People are often complaining about the state of affairs. They complain about the economy. They complain about healthcare. They complain about Social Security, government spending, crooked politicians, and escalating crime. These are just a few of the complaints. The problem is that they are pointing the finger in the wrong direction. Instead of pointing the finger at politicians and government leaders, they should be pointing the finger at themselves. That’s right. The reason the things are the way they are is because of us, the American people and the Church.
Both the American people and the Church are responsible for the state of affairs. In 1963 the Supreme Court declared that prayer in school was unconstitutional (which is a lie). The American people did not protest. The church did not protest. Had they done so, there would be prayer in school today. Our country is based on the principle: “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.” This means that the people say what laws are passed and what those laws mean. If there is any question about it, then they have Congress to pass laws that address or remove any ambiguity. When prayer was banned from public schools in 1963, our nation took a turning point.
Abraham Lincoln is believed to have said: “The philosophy of the classroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.” When prayer and the Bible were banned from public schools, this nation began raising a generation of people who did not know God. These people grew up to become leaders in government and finance. Disaster is inevitable when these godless people made godless decisions based on godless principles.
Look at our streets. They are filled with children and youth wondering around aimlessly, like sheep without a shepherd. Look in our prisons. They are overcrowded, filled with young men and women, primarily of minority descent, who never stood a chance because they were raised primarily by godless parents who left them to their own devises and the mercies of the streets. Many, if not most, of our young women are pregnant or single parents with no fathers in the picture.
None of this is what God intended for us. He wanted us to be positive influences on our children and the children around us. Parents, along with teachers, are the greatest influences a child can have. It is no cliché that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. It is an opportunity to shape a life, an opportunity many parents throw away. Children are a blessing from God, but they are also a responsibility, as well. Unfortunately, too many parents delegate the responsibility of rearing, shaping, and influencing their children to the teacher, the preacher, and the television. Because we have not sown into the lives of our children, we are reaping a lost generation—a generation of godless people who will make more godless decisions based on godless standards.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Self-Publishing 101
If you've ever thought about writing a book, I advise you to do it. It can be rewarding in more ways than one. Whether it is fiction or non-fiction, it can be exciting putting your words and thoughts on paper, bring a character alive or fleshing out a topic of interest to you. The daunting task can be in getting the book published. What do you do? Who do you talk to? If you go the tradition route, you will be better off hiring a literary agent who can help you navigate the publishing minefield. This can take time and be as much work as writing the book was. Another way that is becoming more popular is self-publishing. A number of authors have self-published. John Grisham, for instance, self-published his first novel, A Time to Kill. James Redfield also self-published his novel, The Celestine Prophecy. There are other authors, such as Rudyard Kipling, Mark Twain, and Edgar Allan Poe.
As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to self-publishing. But I believe the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Below, you will find information I have found in my self-publishing journey. Let my experience save you some time and trouble.
As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to self-publishing. But I believe the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Below, you will find information I have found in my self-publishing journey. Let my experience save you some time and trouble.
Advantages to self-publishing
If you have written a manuscript or are writing a manuscript and you are looking to have it published, you might want to consider self-publishing. There are several advantages to self-publishing. They include:
• 100% creative control
• Higher royalties
• Control over cover design and book layout
• Shorter time from manuscript to publication
• Most self-publishing firms have large distribution channels, such as Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, bookstore and ebook distribution
• Some firms allow your books to be tracked by traditional publishers such as Doubleday, Zondervan, and Harlequin.
• Author signs a non-exclusive license. This means that you can publish the same manuscript through several self-publishing firms or with a traditional publisher without violating any agreement with the self-publishing firm.
Disadvantages to self-publishing
Just as there are some upsides to self-publishing, there are also some downsides. They include:
• There are upfront fees that must be paid for publication. These fees differ depending upon which package the author chooses. They can run anywhere from $579 to over $6,000. (I’ve worked with two such firms. iUniverse (www.iuniverse.com) has some inexpensive packages but I found you get more for your money from Friesen Press (www.friesenpress.com).
• To have a better chance of high sales, it is important to get your books on bookshelves. To do this, you must purchase Book Return Insurance. This is usually in addition to the publishing packages purchased (depending on package; the more expensive packages include this service.) Book Return Insurance allows bookstore to stock your title without risk. If it doesn’t sell, they can return it to the bookseller and get a refund.
• Another thing that ensures high book sales is having a book free of errors, typos, verb-tense inconsistencies, run-on sentences, and other grammatical issues. To protect against this, you can purchase editing services. I believe I found better priced editing services at iUniverse. Friesen Press charges per every 100 word. You can also outsource this to someone who is good in English, such as a school teacher or a grad student.
• Many self-publishing firms provide marketing services for an additional fee. Some more expensive publishing packages include some or all of these services.
What are some self-publishing firms?
There are a number of different self-publishing firms out there. Each one charges different amounts for their services. You can do a Google or Yahoo or some other search to find them. Type in self-publishing in the search bar. Some of the more popular ones include:
Friesen Press – www.friesenpress.com
iUniverse – www.iuniverse.com
Xlibris – www.xlibris.com
Xulon – www.xulon.com
Last thingsJust as different self-publishers charge different amounts for their services, they also have different requirements in regards to the formats of the manuscripts they receive. They also have different requirements as to how manuscripts are submitted. Some accept electronic submissions; some may require the manuscript and supporting documentation to be mailed in. Some firms allow you to split your payments, while others require a one-time, lump sum payment. To find out what each requires and what each provides, you can visit their websites and request a free Author’s Guide. You will have to supply some information to get this guide but it may be worth it. You can also find much of the information you require by searching the company’s website.
Good luck and I’ll see you at the bookstore.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
An "Open" Invitation
An Open Invitation
Revelation 3:20
Usually when we hear this verse, it is during invitation time. The pastor or preacher is saying that god is standing at the door of your heart and he is knocking. If you will let Him in, He will come in and live with you and in you. Though this application is not heretical, it is not a directly what this verse is saying. You might say preachers are taking the actual meaning and making it analogous to the invitation to salvation.
So what does this verse actually mean? To be honest, I did not seek out this verse to meditate on. The Holy Spirit carried me to this verse while I was meditating on what it means to seek the face of God. As we look at what this verse really means, let look at three things: the audience, the door, and the fellowship or communion.
The Audience. The Book of Revelation is addressed to believers. It was written to give those who were suffering from persecution under the Roman government hope. It said to them (and to us) that though it is looking grim, the war is already won; though they appear to be winning, in the end they lose. The early part of Revelation was written to specific churches in Asia Minor. To some, Jesus gave compliments; to other He gave rebukes. One such church that was rebuked was Laodicea.
Jesus called Laodicea the lukewarm church. They were the fence-sitters. They were not necessarily pro-Jesus nor were they necessarily anti-Jesus. They sort of went with the flow. This is how they dealt with persecution. They adapted their behavior to the situation. They were not like Paul who said I become all things to all men that I may perhaps win some. They compromised their testimony to get along and avoid being called out, ridiculed, tortured, or put to death. There are many in the world today that can identify with the Laodiceans.
Jesus was telling them that He would rather that they chose a side. Either be for Him 100% or be against Him, but they can’t have it both ways. His encouragement to them was that though they had forsaken Him, He had not forsaken them. He told them that He was standing at the door (of their church and of their hearts) and that if they would open the door, He would come in and commune with them.
What is the door? The door was the barrier that kept them from giving their all to Jesus. Jesus instructed us to count the cost before we decided to become disciples. Some did not count the cost. When they chose to become disciples, they then realized the cost of that choice. Some shrank back. Jesus said to them that if they would overcome their fear and dedicate their life to Him; if they chose to lay down their lives for His sake and the Gospel’s, then He would accept them. They needed to love Him more than they loved their own lives or their own safety. If they would say to Him, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back’, then He would come to them and empower them to be His witnesses and be His people.
The Communion. What would He do once He comes? He said He would dine or commune with them and they with Him. He would fellowship with them. He would establish and sustain a relationship with them. He would speak to them and through them. He would teach them. He would empower them for ministry. He would edify them individually and corporately. He would guide them into all truth. He would open to them the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. He would make them His witnesses in the world.
This is the thing that Jesus is promising us today. As Christians, Jesus already lives in us. But because the cares of the world or fear of rejection or persecution, we are not the people He has called us to be. We are timid, fearful, and weak. We compromise our testimony before the world because we seek to fit in to get in. However, "God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7)." If we turn our eyes to Him and focus on Him, then we can walk in the spirit and be strong enough not to give in to the fears or temptations of the flesh.
The song says, “What a friend we have in Jesus?” It should say, “What a friend we could have in Jesus?” Thank God it doesn’t because though we do not seek to be God’s friend, He is ours. The fact that we do not take advantage of that relationship is not God’s fault. He is waiting willing, and able. To His friends, He is willing to open up the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Bible says, "[He has] made known to us the mystery of His will…(Ephesians 1:9).” Not only that, but through the blood shed by His son, which makes this relationship possible, we have access to the Father.
It is pointless just complaining to the weatherman because he only reports the weather, but talk to Him who can control the weather. It avails little talking to a doctor, he can only do so much, but talk to the Great Physician who has never lost a patient. It avails little to talk to an attorney, but take your case to the Great Advocate who has never lost a case. You can waste money on a therapist or talk to the Mighty Counselor who can give you peace that surpasses all understanding. Whatever the reason, we can go directly to Him and tell Him about our fears, our concerns, and our desires. You cannot shock God because He already knows you and your heart. He knows us better than we know ourselves. The Bible says, "The heart is deceitful about all things and desperately wicked; who can know it (Jer. 17:9)?” I tell you, God can. And He can cleanse it and change it. Only He has the power to transform your life.
Behold, Jesus stands nearby and is inviting you and me to come have a personal and real relationship with Him. Not a relationship that is superficial, but one that is intimate. He is not looking for casual friends. He has plenty of those. He is inviting you and me to be best friends, BFFs, if you will. What will your response be?
Revelation 3:20
Usually when we hear this verse, it is during invitation time. The pastor or preacher is saying that god is standing at the door of your heart and he is knocking. If you will let Him in, He will come in and live with you and in you. Though this application is not heretical, it is not a directly what this verse is saying. You might say preachers are taking the actual meaning and making it analogous to the invitation to salvation.
So what does this verse actually mean? To be honest, I did not seek out this verse to meditate on. The Holy Spirit carried me to this verse while I was meditating on what it means to seek the face of God. As we look at what this verse really means, let look at three things: the audience, the door, and the fellowship or communion.
The Audience. The Book of Revelation is addressed to believers. It was written to give those who were suffering from persecution under the Roman government hope. It said to them (and to us) that though it is looking grim, the war is already won; though they appear to be winning, in the end they lose. The early part of Revelation was written to specific churches in Asia Minor. To some, Jesus gave compliments; to other He gave rebukes. One such church that was rebuked was Laodicea.
Jesus called Laodicea the lukewarm church. They were the fence-sitters. They were not necessarily pro-Jesus nor were they necessarily anti-Jesus. They sort of went with the flow. This is how they dealt with persecution. They adapted their behavior to the situation. They were not like Paul who said I become all things to all men that I may perhaps win some. They compromised their testimony to get along and avoid being called out, ridiculed, tortured, or put to death. There are many in the world today that can identify with the Laodiceans.
Jesus was telling them that He would rather that they chose a side. Either be for Him 100% or be against Him, but they can’t have it both ways. His encouragement to them was that though they had forsaken Him, He had not forsaken them. He told them that He was standing at the door (of their church and of their hearts) and that if they would open the door, He would come in and commune with them.
What is the door? The door was the barrier that kept them from giving their all to Jesus. Jesus instructed us to count the cost before we decided to become disciples. Some did not count the cost. When they chose to become disciples, they then realized the cost of that choice. Some shrank back. Jesus said to them that if they would overcome their fear and dedicate their life to Him; if they chose to lay down their lives for His sake and the Gospel’s, then He would accept them. They needed to love Him more than they loved their own lives or their own safety. If they would say to Him, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back’, then He would come to them and empower them to be His witnesses and be His people.
The Communion. What would He do once He comes? He said He would dine or commune with them and they with Him. He would fellowship with them. He would establish and sustain a relationship with them. He would speak to them and through them. He would teach them. He would empower them for ministry. He would edify them individually and corporately. He would guide them into all truth. He would open to them the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. He would make them His witnesses in the world.
This is the thing that Jesus is promising us today. As Christians, Jesus already lives in us. But because the cares of the world or fear of rejection or persecution, we are not the people He has called us to be. We are timid, fearful, and weak. We compromise our testimony before the world because we seek to fit in to get in. However, "God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7)." If we turn our eyes to Him and focus on Him, then we can walk in the spirit and be strong enough not to give in to the fears or temptations of the flesh.
The song says, “What a friend we have in Jesus?” It should say, “What a friend we could have in Jesus?” Thank God it doesn’t because though we do not seek to be God’s friend, He is ours. The fact that we do not take advantage of that relationship is not God’s fault. He is waiting willing, and able. To His friends, He is willing to open up the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Bible says, "[He has] made known to us the mystery of His will…(Ephesians 1:9).” Not only that, but through the blood shed by His son, which makes this relationship possible, we have access to the Father.
It is pointless just complaining to the weatherman because he only reports the weather, but talk to Him who can control the weather. It avails little talking to a doctor, he can only do so much, but talk to the Great Physician who has never lost a patient. It avails little to talk to an attorney, but take your case to the Great Advocate who has never lost a case. You can waste money on a therapist or talk to the Mighty Counselor who can give you peace that surpasses all understanding. Whatever the reason, we can go directly to Him and tell Him about our fears, our concerns, and our desires. You cannot shock God because He already knows you and your heart. He knows us better than we know ourselves. The Bible says, "The heart is deceitful about all things and desperately wicked; who can know it (Jer. 17:9)?” I tell you, God can. And He can cleanse it and change it. Only He has the power to transform your life.
Behold, Jesus stands nearby and is inviting you and me to come have a personal and real relationship with Him. Not a relationship that is superficial, but one that is intimate. He is not looking for casual friends. He has plenty of those. He is inviting you and me to be best friends, BFFs, if you will. What will your response be?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus (Part 2)
Looking to Jesus provides us so much more than freedom from worry. It gives us hope, joy, and increases our faith, just to name a few. The thing I want to talk about today is how turning your eyes upon Jesus can multiply your blessings. It is true and biblical that Turning your eyes upon Jesus can increase your blessings. With the Spirit’s help, I will show you how.
The year 2010 needs to be the year the church stop seeking just after God’s hand but after God’s face. We have spent too much time just seeking God’s hand. By that I mean, we spend prayer time asking God to give us this or that. That is seeking God’s hand. Seeking God’s face means to spend time with Him in prayer and in His Word getting to know him, and not just about Him. We need to spend time building our relationship with Him—after all, a relationship is what we were created for. A relationship is what separates true Christianity from religion. God is not about religion; He wants a relationship with His children. Religion is about ritual, rules, and rites which lead to death. Jesus is about redemption, reconciliation, and a relationship that leads to life everlasting.
Imagine with me, how strong would a relationship be if a boyfriend's or girlfriend's only interested in a person was from the neck down. Those are the relationships that go south quickly. Relationships that are about getting what we can from a person and not about getting to know the person are doomed from the start. I am reminded of the words to the song, Friends, by Whodini:
Talking on the telephone for hours at a time;
Else I was at your house or you were at mine.
Then came the arguments and all kinds of problems,
Besides making love we had nothing in common.
Could’ve lasted longer ‘cause it started out strong;
Guess we went about the whole thing wrong.
Saddest the way it came to an end;
‘cause we became lovers before we were friends.
The Southern Baptists like to say that if God can get your heart, He can get your pocketbook. By that they mean, if God is allowed to sit on the throne of your heart, you will have no trouble giving Him all you’ve got—since you’ll recognize it’s His anyhow. But did you know that the reverse is also true? Many are familiar with the passage of Psalms 37:4, even if they don’t know the chapter and verse. Psalms 37:4, says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” That means that we are to seek the Lord’s face and He will bless us with the things that we want. He will do this because the things that we’ll want will be the things He wants us to have. Another good passage is 2 Chronicles 7:14, which states, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” The latter part of the verse is speaking of the blessings they desperately needed because they and their land were under a curse.
Let 2010 be the year you get to know God on a more intimate basis. Talk to Him and tell Him your problems and desires and let Him speak to you through His Spirit and His Word. You will find that it will change your life! Not only that, blessings will come your way as well. I am reminded of King David. David was known as a man after God’s own heart. This means that He was a man who sought the face of God. After David sinned with Bathsheba and God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David, God said to David through Nathan, "You are the man. Thus says the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gaveyou’re your master's house, and your master's wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee [more] (2 Sam 12:7-8).” David repented and was spared the fate of Saul. God did not kill him nor take the Kingdom away from him. Vow to be a man/woman like David—a person after God’s own heart.
If you seek after the face of God, you can have what is in His hand. What is in His hand? Ask any child—“He has the whole world in His hand.”
The year 2010 needs to be the year the church stop seeking just after God’s hand but after God’s face. We have spent too much time just seeking God’s hand. By that I mean, we spend prayer time asking God to give us this or that. That is seeking God’s hand. Seeking God’s face means to spend time with Him in prayer and in His Word getting to know him, and not just about Him. We need to spend time building our relationship with Him—after all, a relationship is what we were created for. A relationship is what separates true Christianity from religion. God is not about religion; He wants a relationship with His children. Religion is about ritual, rules, and rites which lead to death. Jesus is about redemption, reconciliation, and a relationship that leads to life everlasting.
Imagine with me, how strong would a relationship be if a boyfriend's or girlfriend's only interested in a person was from the neck down. Those are the relationships that go south quickly. Relationships that are about getting what we can from a person and not about getting to know the person are doomed from the start. I am reminded of the words to the song, Friends, by Whodini:
Talking on the telephone for hours at a time;
Else I was at your house or you were at mine.
Then came the arguments and all kinds of problems,
Besides making love we had nothing in common.
Could’ve lasted longer ‘cause it started out strong;
Guess we went about the whole thing wrong.
Saddest the way it came to an end;
‘cause we became lovers before we were friends.
The Southern Baptists like to say that if God can get your heart, He can get your pocketbook. By that they mean, if God is allowed to sit on the throne of your heart, you will have no trouble giving Him all you’ve got—since you’ll recognize it’s His anyhow. But did you know that the reverse is also true? Many are familiar with the passage of Psalms 37:4, even if they don’t know the chapter and verse. Psalms 37:4, says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” That means that we are to seek the Lord’s face and He will bless us with the things that we want. He will do this because the things that we’ll want will be the things He wants us to have. Another good passage is 2 Chronicles 7:14, which states, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” The latter part of the verse is speaking of the blessings they desperately needed because they and their land were under a curse.
Let 2010 be the year you get to know God on a more intimate basis. Talk to Him and tell Him your problems and desires and let Him speak to you through His Spirit and His Word. You will find that it will change your life! Not only that, blessings will come your way as well. I am reminded of King David. David was known as a man after God’s own heart. This means that He was a man who sought the face of God. After David sinned with Bathsheba and God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David, God said to David through Nathan, "You are the man. Thus says the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gaveyou’re your master's house, and your master's wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee [more] (2 Sam 12:7-8).” David repented and was spared the fate of Saul. God did not kill him nor take the Kingdom away from him. Vow to be a man/woman like David—a person after God’s own heart.
If you seek after the face of God, you can have what is in His hand. What is in His hand? Ask any child—“He has the whole world in His hand.”
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
This is a classic hymn that is sung in many churches. The chorus simply goes:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus/ look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grown strangely dim/ in the light of His glory and grace.
What does this song tell us? It tells us that we should keep our eyes upon Jesus. You might think that that’s a no-brainer, but how many Christians know to do this but don’t. When we set our minds upon Jesus, then the problems of this world will seem trivial. This is because when we focus on Him, 1) we realize that there is nothing that He can’t handle and 2) we realize the futility of worrying about ‘stuff’.
Don’t get me wrong, I know that your ‘stuff’ is important to you as is my ‘stuff’’ to me. The thing that we must not forget is that the 'stuff' we worry about won’t likely be an issue 10 years from now. (I’m sure you don’t remember what you were worried about 10 years ago.) It certainly won’t be an issue a million years from now. So what is the benefit of worrying? If you can’t do anything about the problem or you’ve done all you can about the problem, then worrying about it won’t accomplish anything else. You are accomplishing as much worrying as you are taking a walk without getting out of your chair. Just put the problem in God’s hand and leave it there!
The Holy Spirit gave me the perfect definition for worry—meditating on the problem and not the solution. There is even scripture to support this. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” In this passage Paul was telling us about how to get peace—the opposite of worry. Our minds are at peace when follow God’s plan. When we think on the other things, that’s when the stree set in.
Similarly, Jesus said in Matthew 6, when we focus on what we are going to eat and what we are going to wear and where are going to sleep, we are worrying. But when we set our eyes on Jesus, we don’t worry about these things. When we focus on Him, then we trust him even if it means going without or sleeping outdoors. It is better for us to eat bugs and sleep in the mud with God, than to eat lobster and sleep in a palace on a pillow-top mattress without Him.
You might say, ‘Easier said than done.” This is true. We are not patient people and many are not passive people. We have to be doing something. I think this is one reason why women outlive men. Men are Mr. Fix-its. When we can’t fix it, we worry because we need to be doing something but there is nothing to do. Women are wired differently so the desire to fix it isn’t as strong in them, which likely translates into less stress. In any regard, whether you are a male or female, you’ve got to give worry up. The return on your investment isn’t worth it.
When Peter stepped out of the boat, everything was fine as long as He kept his eyes on Jesus. He wasn’t worried about the waves or the laws of physics or anything else. It wasn’t until he took his eyes off Jesus that he began to fall, fret, and flail. Likewise, as long as we keep our eyes upon Jesus, we too will find life abundant and full of peace.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus/ look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grown strangely dim/ in the light of His glory and grace.
What does this song tell us? It tells us that we should keep our eyes upon Jesus. You might think that that’s a no-brainer, but how many Christians know to do this but don’t. When we set our minds upon Jesus, then the problems of this world will seem trivial. This is because when we focus on Him, 1) we realize that there is nothing that He can’t handle and 2) we realize the futility of worrying about ‘stuff’.
Don’t get me wrong, I know that your ‘stuff’ is important to you as is my ‘stuff’’ to me. The thing that we must not forget is that the 'stuff' we worry about won’t likely be an issue 10 years from now. (I’m sure you don’t remember what you were worried about 10 years ago.) It certainly won’t be an issue a million years from now. So what is the benefit of worrying? If you can’t do anything about the problem or you’ve done all you can about the problem, then worrying about it won’t accomplish anything else. You are accomplishing as much worrying as you are taking a walk without getting out of your chair. Just put the problem in God’s hand and leave it there!
The Holy Spirit gave me the perfect definition for worry—meditating on the problem and not the solution. There is even scripture to support this. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” In this passage Paul was telling us about how to get peace—the opposite of worry. Our minds are at peace when follow God’s plan. When we think on the other things, that’s when the stree set in.
Similarly, Jesus said in Matthew 6, when we focus on what we are going to eat and what we are going to wear and where are going to sleep, we are worrying. But when we set our eyes on Jesus, we don’t worry about these things. When we focus on Him, then we trust him even if it means going without or sleeping outdoors. It is better for us to eat bugs and sleep in the mud with God, than to eat lobster and sleep in a palace on a pillow-top mattress without Him.
You might say, ‘Easier said than done.” This is true. We are not patient people and many are not passive people. We have to be doing something. I think this is one reason why women outlive men. Men are Mr. Fix-its. When we can’t fix it, we worry because we need to be doing something but there is nothing to do. Women are wired differently so the desire to fix it isn’t as strong in them, which likely translates into less stress. In any regard, whether you are a male or female, you’ve got to give worry up. The return on your investment isn’t worth it.
When Peter stepped out of the boat, everything was fine as long as He kept his eyes on Jesus. He wasn’t worried about the waves or the laws of physics or anything else. It wasn’t until he took his eyes off Jesus that he began to fall, fret, and flail. Likewise, as long as we keep our eyes upon Jesus, we too will find life abundant and full of peace.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
On Spiritual Gifts
I must admit this week’s study on spiritual gifts has been a challenging one. I was one of those who had that old school view that spiritual gift inventories helped guide you in the direction of church ministry. When in reality, it is the Holy Spirit who gives an assignment and the gift for the assignment.
There were two things in last week’s study that stood out to me. The first is the difference between spiritual gifts and talents. I’ve always known that there’s a difference between the two but I’ve always considered a talent to be something like singing, being able to play a musical instrument, even cooking. I never thought of my being able to teach as more likely being a talent rather than a gift and that my spiritual gift might be something else, which the Holy Spirit could use in conjunction with my talent/gift for teaching.
Another thing that stood out to me was the fact that the gifts might change over time. As Jerry said in class, just because you can do something this time doesn’t mean that you will always be able to do the same thing. The secret is to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. As Henry Blackaby said in his Experiencing God study, when the Holy Spirit reveals to you a need or a ministry, that’s God invitation to you to join Him in what He is doing.
I suppose that this is why the statement he made on page 32 is so significant. He wrote: “Don’t look at your abilities and natural talents and serve only in those areas you feel competent. If you do, you’ll eliminate yourself from significant areas of service.” We may not all have a burning bush experience, but God does invite us to join Him in His work. I am convinced that He could use us like He used the Old Testament patriarchs, taking them to foreign lands or to stand before kings, only if we are willing—for He is able. First, we must be willing to talk to the people we live with and work with before He can trust us in something bigger.
One reason why this rang a bell for me is because Saturday night, my three-year and I was watching Veggie Tales and they were doing the story of Gideon. Gideon was a man who God was calling to lead an army. But Gideon didn’t see it. He wasn’t a soldier and he wasn’t a commander. In fact, he seemed to lack courage. But he decided to trust God and go, even though God kept shrinking his army. If he had only thought about what he was good at or what he could do, he would have eliminated himself from this significant area of service. No one would have ever known his name.
What is your area of service? What would God have you do? It used to be said that God would not call you to do something you wouldn’t like. It’s not the liking that the measure, but the gifting. If it is something that causes you to take pause and say, “God, are you sure?”, then you’re likely looking in the right direction. Otherwise, we must ask the question, are we serving for God’s purpose or our own?
There were two things in last week’s study that stood out to me. The first is the difference between spiritual gifts and talents. I’ve always known that there’s a difference between the two but I’ve always considered a talent to be something like singing, being able to play a musical instrument, even cooking. I never thought of my being able to teach as more likely being a talent rather than a gift and that my spiritual gift might be something else, which the Holy Spirit could use in conjunction with my talent/gift for teaching.
Another thing that stood out to me was the fact that the gifts might change over time. As Jerry said in class, just because you can do something this time doesn’t mean that you will always be able to do the same thing. The secret is to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. As Henry Blackaby said in his Experiencing God study, when the Holy Spirit reveals to you a need or a ministry, that’s God invitation to you to join Him in what He is doing.
I suppose that this is why the statement he made on page 32 is so significant. He wrote: “Don’t look at your abilities and natural talents and serve only in those areas you feel competent. If you do, you’ll eliminate yourself from significant areas of service.” We may not all have a burning bush experience, but God does invite us to join Him in His work. I am convinced that He could use us like He used the Old Testament patriarchs, taking them to foreign lands or to stand before kings, only if we are willing—for He is able. First, we must be willing to talk to the people we live with and work with before He can trust us in something bigger.
One reason why this rang a bell for me is because Saturday night, my three-year and I was watching Veggie Tales and they were doing the story of Gideon. Gideon was a man who God was calling to lead an army. But Gideon didn’t see it. He wasn’t a soldier and he wasn’t a commander. In fact, he seemed to lack courage. But he decided to trust God and go, even though God kept shrinking his army. If he had only thought about what he was good at or what he could do, he would have eliminated himself from this significant area of service. No one would have ever known his name.
What is your area of service? What would God have you do? It used to be said that God would not call you to do something you wouldn’t like. It’s not the liking that the measure, but the gifting. If it is something that causes you to take pause and say, “God, are you sure?”, then you’re likely looking in the right direction. Otherwise, we must ask the question, are we serving for God’s purpose or our own?
Friday, February 6, 2009
CHEAP GRACE
21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”- John 4:21-24
I believe this is another one of those misapplied or misused texts in the Bible. This is the text that comes to mind when people say, ‘I don’t have to go to church to worship God. I can worship Him at home or anywhere.’ This is true. The problem comes in when Christians use it as an excuse not to go to church. To miss out on going to church is to miss out on a blessing. People who often say such things know that worshipping God is the farthest thing on their mind when they are not at church. Forgive me, but I don’t see people praising God for their car while they are busy washing it or their yard while they’re cutting it. I doubt they thank God for the beautiful earth while they are putting on the back nine or praise Him for the hole-in-one.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying one must be in church every time the doors are open. There are times when a person must miss. They may be out of town, ill, tending a sick child, or have some other reason. This is directed towards people who habitually miss and who use that scripture as a loophole for not going to church when the real reason they miss has more to do with a desire not to be there than anything else. People say that the ones who live like this are living on cheap grace.
Whether you call it cheap grace or “easy believism”, it essentially says that all you have to do to be saved is to believe in Jesus, be baptized, and you’re in. I call it false faith. The Bible teaches that we are to believe on Jesus and we will be saved. A lot of people merely believe in Jesus. That may have been my problem. When I joined the church in 1984, I believe I did so because I believed in Jesus. It wasn’t until I was in college until I was saved because I believed on Jesus. Here’s the difference;
Believe in Jesus, I did something.
Believe on Jesus, someone other than me did something.
People who don’t go to church but call themselves Christians are just fooling themselves, in my opinion. I do not believe church attendance to be any more optional than church membership. By attending church, we are constantly exposed to the Word of God, encouraged by other believers, find accountability, and receive prayer support. These are just a few benefits of church attendance.
When Jesus made those statements to the Samaritan woman, He was merely pointing out the fact that the worship of God would not be bound to one place. As priests of God, we will be able to worship Him anywhere because He is in us and He is with us.
Those who follow cheap grace should be careful. It is true that grace is free. It is true that we are no longer under the law. But grace has freed us from being bound to ritualistic practices to being able to reflect the image of Jesus. Early every morning, Jesus was up with the Lord. He didn’t avoid church. Instead, He dedicated time to it.
So, you might ask, what’s the big deal about going to church? My question is, how can you call yourself a Christian and not want to worship God and fellowship with His Saints? Lack of church attendance may be a sign of a more serious spiritual problem. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruit.” Lack of fruit can be a sign of either lack of spiritual growth or lack of faith. Those who do not go to church regularly are not likely to study their Bibles, sing praises to God, provide services to His Kingdom, or lead others to faith in Him. If there are no signs of spiritual growth and no evidence of faith, then one what bases does one claim salvation?
If all it takes is a prayer and a handshake to get into the Kingdom, then heaven should not be able to contain all the people who have walked an aisle. God isn’t interested in a membership card as much as He is a contrite heart and a changed life, all evidence of salvation.
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