Fighting for the Faith

For the last few days we have been focusing on faith. The Bible says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen." The Bible says that "without faith, it is impossible to please God." Faith is the rock Jesus spoke of when He said, "upon this rock will I build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail." I John 5:4 says, "and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Faith is important. I want to continue the thought on faith again today by declaring to you that it is time for us to fight for the faith.
The Book of Jude tells us that there are those who have come into the church that are out to destroy or change the faith that we have. We must notice that times have changed. As we enter the holiday season, many of us will notice the change in the approach that stores take to Christmas. Instead of wishing you a "merry Christmas", you will get "happy holidays" or "merry x-mas." The thought that we need to be more socially acceptable has not only entered commercialism, but also the church. Gone are the days of singing "There is Power in the Blood" or preaching of the crucifixion of Christ. We are now hearing songs and sermons that do not challenge us to give up our sinful ways, but rather encourage us to just be happy and enjoy life. It is time to fight for the faith. Jude says that we as Christians must "remember the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ." Paul declared to the Corinthian church that he would not preach anything to them but "Christ and Him crucified." When we change the message, we change the outcome. If we are going to overcome this present age, then we need the blood of Jesus. If we are going to combat the forces of darkness and push back the Devil, then we need to be armed with the Word of God and be full of the Holy Ghost. I urge you today as Jude did so many years ago, "contend for the faith." God bless

Which One Are You?

I have been reading the epistles of John this week and as I read 3rd John this morning I came across something very powerful that goes with our blog theme this week. In 3rd John, the Apostle John is writing to a friend by the name of Gaius. In his letter he tells Gaius how proud he is of his efforts to minister to those of the faith and to be of service to them. He informs Gaius that because of his efforts to show hopitality to all, his faith has been made visible. Then he writes concerning a man named Diotrephes who is doing the total opposite of Gaius. Instead of recieving others and showing them hospitality, he has turned people out and has even hindered others in the church from helping those in need. This man, Diotrephes, had a control problem and always had to have his way. He claimed faith, but his life showed something else. You see, faith does not seek to be served, faith seeks to serve. True faith is not about me, but about others and how I can show them Jesus. So, who are you? Are you like Gaius, the one who helps others without complaint? Or, are you like Diotrephes, who only looks out for himself? Let's chew on that a while and let the Holy Spirit help us today. God bless

Compartmentalized Faith

As we discussed yesterday, faith is have evidence. There should be something noticably different about someone with faith in Christ. I want to talk this morning about the danger of putting your faith in just a certain area of your life.
In a house there are different rooms. These rooms each serve a different purpose. The kitchen is for the preparing of meals. The living room is for the gathering of family and friends for relaxation and fellowship. The bedroom is for resting and sleep. We compartmentalize these rooms for these purposes. The problem is, we are doing this with our faith as well. In our lives, we are putting our hobbies in a certain place, our friends in a certain place, our spouse and kids, and so forth. Faith, however, is meant to spill over into every place of our life. The only way my family will benefit from my faith is if I allow faith into that place in my heart. The only way my friends, work, etc., will benefit is to allow my faith to impact those areas. Faith is not something to store away for a rainy day. It is meant to take over your whole life. Let faith out today and walk in it. God bless

The Evidence of Faith

How does the world know that you and I have faith in Christ? Are there noticable differences between us and those who do not profess Christ? You see, real faith produces fruit. The fruit is the evidence that a seed has been planted. The seed is the Word. Here is how it works: 1) a sower (Christ) plants a seed. 2) the ground (you) recieves the seed. 3) with good soil and good water supply, the seed begins to grow. 4) as the seed grows into a plant and the plant or tree matures it will begin to bear fruit.
This is how faith works. You recieve the Word into your heart and as it grows it will produce faith and the faith will produce the works. If you are truely in Christ, then there should be evidence. The evidence will be in the words that you use, in how you treat others, and in how you live out your life. So, I will ask again, "How does the world know that we are disciples of Christ?" If I use foul language when the Bible teaches us not to do so, how does that show my faith? If I engage in activities that are worldly, how does that show my faith? It is time to REALLY be disciples of Christ. This means that I am to come out of the worlds way of doing things and let Christ be LORD of my life. Its not my life to live anymore. I have surrendered it to Him. I am crucified with Christ and the life that I live, I live through faith in Him. Isn't that what Paul says to us. We are to be virtually dead. How would Jesus like to live through you today? Have you asked Him? Take a moment this morning and surrender this day to Him and let Him have control. God bless

Do Not be Afraid

As I sit at my computer this morning the words "do not be afraid" ring out in my Spirit. I feel like this if especially for someone today. In Psalms 3:6, David says "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about." David felt like the whole world was against him. He felt like his enemies out numbered him. He was in a place where fear was attempting to get a hold on him and shut him down. You see, that is how fear works. Its attempt is to stop you from being what God has said for you to be. It is meant to handicap and cripple you. Fear is of the Devil. It is part of his three-fold attack. To steal, kill, and destroy, he has to use fear. The Bible tells us that fear is not from God. He gives us peace, love, and a sound mind. I want you to know today that you do not have to be afraid right now. Whatever you are going through, God will bring you through. Psalms 3:8 says, "Salvation (deliverance) belongs to the Lord." Your deliverance is in God's hands today. Call on Him and He will ease your fears. God Bless

Where Do You Worship?

I am going to revisit yesterday's theme and take it a step further. We are to remember what God has done for us because that is our testimony, however God does not intend for us to live there and never experience anything else in Him. Today I want to look at John 4:19-24. The Bible gives account here of an interaction between Jesus and an unamed woman from Samaria. In these verses The woman ask's Jesus where is the correct location of worship. The Jews claimed that the proper place was in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount and the Samaritans claimed it to be a mountain in Samaria. Jesus responds by saying, "true worshippers worship in Spirit and Truth." In other words it doesn't matter. Some of us say that we can only worship in certain environments or in certain situations. We can only worship at certain times and locations. This is false worship. The reason I say that is because the reason behind our worship is wrong. With that attitude we are making it about us and not about God!! True worship is not dependant upon a certain location, time, environment, etc. It is in Spirit and Truth. It is all about God and God is everywhere at all times. Worship is not about a particular time of the week. Worship is a lifestyle. Worship is everything that I am supposed to do. Do not get stuck upon a traditional mountain today. Worship to God is meant to be FREE. It is to be spontaneous and powerful. Do not allow it to be in a box. The Jews and Samaritans would not worship anywhere but in their traditional places and it caused them to miss a move of God. The same is true for us today. When we limit our opportunities to worship WE miss out. Don't get stuck on the mountain of music, the mountain of preaching, or the mountain of attire. Come down from those places and worship God in Spirit and Truth. God bless

Moving On

Do not get caught up in the past!!! Yesterday we talked about the importance of building memorials around your monumental moments. It is important that we remember what God has done for us and in us. However, God does not intend for us to live there. In the book of Joshua, after they build the memorials they continue to move forward. Too many of us are still hanging around the memory of what God did back then. We still focus on the "I remember whens." In doing this we miss so much more that God has to offer. I feel the Holy Spirit challenging us to "move on" today. To pick up and get back on the road. I am thankful for what God has done, but I am anticipating Him to continue moving in my life.
Sometimes we are religious and don't even realize it. We, like Peter at the Mountain of Transfiguration, will see God do a work and then decide that that is where we need to pitch our tents and stay. That was not God's intention then and it certainly is not now. We get stuck in a certain form of worship and a certain form of singing or preaching, and we miss a whole other side of God. Some of us have been worshipping to the same tunes forever. We never branch out to something new and fresh that will challenge us and our faith. We have so memorized the songs that we can sing them without true worship even coming forth. The Bible says to sing a new song unto God. Have you ever done that? Have you ever branched out beyond your comfort zone? I am amazed at how many "Christians" I hear make statements about how they can't worship to this or to that. That's insane!!!!! Do you realize that God does not have a favorite style of music?! Do you realize that God does not have a favorite style of suit? Do you realize that God does not have a favorite style of preaching? What God desires are those things that will point to Him. If the Spirit of God is in it then go for it. Don't limit your worship to God. I challenge you to branch out today. Those of you who just love Southern Gospel, and by the way so do I, branch out today and worship to a different style. Those of you who love Hillsong or some other style, go back and worship to some of the old hymns today. Don't get boxed in. Mix it up. Catch the Devil off guard today and give God a "sacrifice of praise." God bless

"Monument"al Moments

All of us have had moments in our lives that have forever changed the direction we were headed. Moments that have shaped who we are today. For some of us it may have been our first car, a first date, our first real job. Sometimes these moments are not good or pleasant moments, but they still shape our lives. The Bible tells us of a time in the lives of the Israelites when God commanded them to build memorials. In Joshua chapter 4, the Israelites had just crossed the river Jordan while it was at flood stage. God had miraculously parted the waters and allowed them to cross on dry ground. God then commands them to collect 12 stones and build a monument on the other side of Jordan where they would spend the night. This collection of stones would serve three purposes: 1) It would serve as a reminder to them and to their children. 2) It would be a testimony to the world as to what God is able to do for us. 3) It would remind them to always fear or have a holy reverance for God.
The monuments in our lives serve the same purpose. As believers, we are to build "monument" that will allow us to share with our children how good God has been, to let our friends and family know what God can do for them, and to keep our hearts in the right place. Have you built any lately? Have you gone back lately to some places where God really moved in your life? If not, do so. Some of us are perhaps struggling right now. Life has not been easy. I challenge you to "go back" to some places in your life where God was faithful and let that be an encouragement to you. Remember that Jesus is the same "yesterday, today, and forever." God bless

It Takes Time

We live in a day when people are looking for instant success and greatness. Just this week, a dad has been accused of using his children to gain instant fame and riches. The reality is that very rarely can one become great overnight. Greatness takes time and patience. When God spoke to Abram to leave his homeland and enter into a new land, he was already 75. Abram would have to wait 25 years before he would hold the promise of his son in his arms. That means that Abram was 100 when Isaac was born!!! In the 25 years between God making the promise and Abram holding the first part of it in his arms, a lot of things happened. There were times when it probably felt like maybe he had misunderstood what God was saying. Maybe he felt like God forgot about him and found someone else. Have you ever felt that way? Don't. God has destined you for greatness. This greatness however is not for you to have a name, but for the name of the Lord to be praised. God wants to display his power and glory through us. To do this, He must work on us to get us where we need to be. To become who we are to be. So be patient today and wait on the Lord. He will do great things!!! God bless

GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!

I am posting this blog from the dealership while getting my oil changed. I have come to realize that no matter how much I try, my scedule will never go as planned and that I have to make the best of every possible moment. I want to revisit something that the Holy Spirit put in me for the men's retreat this past weekend. In Genesis chapter 12, we are told of Abram and how God called upon him to leave his fathers house and country and move to a land where he would be a stranger. The promise to Abram was that if he obeyed, God would cause him to become great and to give birth to a great nation. This is a powerful concept. Abram had already reached the age of 75 and God was calling him to virtually start living life over again. Many of us would have pretended we did not hear God or would have ignored Him. Abram did not and God came through on His promise. The reason that many of us are not seeing the great things of God manifested in our lives is because we have limited God. We have put limitations on Him and restricted His access in our day to day lives. We continue to play "plastic church" and serve a "plastice Jesus." Jesus is not plastic and neither is His church. We must walk in faith and believe in God for great things. Get out of the way today and let God be God. God bless

Weekend Recap

This past weekend was a great success. The men of our church left out on Thursday for Murphy, NC and returned yesterday. Friday, after only 3 hours of sleep, our men headed out at 7:30 for Prayer Mountain. (I will be blogging about these locations later in the week.) We were able to visit not only Prayer Mountain, but the meeting house for the first General Assembly of the Church of God and the location of the Shearer School house as well. We were challenged at each location by the Holy Spirit and spent time in prayer every time we stopped. God moved on the men of Friendship this weekend. We were challenged to take of the limitations that we have put on God and believe in Him for great things.
Last night we took a group from our church to the Casting Crowns concert and had a blast worshipping with so many people of different denominations and backgrounds. I looked around the arena last night and wathced as so a great number of people lifted hands and voices to God in praise and did not care what others thought. The service had a sweet yet powerful presence of God. I am so thankful for what God has done in me and our church this weekend. It truely is time to take off the plastic church mentality and become the Body of Christ!!! Our religious routines are getting us no where. Let us become the disciples of Christ. God bless

Weekend Getaway

Good morning. I pray that your day has started in a blessed way. This morning will be my last blog for a few days. My next will be on Sunday morning. The reason for my absence is that I am going a men's retreat with our church. This is going to be a great weekend. I believe that God is speaking to me for our men and our church. We are traveling to Murphy, NC to see the beginning place of the Church of God. This is going to be a special time. The theme for this weekend is "Momunent Moments." Without going into much detail and giving anything away, I believe that there are moments is our lives that are meant to change the course and direction of our lives. These are "monument moments."
In 1886 in Murphy, NC, eight individuals hungry for God formed the Christian Union. Out of these eight hungry souls came what is now known as the Church of God. I am fourth generation and proud of my upbringing in this church. I have been speaking to you about being great, and that is what this weekend is about for our men. Eight individuals in a mountain community in 1886 changed the course of so many. What can God do with you? Meditate on that for a few days and I will be back on Sunday. God bless

What Will it Take?

What will it take? That is the question on my mind today. The Bible says in John 12:37, "But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him:" How is it that they missed who Jesus was? How is it that they had so many evidences that Jesus was the Son of God and yet they still did not believe? The question still rings true today. He has been so faithful yet people still refuse. People choose to walk in darkness and bondage rather than to simply believe. My question today is not just for the sinner, it is also for the church. How is it that we come to church yet can not believe God for the miracles that we have? Church, have faith in God. Have faith for you and for your families. Don't doubt what God can do. Have faith. God bless

Fighting for America

There is no question that our nation is at a crossroads. We are at an intersection of differing ideas and philosophies. There are things being presented to us that totally go against the teachings of Christ and the life we are commanded to live. One of my "guilty pleasures" is listening to talk radio. I am a very patriotic person. The years leading to and the time of the American Revolution, is my favorite period to study. I love history. I cried on September 11, 2009 when our nation was struck by terrisom. I too came close to signing up and going to battle for this nation that I love. My calling however is on another battlefield. Today, while our soldiers are in other lands fighting to keep our freedom and the freedom of others, we here at home are fight another war. A war to keep our nation intact. A war to defend our constitution. A war to uphold what our forefathers had invisioned us to become. If we do not fight now, what will our children have to endure in the future? What will our grandchildren have left? We must fight. However, our fighting is not with guns and bullets. Our fighting is not done with protests and sit-ins. We fight with prayer. We as Christian are told that our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with spiritual forces of evil. I believe that we are engaged with spiritual warfare. I believe, as the Apostle John said, "the spirit of Antichrist is already at work." Don't misunderstand what I am saying. I am not calling anyone the Antichrist. I am simply saying that the battle we are fighting is against that spirit. The only way to fight is through prayer. We must pray for our leaders. We must pray for our judges. We must pray for our churches and pastors. We ther church must pray!!! The Bible tells us that if we will humble ourselves, repent, and turn from our sins and pray, that God will hear our prayers and heal our land. Church, lets arm ourselves and pray. God bless

Columbus Day

Today we celebrate the explorations of Christopher Columbus. We all remember something about this from our school days. In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Ring a bell? The reason that I am focusing on this today is because Christopher was no different from you or I. In fact, he was considered by some to be crazy because he thought the world to be round in a day when it was considered to be flat. Yet he did not let the scoffers hinder his passion. There was greatness in store for Mr. Columbus. The same is true for us today. God has something great planned for each of us. In us today is greatness. The question is how will you let it play out? Will we settle for an average life? Will we just go through the motions of life and never realize our potential? Maybe you feel like you could never do something great. I beg to differ. Again, there is greatness in you. You may never discover a new land, but there is a work in you that God has created you for. Seek God today and do not limit yourself. Be great and God bless.

Busy Days

We are living in a busy time of life. We all feel from time to time that there are just not enough hours in the day. Many people work such long hours that by the time they get home in the evenings they have no real time for their families. There are few families who enjoy time around the dinner table reflecting on the day and its events. We are so busy that we are losing our families. My encouragemnet to you today is find time for family. Make the time to sit around a meal, make time to play a game, make time to take a walk, or to simply get away. Time is something that none of us can get back. When it is gone, its gone for good. Those of you with children, enjoy now even the little things. Make memories that will last a lifetime. God bless and have a great Sunday!

Finding My Place

Most of us have spent our whole lives trying to find our purpose. We have chased relationships, careers, and money. We thought we would be satisfied with material things or perhaps a position or post. The reality is that our place is with God. Psalms 139:14 says "we are fearfully and wonderfully made." God has created us with care and purpose. I am created in His likeness and image. I have been given the mandate to "replenish" and have "domion." In Psalms 139:17 it says that God has a great "sum" of thoughts or plans for us. I want you to know today that our place is with God. Our place is in His presence and in His work. Apart from that there is no peace or happiness.
As a young pastor, I look around and see how others are doing ministry. I notice that some are very traditional while others are more contemporary. The question for me is, "where do I fit in?" I too sometimes feel like I am torn between two types of ministry. I enjoy the relaxed yet aggressive nature of the contemporary churches and yet I feel at home in a traditional setting. So for some time I have struggled in "finding my place." I have come to the conclusion that for me it is okay to be both. That you don't have to choose because they both identify with a segment of our current culture. We can no longer seperate ourselves by the style that we most prefer. We must as God's children, come together and lift up the name of Christ. The purpose is not to be better than the other or more right than the other, but to reap the harvest. You see, that is my place. The harvest field. So don't hate on me if I wear a suit and don't hate on me if I wear a pair of jeans. Don't hate on someone who spikes their hair and don't hate on someone who parts their hair. Let's just win the lost and let Jesus be Lord. God bless

Who is Like the Lord?

In Psalms 89:8, the Psalmists ask the Lord "who is like you?"(NCV) The answer is of course, no one. No one is like God. No one compares to God. No one loves like Him or has mercy like Him. We could go on and on because there is NO ONE like our God! I saw today where a survey suggest that 1 in 4 are now Muslim. I don't know how true that statement really is, but what if it is. What if 1 in 4 are Muslim? What if our young people continue to be taught in our colleges that you can get to heaven through any faith that you choose because all roads lead to God in the end? What if we continue to ignore God and do our own thing? What if? You see, Allah does not compare to my God. They make him sound similar to Jehovah, but he is not. They say that they are one in the same, but they are not. Deuteronomy 6:4 says, "our God is one LORD." His name is Yahweh, not Allah. There are not many ways to God, just one. Jesus declared Himself to be the "way, truth, and life." He said that no on could get to the Father unless they go through Him. Meaning that it is a relationship with Christ that gives you eternity with the Father. You can not get there any other way. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present. There is no one like our God. God bless

Normal

What does it mean to be normal? Everyone is looking to have a "normal" life. To have a normal family, a normal routine, a normal job. The question is how do I know when I am normal? What if God does not intend for me to have what others consider to be normal? I have learned that what the world may believe is normal does not look anything like what I am called to be in Christ. For example, the world will consider drinks with a friend at a bar or club to be normal, but in Christ those things are abnormal. They do not agree with the lifestyle I am called to live. For me to spend time in prayer or in worship is normal, but for the world it is abnormal. They think that I am wierd. You see, we as Christians do not fit in with this world. We have been transformed through the forgiveness of God through Christ Jesus. We are called to live spiritual lives. We are called to leave behind the things of this world. Don't seek the normal life of this world, for it is abnormal to you as a believer. Live the life God has created you for. God bless

Wasted Grace

In 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul is reminding the church that it was the gospel of Christ that he had presented to them and that in believing in Christ they were saved. He gives an account of those who had seen the resurrected Lord as a defense to the message. In that defense he adds that he also had seen Christ, but as one born out of season. He then remarks, "God's grace has made me what I am."(NCV) No doubt the same is to be said for each of us. Had it not been for the grace of God none of us would have this wonderful opportunity to serve Him. In Ephesians chapter two we are told that "we are saved by grace through faith." It's God's grace that has allowed me to come into relationship and to be His son. Praise God for His grace!
Paul doesn't stop there, he adds, "His grace to me was not wasted." I wonder if we have ever wasted God's grace in our lives. You see, Paul was speaking of his ministry to the Lord and the church. He knew what God wanted him to do with his life and for what reason God had saved him. He gave everything to follow God and fulfill God's call. By doing that, he was able to say that God's grace was not wasted. God has wonderfully and mercifuly saved us from our sins. But He did not save us so we could then just waste our lives and wait for heaven. How is your relationship with the Father today? Have you spent time in His presence? Have you spent time in prayer today to see what He might have planned for you and to prepare to do what He has planned? The question I most want to ask is, Are you living the life He died for you to live? These are some powerful questions that only you can answer. I pray today that I have not wasted His grace, but if I have may He forgive me and help me never to do it again. Search your hearts today and look at the direction you are headed in. Are you wasting grace today? God bless

Rainy Monday

Today is a rainy Monday. Monday's are generally tough on me anyway, and then to add the cool morning and the rain just doesn't seem fair. This was one of those mornings when I wanted to stay in bed a little longer. Unfortunatley, I had a three year old yelling "its get up time guys!" Why is it that kids feel the need to interrupt good sleep? Anyway, I just want to encourage you to enjoy this day. Even with the rain and the fall temperature, it is a great day. Who knows what God has in store for you today? I have already this morning received a praise report of how God had moved in them and their home since last nights service. God is amazing!!! Do your jobs well, pay attention to your spouse and children, but also take some time for you today as well. You deserve it. God bless

Excited to Serve

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. It is also the busiest day of the week for me. I preach twice on Sundays and spend most of my day at the church between services. Some would say that is not how they would describe their favorite day. I believe it has to do with how you look at it. For me it is not a burden but a delight. You see, I am serving my King! What else could be more fun and exciting? What else could bring more satisfaction? Too many church goers are missing the point of church attendance. Too many that work in the church are missing the joy of serving. You are not to do it for man, but God. You have been given the opportunity to work for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. David says in Psalms 84:10, "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God, than to dwell in the tents of the wicked." You see, its not what you do, rather that you do it with joy and love. It doesn't matter if you are a teacher or a greeter, an usher or janitor, as long as you have joy in serving your King. So don't let Sunday become a joyless part of the week. Take Sunday back and worship God with it. Let it become the best day of the week. God bless

Dealing with Enemies

How do you deal with your enemies? If you are like most people, you probably treat them like they are your enemies. You give them the cold shoulder when you see them. You carry around anger and resentment for what they did or said. You think about bad things coming on them. Perhaps you even seek revenge. The problem with this approach is that its not God's way. We all have someone who has come into our lives and hurt us in some way. Whether it was someone close to us or a new aquintance, it still hurt. The question is how to deal with the hurt and the individual. Matthew 5:44 says, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Wow, what a concept. This is certainly not how the world deals with its enemies and more than likely the same goes for you. We have been taught by tv, books, magazines, and unfortunatly our own families, that the way to deal with enemies is to be an enemy in return. Jesus teaches something all together different. He teaches that we are to love them. How does one come to be able to do this? The answer comes in the second part of that verse. Jesus says, "pray for those who perecute you." When we as Christians pray, we begin to take on the mindset and heart of the Father (when done right). We are not to pray for them to be hurt or destroyed. We are to pray for their salvation and forgiveness. We are to forgive them and release them from the offense they have committed. We pray for them to be soft to the Word of God and His love. When we pray this way, we will find that we are not hurt any longer. Instead, we are concerned for them and their future.
Another way to deal with our enemies is found in Romans 12:20. We are taught in this verse to do something nice for those who are our enemies. We are told to feed them when they are hungry and give drink if they are thirsty. By doing this, the Bible says that we will overcome evil with good. You see, revenge belongs to God and not you. Those who have hurt you have a soul that God cares for. Do not be a stumbling block to their salvation. Let them see God and His love through you and your actions. It may lead them to accepting Christ as their Savior, and if they are already in the church, to seek forgiveness. Spend today loving your enemies. God bless

Living in a Me World

Sometime in the late 80's early 90's, Madonna came out with a song about living in a "Material World." I know, your thinking, "What does a pastor know about Madona?" Well, I haven't always been saved! Anyway, the song dealt with a selfish motive to gain material things. Unfortunatly, that is far too often the real mindset for most of our country. We have a "self" problem. Everything we do is based on what we will receive in return. We no longer help our neighbors just for the sake of being friendly. We no longer go out of our way to help a stranded motorist or a family in need. We are far to often so wrapped up in "us", that even our own families pay the price. Jesus calls us to "deny ourselves." He calls us to put others first and ourselves last. Wow, what a thouht. Most of our time and energy is invested in getting instead of giving. The same goes for our money and resources as well. We have traded the mind of Christ, for the mind of this age. I pray that the minds of God's people will be transformed. That we would focus on meeting the needs of others. That we would become givers and not takers. Let our actions not be motivated out of greed(wanting something in return), but rather, out of love. Let us leave the "me" world and enter into a Kingdom mindset. God bless

Random Thoughts

I am on my way to a missions meeting in Columbia and that is going to consume most of my schedule today. I want to just give some random thoughts this morning. First, God is faithful. We never find in scripture where God let someone down. There is never an instance where God did not help those in need. Why then do we feel like God won't show up when its us in need. If God did it for those in scripture, then He is faithful to do it for us. Second, why are we so consumed with ourselves. Scripture tells us time and time again to think of others first and be there for them. We spend so much time focused on us and very little on the needs of others. There are so many around the world that need the gospel. So many that need a meal or clothes. Have you thought about someone else today? Lets get refocused and put others first. This is the mind of Christ and it must become our mind as well. I believe that if we will focus on the needs of others then ours will be met as well, and we will be less likely to stress over our issues. Have a great day and God bless.