I stayed home. While doing nothing, a verse in Mark 2:17 came to my mind where Jesus talks about sickness and doctors. “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Jesus had often been criticized by so-called religious people because He frequently spent time with people who were sinners. Jesus sometimes kept company with those who didn’t have it all figured out and were looked upon as outcasts because of their lifestyle; however, Jesus knew they needed to have a relationship with God the Father through Him. Without personal contact, these sinners had no chance of changing. Jesus evidenced His unconditional love for them, but also was not scared to point out their sin. The religious leaders of the day hated that Jesus invested time in these sinful people, but Jesus responded to their arrogance by speaking the words we find written in Mark 2:17. Jesus did not come to provide life to those who thought they could attain salvation by their own good works (they that are whole have no need of the physician), but rather those who willingly admitted they were sick. A doctor cannot help anyone who will not first admit their sickness, just like Jesus cannot cure the disease of sin for those who do not think they are a sinner. Jesus goes on to say to the “religious crowd”: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Those who willingly admit their sin and realize it offends a holy God (repentance) have taken the first step in getting well. The writer of Proverbs says “he that covereth his sin shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh shall have mercy.” The religious leaders of Jesus’ day could never be made right before God until they were ready to acknowledge their sin. Salvation from spiritual death (hell) does not come through simply believing in God, but rather those “who confess with thy [their] mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe that God hath raised Him from the dead shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9) Are you sick today? I don’t mean physically sick, but spiritually sick. When you recognize you are a sinner, you are ready to be spiritually healed by the great Physician, Jesus Christ. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) Jesus took the punishment for your sin (healed you) when he died on the cross, so you did not have to die and spend an eternity paying for your sin in hell. Will you come to the Physician to be healed?
I recently read an article in USA Today entitled “More Hikers Wind Up Lost” which tells about the yearly increase in the amount of hikers who get lost while enjoying the world around them. The article states: “In thousands of parks and wilderness areas across the nation, inexperienced and unprepared hikers get lost each year — so lost, they have to be rescued.” To me, there would not be many things more terrifying than getting lost and having no hope of finding my way out. Spending my days wandering in unfamiliar territory and my nights in fear would quickly give way to desperation. All of these hikers began their journey with good intentions never anticipating becoming hopelessly lost, but somehow they got on the wrong path. Rescue is now the only option. Many parks or mountains have a team of people called search and rescue whose job is to find people who are lost and return them safely home. The purpose of the church is very similar to the job of search and rescue teams – it seeks out people who are far from God (lost) and shows them the way of hope (Jesus Christ). The Summit is the Green Campus of Canton Baptist Temple and our desire is to serve this community by bringing those who are hopelessly lost into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In the Bible, Paul wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus and reminded them that they were once far off from God but now, through Jesus Christ, were brought near (Ephesians 2:13).Maybe you do not think you are lost, but the Bible is very clear that everyone is lost and cannot find the way to peace (Romans 3:10-17). Our sin prohibits us from finding our own way to God and any feeble attempt to find Him on our own proves to only remind us how far we have really wandered from Him. One of Jesus’ followers was also confused about the way to God so he asked Jesus about the right path. Jesus responded that “He [Jesus] was the way, the truth, and the life” and no one is able to find a relationship with God without first believing in Jesus Christ (John 14:5-6). Jesus Christ died on the cross to take the punishment (death) which God demanded as payment for sin (Genesis 3:19; Romans 6:23). He became sin for us and gave us His righteousness so we could become children of God (John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21). John 3:16 declares: “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish [die], but have everlasting life.” After His death and burial, Jesus rose from the dead three days later ultimately proving that he was God and guaranteeing our eternal life. Today, if you will “confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9) In a moment of faith, you can go from being lost to being rescued.
Stories
I’m sitting in Mo Joes Coffee House and Café and they are playing one of those radio stations which conjure up memories of my childhood. I don’t have to explain it to you because you are well aware of the power of music to be able to take you back to a place in your past. For me, the song playing was James Taylor’s “How Sweet it is to Be Loved by You.” My brother, Tim, was a big fan of James Taylor while we were growing up and I used to make fun of him because the music was not my style. As time went on (and after hearing James Taylor over and over from the walls of my brother’s room) listening caused me to slowly fall in love with his music. He had this simple way of stripping away all the extra stuff and making you listen to the words. Don’t get me wrong…James Taylor is an amazing guitar player, but there is something about his voice and the words which cause people to listen to more than just the instruments. His songs tell a story and make you (or at least me) want to hear more. A good story always leaves us wanting to hear more. This is why at the end of a great concert there is always an encore. That is why a good movie has a sequel (sometimes). This is why your kids always ask for one more story before they go to bed…they want to hear more. Our life is a story we are writing each day. There are countless characters, many sub-plots, and lots of drama…even for people who think their life is boring. I guess the question I have for myself is “do people want to see more of my life?” Do they want to know more because of what they already see? I’m not implying that life is the simple acquiring of attention from others, but rather time spent pointing other people to the One who has given and sustains life. I want my story to begin and end with Him. I want Him to chose the characters, the plots, and the roads traveled. Thanks, Aaron, for reminding me that God writes a much better story than I do! Dreams
My five year old daughter comes into our room this morning and says “I had a dream last night.” I ask her “what was the dream about?” She responds “someone stole my shoes.” I said “really…what happened?” This question must have been too loaded because she did not answer, but she did say “I had to open my eyes to see if it was real.” Dreams are pretty confusing because they totally feel real until you wake up and sometimes, even then, it takes a while to convince yourself otherwise. If all dreams were true, I’d be dead. We’ve all had dreams where we die…we wake up sweating, shaking, and scared. In fact, our middle school pastor’s wife came up to me Wednesday night after church and said “I’m glad to see you here.” I was confused until she went on to inform me that I died in her dream the previous night. I may need to watch my back!!!! When she told me about her dream, I remembered a dream I had earlier in the week. This is really true and I am not making this up for the sake of this entry. It was the launch service of The Summit. I just remember nothing was going right – all the seats were not filled, the sound wasn’t right, there was some kind of snafu with the offering, and no one knew what they were doing. Instead of a dream, this was a nightmare…I woke up petrified! There must be some scientific reason why we have dreams (and I’m no scientist), but those things which consume our mind sometimes even become our sleeping thoughts. Of course, The Summit has been on my mind lately…not because I am scared, but I am excited. Every day I am reminded about the possibilities of changing lives through the power of Jesus Christ. Everyone deserves to hear that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for sin and that He was buried and rose again the third day securing eternal life for us. Paul asked a piercing question in Romans 10:14-15, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” If we do not take the gospel to Green, who will? Maybe in a few months, those who have stepped out in faith to launch this second campus will have to “open their eyes to see if this is real” because of all the wonderful things God has done. But for now we pray, we work, we dream, and then allow God to do His work in the lives of people.Check-Up
As I have mentioned in a previous blog, our entire family was sick for a week in March. Arrogantly, I had commented to someone a few weeks earlier that our family had avoided being sick during the winter months…I even knocked on wood when I said it, but the flu made an unwanted visit to our home. The thing I hate about being sick is that it usually comes without warning and leaves no time to rearrange schedules. One day I was feeling fine and the next day I was in the doctor’s office reading a fishing magazine! I’m not sure about you, but when I get sick I’ll do anything to feel better, including going to the doctor, taking medications whose names I cannot pronounce, and shelling out insane amounts of money. No one wants to be sick but I assume most individuals would go to great efforts to be made well. The question must be asked: “Why will we take any measure necessary to secure physical health but ignore our spiritual health?” There is a writing in the book of Proverbs which says “keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” The writer is giving a warning to guard the heart (the center of all our passions and desires) because the things we allow to captivate it will be reflected in our attitudes and actions. If the heart and mind are being saturated with the ideologies and philosophies of the world, improper attitudes and actions will follow. In case you are misunderstanding the value system of the world, the Apostle John gives us a solid definition of the world‘s character: lust of the flesh (desire for evil), lust of the eyes (unquenchable passion to have more), and the pride of life (thinking highly of self). If you are like me, I get caught up in the world’s system quite a bit, sometimes without even recognizing it. I find myself drawn to evil, wanting more, and thinking I‘ve got it all figured out when in reality I have failed to guard my heart. How do I guard my heart? Well, I’m kind of old-school on this stuff but I firmly believe we guard our hearts through reading Scripture, meditating on it, and surrendering to God by talking to Him (Psalm 1). When we make the Bible a regular part of our routine, it allows us to understand truth and righteousness. When Paul writes to Timothy he reminds him that all Scripture is beneficial for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is wrong), for correction (how to get it right), and instruction in righteousness (how to keep it right). The writer James compares the Bible to a mirror which exposes the true health of our soul (James 1:21-27). As the Bible reveals the truth about our spiritual health, we must learn to surrender our selfish desires in order to follow God’s ways – the two cannot co-exist. The discipline of prayer is evidence that we are completely dependent on God and an admission that we cannot do life on our own. Maybe it is time for a spiritual check-up…Listening
In my opinion, listening is a hard thing to do…even when someone is talking (and I’m quiet) I am usually thinking of what I am going to say next. Giving someone our full attention does not come naturally to most people because they see more value in what they are saying rather than finding significance in the words of another. However, there is one thing that seems to shut me up every time. Silence has met me on the canals of the River Delta in Argentina as well as the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina in late December. A bus tour through the glorious countryside of Utah and the mountains of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic also left me speechless. Simple things such as the quietness of falling snow, the boisterous noise of an approaching storm, and the changing colors of the leaves in the fall leave even the most eloquent without words. Even now as I write this entry I am content to listen carefully to the crashing waves against the shore from the ocean in front of me. I am listening…. God has a real way of speaking to people even though most would say that they have never heard Him speak audibly. In fact, I have never had the privilege of hearing God’s voice (nor do I think most people have), yet I think many are listening for Him in the wrong ways. Nature has this way of speaking and since I firmly believe God is the Creator of all things, I also believe He speaks loudly through His creation. I’m not talking about some freaky, mystical experience but rather a genuine communication of God’s power and might in conjunction with His love for beauty. I am quickly reminded of Paul’s words to the church at Colosse: “For by Him all things were created…. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). God created everything we see for His pleasure and since He enjoys what He sees, I think we should also find joy in what He has designed. Take some time out of your busy schedule to stop doing and start looking and listening. Look for God’s fingerprint in the simple, everyday things around you and then respond by giving Him your full attention…He may be trying to tell you something!There is No Such Thing as Free
I write from a place which epitomizes fine cuisine and dining – CiCi’s Pizza. If you are not familiar with this restaurant, you should be! CiCi’s is an all-you-can-eat buffet which offers a smorgasbord of pizza, pasta, and salad. Usually every Thursday I eat here with our worship pastor, John McCaw. Today he had a busy day so I decided to take my laptop along for some company. John and I started coming here a couple months ago because of a precious gift given to us during Pastor Appreciation month – a CiCi’s community leader card. This card entitles the user to a free adult buffet and drink every visit. To me, that’s free money even though we feel like moochers when we walk to the front counter, show them our card, and begin our walk down the line…I feel kind of embarrassed that I am not paying. I’m not sure what it is that makes people feel ashamed to accept something which is free, but I do know there are not many free things in life. In fact, I’m not sure if anything is truly free because someone always pays the price. Even though the CiCi’s card did not cost me a thing, I get to enjoy the benefits because someone else paid the cost. On a much deeper scale, I want to tell you about the most important free thing which really was not free. It all started thousands of years ago when God decided to create human life from the dust of the ground. He placed man and woman in the Garden of Eden and told them they could eat of any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God was upfront with Adam and Eve informing them that disobeying this commandment would result in death, physical and spiritual. Being overcome with the empty words of Satan, Eve decided God was withholding something from them so she ate the fruit and then gave to her husband and he ate also. The Apostle Paul later writes that “by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). In short, sin entered the human race through Adam and now all men are sinners resulting in death as the final payment for sin. No one avoids death because all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Here is where the free part comes in…two-thousand years ago God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world in order to pay the price for sin (John 3:16). When writing to the church at Corinth, Paul explained Jesus’ payment for sin like this: “He [God the Father] made Him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died in our place so that we could escape the punishment of sin and receive the righteousness of Christ in exchange. John wrote that “whosoever believeth in Him [Jesus] should not perish [die] but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Paul added “that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). God gave Jesus as a gift to pay for the sin of all mankind and all those who believe in His death on the cross, burial, and resurrection will be granted eternal life. Salvation from the penalty of sin is free to those who will believe, but it cost Jesus His life. Weak Week
Well, my sick day turned into a sick week. Thinking back over the last few years, I do not think I have felt that bad in a long time! My wife convinced me to go to the doctor so I begrudgingly made an appointment and found out I had Influenza B. I’m not really sure what that meant, but I knew I was in pretty bad shape. They gave me some medicine and told me to drink lots of fluid and get rest. As each day passed, I felt more and more tired. Even since I have been back at work this week, I still feel exhausted. In talking to others who have had the flu this season, they were able to confirm the normalcy of my symptoms. (it may sound like I am complaining a lot, but I am headed somewhere with this!) Times of prayer this week have yielded little as I struggled to find the strength to verbalize my thoughts to God. I found my mind wandering and just asking God for strength to make it. Don’t get me wrong…I know there are many people out there facing much more serious situations than myself, but I just felt weak and void of power. I began to contemplate whether God even cared that I was praying because I couldn’t understand myself, so I’m pretty sure He had no clue what I was saying…or did He? I am reminded of Romans 8:26 where Paul writes “the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Okay…I know Paul is not specifically referring to a person being sick, but I believe there is an overriding principle in this passage. Earlier, Paul mentioned that our bodies groan because they are awaiting redemption from the fallenness of sin. Because of sin our bodies experience corruption, shame, weakness, and limitations (1 Corinthians 15:40-44); however, those who have experienced the forgiveness of sin through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will receive new bodies at the rapture of the church. So, what about now? How does God help us through times of weakness in this life. Romans 8:26 holds the key. Sometimes we don’t know how to pray or what to pray about, but the Spirit understands the mind of God and prays on our behalf. The Spirit is said to pray with “groanings which cannot be uttered.“ This simply means that the Godhead expresses communication amongst themselves which cannot be translated into words, but are clearly understood by them. In those times when you find yourself empty before God and uncertain about the words you need to speak, remember the Holy Spirit is constantly praying for you to follow God’s will. Maybe silence before God is a regular occurrence for you…an unavoidable circumstance or looming temptation leaves you speechless. When you have no words to speak to God, He takes those yearnings of the heart and prays to God the Father for you to do the will of God. Take comfort in knowing that God prays for you and is begging Him to give you the strength to accomplish His will, even when you feel weak.Sick Day
I woke up at 2:30am last night and knew it was my turn to face this hideous monster. I made my way quickly down the stairs of our home and walked into the kitchen. Behind the cabinet doors above the stove was my only hope of defeating this monstrosity. As I pulled the door open, my trembling hands reached for…medicine. Since last Wednesday, a virus had been making it’s way through our family claiming victim after victim. First, my daughter awoke with those fateful words – “I think I’m going to puke!” A day later, our son woke up and said he was sick. We often refer to him as the “little boy who cries wolf” because he is known for saying he is sick when he really is not, so we went through a series of questions to try to catch him in a lie. After a careful cross examination by my wife, we decided that he really was sick. Ty was the second victim of this ugly monster. My wife was the next in this creature’s rampage and I was soon to follow. Today I had to take a sick day at work and I hate doing so because I’ve always had a tough time laying around doing nothing. My body ached all over and a sore throat gave way to coughing…I figured the people at work would not appreciate me endangering them, so in better judgment, I stayed home. While doing nothing, a verse in Mark 2:17 came to my mind where Jesus talks about sickness and doctors. “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Jesus had often been criticized by so-called religious people because He frequently spent time with people who were sinners. Jesus sometimes kept company with those who didn’t have it all figured out and were looked upon as outcasts because of their lifestyle; however, Jesus knew they needed to have a relationship with God the Father through Him. Without personal contact, these sinners had no chance of changing. Jesus evidenced His unconditional love for them, but also was not scared to point out their sin. The religious leaders of the day hated that Jesus invested time in these sinful people, but Jesus responded to their arrogance by speaking the words we find written in Mark 2:17. Jesus did not come to provide life to those who thought they could attain salvation by their own good works (they that are whole have no need of the physician), but rather those who willingly admitted they were sick. A doctor cannot help anyone who will not first admit their sickness, just like Jesus cannot cure the disease of sin for those who do not think they are a sinner. Jesus goes on to say to the “religious crowd”: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Those who willingly admit their sin and realize it offends a holy God (repentance) have taken the first step in getting well. The writer of Proverbs says “he that covereth his sin shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh shall have mercy.” The religious leaders of Jesus’ day could never be made right before God until they were ready to acknowledge their sin. Salvation from spiritual death (hell) does not come through simply believing in God, but rather those “who confess with thy [their] mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe that God hath raised Him from the dead shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9) Are you sick today? I don’t mean physically sick, but spiritually sick. When you recognize you are a sinner, you are ready to be spiritually healed by the great Physician, Jesus Christ. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) Jesus took the punishment for your sin (healed you) when he died on the cross, so you did not have to die and spend an eternity paying for your sin in hell. Will you come to the Physician to be healed?LOST
I recently read an article in USA Today entitled “More Hikers Wind Up Lost” which tells about the yearly increase in the amount of hikers who get lost while enjoying the world around them. The article states: “In thousands of parks and wilderness areas across the nation, inexperienced and unprepared hikers get lost each year — so lost, they have to be rescued.” To me, there would not be many things more terrifying than getting lost and having no hope of finding my way out. Spending my days wandering in unfamiliar territory and my nights in fear would quickly give way to desperation. All of these hikers began their journey with good intentions never anticipating becoming hopelessly lost, but somehow they got on the wrong path. Rescue is now the only option. Many parks or mountains have a team of people called search and rescue whose job is to find people who are lost and return them safely home. The purpose of the church is very similar to the job of search and rescue teams – it seeks out people who are far from God (lost) and shows them the way of hope (Jesus Christ). The Summit is the Green Campus of Canton Baptist Temple and our desire is to serve this community by bringing those who are hopelessly lost into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In the Bible, Paul wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus and reminded them that they were once far off from God but now, through Jesus Christ, were brought near (Ephesians 2:13).Maybe you do not think you are lost, but the Bible is very clear that everyone is lost and cannot find the way to peace (Romans 3:10-17). Our sin prohibits us from finding our own way to God and any feeble attempt to find Him on our own proves to only remind us how far we have really wandered from Him. One of Jesus’ followers was also confused about the way to God so he asked Jesus about the right path. Jesus responded that “He [Jesus] was the way, the truth, and the life” and no one is able to find a relationship with God without first believing in Jesus Christ (John 14:5-6). Jesus Christ died on the cross to take the punishment (death) which God demanded as payment for sin (Genesis 3:19; Romans 6:23). He became sin for us and gave us His righteousness so we could become children of God (John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21). John 3:16 declares: “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish [die], but have everlasting life.” After His death and burial, Jesus rose from the dead three days later ultimately proving that he was God and guaranteeing our eternal life. Today, if you will “confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9) In a moment of faith, you can go from being lost to being rescued. 