Thursday Humor: "Perils of Childhood" by Tim Hawkins

I thought this clip was kind of funny. I hope you like it.

The Fortunate One

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:1-2).

What does it mean to be blessed? It can mean to be happy or fortunate or favored. I think Psalm 1:6 explains why this person is blessed. They are blessed because God watches over the righteous. He protects them.

The Psalmist sets out two types of people: the righteous and the wicked.  The righteous is described first in what he doesn't do, and then by what he does do. The righteous person doesn't get caught up in sinners way of life. He doesn't take life coaching from an evil person. Instead, he delights in the Word of God, and keeps it in his mind.

The wicked person lets sin take control of their life. Eventually, they will be blown away by the judgement of God. They have no share in the people of God. In the end, God will separate them from his people (see Matt. 13:24-30; 25:31-46).

If we want to enjoy a continuously fruitful life, then we must meditate on the Word of the Lord night and day. If we are steeped in the Word, then we can be confident that God's purpose will prosper in us. When we delight in the Lord, we will meditate on his word.

Hymns: Worthy Is the Lamb

I find Revelation 4-5 fascinating. The images of heavenly worship stir my imagination. I feel captivated by John's testimony. I long to see the Lamb and the One seated on the throne. I want to see the splendor of God's glory. I long to sing the "new song" in heaven:

You are worthy to take the scroll

and to open its seals,

because you were slaughtered,

and You redeemed people

for God by Your blood

from every tribe and language

and people and nation.

You made them a kingdom

and priests to our God,

and they will reign on earth (Rev. 5:9-10).

And again to sing, "The Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing" (Rev. 5:12). This song, "Worthy Is the Lamb," makes me think about Revelation 5. It's a really good song. I hope you enjoy the video.

FAQs Mondays: How Did God's People Get Saved Before Jesus Came?

Last week, we answered the question, "Who will be saved?". You can read that post here. Today, we will seek to answer the questions, "How did God's people get saved before Jesus came?".

How were godly persons saved before the coming of Christ?

They believed in the Savior to come.

How did they show their faith?

By offering sacrifices on God's altar.

What did these sacrifices represent? 

Christ, the Lamb of God, who was to die for sinners.

Through the catechism, we learn that God's people were saved by trusting in the coming Christ. The looked for a Savior from heaven. They trusted God's great promises. Their faith was demonstrated by their actions.

Next week, we answer the question: What does Christ doe for his people? Feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

Sunday Recap 6-26-11

Morning: The sermon, "Plenty of Work to Go Around," focused on Matthew 9:35-38. In this passage, Matthew offers a helpful summary of the ministry of Jesus. He explains Jesus' mission: to teach, preach, and heal. He explains Jesus' vision. When Jesus saw the world, he saw helpless, harassed sheep that desperately needed him. Matthew then explains Jesus' solution for the continued need. Jesus told us to ask God to send out workers into the field. The context suggest that we, his disciples, are the workers to be send. The Lord's mission is our mission. We need his vision to be our vision. We are called to be the solution.

Evening: We looked at Galatians 5:1-6. Paul reminds us that we have been set free, for freedom's sake. We should never allow ourselves to drift into legalism (or lawlessness). Instead, we must live our faith through love.

An Affinity with Creativity

Creativity is part of the human experience. It has to be. Human's were brought to life in an act of creation. We were formed and fashioned to be the image-bearers of our Creator. As image-bearers, we were given dominion over the world, and called to subdue it. Human creativity and the resultant activity only make sense in a created world.

Creativity is often seen as the realm of the artist. Writers, painters, musicians, and others spring to mind when we hear the word creativity. But explorers, scientists, inventors, and more are no less creative. In a seemingly infinite universe, human curiosity is free to investigate, explore, categorize, and shape the creation. These tasks are the exercises of the dominion of man.

An artist can take a piece of marble, and fashion from that cold stone a masterpiece of form and design, that leaves others marveling at his ingenuity and ability. And in a perfect world, such artistry would ultimately lead to the praise of God, who formed and fashioned the artist. At the same time, a scientist can look through a microscope and decode the blueprints of the human gene, and the world is astonished at such brilliance. Again, in a perfect world, people would then turn to God in praise, because he not only created the scientist through whose brain such a discovery was made, he also made the blueprint.

Most of humanity strives toward creativity. Some people quilt or sew, other build and tinker, some write and others cook. The drive towards creativity is not always conscious. We often don't know that we are doing it. The image of God, though deformed by sin, is still present within us. On occasion, it still shines forth. That is not to say that everything mankind creates reflects the image of God. But we are clearly driven to create, categorize, and change things.

We have an affinity with creativity because we were made to reflect the Creator's glory. We feel a certain sense of accomplishment when we make or fix something. Because of our affinity with creativity, we recognize those with talent and their accomplishments. We even seek to improve our own skills in a pursuit for excellence. We were created with a capacity for creativity, and called to use it. How do you use your creativity?

Learning to Wait

Tom Petty once sang, "The waiting is the hardest part." I tend to agree with him. It seems that life is mostly about waiting. Even at work or play, waiting is part of the process. Whether we want to wait or not, (and usually we don't), we are going to have to wait.

Sophia is impatient. If she gets thirsty, it's right now. The pronouncement is followed by a move closely related to the two-step. It's like a hostile pee-pee dance, complete with tears. During these moments, we encourage her to wait (or sometimes we rush to do what she wants so she'll quit throwing her fit--we're trying to stop doing this. It's bad).

I have found myself growing impatient with Sophia's impatience. I tend to get grumpy, and then I snap. I realize that the best way to instill patience in a child is to model patience for them (along with heavy doses of instruction, practice, and correction). The fact is I don't like to wait. I want to eat when I'm hungry; I want a drink when I'm thirsty. I have learned how to wait (I'm not an expert, but I have had to wait some). I also know it has taken me a long time to get this far. Yet, I want my daughter to be an expert at waiting at 3.

I realize that such a desire is irrational. There are very few people who like waiting. We live in an instant society where people are annoyed by the few seconds it takes their emails to open on their phones. We get mad if we have to wait on our order at McDonald's. How is a three year old suppose to learn patience in this culture? How is a thirty-five year old supposed to get any better at it?

The Scriptures call us to wait upon the Lord. We are to cultivate stillness. Rest is supposed to be woven into the fabric of our lives. Patience is a spiritual muscle that is strengthened by adversity. It can be developed, but it costs. Learning to wait may not be pleasant, but it is important.

How do you develop your patience? How have you improved your waiting skills? Leave a comment. I'll be waiting to hear from you.

Thursday Humor: Julian Smith "Jump"

I thought this was as funny video. It did, however, make me wonder if I'll ever give someone a jump. Check it out.

Seeking to Please God

"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Ps. 19:14).

In this verse, David reminds us of the heart-mouth connection. The heart is another term for inner man. Jesus tells us, "For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:45; Luke 6:45; see also Mark 7:20-23). The heart is the source of problems. As Jeremiah reminds us the heart "deceitful above all things" and "beyond cure" (see Jer. 17:9-10).

If the meditations of our heart are to be pleasing to the Lord, then we have to begin with a new heart. The Lord is the source of our new heart (see Ezek. 36:25-29). The Bible calls it a lot of things: circumcision of the heart, new birth, or putting on Christ to name a few. The important thing is that we become new creatures (see 2 Cor. 5:17).

Once we have come to the Lord in faith, we have to determine to please the Lord. Like David, we have to make pleasing the Lord the central focus of our lives.

The next step is to follow through. David had determined to please God, and he took kept at it. He fixed his mind on God, so that the ordinary things of life drew him into praising God. David's prayer was for the right thoughts that led to the right words.

Finally, we must rest in God. David called on the LORD, the God of the covenant. He was expressing his faith in God's faithfulness. He looked to God as his Rock, a source of strength and shelter. He saw God as his Redeemer ready to rescue him.

David gives us a good framework for seeking to please God. He reminds us that God desires a pure heart, and that only God can give us that heart. How do you seek to please God?

Spiritual Songs: "Far Away" by Lecrae

This song was originally released after the earthquake in Haiti last year. The song captures the desperation that often comes with tragedy, but ends with a message of hope. While it may see that God is far away when disaster strikes, nothing could be farther from the truth. Proceeds from "Far Away" went to help the Haiti relief efforts.

This is an awesome song. I'm posting it in honor of my parents. They are in Haiti this week on a mission trip with a group from their church. Please pray for the group as they labor to share God's love and his Word with the people of Haiti. May God bless their efforts. I hope you enjoy the song.

FAQs Mondays: Who Will Be Saved?

Due to a problem with my internet, I didn't post a FAQs Monday post last week. The question we investigated two weeks ago was, "What does Jesus' death accomplish?" We learned that it accomplished a lot. You can read that post here. Now, we turn to answering the question, "Who will be saved?"

Who will be saved?

Only those who repent of sin and believe in Christ.

What is it to repent?

To be sorry for sin, and hate and reject it because it is displeasing to God.

What is it to believe or have faith in Christ?

To trust in Christ alone for salvation.

Can you repent and believe in Christ by your own power?

No; I can do nothing good without God's Holy Spirit.

How can you receive the Holy Spirit?

God has told us that we must ask him for the Holy Spirit.

These questions and answers teach us that those who turn from sin and put their faith in Jesus will be saved. However, we cannot turn to Jesus in faith and repentance without the help of the Holy Spirit. God is merciful to answer us when we call out to him. Next week, we will answer the question, "How did God's people get saved before Jesus?".

Sunday Recap 6-19-11

Morning: the sermon, "The Path of a Godly Father," explored Joshua 24:14-20. In this passage, Joshua shows us an example of godly living. Joshua calls us to fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. After rehearsing the redemption story, Joshua sets before the Israelites a choice: serve the Lord or idols.  They stand at a crossroads. Who will they choose? Each of us stands at the exact same crossroads. We must choose.

  I. The godly father chooses God for himself and his family.

     A. He accepts the call to follow God.
     B. He accepts the responsibility to lead his family.

II. The godly father leads his family to serve the Lord.

Warren Wiersbe states, "To serve God is to fear him, obey him, and worship only him. It means to love him and fix your heart upon him, obeying him because you want to and not because you have to.

III. The godly father is willing to persevere even when others around him quit.

Joshua's warning to Israel is still true today. We are not able to serve God because he is holy and we are not.  That truth is the essence of the gospel. The gospel teaches us that we need someone to take our sin, and gives us holiness. Jesus is that person.

Evening: No services this evening.

Assume the Best

Whenever you have a group of people working together there is going to be some tension. Tension isn't always a bad thing. If handled properly, tension can bring about growth. However, if not handled properly tension can cause needless pain.

James, the brother of Jesus and a pastor in the early church, warned, "My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness" (James 1:19-20, HCSB).

The apostle Paul has some words of warning as well. He states, "[Love] does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs" (1 Cor. 13:5). He also states, "For I fear that perhaps when I come I will not find you to be what I want; there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder" (2 Cor. 12:20). Again, Paul states, "All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice" (Eph. 4:31).

The temptation in life is to assume the worse in others. We question their motives, we read into their words, and we suspect their character. However, we want them to trust our motives, correctly interpret our words, and recognize our characters. Differences of opinions or approaches often lead to conflict because we misunderstand one another.

Although the solution is simple, it isn't always easy. Paul encourages, "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ" (Eph. 4:32). Jesus said, "Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them--this is the Law and Prophets" (Matt. 7:12).

The best course of action when working with others is to assume the best.  Even though Jesus knew Judas's heart, he didn't treat him differently. Jesus knew Judas was a thief, yet Jesus still allowed him to be the treasurer.  He treated Judas with loving kindness. He even washed Judas's feet. It is impossible for us to know what is in other peoples hearts, so we need to trust them. Even if they do things differently than we would, or say things in a way that rub us the wrong way. We need to give them the benefit of the doubt.

In the long run, it isn't about us. It is about the glory of God. As believers, we all strive in our own way to glorify God. Sometimes, we succeed. Sometimes, we fail. At all times, we seek grace. Therefore, at all times we must give grace. Unless they prove otherwise, we must always assume that those around us are striving to glorify God, as well.  If we approach the task of working with others for the glory of God in humility and love,  everything else can be worked out.

T.G.I.F.

I'm convinced the expression, "Thank God it's Friday," originated in the Vacation Bible School (VBS). In case you don't know what "Vacation Bible School" is, it is a mixture of inspiration and madness. Churches open their doors for a week long series of Bible studies aimed at helping children learn about Jesus. We sing, dance, eat, craft, play, and most importantly, we learn about Jesus.

It's part inspiration because we are called to go into our world and make disciples. VBS is often used to build bridges with families and the surrounding community. You can often get children, who wouldn't normally come to your church, to participate in VBS.

It's part madness because kids often outnumber the workers. The kids are bursting with energy, since their days aren't spent in school. There is usually a mix of churched and unchurched children. Creative energy is released within the teachers. There is often a slightly different church atmosphere.

I'm not complaining. I love every minute of it. Even in the moments where things go wrong, or children erupt into a temper tantrum, there is a beauty in the madness. God is at work, shaping, stretching, teaching. Adults usually come to VBS to teach, but we can learn so much.

Monticello really takes VBS seriously. That's not to say it's not fun. We're serious about fun, too. We want the kids to connect to Jesus while having a great time. We have hardworking, creative people who really invest themselves in making VBS a success. We have several people who move behind the scenes that are vital to our success.

These things are truly a blessing to me as a pastor. The fact that so many people work so hard makes my job easy. I get to show up and play. When it is done right, VBS is a lot of work. But it is a labor of love. The effort expended is always rewarded. It isn't unusual for us to begin thinking about the next VBS, before current year's VBS is complete.

We know we're successful when the children have fun learning about Jesus. It's an awesome feeling when a child that has visited our VBS express their desire to return next year. Yes, we would love to get them into church much sooner, but to know that a child is making plans that far in advance is pretty amazing.

I thank all of you who have made VBS a success. I thank the families who allowed their children to spend their week with us. I thank God for allowing us to participate in his work. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. I thank God for a wonderful week, for the strength to finish well, and for the arrival of Friday.  Now that VBS is over we get some time to rest and regroup.  Soon, we will once again begin planning for next year's VBS. But for now, thank God it's Friday!

All Other Ground Is Sinking Sand

Have you ever had an experience where several pieces of information all hit you at the same time so that you get overwhelmed? Sometimes, I get jammed up when I begin contemplating all the possible things that could go wrong in life. It does take long to feel like I'm sinking in quicksand when I begin to play the "What if?" game. I hate that game.

Earlier this week, I read an article concerning children who abandon the faith when they grow up. Then I saw a video of one such fellow, who as a young adult abandoned the biblical God. Satan begin to hit me with the what ifs. I began to wonder what if Sophia doesn't come to faith in Christ? What if something I say or do drives her away from Christ and the Church? What if this generation is the last generation? The battle raged along these lines for days.

I was listening to Paul Simon's Slip Sliding Away after dropping some kids off from VBS. It's a melancholy song, and it fed my growing despair. I felt like I was trying to tread water in an ocean of doubt, only to be handed an anchor. I was sinking fast. What if I'm only fooling myself? What if God is through with me? What if it's all over? My head was under the waves, yet I continued to thrash. I kept fighting to catch a breath of faith. Breathe. Breathe.

As I slipped into a sea of doubt, something caught me. I should say, someone. While reading the Bible, I came across Jesus' words, "Be courageous! I have conquered the world" (John 16:33). I suddenly, I remember what I had known all along--my Savior is ever present. He is with me, and he will not let me drown. He has overcome.

It is easy to look at the world and assume that Jesus isn't in control. Everywhere you look sin and death have a solid grasp on world. If we fail to understand the biblical tension between what Jesus has already accomplished, and what has not yet been fully experienced, we can be easily led astray.

Jesus already has control of the universe. He sustains it with his word. The question arises, "Why hasn't Jesus fixed everything yet?". The answer is simple: patience. He doesn't want destroy humanity. He desires for humans to repent and believe. In his grace, He is giving them time to repent. The opportunity is there, the offer has been made, but he will not wait forever.

If we are to fend off  despair, we must remember what is, and what is yet to come. We must also remember what is isn't always what it appears to be. God is there, even when though we can't see him. He is at work, even when we can't trace his hand. He is worthy of our trust.

I think this is why Jesus spoke so strongly against worry. Worry implies a complete lack of trust in God. There is no such thing as an unforeseen circumstance for God. He knows all, sees all. He is all wise and merciful. He is righteous and just. These are the bedrock upon which are faith is built. Worry erodes faith. When we fail to silence the nagging voice in our mind that seeks to strip our trust of God, we endanger our faith. Instead, we should nourish our faith by reading Scripture and allowing it to speak to us.

Are you wresting with doubt? How do you handle that overwhelmed feeling? How do you build up your faith? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment.

Sunday Recap 6-12-11

Morning: The sermon, "Faith Comes from Hearing," explored Romans 10:17. This verse is the VBS theme verse for Lifeway's Big Apple Adventure VBS. In this verse, Paul reminds us of necessity of hearing the word. The Word brings about faith and nourishes it all at the same time. Faith, as defined by Hebrews 11:1, "is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen" (HCSB).

Faith in Christ is impossible apart from hearing the gospel. They can't believe in one whom they have not heard. We must hear the gospel; we must share the gospel. It is the source of life and growth.

The message of Christ is the source of our hope. It begins with God, the Creator, who formed man in his image and gave man dominion over the earth. The beautiful story takes a nasty turn when man rebels against the word of God and brings sin and death into the world. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). Instead of God giving up on the human race, he sent his eternal Son to take the punishment for the world's sin. God the Son became a man in the person of Jesus. He obeyed God's law, laid down his life to pay the penalty of sin, and rose on the third day. Now, God commands all people everywhere to repent and believe.

Paul compels us to start with the Word, and to stay in the Word. The adventure of faith is like no other.

Evening: We had our VBS kick-off celebration. We had forty student register for VBS. It is going to be a great week.

Thursday Humor: The Manslater

I saw this video a couple of months ago, and thought it was pretty funny. Here is a little help for all the men out there:  The "Manslater."

Hymns: There Is a Fountain

I love the old hymn, "There is a Fountain." It contains the promise of redemption is simple language. It offers the suffering soul a soothing balm. Through Christ, the way of forgiveness is open to any who will place their trust in him. I hope you have been to that fountain, and have washed all your sins away. If you haven't found it yet, Christ awaits to wash all your guilty stains away.

I really love this version of the hymn. It is by the Red Mountain Church Music group. The video is kind of different, but I hope you enjoy!

FAQs Mondays: What Does Jesus' Death Accomplish?

During last Monday's post, we began to answer the question, "How do we get saved?" You can read that post here. This week, we will expand that question by seeing what Christ's death accomplished.

What is justification?

It is God regarding a sinner as if they had never sinned.

How can we be justified?

Only by trusting in Christ to take away our sins.

What is sanctification?

It is God making sinners holy in heart and conduct.

Is the process of sanctification complete in this life?

No; we do not become perfect in this life.

What connection is there between justification and sanctification? 

Both arise our of a union with Christ.

What is adoption?

It is God bringing repentant sinners into his own family  and treating them as his beloved children.

How do you know that you are God's child?

The Holy Spirit assures me and enables me to love God's law and my fellow believers.

For whom did Christ obey and suffer?

Christ obeyed and suffered for those whom the Father had given him.


From these questions and answers, it is obvious that Christ's death accomplishes our justification, sanctification, and adoption. Jesus secures our peace with God through his obedience and death. In him, we find our hope and holiness.

Next week, we will seek to answer the question: "Who can be saved?". Feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

Sermon Recap 6-5-11

Morning: The sermon, "The End of Discipline," focused on Hebrews 12:7-14. In this passage, the author of Hebrews explains the goal of discipline which is holiness.

He reminds us that we have to start with the right perspective. We need to see discipline in wider terms than punishment. All teaching and training fall into the category of discipline. Discipline is an act of love, because it demonstrates care and concern. Having the right perspective helps us to develop a mature understanding.

It is crucial to our further growth, that we develop a mature understanding. We need to recognize that parents show courage when they correct their children. Most parents are attempting to teach their children responsibility, hard work, and respect when they discipline. We have to look at the motives. A mature understanding is easier to gain if we focus on the the product and not the process.

Discipline is unpleasant when it happens. The trick is to focus on the goal, and respond to the correction. If we look at what we are becoming, or what we are train our children to become, discipline becomes easier to bear. The discipline of a parent brings about righteousness in a child. The discipline of God brings about holiness in his children.

The end of discipline is holiness. God desires to shape us to reflect his glory. He wants the world to see his character in us. We strive for this end because without holiness no one will see God.

Evening: At 5:00 PM, we finished our VBS Clinic. We looked at Day 5: Connect with Life. The life application of day 5 is "I can live for Jesus."  At 6:00, we looked at Acts 1:1-11. In this passage, Jesus explains the mission of his church: be my witnesses.

Our 12th Anniversary

This is the eve of the anniversary of the day I began a journey. It was a I journey I had long dreamed of, but feared I would never really take. On June 5th, 1999, I married the love of my life. She was my best friend before we got married, and I couldn't imagine loving her more than I did at that moment. I was young and naive. I didn't know the ways in which the human heart could expand,or that love had a way of multiplying.

I remember my wedding day. I had breakfast with my family. We got dressed. I had to wait what felt like an eternity for my bride to be revealed. I remember the way my heart pounded in my chest. I remember how "right" it felt. I remember losing my breath when my stunning bride began marching toward me. I don't remember much of what the preacher said, only that I committed to love Delia with all I am and would be, and that I meant it with every fiber of my being.

Twelve years have unfolded in a matter of moments. I love Delia more today, than I ever could have imagined 12 years ago. I'm grateful to God for granting me this journey, and until he calls one of us home, the journey continues. I love you, Delia.

I decided to show this video in honor of our anniversary.

Thursday Humor: Tim Hawkins on Dangerous Toys, Part 2

I thought this was kind of funny. I hope you like it.

You Got a Friend

There are times in life in which we need encouragement. In his last letter, John writes to a friend who appears to be struggling through difficult circumstances. In 3 John 1:1-4, John offers his friend a reminder of his affection and appreciation. This passage reminds us that we need to pray for and encourage one another.  Here are a few things we can learn from John's example.

• We need to reach out to those in need. Third John is a letter to John's "dear friend" or "beloved" Gaius. John's friend appeared to be in hot water with Diotrephes, a church leader, because he helped some missionaries. John reaches out to encourage him.

• We need to let others know that we are praying for them to remain strong. John acknowledges Gaius' strength and prays that God would continue to bless him. John wanted the spiritual fruit he witnessed in his friend to fill all of his life.

• We need to rejoice in their faithfulness. John had gotten word that Gaius was remain faithful to sound doctrine and sound living. He believed the truth, and lived it. When we see others holding to the faith and walking in it, we should rejoice also.

• We need to tell them how important they are to us. John says that Gaius' faithfulness is the source of his highest joy. These are words of encouragement. He wants Gaius to know that he sees the importance of what Gaius is doing. 

Implications:

• Pray holistically--pray for the spiritual life, as well as the physical life.
• Pray hopefully--pray for what you would like to see in their life.
• Keep an ear open to hear people praising others.
• Speak the praise of others.
• Rejoice when others are believing and living the truth.
• Live and believe the truth.