September 21, 2008 -- "Complaining"
(Exo 16:1 NIV) The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt.
(Exo 16:2 NIV) In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
(Exo 16:3 NIV) The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death."
(Exo 16:4 NIV) Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
(Exo 16:5 NIV) On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days."
(Exo 16:6 NIV) So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, "In the evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt,
(Exo 16:7 NIV) and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?"
(Exo 16:8 NIV) Moses also said, "You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD."
(Exo 16:9 NIV) Then Moses told Aaron, "Say to the entire Israelite community, 'Come before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.'"
(Exo 16:10 NIV) While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud.
(Exo 16:11 NIV) The LORD said to Moses,
(Exo 16:12 NIV) "I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, 'At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.'"
(Exo 16:13 NIV) That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.
(Exo 16:14 NIV) When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.
(Exo 16:15 NIV) When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.
First Service Intro:
A guide at Blarney Castle in Ireland was explaining to some visitors that his job was not always as pleasant as it seemed. He told them about a group of disgruntled tourists he had taken to the castle earlier in the week.
"These people were complaining about everything," he said. "They didn't like the weather, the food, their hotel accommodations, the prices, everything. Then to top it off, when we arrived at the castle, we found that the area around the Blarney Stone was roped off. Workmen were making some kind of repairs." "This is the last straw!" exclaimed one lady who seemed to be the chief faultfinder in the group. "I've come all this way, and now I can't even kiss the Blarney Stone."
"Well, you know," the guide said, "according to legend, if you kiss someone who has kissed the stone, it's the same as kissing the stone itself." "And I suppose you've kissed the stone," said the exasperated lady. "Better than that." replied the guide. "I've sat on it." (Bits & Pieces, January 9, 1992, p. 11.) I’ll let you draw your on conclusion on this one!
Second Service Intro:
A monk joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. After the first 10 years his superior called him in and asked, "Do you have anything to say?" The monk replied, "Food bad." After another 10 years the monk again had opportunity to voice his thoughts. He said, "Bed hard." Another 10 years went by and again he was called in before his superior. When asked if he had anything to say, he responded, "I quit." "It doesn't surprise me a bit. You've done nothing but complain ever since you got here." Source Unknown.
We all know a complainer when we see one. It is interesting that the complaining amongst the Israelites really surfaced in the heat of the dessert.
The same is true for us: be aware that the temptation to complain is greatest when we are in the dessert. Show me a complaining person and I will show you someone who is spiritually dry, malnourished in the things of God, melting in the heat produced from not being in the word, in prayer, in service. Many complainers may be church goers –with little else is happening spiritually.
Charles Spurgeon was, at the age of 21, the most popular preacher in London. He never went to Seminary. Thousands flocked to hear him. He once commented, “A heavy wagon was being dragged along a country lane by a team of oxen. The axles groaned and creaked terribly, when the oxen turning around thus addressed the wheels, "Hey there, why do you make so much noise? We bear all the labor, and we -- not you -- ought to cry out!" Those complain first in our churches who have the least to do. The gift of grumbling is largely dispensed among those who have no other talents, or who keep what they have wrapped up in a napkin. (Charles Spurgeon in The Quotable Spurgeon.) Someone once said, “You will find that, as a rule, those who complain about the way the ball bounces are usually the ones who dropped it.”
The Israelites dropped the ball of God’s glory. They had just crossed the Red Sea. They saw the magnificent power of God. God completely overwhelmed the most powerful army on the earth in its day. And God continued leading them in cloud by day and in the pillar of fire by night. But, we find out all the wonder, all the praise, quickly drowned. They had left what they knew for the unknown. Now they were thirsty and hungry. So, they formed a “back to Egypt committee” and aired their complaints to Moses: We would rather go back to slavery in Egypt than die out here. At least we had plenty to eat and drink in captivity.
Complainers always see things worse than they are. God was not about to let them starve to death. You would think that they would know that after the graphic display of God’s power at the Red Sea. But it is human nature to grumble when our needs aren’t met. It is human nature – but not God nature. Let’s find out what is at the root of most complaining.
Number one on our outline identifies what may be at the root of most complaining.
1. Complaining is often the result of leaving our comfort zones.
The Israelites were traveling in an uncharted land. Nothing was familiar. They didn’t know where the food was; they didn’t know where the springs were; they didn’t know who their friends or enemies were. They longed for the routines of their slavery. They wanted the comfort of what they knew even though it was not a good situation. Little wonder, then, that abused spouses stay with their abuser. Little wonder, then, that drug addicts stick with the same dysfunctional crowd. Little wonder that we settle for a safe, stale religion versus a religion that might expect something from us.
How many times have church leaders heard those infamous words, “We ain’t never done it that way before, preacher!” The fear of the unknown – will it work, how will it be received, what if it falters, what if it works and I have to do more.
We are not so different from the Israelites.
Complaining is often the result of forgetting what we learned on the way. The Israelites forgot about the power of God in Egypt, so they complained about their treatment. The Israelites forgot about the power of God in the desert, so they complained about the lack of nourishment. The same think happened yesterday at Commission Possible. Nearly 1200 people were making their way out of the parking lot after an incredible, 2-day experience. One of my colleagues carried some supplies to his car and was coming back to help clean-up, and he turned to me and said, “I can’t believe it. People are gripping and complaining about the traffic not less than a few minutes after leaving this great event. What a sad witness!” Yep. They forgot what they learned about God on Friday and Saturday as they were entering back into the world.
What does complaining do?
2. Complaining affects the leadership; ultimately, the complaint is really against God.
Complaining sinks the spirit of the leadership in any institution. It also affects the relationship between people – whether co-workers, family or friends. Those with whom the complaints are lodged get depressed, angry, frustrated, and sometimes fence themselves in as a way to protect themselves. It creates a bad mood and it renders feelings of inferiority and ineffectiveness. Before long, leaders shut-down and find ways to move on to another area to do ministry or drop out altogether. You can see how one might take it personal. The thing is, the complaint is really registered with God. Leaders are the collatoral damage. The real target is God. You know why? Look at number 3 on your outline.
3. Complaining is selfish; it also shows a lack of faith.
Complainers really are fixated on self. For a complainer, it is about number 1 and the lack of satisfaction of self. Ultimately, it shows a lack of faith in God. A complainer is really saying, “God, if you really loved me, it wouldn’t be this bad.” How could you let me down, God? I deserve better!” “You aren’t doing your job. I know better!”
Complaining is a dead give away of a dry dessert – a lack of spiritual growth: “In the desert, the whole community grumbled.” So what do we do?
1st: Pause. Ask yourself what is at the heart of your complaint. Is it due to self-centeredness or genuine concern?
Second: if your complaint is a genuine concern, bring a solution with it.
Turn your complaints into solutions: You know worship leader, the music is really loud, but I am going to try these new earplugs. You Deacon, those kids really seem to be acting up; how about I go sit with them and get to know them. You know pastor, things are getting a little messy around here; how about I come down tomorrow and do a little bit of cleaning. These are powerful responses to genuine concerns, taking us from a complaining heart to a servant’s heart.
It was Mark Twain who said, “Don't complain and talk about all your problems--80 percent of people don't care; the other 20 percent will think you deserve them.”
Third: realize that complaining has consequences. The Israelites had no food or water. God had a solution; He would supply the food. For the next 40 years, He sent quail and manna! Great, you say. Did you hear how long? For forty years. Now, I like leftovers, but after the 3rd or 4th day, I am ready for something new. Can you imagine the same old same old for 40 years?
That was the first consequence. The second began with a test of obedience. The people had to collect enough just for the day and on the 6th day they had to collect twice as much so that they could rest on the 7th day – what is known as the Sabbath rest. Some didn’t listen; they collected too much and tried to save it; the extra spoiled – a 2nd consequence. And some didn’t collect extra on the 6th day. They went hungry – the 3rd consequence.
The Israelites saw the light. They realized that God gives us what we need in His timing. When we realize this too, complaining diminishes and eventually ceases altogether. The back to Egypt committee quits. The dessert is navigated. Vison becomes clear and one can see beyond the desert - all the way to the promised land!
Monday, September 22, 2008
September 14, 2008 -- "How to See God at Work"
(Exo 14:19 NIV) Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them,
(Exo 14:20 NIV) coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.
(Exo 14:21 NIV) Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided,
(Exo 14:22 NIV) and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
(Exo 14:23 NIV) The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh's horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea.
(Exo 14:24 NIV) During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion.
(Exo 14:25 NIV) He made the wheels of their chariots come off so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, "Let's get away from the Israelites! The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt."
(Exo 14:26 NIV) Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen."
(Exo 14:27 NIV) Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the LORD swept them into the sea.
(Exo 14:28 NIV) The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen--the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.
(Exo 14:29 NIV) But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
(Exo 14:30 NIV) That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore.
(Exo 14:31 NIV) And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
First service introduction:
Video clip from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – Yoda and Luke have a discussion about “The Force” – that the force is everywhere if you perceive it. In Christian circles, we know what “The Force” is – it is God! God is everywhere! Let me ask you a question: “Is the hand of the lord obvious to you? Let me put it another way: “Do you see His work?”
Second service introduction:
A man went into the drugstore. From the shelves he selected a bottle of extra-strength ibuprofen, twelve ounces of laxative, an elastic knee support, a supply of corn plasters, some sinus medication, a vaporizer, a remedy for sore gums and a tube of hemorrhoidal cream. He took these items to the counter, where they were totaled on the register. He could scarcely believe his ears when the clerk handed him the sack of items and said, “Have a nice day!” It was absolutely obvious that this fellow was not having a nice day, was it not? Let me ask you another question: “Is the hand of the lord obvious to you? Let me put it another way: “Do you see His work?”
The children of Israel saw God at work. When they noticed, they feared God and put their trust in Him. You might say, “Preacher, who would not notice a pillar of fire by day and a cloud of light by night? Who would not notice the water of the Red Sea divided? Who would not notice God drowning the enemy of His people?” Yes, it is true; they saw God work in a mighty way. However, it could have been overlooked, or rationalized, or even denied. As a matter of a fact, it did not take the children of Israel long to complain and wish that they were back in Egypt, as we shall see next week. I think that we need to go through Basic training in order to sense God at work. But first, we have to overcome some obstacles.
There are 3 obstacles that prevent us from sensing the hand of God:
1. An untrained eye.
This has to do with seeing God at work. Where is God most apparent? The Bible tells us in the works that He has made: “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Rom 1:20). It is very difficult to ignore God when we take a closer look at His creation. The detail, the intricacy, the delicacy, and even the shear adaptability are utterly amazing – possible only because of a higher power! We must train ourselves to appreciate nature – to even study it and to praise God for it. Creation itself is a miracle. Speaking of miracles, do we believe in them, or do we explain them away or deny them. The Bible says that you have to believe God first before you can even expect to receive something from Him. Belief that God is able to do anything and everything is the key to miracle power. The creator can do anything. Step one in basic training is opening our eyes and noticing the grand works of God – both the natural and the supernatural. The second obstacle that prevents people from sensing the hand of God is
2. An untrained ear.
This has to do with hearing God speak. One Gentleman found himself with too many commitments in too few days. He got nervous and tense about it. "I was snapping at my wife and our children, choking down my food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated at those unexpected interruptions through the day," he recalled. "Before long, things around our home started reflecting the patter of my hurry-up style. It was becoming unbearable.
"I distinctly remember after supper one evening, the words of our younger daughter, Colleen. She wanted to tell me something important that had happened to her at school that day. She began hurriedly, 'Daddy, I want to tell you somethin' and I'll tell you really fast.'
"Suddenly realizing her frustration, I answered, 'Honey, you can tell me -- and you don't have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly." "I'll never forget her answer: 'Then listen slowly.'" Bits & Pieces, June 24, 1993, pp. 13-14.
We must train ourselves to listen – and to listen slowly. God still speaks. We just aren’t listening. God speaks through His word, God speaks through prayer, and God speaks through people – to name some of the ways that God communicates. We would benefit greatly if we would slow down and ask God to help us recognize His voice. As a matter of a fact, part of every prayer ought to be our request, “Lord, speak to me through your Holy Spirit.” Listen for the voice. It takes practice. It takes patience. It takes a place of little to few distractions. But, Oh, what benefit.
God speaks to us directly through the Word, through prayer, even through random, day-to-day circumstances. When something happens, ask God what you are to learn from it. Even delay at the gas pump is an opportunity to slow down and listen to God.
God also speaks to us through others. Robert Hernon shares the following: Good listening is like tuning in a radio station. For good results, you can listen to only one station at a time. Trying to listen to my wife while looking over an office report is like trying to receive two radio stations at the same time. I end up with distortion and frustration. Listening requires a choice of where I place my attention. To tune into my partner, I must first choose to put away all that will divide my attention. That might mean laying down the newspaper, moving away from the dishes in the sink, putting down the book I'm reading, setting aside my projects. Robert W. Herron, Homemade, June, 1987.
Ask yourself, what is God saying through my spouse, my friend, and my complete stranger. I was reading in the book of Judges as I am thinking about a sermon series from that book. A complete stranger appeared to the wife of Manoah, the woman who would give birth to Samson. The stranger had a word for her from God. Had she ignored him she would have missed her own birth announcement. God works through others.
Another way that God works is through testimonies. My Mom was just telling me yesterday about a man who has been coming to her church. He just shared his testimony a few weeks ago. It blew away the Bible study group that she was attending. He was near death; he was abusing drugs and alcohol and was ready to take his life. God intervened and now he is studying to be a preacher. Neat thing is, he is a preacher’s son. We should never assume that because someone is a child of a religious leader that they get it. He finally did; he is a 50-year-old Lazarus. By the way, we should be praying for Lazaruses here at church – that God would send us people who have been brought to life so that we can be encouraged and reminded about the power of God.
By the way, when God sends someone, be sure that you are listening. Here are some things to consider:
1) Since you think about four times faster than a person usually talks, do you use this time to think about other things while you're trying to keep track of the conversation? If you are, you are not listening.
2) Do you avoid listening to things you feel will be too difficult to understand?
3) When someone is talking to you do you appear to be paying attention when you're not?
4) Do certain words and phrases prejudice you so you cannot listen objectively?
5) When listening are you distracted by outside sights and sounds? Leadership, Vol.1, No. 4, p. 99.
Listening takes practice. It involves looking a person in the eye, dropping what you are doing or politely asking for a better place or time to talk, and it involves proper feedback to ensure that you have heard the words spoken. One of my favorite lines after someone speaks is to say, “So, what I have heard you say is…” Finish the line by summing up what you think you heard. Sometimes, we mishear or misunderstand. This provides a way of ensuring that we hear the person. Finally, the last obstacle to sensing God’s hand is
3. An untrained heart__. (removing the effects of Sin to sense God more clearly)
This is a deeper, more pronounced situation. This is a sin-condition. Sin – the practice of wrongdoing according to God’s plan – clogs our spiritual receptors – dampening and even preventing communication from above. God will not be in fellowship with someone who commits persistent, willful sin. God still maintains the relationship, but the fellowship is removed. Now, I know what some of you are saying. Sin leads to death – spiritual as well as physical. Yes. But I believe that a truly born-again person does still have salvation when sinning, but a severely affected fellowship with God when sinning. This is a sermon for another day. Listen: we are always gonna be God’s children through Christ. This does not mean that we are perfect or that we do not disappoint God. It does mean that we are God’s – whether a supper-Christian or a sorry-Christian.
Regular sin – persistence in doing that which we know God does not approve of, leaves one powerless and even offensive to the body of believers as well as to non-believers. It can kill a testimony and even help others turn away from the saving grace of God.
I mentioned that this was a deeper issue. It is a spiritual one. We must train our hearts to behave according to the will of God. There is a very powerful verse in James: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” It just may be that our prayers are ineffective because we are so full of unrighteousness. We need to confess and receive the cleansing that comes from forgiveness.
When we receive basic training in all 3 areas to recognize God – eye, ear and heart – then we have a prescription for a mature, power-filled Christian. I want some of that, don’t you?
(Exo 14:19 NIV) Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them,
(Exo 14:20 NIV) coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.
(Exo 14:21 NIV) Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided,
(Exo 14:22 NIV) and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
(Exo 14:23 NIV) The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh's horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea.
(Exo 14:24 NIV) During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion.
(Exo 14:25 NIV) He made the wheels of their chariots come off so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, "Let's get away from the Israelites! The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt."
(Exo 14:26 NIV) Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen."
(Exo 14:27 NIV) Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the LORD swept them into the sea.
(Exo 14:28 NIV) The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen--the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.
(Exo 14:29 NIV) But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
(Exo 14:30 NIV) That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore.
(Exo 14:31 NIV) And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
First service introduction:
Video clip from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – Yoda and Luke have a discussion about “The Force” – that the force is everywhere if you perceive it. In Christian circles, we know what “The Force” is – it is God! God is everywhere! Let me ask you a question: “Is the hand of the lord obvious to you? Let me put it another way: “Do you see His work?”
Second service introduction:
A man went into the drugstore. From the shelves he selected a bottle of extra-strength ibuprofen, twelve ounces of laxative, an elastic knee support, a supply of corn plasters, some sinus medication, a vaporizer, a remedy for sore gums and a tube of hemorrhoidal cream. He took these items to the counter, where they were totaled on the register. He could scarcely believe his ears when the clerk handed him the sack of items and said, “Have a nice day!” It was absolutely obvious that this fellow was not having a nice day, was it not? Let me ask you another question: “Is the hand of the lord obvious to you? Let me put it another way: “Do you see His work?”
The children of Israel saw God at work. When they noticed, they feared God and put their trust in Him. You might say, “Preacher, who would not notice a pillar of fire by day and a cloud of light by night? Who would not notice the water of the Red Sea divided? Who would not notice God drowning the enemy of His people?” Yes, it is true; they saw God work in a mighty way. However, it could have been overlooked, or rationalized, or even denied. As a matter of a fact, it did not take the children of Israel long to complain and wish that they were back in Egypt, as we shall see next week. I think that we need to go through Basic training in order to sense God at work. But first, we have to overcome some obstacles.
There are 3 obstacles that prevent us from sensing the hand of God:
1. An untrained eye.
This has to do with seeing God at work. Where is God most apparent? The Bible tells us in the works that He has made: “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Rom 1:20). It is very difficult to ignore God when we take a closer look at His creation. The detail, the intricacy, the delicacy, and even the shear adaptability are utterly amazing – possible only because of a higher power! We must train ourselves to appreciate nature – to even study it and to praise God for it. Creation itself is a miracle. Speaking of miracles, do we believe in them, or do we explain them away or deny them. The Bible says that you have to believe God first before you can even expect to receive something from Him. Belief that God is able to do anything and everything is the key to miracle power. The creator can do anything. Step one in basic training is opening our eyes and noticing the grand works of God – both the natural and the supernatural. The second obstacle that prevents people from sensing the hand of God is
2. An untrained ear.
This has to do with hearing God speak. One Gentleman found himself with too many commitments in too few days. He got nervous and tense about it. "I was snapping at my wife and our children, choking down my food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated at those unexpected interruptions through the day," he recalled. "Before long, things around our home started reflecting the patter of my hurry-up style. It was becoming unbearable.
"I distinctly remember after supper one evening, the words of our younger daughter, Colleen. She wanted to tell me something important that had happened to her at school that day. She began hurriedly, 'Daddy, I want to tell you somethin' and I'll tell you really fast.'
"Suddenly realizing her frustration, I answered, 'Honey, you can tell me -- and you don't have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly." "I'll never forget her answer: 'Then listen slowly.'" Bits & Pieces, June 24, 1993, pp. 13-14.
We must train ourselves to listen – and to listen slowly. God still speaks. We just aren’t listening. God speaks through His word, God speaks through prayer, and God speaks through people – to name some of the ways that God communicates. We would benefit greatly if we would slow down and ask God to help us recognize His voice. As a matter of a fact, part of every prayer ought to be our request, “Lord, speak to me through your Holy Spirit.” Listen for the voice. It takes practice. It takes patience. It takes a place of little to few distractions. But, Oh, what benefit.
God speaks to us directly through the Word, through prayer, even through random, day-to-day circumstances. When something happens, ask God what you are to learn from it. Even delay at the gas pump is an opportunity to slow down and listen to God.
God also speaks to us through others. Robert Hernon shares the following: Good listening is like tuning in a radio station. For good results, you can listen to only one station at a time. Trying to listen to my wife while looking over an office report is like trying to receive two radio stations at the same time. I end up with distortion and frustration. Listening requires a choice of where I place my attention. To tune into my partner, I must first choose to put away all that will divide my attention. That might mean laying down the newspaper, moving away from the dishes in the sink, putting down the book I'm reading, setting aside my projects. Robert W. Herron, Homemade, June, 1987.
Ask yourself, what is God saying through my spouse, my friend, and my complete stranger. I was reading in the book of Judges as I am thinking about a sermon series from that book. A complete stranger appeared to the wife of Manoah, the woman who would give birth to Samson. The stranger had a word for her from God. Had she ignored him she would have missed her own birth announcement. God works through others.
Another way that God works is through testimonies. My Mom was just telling me yesterday about a man who has been coming to her church. He just shared his testimony a few weeks ago. It blew away the Bible study group that she was attending. He was near death; he was abusing drugs and alcohol and was ready to take his life. God intervened and now he is studying to be a preacher. Neat thing is, he is a preacher’s son. We should never assume that because someone is a child of a religious leader that they get it. He finally did; he is a 50-year-old Lazarus. By the way, we should be praying for Lazaruses here at church – that God would send us people who have been brought to life so that we can be encouraged and reminded about the power of God.
By the way, when God sends someone, be sure that you are listening. Here are some things to consider:
1) Since you think about four times faster than a person usually talks, do you use this time to think about other things while you're trying to keep track of the conversation? If you are, you are not listening.
2) Do you avoid listening to things you feel will be too difficult to understand?
3) When someone is talking to you do you appear to be paying attention when you're not?
4) Do certain words and phrases prejudice you so you cannot listen objectively?
5) When listening are you distracted by outside sights and sounds? Leadership, Vol.1, No. 4, p. 99.
Listening takes practice. It involves looking a person in the eye, dropping what you are doing or politely asking for a better place or time to talk, and it involves proper feedback to ensure that you have heard the words spoken. One of my favorite lines after someone speaks is to say, “So, what I have heard you say is…” Finish the line by summing up what you think you heard. Sometimes, we mishear or misunderstand. This provides a way of ensuring that we hear the person. Finally, the last obstacle to sensing God’s hand is
3. An untrained heart__. (removing the effects of Sin to sense God more clearly)
This is a deeper, more pronounced situation. This is a sin-condition. Sin – the practice of wrongdoing according to God’s plan – clogs our spiritual receptors – dampening and even preventing communication from above. God will not be in fellowship with someone who commits persistent, willful sin. God still maintains the relationship, but the fellowship is removed. Now, I know what some of you are saying. Sin leads to death – spiritual as well as physical. Yes. But I believe that a truly born-again person does still have salvation when sinning, but a severely affected fellowship with God when sinning. This is a sermon for another day. Listen: we are always gonna be God’s children through Christ. This does not mean that we are perfect or that we do not disappoint God. It does mean that we are God’s – whether a supper-Christian or a sorry-Christian.
Regular sin – persistence in doing that which we know God does not approve of, leaves one powerless and even offensive to the body of believers as well as to non-believers. It can kill a testimony and even help others turn away from the saving grace of God.
I mentioned that this was a deeper issue. It is a spiritual one. We must train our hearts to behave according to the will of God. There is a very powerful verse in James: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” It just may be that our prayers are ineffective because we are so full of unrighteousness. We need to confess and receive the cleansing that comes from forgiveness.
When we receive basic training in all 3 areas to recognize God – eye, ear and heart – then we have a prescription for a mature, power-filled Christian. I want some of that, don’t you?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September 7, 2008 -- "Prayer"
Worrier or Warrior?
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
First Service introduction:
A Kindergarten Class went to the fire station for a tour and some instruction for safety. The fireman was explaining what to do in case of a fire. He said, “First, go to the door and feel the door to see if it’s hot.” Then he said, “Fall to your knees. Does anyone know why you ought to fall to your knees?” One of the little tykes said, “Sure, to start praying to ask God to get us out of this mess!” How many of us pray only when the heat is turned up – asking God to get us our of this mess? (Illustrations Unlimited, p. 428).
Second service introduction:
Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn't make it.
Terrified, the one shouted to the other, "Put up a prayer, John. We're in for it!"
John answered, "I can't. I've never made a public prayer in my life."
"But you must!" implored his companion. "The bull is catching up to us."
"All right," panted John, "I'll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: 'O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.'" (source unknown). Ho many of us only pray when we are in a crisis? God wants a deeper relationship with us. God wants a consistent prayer life, regardless of the events in our lives.
Step number one on the path of peace is Prayer! A regular, persistent prayer life will tackle worry head on. It will begin the transformation from worrier to warrior. So, number one on your outline is: Pray, pray, pray! Pray in the morning, pray at night, pray before a meal, pray in the car. Pray in the break room, pray on the playground – pray, pray, pray. Learn new methods of prayer, join a “Pray the Price” prayer group, or take a prayer retreat.
Paul spent 3 whole days in prayer and look what happened:
He went from killer to kingdom-builder
He went from self-righteousness to self-less-ness
He went from law-major to grace-filled savior
I think that RA Torrey described many churches and many people when he said, “We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results.”
One day a boy was watching a man praying on the banks of a river. When the man completed his prayer the boy went over and asked him, “Will you teach me to pay?” The man studied the boy’s face carefully. Then he gripped the boy’s head in his hands and plunged it forcefully into the water! The boy struggled frantically, trying to free himself in order to breathe. Finally, the man released his hold. When the boy was able to get his breath, he gasped, “What did you do that for?” The man said, “I just gave you your first lesson in prayer.” “What do you mean?” asked the astonished boy. “Well,” said the man, “when you long to pray as much as you long to breathe – only then will I be able to teach you to pray” (Illustrations Unlimited, p. 422).
The great evangelist, DL Moody, said, “I’d rather be able to pray than to be a great preacher; Jesus Christ never taught his disciples how to preach, but only to pray.”
So, if the desire is there, how do you pray? Number 2 on your outline tells us very simply: Tell God what you need.
An old man was quite ill, and the family called for their minister. As he entered the man’s room and sat down, he noticed another chair on the opposite side of the bed, a chair which had been drawn close. The pastor said, “Well, Donald, I see I’m not your first visitor for the day.”
The old man looked up, was puzzled for a moment, then recognized from the nod of the head of the pastor that he had noticed the empty chair. “Well, pastor, I’ll tell you about that chair. Many years ago I found it quite difficult to pray, so one day I shared this problem with my pastor. He told me not to worry about kneeling or about placing myself in some pious posture. Instead, he said, “Just sit down, put a chair opposite you, and imagine Jesus sitting in it, then talk with Him as you would a friend.’” The aged fellow added, “I’ve been doing that ever since.”
A short time later, the daughter of the old man called the pastor. When he answered, she informed him that her father had died very suddenly and she was quite shaken for she had no idea that death was so near. Then she continued, “I had just gone to lie down for an hour or two, for he seemed to be sleeping so comfortably. When I came back, he was gone.” Then she added thoughtfully, “Except now his hand was on the empty chair at the side of the ed. Isn’t that strange?”
The minister said, “No, it’s not strange at all. I understand” (Illustrations Unlimited, p. 416). Christ came to receive him. He simply reached out and took his hand. It is something so natural for one who is used to a regular appointment with God.
Prayer is a simple conversation in which you honestly relate to God your true needs. Wants and needs are often two different things. This is important. God is the granter of true needs. When we learn to ask appropriate requests, God delivers. The Bible says, “You do not have because you do not ask.” It also says, “Ask and it will be given to you.” Does this mean that you will get whatever you want? No. It means when you ask for the right things, God will certainly bring it about. Well then, what about when you don’t get what you think you need? Then God intends something else – something even better; faith – rich faith – says that no matter what, good will come from above – sooner or later. It may be different than we hoped for or imagined, but it will come. At this point, the words of Adoniram Judson are instructive, “I never prayed earnestly for anything but (that) it came at some time. No matter how distant the day, somehow, in some shape, probably the last I should have advised, it came.”
Last, but certainly not least, thank God for what He has done – number 3 on your outline.
Thankfulness takes the focus off of what we are seeking and puts it on the power of God. When we remember what God has done, our faith is boosted to new heights. Giving thanks before the benefits come is a true demonstration of faith – it signifies that we truly believe that God is able and that God will deliver. In business typing we were taught not to thank someone for benefits not yet received. The opposite is true in praying to God – thank Him before the benefit comes. And thank Him after it comes. Such an environment dispels worry and sets a better mood.
Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, "Certainly the preacher won't think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this." Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by praying, "We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this." (Daily Bread, August 26, 1989.)
No matter what, there is always something to give thanks for, even if it is that it will not always be so bad! Because, someday, the heart given to Christ, will know only joy! Peace be with you today and all the way to eternity
Worrier or Warrior?
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
First Service introduction:
A Kindergarten Class went to the fire station for a tour and some instruction for safety. The fireman was explaining what to do in case of a fire. He said, “First, go to the door and feel the door to see if it’s hot.” Then he said, “Fall to your knees. Does anyone know why you ought to fall to your knees?” One of the little tykes said, “Sure, to start praying to ask God to get us out of this mess!” How many of us pray only when the heat is turned up – asking God to get us our of this mess? (Illustrations Unlimited, p. 428).
Second service introduction:
Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn't make it.
Terrified, the one shouted to the other, "Put up a prayer, John. We're in for it!"
John answered, "I can't. I've never made a public prayer in my life."
"But you must!" implored his companion. "The bull is catching up to us."
"All right," panted John, "I'll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: 'O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.'" (source unknown). Ho many of us only pray when we are in a crisis? God wants a deeper relationship with us. God wants a consistent prayer life, regardless of the events in our lives.
Step number one on the path of peace is Prayer! A regular, persistent prayer life will tackle worry head on. It will begin the transformation from worrier to warrior. So, number one on your outline is: Pray, pray, pray! Pray in the morning, pray at night, pray before a meal, pray in the car. Pray in the break room, pray on the playground – pray, pray, pray. Learn new methods of prayer, join a “Pray the Price” prayer group, or take a prayer retreat.
Paul spent 3 whole days in prayer and look what happened:
He went from killer to kingdom-builder
He went from self-righteousness to self-less-ness
He went from law-major to grace-filled savior
I think that RA Torrey described many churches and many people when he said, “We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results.”
One day a boy was watching a man praying on the banks of a river. When the man completed his prayer the boy went over and asked him, “Will you teach me to pay?” The man studied the boy’s face carefully. Then he gripped the boy’s head in his hands and plunged it forcefully into the water! The boy struggled frantically, trying to free himself in order to breathe. Finally, the man released his hold. When the boy was able to get his breath, he gasped, “What did you do that for?” The man said, “I just gave you your first lesson in prayer.” “What do you mean?” asked the astonished boy. “Well,” said the man, “when you long to pray as much as you long to breathe – only then will I be able to teach you to pray” (Illustrations Unlimited, p. 422).
The great evangelist, DL Moody, said, “I’d rather be able to pray than to be a great preacher; Jesus Christ never taught his disciples how to preach, but only to pray.”
So, if the desire is there, how do you pray? Number 2 on your outline tells us very simply: Tell God what you need.
An old man was quite ill, and the family called for their minister. As he entered the man’s room and sat down, he noticed another chair on the opposite side of the bed, a chair which had been drawn close. The pastor said, “Well, Donald, I see I’m not your first visitor for the day.”
The old man looked up, was puzzled for a moment, then recognized from the nod of the head of the pastor that he had noticed the empty chair. “Well, pastor, I’ll tell you about that chair. Many years ago I found it quite difficult to pray, so one day I shared this problem with my pastor. He told me not to worry about kneeling or about placing myself in some pious posture. Instead, he said, “Just sit down, put a chair opposite you, and imagine Jesus sitting in it, then talk with Him as you would a friend.’” The aged fellow added, “I’ve been doing that ever since.”
A short time later, the daughter of the old man called the pastor. When he answered, she informed him that her father had died very suddenly and she was quite shaken for she had no idea that death was so near. Then she continued, “I had just gone to lie down for an hour or two, for he seemed to be sleeping so comfortably. When I came back, he was gone.” Then she added thoughtfully, “Except now his hand was on the empty chair at the side of the ed. Isn’t that strange?”
The minister said, “No, it’s not strange at all. I understand” (Illustrations Unlimited, p. 416). Christ came to receive him. He simply reached out and took his hand. It is something so natural for one who is used to a regular appointment with God.
Prayer is a simple conversation in which you honestly relate to God your true needs. Wants and needs are often two different things. This is important. God is the granter of true needs. When we learn to ask appropriate requests, God delivers. The Bible says, “You do not have because you do not ask.” It also says, “Ask and it will be given to you.” Does this mean that you will get whatever you want? No. It means when you ask for the right things, God will certainly bring it about. Well then, what about when you don’t get what you think you need? Then God intends something else – something even better; faith – rich faith – says that no matter what, good will come from above – sooner or later. It may be different than we hoped for or imagined, but it will come. At this point, the words of Adoniram Judson are instructive, “I never prayed earnestly for anything but (that) it came at some time. No matter how distant the day, somehow, in some shape, probably the last I should have advised, it came.”
Last, but certainly not least, thank God for what He has done – number 3 on your outline.
Thankfulness takes the focus off of what we are seeking and puts it on the power of God. When we remember what God has done, our faith is boosted to new heights. Giving thanks before the benefits come is a true demonstration of faith – it signifies that we truly believe that God is able and that God will deliver. In business typing we were taught not to thank someone for benefits not yet received. The opposite is true in praying to God – thank Him before the benefit comes. And thank Him after it comes. Such an environment dispels worry and sets a better mood.
Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, "Certainly the preacher won't think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this." Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by praying, "We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this." (Daily Bread, August 26, 1989.)
No matter what, there is always something to give thanks for, even if it is that it will not always be so bad! Because, someday, the heart given to Christ, will know only joy! Peace be with you today and all the way to eternity
August 31, 2008 -- "Your Testimony"
Philippians 3:4-8
4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ
A little girl went up to her mother one day while holding her stomach saying, "Mommy, my stomach hurts." Her mother replied, "That's because it's empty, you have to put something into it!"
Later that day when the Evangelist and her husband were over for dinner. The Evangelist began to feel bad. Holding her head she said, "I have such a terrible headache!"
The little girl looked up at her giving her the sweetest smile that any little child could give. Then she said, "That's because it's empty, you have to put something into it!"
Today, we are going to make a deposit into the banks of our heads and our hearts, but first, before we can gain, we need to hear about loss. Last week, we heard how Christ gave up his own prestige: “Jesus did not think that equality with God was something to be grasped but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” Today, we hear about what Paul gave up.
1. Paul gave up two things to be a child of God: His prestige among his countrymen (3:4-5) and his persecution of the church 3:6).
Take the first one – Paul’s prestige. He was highly respected – on the path to greatness – a rising star, so to speak. He was on the religious leader’s radar – climbing the later to more honor and more respect. He had worked hard and even might have deserved it. This was no small task to give up.
Let’s look at the 2nd one – Paul’s persecution of the church. This might be one that you would think was easy to give up. But he was so zealous for God that he could not stand anything or anyone to get in the way of what he thought was right. He was too rigid – unyielding. He would rather kill than change. I imagine he lived with the regret of his former life for the rest of his life – at least to some extent. But, he gave up his murderous threats and his own way for Christ’s way. He would never be the same again.
2. Paul gave up what he thought was important and gained the priceless knowledge of Christ (3:7-8).
This was at the heart of Paul’s giving up – his great sacrifice. He was able to admit that he was in the wrong. He gave up his prestige in order to be a servant. He gave up his “stubbornness” and opened his mind to greater things of God. He found salvation. And he really, really grew.
What about you, what are you willing to give up? What stands in the way of your growth? What must change? If we say that we love him, then I think we would be head over heels trying to learn more about him. Have you met him lately in the Word? Do you meet him often, there? What do you have to give up to pursue him?
Ask yourselves the following questions: How do you spend your time? What dominates your thoughts? Where are your priorities? What motivates you? If the most important thing in your life is Jesus, then your life will revolve around getting to know him better.
Did you hear about the two church folk having a discussion? One was a preacher. “Preacher,” said the one gentleman, “What’s the best part of your job?” “That’s easy! Celebrating the life of a brand new baby.” “So, what’s the hardest part of your job – funerals?” asked the other. “No. Trying to tell people what to do between the two.”
Perhaps Paul felt the same way. So he turned to his life story. Paul was heading in the wrong direction. Everything that he had been living for was not doing a thing to help his eternal state. When Jesus met him on the Road to Damascus, it changed everything. Paul changed teams – changed his allegiance. For that reason he counted everything else in life – his reputation, his achievements, his pursuits, his possessions worthless, so that his sole pursuit would be knowing and serving Jesus Christ. Paul placed Christ above everything else. He did so because he saw the folly of his former life.
Ken Ramsey, our new DS, tells the following story:
When I was in college I had a friend who was a student pastor with me. He drove a Chevy Nova and like me it was pretty much dirty all the time. Never had much time to wash it, and the inside was littered with hamburger wrappers, dropped french fries, and other debris. When I would get in his car I would have to brush off the seats to make a place to sit. One day we walked to the lot and I couldn't believe my eyes. His nova was shining. It was beautiful. "What happened?" "I got it detailed," he replied. I opened the door to get in and wouldn't you know it--still filthy on the inside--I had to brush the old fries off the seat to sit down. A few months later my friend was married. A few weeks after his wedding we were headed to a meeting together and he picked me up. His still nicely washed car pulled up and I opened the door to get in. Even the inside was absolutely spotless. It had been cleaned , vacuumed, the carpet shampooed--the works. "Wow," I said "what in the world happened to your car?" He smiled and responded, "Under New Management." I think of that sometimes when I am thinking about the Lordship of Christ. When he becomes Lord of our lives we are "under new management" and our lives are transformed.
The change is the evidence of that transformation. The new takes over. Focus is granted. Priorities are set and achieved, unless the world begins to come back in! Paul was not going to allow that. Will we?
Sometimes us Christians take for granted the change, particularly if the change is not as astounding as Paul’s change. His former life was a stark difference from the new. He had much to be thankful of. Sometimes we don’t see it that clearly because we’ve been around it for so long. We didn’t know any other way or it has been so long that we have forgotten our former life. Let’s get in touch with what God did in Jesus. He saved our souls. If you truly believe, think about the size of that great gift. It is everything.
A pastor was giving the children's message during church. For this part of the service, he would gather all the children around him and give a brief lesson before dismissing them for children's church. On this particular Sunday, he was using squirrels for an object lesson on industry and preparation. He started out by saying, "I'm going to describe something, and I want you to raise your hand when you know what it is." The children nodded eagerly. "This thing lives in trees (pause) and eats nuts (pause)..." No hands went up. "And it is gray (pause) and has a long bushy tail (pause)..." The children were looking at each other, but still no hands raised. "And it jumps from branch to branch (pause) and chatters and flips its tail when it's excited (pause)..." Finally one little boy tentatively raised his hand. The pastor breathed a sigh of relief and called on him. "Well," said the boy, "I *know* the answer must be Jesus ... but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!"
We come to church expecting to talk about Jesus. But can we talk about him out there - to a hurting world that needs to hear? If ever there was a one who was worthy to be discussed beyond these walls, it is our Lord. Ask him to be your tongue, your actions, and even your thoughts – all for the one who has died to give you life. Tell them your story. Amen.
Focus:
One afternoon author Patsy Clairmont found herself on an airplane, sitting next to a young man. She writes, "I had already observed something about this young man when I was being seated. He called me "Ma'am." At the time I thought, 'Either he thinks I'm ancient, or he's from the South where they still teach manners, or he's in the service.' I decided the latter was the most likely, so I asked, "You in the service?"
"Yes, Ma'am, I am."
"What branch?"
"Marines."
"Hey, Marine, where are you coming from?" "Operation Desert Storm, Ma'am."
"No kidding? Desert Storm! How long were you there?" I asked. "A year and a half. I'm on my way home. My family will be at the airport." I then commented that he must have thought about returning to his family and home many times while he was in the Middle East. "Oh, no, Ma'am," he replied. "We were taught never to think of what might never be, but to be fully available right where we were."
Focus on the Family, July, 1993, p. 5.
God wants us to be fully available right where we are. He has placed you where he wants you. We have the hope of heaven – what will be – but he wants us to work out our salvation right now – right here!
I think that many of us, when Christ has enabled us to overcome one or two sins that were an obvious nuisance, are inclined to feel (though we do not put it into words) that we are now good enough. He has done all we wanted him to do, and we should be obliged if he would leave us alone. But the question is not what we intended ourselves to be, but what he intended us to be when he made us...
Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on. You knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised.
But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you thought of -- throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards.
You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage, but he is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it himself.
C.S. Lewis.
The keys to good self-confidence:
It must not rely on self alone – for some this is too much; for others, too little.
It must rely upon what Christ has done for you.
It must rely on God’s perception of you!
A.W. Tozer says that people who are crucified with Christ have three distinct marks:
1. they are facing only one direction,
2. they can never turn back, and
3. they no longer have plans of their own.
Tim Hansel, Holy Sweat, 1987, Word Books Publisher, p. 187.
Philippians 3:4-8
4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ
A little girl went up to her mother one day while holding her stomach saying, "Mommy, my stomach hurts." Her mother replied, "That's because it's empty, you have to put something into it!"
Later that day when the Evangelist and her husband were over for dinner. The Evangelist began to feel bad. Holding her head she said, "I have such a terrible headache!"
The little girl looked up at her giving her the sweetest smile that any little child could give. Then she said, "That's because it's empty, you have to put something into it!"
Today, we are going to make a deposit into the banks of our heads and our hearts, but first, before we can gain, we need to hear about loss. Last week, we heard how Christ gave up his own prestige: “Jesus did not think that equality with God was something to be grasped but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” Today, we hear about what Paul gave up.
1. Paul gave up two things to be a child of God: His prestige among his countrymen (3:4-5) and his persecution of the church 3:6).
Take the first one – Paul’s prestige. He was highly respected – on the path to greatness – a rising star, so to speak. He was on the religious leader’s radar – climbing the later to more honor and more respect. He had worked hard and even might have deserved it. This was no small task to give up.
Let’s look at the 2nd one – Paul’s persecution of the church. This might be one that you would think was easy to give up. But he was so zealous for God that he could not stand anything or anyone to get in the way of what he thought was right. He was too rigid – unyielding. He would rather kill than change. I imagine he lived with the regret of his former life for the rest of his life – at least to some extent. But, he gave up his murderous threats and his own way for Christ’s way. He would never be the same again.
2. Paul gave up what he thought was important and gained the priceless knowledge of Christ (3:7-8).
This was at the heart of Paul’s giving up – his great sacrifice. He was able to admit that he was in the wrong. He gave up his prestige in order to be a servant. He gave up his “stubbornness” and opened his mind to greater things of God. He found salvation. And he really, really grew.
What about you, what are you willing to give up? What stands in the way of your growth? What must change? If we say that we love him, then I think we would be head over heels trying to learn more about him. Have you met him lately in the Word? Do you meet him often, there? What do you have to give up to pursue him?
Ask yourselves the following questions: How do you spend your time? What dominates your thoughts? Where are your priorities? What motivates you? If the most important thing in your life is Jesus, then your life will revolve around getting to know him better.
Did you hear about the two church folk having a discussion? One was a preacher. “Preacher,” said the one gentleman, “What’s the best part of your job?” “That’s easy! Celebrating the life of a brand new baby.” “So, what’s the hardest part of your job – funerals?” asked the other. “No. Trying to tell people what to do between the two.”
Perhaps Paul felt the same way. So he turned to his life story. Paul was heading in the wrong direction. Everything that he had been living for was not doing a thing to help his eternal state. When Jesus met him on the Road to Damascus, it changed everything. Paul changed teams – changed his allegiance. For that reason he counted everything else in life – his reputation, his achievements, his pursuits, his possessions worthless, so that his sole pursuit would be knowing and serving Jesus Christ. Paul placed Christ above everything else. He did so because he saw the folly of his former life.
Ken Ramsey, our new DS, tells the following story:
When I was in college I had a friend who was a student pastor with me. He drove a Chevy Nova and like me it was pretty much dirty all the time. Never had much time to wash it, and the inside was littered with hamburger wrappers, dropped french fries, and other debris. When I would get in his car I would have to brush off the seats to make a place to sit. One day we walked to the lot and I couldn't believe my eyes. His nova was shining. It was beautiful. "What happened?" "I got it detailed," he replied. I opened the door to get in and wouldn't you know it--still filthy on the inside--I had to brush the old fries off the seat to sit down. A few months later my friend was married. A few weeks after his wedding we were headed to a meeting together and he picked me up. His still nicely washed car pulled up and I opened the door to get in. Even the inside was absolutely spotless. It had been cleaned , vacuumed, the carpet shampooed--the works. "Wow," I said "what in the world happened to your car?" He smiled and responded, "Under New Management." I think of that sometimes when I am thinking about the Lordship of Christ. When he becomes Lord of our lives we are "under new management" and our lives are transformed.
The change is the evidence of that transformation. The new takes over. Focus is granted. Priorities are set and achieved, unless the world begins to come back in! Paul was not going to allow that. Will we?
Sometimes us Christians take for granted the change, particularly if the change is not as astounding as Paul’s change. His former life was a stark difference from the new. He had much to be thankful of. Sometimes we don’t see it that clearly because we’ve been around it for so long. We didn’t know any other way or it has been so long that we have forgotten our former life. Let’s get in touch with what God did in Jesus. He saved our souls. If you truly believe, think about the size of that great gift. It is everything.
A pastor was giving the children's message during church. For this part of the service, he would gather all the children around him and give a brief lesson before dismissing them for children's church. On this particular Sunday, he was using squirrels for an object lesson on industry and preparation. He started out by saying, "I'm going to describe something, and I want you to raise your hand when you know what it is." The children nodded eagerly. "This thing lives in trees (pause) and eats nuts (pause)..." No hands went up. "And it is gray (pause) and has a long bushy tail (pause)..." The children were looking at each other, but still no hands raised. "And it jumps from branch to branch (pause) and chatters and flips its tail when it's excited (pause)..." Finally one little boy tentatively raised his hand. The pastor breathed a sigh of relief and called on him. "Well," said the boy, "I *know* the answer must be Jesus ... but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!"
We come to church expecting to talk about Jesus. But can we talk about him out there - to a hurting world that needs to hear? If ever there was a one who was worthy to be discussed beyond these walls, it is our Lord. Ask him to be your tongue, your actions, and even your thoughts – all for the one who has died to give you life. Tell them your story. Amen.
Focus:
One afternoon author Patsy Clairmont found herself on an airplane, sitting next to a young man. She writes, "I had already observed something about this young man when I was being seated. He called me "Ma'am." At the time I thought, 'Either he thinks I'm ancient, or he's from the South where they still teach manners, or he's in the service.' I decided the latter was the most likely, so I asked, "You in the service?"
"Yes, Ma'am, I am."
"What branch?"
"Marines."
"Hey, Marine, where are you coming from?" "Operation Desert Storm, Ma'am."
"No kidding? Desert Storm! How long were you there?" I asked. "A year and a half. I'm on my way home. My family will be at the airport." I then commented that he must have thought about returning to his family and home many times while he was in the Middle East. "Oh, no, Ma'am," he replied. "We were taught never to think of what might never be, but to be fully available right where we were."
Focus on the Family, July, 1993, p. 5.
God wants us to be fully available right where we are. He has placed you where he wants you. We have the hope of heaven – what will be – but he wants us to work out our salvation right now – right here!
I think that many of us, when Christ has enabled us to overcome one or two sins that were an obvious nuisance, are inclined to feel (though we do not put it into words) that we are now good enough. He has done all we wanted him to do, and we should be obliged if he would leave us alone. But the question is not what we intended ourselves to be, but what he intended us to be when he made us...
Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on. You knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised.
But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you thought of -- throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards.
You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage, but he is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it himself.
C.S. Lewis.
The keys to good self-confidence:
It must not rely on self alone – for some this is too much; for others, too little.
It must rely upon what Christ has done for you.
It must rely on God’s perception of you!
A.W. Tozer says that people who are crucified with Christ have three distinct marks:
1. they are facing only one direction,
2. they can never turn back, and
3. they no longer have plans of their own.
Tim Hansel, Holy Sweat, 1987, Word Books Publisher, p. 187.
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