Monday Morning 12/3/2012

What’s on your Christmas list this year? Did you or someone you know set up the tent to wait outside Best Buy to be the first in line to get the latest TV? I have one thing on my Christmas list. The best gift anyone can give me is to tell me they told someone else about Jesus Christ as Savior.  But, at the same time I know God’s Christmas list has two things. One is to love HIM with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength and the other is to LOVE EACH OTHER. It seems all we get is trouble and stress and frustration. What does God get? Does he get our best? Or does He get what’s left over?

Celebrate Christmas the way God celebrates Christmas. Angels declared, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, peace.” That would be great wouldn’t it? That’s how God celebrated. God had a Christmas party and the Angels came to sing! But instead of praising and thanking we say, “What more can you do for me?” and the problems start to show up; the bills, the family fights. Where’s the peace?

 I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this: There's no such thing as a trouble-free life. Yet there is something inside each one of us that expects things to go smoothly in whatever we do. This would include our “Christmas” celebration. We save, we plan, we make every effort and we don’t want any “bumps in the road” that disrupt us on our way to our goal. In His perfect all-knowing mind, God says that these “speed bumps” are normal and will be used to draw us closer to him if we stay focused on Him. He wants us to slow down a bit even now, at Christmas, and give Him a chance to celebrate.

There are even those who think that when a person becomes a Christian, God removes the struggles from their life. It's not long before disappointment sets in, as they discover that instead of less trouble, they may have more. This could be because God is in the process of cleansing and changing old attitudes and habits that do not fit in a believer's life.

We all want success in what we do. True success is not to be measured in terms of what we can do or not do. Success is not measured in what other can see us doing. True success is how God reveals Himself through us to others.

We are the redeemed sons and daughters of God. We belong to Him. He is our Lord and Savior. He redeemed us by His blood.  He has given us all a trust - a work. The most basic one is the great commission - to share the Gospel. All of us have different calling. Some called to be pastors, some teachers, some evangelists. Not everyone can do these jobs, but we all have something to do. Whatever it is God calls us to do, it is God’s work and we are his servants.

For example, God prepared Paul to give his entire life to serve Christ. He started out as a Jewish religious leader seeking to kill Christ-followers. He met Jesus and went on to establish and encourage many churches, answer difficult theological questions, and write many doctrinal truths of the Bible. Yet his sufferings exceed anything most of us have endured. It seems unfair of God to let Paul go through so much hardship when Paul was obeying God’s plan. But it was the suffering that shaped and prepared him to be such an effective servant of Christ. Without it, he would not have developed the close relationship he had with God or been used so mightily.

What is on Paul’s Christmas list? Maybe it is “Less of me, More of Christ?” Maybe he wants just one more day to share the Gospel? Perhaps it is one more person to pick up the Gospel and bring it to the world.  Possibly he would want one more day to tell one more person about Jesus.

  

Paul faced trouble every step of his life and all because it is more joyful to endure and serve than to retreat and have a pity party for ourselves. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4 that when people curse him, he will bless them. Because that’s what Jesus would do. And when we choose to do that, God celebrates! When people want to beat him up, he will just quietly pray for them. Because that’s what Jesus would do. And when people would insult the name of Jesus, he would speak kindly to them because that’s what Jesus would do.  When we decide to let our actions become the actions Jesus would do,  God celebrates Christmas.

I don't assume to know the struggles anyone is experiencing right now, or what anyone has experienced in the past. But I can say with confidence that God can use it to draw you to Himself. The Gift of Christmas is not the TV from Best Buy. What if the last one is given away to the person in front of you in line?

Every difficulty demands a choice. That’s the gift. You can waste your suffering and be miserable, or you can let the Lord use it to change your attitude and prepare you to become His valuable and effective servant.

Monday Morning 10/22/2012

The word “Thanks,” according to some scholars, is written 41 times in the Letters of Paul. It is a picture of Paul’s heart for those in ministry, and he takes the time and effort to single out those for whom he is thankful. He is thankful not only for what they do but he is thankful for their influence and testimony to others in the name of Jesus Christ. Most times these people are not in front of ministry, but behind the scenes working faithfully in service to God.


October is set aside as “Pastor Appreciation Month.” While the most common thing to happen is for individuals and congregations to express or show appreciation for the Pastors of their churches, there is a different application also. Paul was a Pastor to many pastors and the Pastor to many churches. To Paul “Pastor Appreciation” meant a chance for himself as a Pastor, together with other Pastors, to show appreciation to those who faithfully work in ministry.

Truthfully, many of my brothers and sisters, when they are honored or praised would rather have the praise and glory go to God and have the Name of Jesus exalted rather than their own. But Paul is saying something deeper here. He is trying to say, “Act Thankfully.”

When you see a soloist in the choir or a greeter at the door; when you see the Pastor of a church with thousands of members, or someone cleaning the bathroom or taking out the garbage, act in a way to show thanks to God for that person and what they do.

Master’s Hands Deaf Church is not about me as the Pastor. It is about Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There are those to whom a word of thanks is due. I am personally thankful to these people and their willing servant’s hearts.

I am thankful:

- To my wife who has to put up with me when I am experiencing frustrations, joys, sorrows, or fatigue.

- To those who help put my ideas into motion either by media, art, printing, or action.

- To Our treasurer and assistant Treasurer who faithfully keep track of God’s money and our budget. They willingly give above and beyond what is expected.

- To our trustees who make sure things are kept on the right path and nothing gets too out of control.

- To those who share in worship by praying, offering music, and helping with the offering.

- To those who lead worship when Pastor is away.

- To those who clean the church, willingly giving of their time to make sure God’s house looks great.

- To those who sweep, shovel, help with signs, help with parking, and anything else outside the building.

- To those who set up and take down chairs and tables for special events including revival, and FABB Sundays (Fellowship and Breaking Bread).

- To those who freely use God’s gift to create special food for FABB Sundays or special events.

- To those who teach children and adults.

- To those who are willing to give up their time and travel to Master’s Hands for special work days.

- To those who faithfully come to Master’s hands only to be sent into the world to make disciples.

- To those who “think outside the box” to share the Gospel.

- To the Pastors, staff and members of Cornerstone Baptist Church for their faithful support.

When you meet one of these people, take a moment to tell them “Thank You.” Not only does it show appreciation for what they do, it helps them to know their work is important. In the same way, that faithful work influences others to get involved.

Monday Morning 10/15/2012

My Father-in-Law has been on my mind. I recently had the opportunity to drive to Pennsylvania and visit with him. For those that are not aware, this is Brenda’s dad. He is now in a nursing home in Ephrata, PA. He may be confined to a bed, but his mind and spirit are as good as ever and continue to lift up the spirits of anyone who visits with him.

I know many Godly people and my Father-in-Law ranks up there in the top three. I ran across Psalm 37 in my devotion and in my mind it’s like David knows my Father-in-Law. Psalm 37:1-8 really is a picture of Mahlon’s heart.

1 Don’t get upset about evil people.
    Don’t be jealous of those who do wrong.
2 They are like grass and other green plants
    that dry up quickly and then die.
3 So trust in the Lord and do good.
    Live on your land and be dependable.
4 Enjoy serving the Lord,
    and he will give you whatever you ask for.
5 Depend on the Lord.
    Trust in him, and he will help you.
6 He will make it as clear as day that you are right.
    Everyone will see that you are being fair.
7 Trust in the Lord and wait quietly for his help.
    Don’t be angry when people make evil plans and succeed.
8 Don’t become so angry and upset that you, too, want to do evil.

Mahlon is a Godly man. One can take several points from this Psalm of David and see Mahlon. I know in my heart Mahlon would not like me to talk this way about him. But in his humble way he impacts my life. And though I fail in so many ways, I know I can look to my Father-in-Law as an example of what it means to be Christ-like.

“Enjoy serving the Lord” (Ps. 37:4). Take delight in serving! Christians should rejoice in God and desire to walk in obedience. The Lord must have first place in our life and I know where God’s place is with Mahlon. And I thank God for his example of delightful, humble service. Even when confined to a bed, He shows delight in serving God. The many times I remember Mahlon serving, whether in the family Farm Market or in church, it was always with a smile and a willing heart.

“Depend on the Lord. Trust in Him” (v. 5). My Father-in-Law allows God to lead him in everything. And like him we must allow God to change any aspect of our ambition that is not His will. Remember that when God doesn't answer a prayer as we wish, sometimes He has something better in mind and it’s for a reason. God can still speak from a bed in a nursing home as well as He can from a burning bush.

“Trust in Him” (v. 5). Mahlon is wise, kind, and generous. God is merciful, all-knowing, kind, and generous. One thing my Father-in-law has taught me is that we can trust God with our hopes and dreams. Mahlon lives and not only tells people about Jesus but is obedient to God’s plan and shows people how to live Christ-like lives. Mahlon actually puts God’s word into action.

“Wait quietly” (v. 7). Waiting quietly means trusting God to answer prayers in His timing and in His way so they conform to His will. In chatting with Mahlon he has mentioned he doesn’t want to be a burden. I just calmly let him know he teaches us each day and for him to stay obedient to the end…whatever that is or whenever that is. God can and will use our labors here until that time he calls us to heaven.

Jesus waited thirty years before beginning His three-year ministry on earth. According to His example, waiting is one of the key principles of Christian living. Some people need to wait only a few months, and some need to wait a lifetime. Nothing is ever wasted if used for God’s glory.

Do you feel like giving up? Do you feel a like you have a burden or that you are a burden? Ask yourself this: Do your desires align with God's purpose and plan for your life?

I can say with confidence that my Father-in-Law’s example has taught this son-in-law what it means to live Christ-like. It’s not always easy or convenient to do what God wants us to do. But as Mahlon has taught me, living Christ-like is the right thing to do. I cannot speak for him, but I feel Mahlon would want you to know that God wants to give His followers abundant blessings and fullness of joy.  And more so, when you can show in your life, as Mahlon does in his, that Jesus has first place in our life, God is faithful to show Himself mighty, merciful gracious to those around us.

There is a song that says:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

I can’t say it better.

Monday Morning 9/24/2012

I have a serious question for you. It may require some thought. It might even require you to take it before God in your devotions. Here’s the question: What kind of person are you becoming through your church?"

I mean, think about it. We invite people to come to our churches for what? Do we want to reach people for Jesus? Do we invite people to come to a place of worship and learning and fellowship?  If people come to our church, what do we have to offer them? These are all important things to consider. But they are very short sighted. The real question that every person should be asking in their church is, “What kind of person have I become in my church and what will others become as a result of coming to our church?"

The answer is not about you and me. The answer is not in the numbers. The answer is not what the church can do for you and me. The answer is a changing attitude toward those around us in the community. The answer is each person becoming a successful participant in God’s work in and through us.

The demands of corporate life, family life and spiritual life are huge. All of us have given up prematurely sometime in our lives. We may have come up against a business setback, and we quit. Others of us had relational difficulties, whether with our spouse, our in-laws or our co-workers, and we’ve stopped trying to work things out. Still others have started a physical, spiritual or school program but gave up before reaching the finish line.

We live in a society and time when almost everything is handed to us without requiring us to be patient or to keep on trying. We buy our clothes off the rack. We buy our food frozen but pre-cooked. The shows on television and the movies resolve all the problems the main characters have, and they do this in a time frame that is thirty minutes to two hours in length. And recently, one can get a divorce on-line, without ever leaving home.

There is a concept that is called “flexible persistence.” This is the idea that we will do whatever it takes to do something by adjusting to individual need. Jesus and Paul both realized this. Jesus and Paul both practiced “flexible persistence.” This is why Paul wrote about flexible persistence to the church at Corinth. “God, with his mercy, gave us this work to do, so we don’t give up.” (2 Corinthians 4:1)

Not all people coming to our churches will react the same way. Non believers do not think the same way believers think. Non-church people do not act the same way as people who go to church faithfully. Those who are “different” are treated like those who are “normal” are doing a favor for them. These are the people we are becoming. Our “flexible persistence” seems to stop at the door of the church when it needs to find its place in our communities.

Sadly, flexible persistence is vanishing from our society. Flexible persistence enables us to work with difficult people in difficult situations to achieve God’s best. Flexible persistence trusts God and utilizes God-given resources to accomplish God-size goals.

Your church is called to serve people for the sake of Christ. There are many un-churched “different” people who have not heard the name of Jesus Christ. The only thing I can say is that they are not easily reached, but not impossible. God has given us this work, and with flexible persistence, they will surely be reached.

Monday Morning 9/17/2012

Pastor and author Adrian Rogers wrote this:

“Did you know that it is an impossibility of geography to have a valley without a mountain?

They are beautiful complements in God’s grand creation.
The valley is the place of vision. It is the place of repose and reflection.
The mountain is the place of discovery and a place to become strong.
If you find yourself in a valley, it is because you have come down from a mountain.

If you’re on a mountain, you came to that place by way of the valley.”

How do you deal with the mountains and valleys of “life?” We all have days where we want to shout how great things are. Things are going along pleasantly, and we feel good about ourselves and the world around us. Then something comes up and we feel kicked to the curb, overwhelmed and that this is just a horrible, terrible, not good, very bad day. One minute we’re on the mountaintop and the next we’re passing through that valley that feels like, as the writer of Psalm 23 writes, “The valley of the shadow of death.”

The writer of Psalms 41 must have felt like he was in a pressure cooker and couldn’t catch a break. So he wrote from his heart the words of the Psalms as he sought to deal with the stresses of his life. But one theme stands out. “God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

And he’s right. Think about it. In today’s world can seem next to impossible to just catch a break. But there is some truth to how our trust in God can make all the difference in how we are able to handle the things that may happen to us in life.

We feel we are stuck in the valley and no end is in sight. Nations are in an uproar. Mankind seems to be falling apart. Our personal lives are under attack from many sides. But we, as Christians, don’t have to be stuck in a valley. The God of the Valley is also the God the mountaintop.

Do you realize what the Psalmist is saying? He seems to be saying that in the middle of everything he has decided that he will no longer let his life be filled with stress and anxiety. Why? It’s for one reason:  “God is my refuge and my strength."

I wonder if we have forgotten how to relax. We are so wrapped up in what’s happening around us. We feel we must tell others how to live their lives. The psalmist says later, “God says, “Stop fighting and know that I am God! I am the one who defeats the nations; I am the one who controls the world.” (Psalm 46:10)

God is always near and available to us. God is always available and concerned with what we have to say. Some of our problems may be superficial, but others are deep. God can and will help us. So talk to Him! Then listen to Him through His Word find out what he has to say!

God’s power is greater than anything this world can offer. He alone controls the wind, storms, earthquakes, and volcanoes. There is no greater power. God’s power is sufficient to win the victory over all the enemies that come our way. So don’t be afraid to ask for His help.

Always remember this: Whether we at the peak of a mountain or whether we are in a valley. God’s help works even when we can’t help ourselves. Remember as we climb up the mountain, as we reach the peak, everything around us is a valley. And at the same time when we are in a valley it looks like we could never climb out. Everything around us is a mountain.

Have you felt weak lately? Have you felt like there are too many stresses and that you’re about ready to explode? God’s help is available, and all you have to do is reach out for it, and grab hold.

If Jesus is not Lord and Savior of your life, please realize that He wants you to come to Him, accepting His love, receiving His forgiveness, and becoming a part of His family. God is with us in the valley and on the mountaintop. Don’t wait another day.