Yesterday, I was moved by the tremendous song called The Motions, by Christian artist and singer Matthew West. It speaks of passionately living for Christ, not just “going through the motions.” Tears flowed from my eyes when I heard the lines, “I don’t want to go through the motions, I don’t want to go one more day, without Your all-consuming, passion inside of me, I don’t want to spend my whole life asking, what if I had given everything, instead of going through the motions, take me all the way…!” What passion! I’m still learning what living with passion for Christ means. I know it is NOT by “going through the motions.”
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Golden Nuggets Of Truth "Fame or Him"
We all want this. Pop star Michael Jackson had it. Ed McMahon, sidekick to Johnny Carson had it. Actress Farrah Fawcett had this. Actor Patrick Swayze, who died recently at the age of 57 in LA of pancreatic cancer had this. Before he died, advertising guru Billy Mays had this. Well-known athletes possess this. Popular singers chase this. People with iconic status, thrive on this. What is it? Our culture knows what it is. Reputations are made overnight because of this. They make movies about it. Recently, in Theatres everywhere on Friday, September 25, the reinvention of the original 1980 hit film, “Fame” was released. The movie follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts. Students from all walks of life have the chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame. That’s it. Fame! Our world chases and loves fame!! But is fame real and lasting, or temporary and fleeting?
How to Win Over Worry
Dear Friends,
In III John 4 we read: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” It is in that spirit that I write you today. It is my eager desire and joy to see people walk in the truth.
Recently, I was asked for my sermon notes on “worry.” Because of that request, as well as encouragement I have received from others, I have summarized some of those notes. It is my desire to see the Lord use these “Golden Nuggets” from His Word to encourage you. The following are some sobering thoughts about worry. Hang on, because these are direct and close to home.
In III John 4 we read: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” It is in that spirit that I write you today. It is my eager desire and joy to see people walk in the truth.
Recently, I was asked for my sermon notes on “worry.” Because of that request, as well as encouragement I have received from others, I have summarized some of those notes. It is my desire to see the Lord use these “Golden Nuggets” from His Word to encourage you. The following are some sobering thoughts about worry. Hang on, because these are direct and close to home.
He Knows Our Plans: Part One
Date: Feb. 21, 2008
Greetings friends,
Recently, I have been reading the book, "Liberating Your Ministry From The Success Syndrome", by Kent and Barbara Hughes. I have been so successful in my life, that I wanted to know why (kidding). It is my second reading because I don't always get it the first time. It is another book Kevin gave me that God has used in my life to encourage me. It has given me hope, vision, direction, and identified my continual need to fall into the embrace of His grace.
Greetings friends,
Recently, I have been reading the book, "Liberating Your Ministry From The Success Syndrome", by Kent and Barbara Hughes. I have been so successful in my life, that I wanted to know why (kidding). It is my second reading because I don't always get it the first time. It is another book Kevin gave me that God has used in my life to encourage me. It has given me hope, vision, direction, and identified my continual need to fall into the embrace of His grace.
He Knows Our Plans: Part Two
Date: February 28, 2008
When was the last time you had an unsettling day? Emotions seemed to be running into overdrive? You had your day planned, and nothing seemed to go as planned. Events were crashing into your life and making it a royal mess. I trust you will derive hope from the fact that God's plans are not only known, eternal, continual, but they are also settled. Last time we investigated some encouraging thoughts from the book, "Liberating Your Ministry From The Success Syndrome", by Kent and Barbara Hughes. We unpacked Jeremiah 29:11. In it God says, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, " plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope." We saw how God's plans are known, eternal and continual.
When was the last time you had an unsettling day? Emotions seemed to be running into overdrive? You had your day planned, and nothing seemed to go as planned. Events were crashing into your life and making it a royal mess. I trust you will derive hope from the fact that God's plans are not only known, eternal, continual, but they are also settled. Last time we investigated some encouraging thoughts from the book, "Liberating Your Ministry From The Success Syndrome", by Kent and Barbara Hughes. We unpacked Jeremiah 29:11. In it God says, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, " plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope." We saw how God's plans are known, eternal and continual.
He Knows Our Plans: Part Three
Date: March 5, 2008
This is the second to last article taken from the book, Liberating Your Ministry From The Success Syndrome, by Kent and Barbara Hughes. In some ways, I find it to be the most encouraging. We mentioned that God’s plans are known, eternal, continual, and settled. We now come to the apex of the promise which is the goodness of God's plan for us. Jeremiah says, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity.” Notice the profound depth of God’s goodness. It is seen in the word “welfare”. The word “welfare” literally means shalom/peace. This word shalom/peace means the absence of trouble. It also includes completeness, soundness, welfare, well-being, and wholeness. Put it all together, and the plan of God for you and me is shalom, our well-being. Therefore, if you have placed your trust in Christ, then it is true that you are the recipient of God’s goodness in His plans. He hasn’t somehow missed you or mistakenly cast you aside. No exceptions.
This is the second to last article taken from the book, Liberating Your Ministry From The Success Syndrome, by Kent and Barbara Hughes. In some ways, I find it to be the most encouraging. We mentioned that God’s plans are known, eternal, continual, and settled. We now come to the apex of the promise which is the goodness of God's plan for us. Jeremiah says, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity.” Notice the profound depth of God’s goodness. It is seen in the word “welfare”. The word “welfare” literally means shalom/peace. This word shalom/peace means the absence of trouble. It also includes completeness, soundness, welfare, well-being, and wholeness. Put it all together, and the plan of God for you and me is shalom, our well-being. Therefore, if you have placed your trust in Christ, then it is true that you are the recipient of God’s goodness in His plans. He hasn’t somehow missed you or mistakenly cast you aside. No exceptions.
He Knows Our Plans: Part Four
Date: March 17, 2008
Comprehensive, good plans bring optimism. That is what the final line is for us in Jer. 29:11, “To give you a hope and a future.” God’s word to you and me through Jeremiah is that you and I have REASON to be hopeful. We have reason to be hope-filled. The evil one casts doubt and confusion by suggesting, “What is the use. God’s plans always have so much difficulty in them. Live a mediocre life. It will be so much easier and more pleasant.” How tragic when we believe those lies. The Christian life can be difficult, confusing, but never without a good purpose. Our optimism is not shrouded in lies, it is caked with the goodness of God.
Comprehensive, good plans bring optimism. That is what the final line is for us in Jer. 29:11, “To give you a hope and a future.” God’s word to you and me through Jeremiah is that you and I have REASON to be hopeful. We have reason to be hope-filled. The evil one casts doubt and confusion by suggesting, “What is the use. God’s plans always have so much difficulty in them. Live a mediocre life. It will be so much easier and more pleasant.” How tragic when we believe those lies. The Christian life can be difficult, confusing, but never without a good purpose. Our optimism is not shrouded in lies, it is caked with the goodness of God.
Golden Nuggets of Truth: No Place for Truth
Dear FBC,
Recently, I came across an intriguing quote that sounds familiar. It says,
“The current principle of the present age seems to be, 'Some things are either true or false, according to the point of view from which you look at them.' Black is white, and white is black according to circumstances; and it does not particularly matter which you call it. Truth of course is true, but it would be rude to say that the opposite is a lie; we must not be bigoted, but remember the motto, 'So many men, so many minds.' ”
Recently, I came across an intriguing quote that sounds familiar. It says,
“The current principle of the present age seems to be, 'Some things are either true or false, according to the point of view from which you look at them.' Black is white, and white is black according to circumstances; and it does not particularly matter which you call it. Truth of course is true, but it would be rude to say that the opposite is a lie; we must not be bigoted, but remember the motto, 'So many men, so many minds.' ”
God Is Adequate
Dear FBC,
Have you ever had those times where you feel inadequate? Sometimes I do. I feel inadequate as a husband. Sometimes I feel inadequate as a father. Sometimes I feel very inadequate as a pastor. Sometimes I even feel inadequate as a Christian. If you have not felt this way sometimes, then read no more. But if you have, then read on.
Have you ever had those times where you feel inadequate? Sometimes I do. I feel inadequate as a husband. Sometimes I feel inadequate as a father. Sometimes I feel very inadequate as a pastor. Sometimes I even feel inadequate as a Christian. If you have not felt this way sometimes, then read no more. But if you have, then read on.
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