Just a concerned note from a fellow Christian who, like you, has moments of anxiousness about the times in which we live. Please accept the humility with which I write this — not as a scold — but as a fellow traveler who had this pointed out to me several months ago, after forwarding (with good intentions) a story that was false. I found out later the false story served to mask a far deeper danger that was going on behind the scenes. So please take that extra time to research and check out stories from the internet before hitting the forward button. Believe it or not, the enemy of your faith, can use these unfounded stories to do great damage to the integrity of the church.
The times have proven very crucial for us as Christians to be vigilant, yet very careful not to disseminate false information. For when found out, it simply renders us greatly handicapped spreading the truth. For even in the nobility of our designs we lose integrity when we send false messages. More than ever before, we must be careful to be agents of TRUTH.
Here is an example, these original messages (first two links below) are false in their content, but by doing 10 minutes of checking, I found a true story (last two links below) about the ACLU that was easily masked by the false stories being spread out there. This is the genius of the enemy. Get us all riled up about things that are false or surfacy, while working elsewhere to take spiritual ground and then leave us shaking our heads and wondering why the “church” is losing it’s influence.
I have no doubt that the ACLU is an evil tool of the devil. But there is so much true stuff that we can use as warnings, we don’t need to jump on the band wagon of sending any forms of falsehood. We tell the world they can count on Jesus as “truth.” Now is our chance to really prove this and be SURE -- before we “pass it on.” Honestly, if we cannot prove it’s foundation, we shouldn’t be forwarding it. The Bible speaks pretty clearly about gossip and how it differs from true spiritual admonitions.
Since we stand by the Biblical statement that “the truth will set us free,” let’s take a little more time and prove the liberating power of HIS truth—even in emails. Most of all, it will be proven by our redemptive attitude toward culture and people who are not followers of Jesus.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FALSE stories:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/marines.asp
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_aclu_marines_praying.htm
Pay careful attention to these two true ones!!!!
http://www.themediadesk.com/files/usmc.htm
http://www.aclu-sc.org/releases/view/100062
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
God's Stimulus Package...
TITHE; GIVE; be GENEROUS to others in tough times.
Don't believe it? Read Malachi 3:7-12 and then try it His way. That's what He invites you to do. He said, "Test Me in this and see.... (verse 10)"
What....you'd rather trust the government to bail you out? You'd rather hoard your resources and control it all yourself. How's that working for you? How fulfilled are you in that? God's stimulus plan (goes beyond money) is, and always has been, through obedience to Him and generosity to His Bride -- the church.
Last Stop Before Eternity...
My short-term memory is not as sharp as it used to be.
Also, my short-term memory's not as sharp as it used to be.
That was one of my older-than-60 prayer partners, jokingly reminding me that he has a few years on me. I think it was his way of telling me that it is worth my while to listen to his recommendations about life -- even if he can't remember that he just told me that same story the last time we had breakfast together. Some of my colleagues ask what it's like to live and pastor in an area that has such a huge percentage of folks over the age of 60. I have to admit that after about three months of pastoring in Brevard, North Carolina, I did ask God if I had misunderstood His calling. What was I doing going from a ministry to many families with young children to a place where 60% of the congregation were over 55? It wasn't long after that I attended a funeral of an elderly man who had decided to become a Jesus - follower only months before his death -- he was in his 80s.
A strong realization came over me at that moment. THIS WAS HIS LAST STOP BEFORE ETERNITY! There is a lot of energy and resources that go into reaching young individuals and families. It's much easier to mobilize an army of volunteers to "save" the children and teens of our culture. And I am so glad that is true. We need to be reaching folks at a young age so they will establish early the life-style of honoring Jesus and expanding His kingdom. But what of the elderly?
"Oh, they are set in their ways. They are just going to a place like Brevard, NC to selfishly live out their final years. They don't generate the excitement like working with young people. Statistics say they won't change -- almost impossible to make a decision for Jesus at that age."
One friend asked me recently if I was content to live out my ministry in obscurity in a place like this. Not sure what obscurity has to do with anything (other than perhaps that friend has some "letting go of the ring" issues), but to answer the "contented" part -- NO! I hope never to be "content" as long as even one human being (old or young) is headed into eternity without knowing how to love Jesus.
Is there anybody in your life who is right now on their "last stop before eternity?" Is your time and pursuit of kingdom recognition too valuable to mess with such potential obscurity?
In just two days from now,
tomorrow will be yesterday.
Also, my short-term memory's not as sharp as it used to be.
That was one of my older-than-60 prayer partners, jokingly reminding me that he has a few years on me. I think it was his way of telling me that it is worth my while to listen to his recommendations about life -- even if he can't remember that he just told me that same story the last time we had breakfast together. Some of my colleagues ask what it's like to live and pastor in an area that has such a huge percentage of folks over the age of 60. I have to admit that after about three months of pastoring in Brevard, North Carolina, I did ask God if I had misunderstood His calling. What was I doing going from a ministry to many families with young children to a place where 60% of the congregation were over 55? It wasn't long after that I attended a funeral of an elderly man who had decided to become a Jesus - follower only months before his death -- he was in his 80s.
A strong realization came over me at that moment. THIS WAS HIS LAST STOP BEFORE ETERNITY! There is a lot of energy and resources that go into reaching young individuals and families. It's much easier to mobilize an army of volunteers to "save" the children and teens of our culture. And I am so glad that is true. We need to be reaching folks at a young age so they will establish early the life-style of honoring Jesus and expanding His kingdom. But what of the elderly?
"Oh, they are set in their ways. They are just going to a place like Brevard, NC to selfishly live out their final years. They don't generate the excitement like working with young people. Statistics say they won't change -- almost impossible to make a decision for Jesus at that age."
One friend asked me recently if I was content to live out my ministry in obscurity in a place like this. Not sure what obscurity has to do with anything (other than perhaps that friend has some "letting go of the ring" issues), but to answer the "contented" part -- NO! I hope never to be "content" as long as even one human being (old or young) is headed into eternity without knowing how to love Jesus.
Is there anybody in your life who is right now on their "last stop before eternity?" Is your time and pursuit of kingdom recognition too valuable to mess with such potential obscurity?
In just two days from now,
tomorrow will be yesterday.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The "Haircut"
My inbox is bombarded with email stories and jokes every day! Some are hilarious anecdotes; some hoaxes; some tear-jerkers; some....well some just never should have been sent. I got one this morning that falls into the "anecdote with a purpose" file. A friend was sending out a reminder of how important it is for Americans to vote as INFORMED citizens. It also has great implications for the church ... check it out...
=================
The Haircut
One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asks about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist is pleased and leaves the shop.
When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door (a little stereotypical slant).
Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.'
Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.
And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress. Your vote counts!
=================
Great story!!! Sure reminds us of the importance of informed voting. It also reminds me of Jesus' example as He modeled servant leadership for His church -- even in these uncertain times. Let us not kid ourselves, people will be watching and scrutinizing Christians more than ever. Jesus put serving ahead of everything and modeled it consistently, even when closest friends and family complained, some of the “religious” community criticized and boycotted His ministry efforts, and people lined up to abuse His generosity. Jesus just kept on serving!
If the evangelical church in America would have been following that model all along, the congressional lineup for the “haircut” would be irrelevant. Sadly, it’s not.
Keep on keepin’ on (serving) in HIM!
=================
The Haircut
One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asks about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist is pleased and leaves the shop.
When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door (a little stereotypical slant).
Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.'
Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.
And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress. Your vote counts!
=================
Great story!!! Sure reminds us of the importance of informed voting. It also reminds me of Jesus' example as He modeled servant leadership for His church -- even in these uncertain times. Let us not kid ourselves, people will be watching and scrutinizing Christians more than ever. Jesus put serving ahead of everything and modeled it consistently, even when closest friends and family complained, some of the “religious” community criticized and boycotted His ministry efforts, and people lined up to abuse His generosity. Jesus just kept on serving!
If the evangelical church in America would have been following that model all along, the congressional lineup for the “haircut” would be irrelevant. Sadly, it’s not.
Keep on keepin’ on (serving) in HIM!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Thriving in the Storms
We’ve all been captured recently by storms -- Hannah, Ike, the storms on Wall Street, at the gas pumps, and in the mud that is slung in political campaigns. These storms often leave us scratching our heads and asking, “Why?” They can also leave us shocked at the fear and character abrasions we detect in ourselves in these times.
God’s been telling us it would happen ever since man first started making choices against Him!
Only stands to reason that if something isn't cared for in the way it was designed by the Creator...well....! Yes, God loves His creation. But because the absolute holiness of God cannot coexist with the sin of this world, and because, by and large, the majority of this world have chosen to ignore His plea for us to walk with Him, the effects of these choices will be devastating. He loves us so much that He gives us free reign over our mental faculties and decisions. Unless love is chosen, it's not love at all. Every day we see the results of ignoring the Creator's way.
-Matt. 5:45 -- He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Matthew 7:24-29 -- "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
So rather than "putting it into practice" -- practicing the presence of Jesus we tend to just build SAND CASTLES....
-Sand is easier to work with ..... quicker satisfaction
-Instant results
-I can easily manipulate sand to look like anything I want it to -- on the surface; just like building sand castles
-Arrogantly, I can take it into my own hands; relying on my talents and abilities to carry me through.
-Culturally, we can make it all about "me"; our laws and even our leaders have shown us that the it’s “ok” to ignore God, be promiscuous and go with the "feels good" moment! But soon the house falls flat!
-We can even appear spiritual -- go to church and enjoy the “program” yet fail to join the blessing and empowerment of authentic "followership" or accountability in our lives.....and then the house falls flat!
The foundation is all important!
When the storms come (and they will) and I'm built on the foundation of THE ROCK....
-It's not as easy to work with and manipulate as sand. I'm not the one in total control on the rock. And I must go to where The Rock is already firmly planted. I can't just choose to build "any ole place" like I can with sand. But neither does it crumble and wash away in the storms of life!
Just a thought...with more storm clouds looming...
God’s been telling us it would happen ever since man first started making choices against Him!
Only stands to reason that if something isn't cared for in the way it was designed by the Creator...well....! Yes, God loves His creation. But because the absolute holiness of God cannot coexist with the sin of this world, and because, by and large, the majority of this world have chosen to ignore His plea for us to walk with Him, the effects of these choices will be devastating. He loves us so much that He gives us free reign over our mental faculties and decisions. Unless love is chosen, it's not love at all. Every day we see the results of ignoring the Creator's way.
-Matt. 5:45 -- He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Matthew 7:24-29 -- "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
So rather than "putting it into practice" -- practicing the presence of Jesus we tend to just build SAND CASTLES....
-Sand is easier to work with ..... quicker satisfaction
-Instant results
-I can easily manipulate sand to look like anything I want it to -- on the surface; just like building sand castles
-Arrogantly, I can take it into my own hands; relying on my talents and abilities to carry me through.
-Culturally, we can make it all about "me"; our laws and even our leaders have shown us that the it’s “ok” to ignore God, be promiscuous and go with the "feels good" moment! But soon the house falls flat!
-We can even appear spiritual -- go to church and enjoy the “program” yet fail to join the blessing and empowerment of authentic "followership" or accountability in our lives.....and then the house falls flat!
The foundation is all important!
When the storms come (and they will) and I'm built on the foundation of THE ROCK....
-It's not as easy to work with and manipulate as sand. I'm not the one in total control on the rock. And I must go to where The Rock is already firmly planted. I can't just choose to build "any ole place" like I can with sand. But neither does it crumble and wash away in the storms of life!
Just a thought...with more storm clouds looming...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tonight on the Porch
Tonight on the Porch is a Journal Entry from June 21, 1988 when my son, Davey was 2 and a half years old. He recently married Amanda, a wonderful, pure and godly young lady -- I had the privilege of reading this entry to them at the wedding:
======================
Tonight on the porch in Grandma’s big swing
With you on my lap asleep
I was still looking at the star you pointed at minutes before
And I pondered what, for your life, God might have in store
I wonder, Little Buddy, if somewhere tonight
A dad with his little girl might be looking at that star
Perhaps they are close by; most likely quite far
But this I know for sure – she exists
Because your mother’s prayers for her persist
Her name is a mystery – her face, by us, not yet seen
Yet nightly prayer to the Father for her we bring
Father, may she grow to be more in love with You
Than with anything or anyone
May her passion for life be only surpassed by purity and virtue
May she be set apart for You and compromise for none
May her father and mother have great wisdom
In those formative years
May they teach her the graces, Godly passion
And how to embrace life with laughter and tears
May she be free from self-centeredness or abuse
May she learn to rise above fear and not live by excuse
May she be tender enough to see the hurt in others
And bold enough to help lead them to You
‘Cause I know somewhere down this road of life
Little Davey will be a man – and he’ll need a wife.
And Father, while I’m at it – for Davey I pray
May these strengths and virtues – his life display
May his parents instill faithfully your incredible love in stride
And Your example of manly love with your church -- Your “bride”
Father, give him a heart that for his bride will fight.
Not as the world makes love a cheap competition
But with romance so Godly it looks like heaven’s extension
Prepare his life; strengthen his heart;
Make Him Your tender warrior; brighten his LIGHT
And Father, wherever that little girl is with her daddy tonight
Could You mix a little image of Davey in her heart-light?
======================
Tonight on the porch in Grandma’s big swing
With you on my lap asleep
I was still looking at the star you pointed at minutes before
And I pondered what, for your life, God might have in store
I wonder, Little Buddy, if somewhere tonight
A dad with his little girl might be looking at that star
Perhaps they are close by; most likely quite far
But this I know for sure – she exists
Because your mother’s prayers for her persist
Her name is a mystery – her face, by us, not yet seen
Yet nightly prayer to the Father for her we bring
Father, may she grow to be more in love with You
Than with anything or anyone
May her passion for life be only surpassed by purity and virtue
May she be set apart for You and compromise for none
May her father and mother have great wisdom
In those formative years
May they teach her the graces, Godly passion
And how to embrace life with laughter and tears
May she be free from self-centeredness or abuse
May she learn to rise above fear and not live by excuse
May she be tender enough to see the hurt in others
And bold enough to help lead them to You
‘Cause I know somewhere down this road of life
Little Davey will be a man – and he’ll need a wife.
And Father, while I’m at it – for Davey I pray
May these strengths and virtues – his life display
May his parents instill faithfully your incredible love in stride
And Your example of manly love with your church -- Your “bride”
Father, give him a heart that for his bride will fight.
Not as the world makes love a cheap competition
But with romance so Godly it looks like heaven’s extension
Prepare his life; strengthen his heart;
Make Him Your tender warrior; brighten his LIGHT
And Father, wherever that little girl is with her daddy tonight
Could You mix a little image of Davey in her heart-light?
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