Jun 26

It All Started With Prayer

Most Bible students are familiar with the story of the transfiguration–it is the time when Christ’s face shines like the sun and his clothes radiate white on a mountain top (Mat. 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-10; Luke 9:28-37). Moses and Elijah appear on the mountain to speak with Jesus about his coming departure from this world (Luke 9:31). Jesus’ three closest disciples–Peter, James, and John–witness this event.

Did you know that this event could have never happened if Jesus hadn’t been praying? That’s right; this incredible event happened because Jesus went up to a mountain to pray during the night. The disciples were heavy asleep, but became fully awake when they saw the Lord glorified and two men from previous eras standing with him (Luke 9:32).

Christ needed encouragement. He needed counsel and strength on dealing with his impending crucifixion. He knew time was drawing nigh for him to make his exit from this world. So he went up to a mountain to pray! He was anxious and in need of time with his Father, so he goes to a mountain to pray.

It is while praying–the text specifically says,”as he was praying”–that the Father transfigures Christ, sends encouragers, and bestows his approval with a thundering voice from the cloud! There is power in prayer. Prayer changes heaven and earth! Prayer causes God to respond to our needs.

How many blessings do we miss out on because we do not pray? What would happen in your life if you determined to pray? The transfiguration event started because of prayer. What will God start in your life today because you were praying?

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Jun 19

Grasshopper Mentality

Joshua and Caleb were ready to conquer the promised land. But ten other leaders who had gone with them to spy out the land feared the Canaanites. They encouraged Moses and the people of Israel to not invade the land. Their reasoning is seen in their statement “we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them” (Num. 13:33). This statement illustrates their faulty perspective. A proper perspective, grounded in reality and accurate before God is essential for making good decisions. Notice two flaws in a grasshopper mentality that we see displayed in the ten rebellious spies.

First, a grasshopper mentality causes us to lose proper perspective by comparing ourselves with others. The spies were intimidated by the Canaanite peoples. They said they were giants. They thought they were a “devouring” people who would destroy them in battle (Num. 13:32). When we compare ourselves with others we typically fall into one of two ditches. We either think too highly of ourselves by finding others we judge less than ourselves, or we think too lowly of ourselves by finding others we judge higher than ourselves. Paul admonished us to not give in to this foolish behavior of comparing ourselves with others (2 Cor. 10:12). Christians must seek our primary validation from God. The ten spies led Israel into forty years of wandering in the wilderness and the passing of their entire generation because they inaccurately compared themselves with others. In truth, they rejected God’s view of them, choosing rather to faithlessly compare themselves with God’s enemies.

Second, a grasshopper mentality causes us to lose proper perspective by assuming false ideas about what others think of us. Remarkably, the spies didn’t only make a judgment about themselves, they also made a judgment about what the Canaanites thought about them. Somehow they got it into their heads that the Canaanites thought they were like grasshoppers. It makes you wonder if they asked the Canaanites, “What do you think about us?” I highly doubt they took opinion poles as they were spying out the land. Actually, we find out later from Rehab while she is hiding some future spies that the Canaanites greatly feared the Israelites (Josh. 2:8-11). They made a huge mistake all because of the false assumption they made, which was actually completely wrong! How many times do we do the same thing? We assume someone doesn’t like us, said something about us, or is out to get us. But often we are completely wrong. You see when our thinking is based on faulty perspective, what we believe others think is also tainted.

An accurate perspective grounded in reality and who we are before God is necessary for proper decision making. We must understand ourselves well in order to lead ourselves and others well. Do you have a grasshopper mentality? Stop comparing yourself to everyone else and stop assuming, often wrongly, what others think of you.

———————–

Source – The Top Ten Leadership Conversations in the Bible by Steve Moore – ch. 2

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Jun 11

Three Ways to Be a Barnabas!

His birth name was Joseph, but you likely know him as Barnabas. Barnabas was his nickname given to him by the Apostles because it means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). He was so encouraging and energizing that they gave him that title or nickname! This is a quality all of us can develop! All of us can be encouragers. Encouraging became a habit for Barnabas. It was who he was! Notice three examples of his lifestyle that we can imitate.

First, Barnabas was a sacrificial giver (Acts 4:36-37). Barnabas sold a field and gave the proceeds to the Apostles to distribute to those in need. This was a significant act of sacrifice. This act encouraged others and was so esteemed in the early church that Ananias and Sapphira tried to imitate it through deception (Acts 5:1-11). Giving to others is a great way to encourage. What have you given lately?

Second, Barnabas was a trusted bridge-builder during suspicion times. When Paul first became a Christian after being a persecutor of the church, the early church was reluctant to trust his sudden conversion story. But Barnabas testified to the Apostles of his sincere change and built trust in the relationship (Acts 9:27-28). Being a Barnabas means being a bridge-builder in relationships. He was a peace-maker and unifying presence, rather than a perpetuator of fear and division. Who have you expressed belief in lately?

Third, Barnabas was a mentor to future leaders. He took men with potential, poured his experience and wisdom into them and let them outgrow and out perform him. Barnabas will take Paul under his wings, and allow him to slowly become the leader and great apostle. Young John Mark let Paul down on a previous trip causing Paul to not want to take him on another missionary journey (Acts 15:37-40). But Barnabas sees his potential and separates from Paul to take Mark with him. Later, Paul will need Mark again noting his usefulness to the cause of Christ (2 Tim. 4:11). Barnabas had given him a second chance and it paid off! Who are you developing and mentoring?

Barnabas is an under-appreciated character in the New Testament. Yet, fourteen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are written by men he helped to build. He was a servant-leader who facilitated the success of others. He had no problem moving from first chair to second chair. You and I can be an encourager like Barnabas! Let’s make a difference in the lives of others through the simple act of encouragment.

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May 30

It’s the Church’s Job to Grow Kids Spiritually

Luke tells us that Jesus grew in four areas (Luke 2:52):

  • Wisdom [mentally, academically]
  • Stature [physically, athletically, health]
  • Favor with man [socially, kindness, relationships]
  • Favor with God [spiritually, knowledge and fear of God, obedience]

Kids today still have a responsibility to grow in each of these areas. Each of them take effort and work. As a culture we work hard to provide growth for our youth, knowing the future depends upon their development. Our schools strive for excellence in academic growth. Our health departments,YMCA’s and athletic organizations provide physical and athletic development. Parents are very concerned and spend thousands of dollars to provide academic and athletic development. We also value the social development of our youth which is incorporated into both academics and athletics.

But who develops the spiritual lives of our children? It is the responsibility of the church! Primarily it is the duty of Christian parents (Eph. 6:1-4). But I am including the work of parents and grandparents when I use the term church. In our culture the school and organizations take care of the academic, athletic, and social development, but they are not generally concerned with the spiritual development. It is not their job, in fact many times they work in opposition to their spiritual development. They teach ideas contrary to the Bible. They compete directly with the time and affection of the child. The sole responsibility for the spiritual awareness, development, and accountability of the children in our nation belongs upon the shoulders of the church.

It is not the school’s job! It is not the athletic organization’s job. It is not the scout troop’s job. It is the church’s job. It is the responsibility of Christians to care about the souls of the youth. Christian parents and grandparents must care more about their spiritual development than they do the other three areas. It is the spiritual foundation that is the bedrock and building foundation for all other development. Churches must have a burden for the youth of our communities.

Most, if not all, of the problems we see today with our youth, issues such as sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, suicide, gun violence, and low self-worth, are coming from the failure of our youth to develop spiritually. They are smart academically. They are incredible athletes. They know how to socialize and connect through social media with others. BUT they do not know God! They don’t even know they have a soul! They don’t know where they are from, why they are here, or where they are going!

The only people they have the responsibility of changing this fact is the church! We need to fall on our knees in prayer. We need to see every child in our communities as a child we have a responsibility for educating spiritually. Let’s get busy; this generation of children is depending upon us!

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May 28

Even Jesus Had to Grow!

Some growing is easy! A child doesn’t have to think to make themselves add on inches to their height. For most of us adults growing around the waistline happens much easier than we want!

But most growing is difficult. It typically takes lots of work and effort. An athlete must work hard to grow in his sport. A student must study hard to grow in his knowledge. A married couple must intenionally work on their marriage to grow in their intimacy and love.

Even Jesus had to work to grow. Luke gives us a story of Jesus as a 12 year old boy. His emphasis in telling the story is to show that Christ was growing as a young boy (Luke 2:40; 52). Even though Jesus was the Son of God, his divine knowledge and abilities were limited by the bondage of human flesh (Phil. 2:5-8).

Luke says Jesus “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (2:52). The term used here for “increased” involves the idea of continuously increasing and growing. He was making progress. It is a term literally meaning “to cut toward” or “to cut forward a way.” The word picture is one of an explorer cutting a path through heavy brush and weeds. It is painstaking, backbreaking work of clearing a pathway and making progress toward a goal. There are constant obstacles that have to be removed in order to reach the goal. Jesus was working hard to grow mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually.

Jesus had to apply himself! God didn’t just give him an easy pathway. He had to put effort into growing. This is a powerful and encouraging thought for us. Growing is difficult. Its takes disciplined effort. If you want to grow in any area, be it mentally, physically, socially, or spiritually, you have to cut forward the path. You have to sweat! You have to work hard! You have to apply yourself. It doesn’t just happen. It didn’t just happen for Jesus and it won’t just happen for you.

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May 21

Aligning Your Dream with God’s Dream

Joseph dreamed two visions when he was a teen that his father and brothers would bow down to him one day. He would “reign over” them. His father rebuked him for the dreams and his brothers allowed their jealousy to turn to hatred (Gen. 37:5-11). Joseph had to live with these dreams for decades. How many times did he wonder, while he was a slave or in prison, how these dreams would be fulfilled?

What is impressive with Joseph is that he didn’t try to force their fulfillment. It was God’s dream for his life. God would bring it about in his own time. It wasn’t Joseph’s place to make it happen. God did fulfill it in an amazing and unbelievable way, a path that Joseph could never have designed (Gen. 39-45).

You need to have a dream for God. You need to ask and think big visions for the kingdom of God on earth (Eph. 3:20-21). You need to dream and plan for what you want your future to look like in a couple of decades. If you are a teen, like Joseph, your dream may involve a wonderful spouse, a family, and a job. But remember, God has a dream and purpose for your life too. Joseph reminds his brothers at the end of the story, that he is not “in the place of God” (Gen. 50:18). He stated his conviction that God used all of his setbacks and trials for good to save many lives (Gen. 50:20).

The challenge for us is to not force our dream on God’s dream! The challenge is for us to be surrendered in the peace and sovereignty of God. I am not saying we don’t work hard, but I am saying we don’t force our dream. Pray for God’s will to be done. If God shuts the door each time on your dream, maybe it is because it is not God’s dream for your life. Maybe you are chasing the wrong dream or have the wrong motives. Remember Moses’ dream was to free his people when he was forty. He started the revolution by killing an Egyptian, but he failed miserably and had to flee to the desert. God’s dream was for him to free his people when he was eighty after he had been humbled in the desert (Ex. 2-3).

Let’s follow the example of Joseph and seek to patiently align our dream with God’s dream. I can tell you this, God’s dream will always be centered on magnifying His glory and honor. It may involve setbacks, sorrows, and humiliation for us, but it is for the best because it is God’s dream!

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May 15

Finish Strong

It’s graduation season! Congratulations to all of our graduates. Graduation signals not only an ending, but a beginning. High school graduation is the launching of new adventures and new responsibilities. Starting is easy, finishing is hard! An education is a great start, but success comes from finishing what you start.

Regarding our spiritual lives, finishing strong is essential. How you live your life is important, but how you finish your life is most important! Paul taught us to finish the race (2 Tim. 4:7). Jesus instructed us to count the cost before we start something so that we will be sure to finish it (Luke 14:25-35). For the Christian, the heavenly reward and eternal inheritance comes at the end, not at the beginning or the middle. Jesus finished all he had been given to do (John 17:4). He even cried from the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Author J. Robert Clinton found that fewer than a third of the leaders in the Bible finished strong. In his study of 1,300 historical and contemporary leaders, he estimates that only about a third of them finished strong (Cole). Finishing is the toughest part of any project, just ask any homeowner!

Satan wears us down. He keeps attacking as life’s race runs onward. Graduation is a great finish start. Giving your life to Christ is a great start. Getting married is a great start. But finishing is the challenge. Determine to finish strong!

———————

Cole, Neil. Organic Leadership, 2010. p. 155

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May 07

Letting Trees Grow

I have one small tree that grows on my pond bank. I have cut it down before, but because the roots are still there it comes back and grows quickly. It doesn’t really bother me that it is growing. It is not in a place where the roots will damage the pond and I have just let it grow. I know I have a chain saw! In fact, I let numerous undesirable trees and branches grow on my farm.

I don’t look at those trees and worry about how I am going to get rid of them, which was a former concern of mine. If I had access to a saw, I would vigorously cut any tree or branch I thought I may ever want down. But now, I am empowered because of my saw. I brazenly say to the tree, “Grow if you want, I can cut you down whenever I am good and ready!”

My little power trip may sound silly to you. But I bet you have something that is similar. Some issue you used to feel pressure to deal with, but now because you can easily handle it you just let it go for now.

I think we often do the same thing in our lives with sin. We know, it should be cut down. We know, we shouldn’t allow it to continue to grow and develop. It is undesirable and isn’t going to produce anything good in our lives, but we feel empowered. We feel like we are in control. We can handle it! So we let it grow, thinking we can whip out a chainsaw and wack it down anytime we want.

Unfortunately sin doesn’t work that way. There are some real dangers and problems with letting sin just grow and hang around in your life. First, it will deceive you. You don’t really really have control over sin, you are really a slave to it (John 8:34). If you don’t cut it down when it is small, it will grow and overtake you so that you will have great difficulty cutting it down. Second, even though sin can always be cut out by the power of Christ, it will forever leave a stump. It will leave a permanent scar in your life. It leaves shame, regret, and consequences. Third, if you know the tree is sin and you are letting it grow in your life, then you are insulting the grace of God (Heb. 10:26-30). The blood of Christ is not a chainsaw to be left in our garage and pulled out when we need it to forgive our sins. God forbid! (Rom. 6:1-2). Christians should hate sin! When we know of sin in our lives, we should want to get it out of our lives as quickly as possible.

Do you have some trees growing in your life that you are neglecting to cut down? Are you thinking you don’t really have to quit those sins, because anytime you want you can turn to Jesus for forgiveness? Don’t be foolish! Repent today.

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May 02

Reasons People Delay Salvation

Isolated pure blue water

Ananias asked Paul an important question, “And now why do you wait?” (Acts 22:16). What a wonderful question to consider. Why are you waiting to be saved? Why are you waiting to give your life to Christ through belief (John 3:16), repentance (Luke 13:3), confession (Rom. 10:9-10), and baptism (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16)? Let’s consider some of the reasons people give for waiting to be saved. If you are waiting, I hope these thoughts can help you to stop waiting!

  1. Aren’t ready for commitment. Jesus taught us to count the cost (Luke 14:26-33). Baptism is a believer’s wedding ceremony. It is when you commit to Christ for life. Just like some avoid marriage because they don’t want the commitment, many refuse salvation for the same reason. They fail to realize they are already in bondage and slavery to sin (John 8:34).
  2. Believe they don’t know enough. Some seem to perceive that they have to take a Bible test before they can be saved. They feel their knowledge is inferior to Christians and the Bible seems so overwhelming. They fail to realize we are born again as a new born babe (John 3:5)! Growth and learning are expected afterwards, but only a basic level of understanding one’s own sin and Christ’s atoning death is needed for salvation (Acts 2; 8:26-40).
  3. Believe they aren’t good enough. Some are deeply convicted of their sins. They seem to want to get their life clean first and then come to Jesus. They want to prove to themselves, others, and maybe, even God, that they can live good and “deserve” salvation. This is a gross misunderstanding of the grace of God (Rom. 3:23-26, 5:8-10). No-one is good enough (Rom. 3:23, 6:23). We turn to Christ for help and strength who promises to clean up our lives and empower us to live holy lives (Phil. 4:13).
  4. Fear crowds and the public nature of conversion. Some expect their baptism to be before the whole church or fear walking before an entire church assembly. They also understand that their decision will be broadcast to their friends and family, which can cause them trepidation and fear worried about what they may think or say. While this fear is legitimate and understandable, it must be overcome. It may be that they person needs to be baptism in a more private setting or speak to the preacher after service instead of going forward. But the person must also realize that a part of salvation is publicly and proudly acknowledging Christ as Lord (Mat. 10:32-33).
  5. Fear the expectation to lead and serve in certain Christian duties. Some have watched the roles Christians play for years. They see men leading in public worship or taking on leadership roles in the church. Christian women are involved in serving and leading various ministries. A potential convert may fear they will be expected to assume the same roles. Some men actually delay salvation for fear they would be called upon to lead a public prayer or read Scripture. A proper understanding of talents and gifts is needed. Each Christian has unique gifts and abilities which they are to use for Christ (Rom. 12:4-8). They are not expected to do what others do, but what they can do for Christ.
  6. Love sin and don’t want to change. Some delay salvation because they aren’t ready to give up the life of sin. They understand they would need to repent and they desire to live in sin (2 Tim. 4:10). This person needs to seriously consider the value of their soul (Mat. 16:26-27).
  7. Because they have bought into the world’s thoughts that all good people go to heaven. The common cultural thought is that everyone goes to heaven. I fear many rationalize and ease their guilty conscience by feeling like they are okay. They are a “good moral” person. God is good and will surely save them. They fail to realize they are lost without obedience to Christ (2 Thes. 1:7-9)

The real question is not “Why do others delay salvation?”, the real question is “Why do you delay salvation?” Please do not delay! Do as Ananias encouraged Paul, “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16).

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Apr 23

Gaining Easy Victories

In 1996, Josh Clark wanted to give people easy victories so they could find joy in jogging. What an ambitious goal! After persevering through several failed attempts he had learned to enjoy jogging and the benefits that came with it. He developed a plan to give would-be runners easy victories by attaining small, manageable goals. He called his plan “Couch to 5K.” It involved a 9 week plan of three workouts each week. He posted his plan to a website in 1997 and it took off! Years later, hundreds of thousands have participated in the “C25K” as it is now known. The program multiplies the milestones of accomplishments, and in so doing multiplies the pride each participant experiences. They gain easy victories each day and ultimately are able to reach their goal of running a 5K!

Let me encourage you to seek to gain easy victories in your spiritual life. Too often we start out with great goals, but they are so far away and overwhelming in their nature that we eventually become discouraged and quit. For example, how many of us have already quit our Bible reading program we started in January? How many of us hear a sermon on prayer and determine to pray for so long each day only to remain in old patterns? How many consistently neglect worship and Bible study with the church because they feel overwhelmed by the time commitment necessary?

The secret to spiritual growth is giving yourself easy victories on your plan. Develop a manageable plan and take pride in each goal checked off the list. For example, if you have never read through the entire Bible rather than biting off this gigantic goal start by reading through the Gospel of Mark or the wonderful book of James. It is manageable and fulfilling. You can systematically work through New Testament books until you finish the entire New Testament. It builds momentum and pride. If you aren’t accustomed to praying very often, begin with a manageable goal of praying before each meal and before you go to sleep at night for two straight weeks. Don’t focus on the length of the prayers, but on simply talking to God. You can accomplish the goal and it will help you build toward the larger goal of being a person of prayer everyday!

Give this idea some thought for your life. What large goal do you want to accomplish in your spiritual life, that can be attained through small, easy victories? Use this simple technique to grow closer to God!

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

**Idea from The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath. p. 158-162

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