Today is the National See You At The Pole for students. This is an annual event that has been initiated to be a student-led prayer gathering at the flag pole of their school. Today as I went to the local middle school to meet at 7:30, I found that the teachers had organized a gathering at 7:15. However, many students were still arriving at 7:45. I saw something very unique as the three students that came to meet with me tried to encourage peers to join with them. Each peer would either pretend they did not see or hear them, or dodge the invitation with a "gotta do something" or "I'll be right back". But never the less, there were three of whom I was very proud. I am always proud of students that will take a stand for Christ but especially for those who are standing in the small group.
I shared Matthew 18:20 with them which reads in the NLT, "For Where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." These three lifted their voices to the Lord and asked that their peers be saved! Wow! How many times do we adults join in small gatherings in front of crowds of onlookers and pray that our friends be saved?
Verse 19 of Matthew 18 tells us "If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you." These three prayed the same thing. They "agreed" with one another desiring their friends be saved.
The church is not changing. We meet at "safe" times, in "safe" places. It is safe to go to church on Sunday morning when all the churchy people go. We have always been told there is safety in numbers. But Christ has not called us as a group, He has called us an individuals and that is how we must stand for Him.
Why plan a prayer meeting that meets early before everyone arrives? Why plan a worship service when and where it will not be offensive to anyone? Why do we as Christians desire to be "bold" in secret? In Christ there is power. Stand with the few in plain sight. That is boldness.
Don't run away when no one is chasing you. Proverbs 28:1 ".....but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
Be bold....stand when there are only a few to stand with you!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Come Lord Jesus
Today I yearn for the return of Christ. As I contemplate the Second Coming of Jesus Christ I become very anxious. Like a child looking forward to Christmas morning. Wondering what it will be like, scared yet quickend by this bizzare fear and hunger for the things to come. I am quite sure that to see Jesus and the things He has prepared for me will be exceedingly abundantly more than I could possibly think or imagine. I also know that this day will not come until every opportunity has been exhausted for all to be presented with the saving Gospel. John joins with the Sprit and the bride and says, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" I look at the last words that the Apostle John shares with us from the Revelation and feel much the same way as the days pass and God reveals more about Himself to me. Each additional and glorious glimpse causes the anticipation to increase. I dismay when many who are gifted and empowered by the Spirit choose to neglect these offerings. Many who have great talents for teaching, leadership, encouragement choose to utilize these talents on themselves instead of using them for the glory of God. In James we are told "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
(James 4:17 NIV)
I wish there was a switch in the life of each believer that God would flip at the commonly prescribed time that would move us from point A to point B in our Spiritual walk. In Jewish tradition there is the Bar/Bet Mitzvah taking place at thirteen years of age, moving one from childhood to adulthood in regard to one's responsibility to the Law. Would it not be wonderful if this point was easily defined for Christians regarding our walk with Christ?
Paul said, "When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a chld does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things." Oh, that we could have clarity to know when to put away the immature thoughts of childhood and grow up. No one having even entered into adolescence would drink milk from a baby bottle but why do so many "Christians" continue to drink milk from a bottle instead of feasting on the meat in God's word and His will?
True joy and fulfillment in a person's life will only come when God's will is sought and not their own. No matter how honorable the intention, or intense the work, if not done according to the will of God it is but stuble in the fire. Live to know God more and share in my anticipation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ!!
(James 4:17 NIV)
I wish there was a switch in the life of each believer that God would flip at the commonly prescribed time that would move us from point A to point B in our Spiritual walk. In Jewish tradition there is the Bar/Bet Mitzvah taking place at thirteen years of age, moving one from childhood to adulthood in regard to one's responsibility to the Law. Would it not be wonderful if this point was easily defined for Christians regarding our walk with Christ?
Paul said, "When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a chld does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things." Oh, that we could have clarity to know when to put away the immature thoughts of childhood and grow up. No one having even entered into adolescence would drink milk from a baby bottle but why do so many "Christians" continue to drink milk from a bottle instead of feasting on the meat in God's word and His will?
True joy and fulfillment in a person's life will only come when God's will is sought and not their own. No matter how honorable the intention, or intense the work, if not done according to the will of God it is but stuble in the fire. Live to know God more and share in my anticipation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ!!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The one that got away
I spend much of my life looking for men of God to follow in their dust. It seems the Lord is very particular when growing these men. It only stands to reason why these men are so few and far between. I often enjoy these older men who become "sages" after their years of maturing. When one of these men are found, I want to draw from their wisdom and personality everything I possibly can. I have been fortunate to have been led to a few of these precious gems in my life and will continue the search. Young men and boys need these seasoned influences in their lives. Older mentors ready and willing to invest more than money into their lives but to invest themselves. Paul, in all his wisdom and education followed in the footsteps of Gamaliel; one of the greatest rabbis in history. Not only did Paul learn the Scripture, along with all its meanings, but I am sure he drew much wisdom about life as well. Paul was always anxious to take on others to share this wisdom. Barnabas and Timothy were among the more well known, but I suspect their were scores of young men hungry for the care and leadership that Paul could offer.
Paul, in all humility, knowing he himself was not perfect, as he addressed himself as the "chief" of sinners, was committed to following Christ in his life and desired for others to follow his example.
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." 1 Cor 11:1 NKJV
No one on this earth is perfect but many have the desire to live in such a way that will be pleasing to the Lord. We must all live as unto the Lord in everything we do and continue to grow in Christ.
It is important to all of us as men and women that we find others to include in our lives that help us grow in Christ. I personally found Gary Taylor to be one of those men and was so looking forward to many years with him. My friend and mentor, Gary Taylor, 58, went home to be with his Lord last night very unexpectedly. God allowed him to finish well. We enjoyed the final Men’s Fraternity meeting for this season together with two of his sons and his brother David yesterday. What a blessing God bestowed on this family and this community through him.
Now I feel I am back to square one, in search of another male mentor to disciple me as I look to find younger men to disciple. Although Gary will be missed, I know for sure I will see him again. Not only in eternity, but through the legacy he has left behind in his sons and his disciples.
In Christ
Bro. Martin
Paul, in all humility, knowing he himself was not perfect, as he addressed himself as the "chief" of sinners, was committed to following Christ in his life and desired for others to follow his example.
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." 1 Cor 11:1 NKJV
No one on this earth is perfect but many have the desire to live in such a way that will be pleasing to the Lord. We must all live as unto the Lord in everything we do and continue to grow in Christ.
It is important to all of us as men and women that we find others to include in our lives that help us grow in Christ. I personally found Gary Taylor to be one of those men and was so looking forward to many years with him. My friend and mentor, Gary Taylor, 58, went home to be with his Lord last night very unexpectedly. God allowed him to finish well. We enjoyed the final Men’s Fraternity meeting for this season together with two of his sons and his brother David yesterday. What a blessing God bestowed on this family and this community through him.
Now I feel I am back to square one, in search of another male mentor to disciple me as I look to find younger men to disciple. Although Gary will be missed, I know for sure I will see him again. Not only in eternity, but through the legacy he has left behind in his sons and his disciples.
In Christ
Bro. Martin
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Boring or Bored
Do organizations get boring or do people get bored with organizations? Obviously organizations did what was not boring in the beginning because people were involved and interested. If they were doing the same things later that they were doing in the beginning, the organization was not boring, the people became bored with the way the leaders were doing things. I say that to say, is boredom a choice just like happiness and anger? Hmmm!?
Israel was visibly in the presence of God as they watched a pillar of fire by night and smoke by day but it was "boring."
"Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him,"'Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.'" Ex 32:1 NKJV
God provided everything Israel needed, shoes, clothes and manna, but it was "boring."
"And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet." Deut 29:5 NKJV
"Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said:'Who will give us meat to eat?5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic;6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!'" Num 11:4-6 NKJV
Now I understand these texts are out of chronological order but that does not change the fact of the attitude of the people.
At what point do we move beyond boredom into contentment, not complacency but contentment? Nothing God does is boring, we just become bored with the way He chooses to do things. Complacency is boredom. If we look to find God in all things, we will never be bored. It is only when we look to the ways of man to prove excitement that we become bored and then blame it on God for not giving us meat! Manna is boring to the one who would rather have quail but for the one who enjoys being fed by the Lord, Manna is filet mignon!
So what will you have for dinner?
Israel was visibly in the presence of God as they watched a pillar of fire by night and smoke by day but it was "boring."
"Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him,"'Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.'" Ex 32:1 NKJV
God provided everything Israel needed, shoes, clothes and manna, but it was "boring."
"And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet." Deut 29:5 NKJV
"Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said:'Who will give us meat to eat?5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic;6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!'" Num 11:4-6 NKJV
Now I understand these texts are out of chronological order but that does not change the fact of the attitude of the people.
At what point do we move beyond boredom into contentment, not complacency but contentment? Nothing God does is boring, we just become bored with the way He chooses to do things. Complacency is boredom. If we look to find God in all things, we will never be bored. It is only when we look to the ways of man to prove excitement that we become bored and then blame it on God for not giving us meat! Manna is boring to the one who would rather have quail but for the one who enjoys being fed by the Lord, Manna is filet mignon!
So what will you have for dinner?
Friday, November 6, 2009
Your Choice America
"I ask that all of you keep these families and these individuals in your prayers today." Texas Governor Rick Perry said.
God said, "Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty." Malachi 3:7 NIV
Your choice America!! How loud must God call out to us before we listen?
This nation was founded on Biblical principles and Godly ideals. What has happened since then? For many years this nation has been in decline despite the appearance of success. We live higher, eat better, act refined, and appear to care. What all this amounts too is we have become self-centered, conceited and proud. Jesus addressed the religious community of His day when He called them white-washed tombs full of dead men's bones. (Matt. 23:27) This nation has become a nation of white-washed tombs. Like cups clean on the outside and disgustingly filthy on the inside. We battle in countries over oil and money but refuse to care for nations that are starving due to oppresive governments. We spend more on ice cream in one year in America than it would cost to feed nations. We spend billions of dollars to bail out mismanaged corporations while Americans suffer from the lack of affordable healthcare.
Young people are required to learn of alternative lifestyles and how to have sex without spreading disease but are not even informed of the thought of moral living that obviously comes from a moral law giver.
We cannot continue to turn our backs to God at every turn and expect Him to spare the rod of discipline. How quick we are as a nation to cry out to Him and acknowledge His existence when catastrophe hits. People around this nation are asking "Why God?" People around this nation today are praying for strength and healings. Today the military personnel are leaning on a God that would not have been acknowledged two days ago.
America and its leaders must today decide whom will you serve? Will this nation continue to depart from God or will it return?
I am thankful the Lord continues to protect this nation from the possiblities of evil destruction. The shooting tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas yesterday is but a glimpse of the devastation that will come when God lifts His protection only for a moment. If this nation is going to call itself a Christian nation then BE a Christian nation. If this nation will not BE a Christian nation, then hang on, for destruction is sure to come.
God said, "Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty." Malachi 3:7 NIV
Your choice America!! How loud must God call out to us before we listen?
This nation was founded on Biblical principles and Godly ideals. What has happened since then? For many years this nation has been in decline despite the appearance of success. We live higher, eat better, act refined, and appear to care. What all this amounts too is we have become self-centered, conceited and proud. Jesus addressed the religious community of His day when He called them white-washed tombs full of dead men's bones. (Matt. 23:27) This nation has become a nation of white-washed tombs. Like cups clean on the outside and disgustingly filthy on the inside. We battle in countries over oil and money but refuse to care for nations that are starving due to oppresive governments. We spend more on ice cream in one year in America than it would cost to feed nations. We spend billions of dollars to bail out mismanaged corporations while Americans suffer from the lack of affordable healthcare.
Young people are required to learn of alternative lifestyles and how to have sex without spreading disease but are not even informed of the thought of moral living that obviously comes from a moral law giver.
We cannot continue to turn our backs to God at every turn and expect Him to spare the rod of discipline. How quick we are as a nation to cry out to Him and acknowledge His existence when catastrophe hits. People around this nation are asking "Why God?" People around this nation today are praying for strength and healings. Today the military personnel are leaning on a God that would not have been acknowledged two days ago.
America and its leaders must today decide whom will you serve? Will this nation continue to depart from God or will it return?
I am thankful the Lord continues to protect this nation from the possiblities of evil destruction. The shooting tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas yesterday is but a glimpse of the devastation that will come when God lifts His protection only for a moment. If this nation is going to call itself a Christian nation then BE a Christian nation. If this nation will not BE a Christian nation, then hang on, for destruction is sure to come.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Leading/Following
Many times we are confronted with great decisions that not only affect ourselves but many that we do not even have any contact with. Leadership is by far one of the hardest tasks ever given. Solomon was given this authority at a very young age. The Bible lends us to think he could have asked the Lord for anything. For a materialistic mind this could have been the proverbial "Genie in a bottle" wish. Solomon, exhibiting great wisdom even with his prayer, sought wisdom from the Lord to give him wisdom to govern God's people.
Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"
1 Kings 3:7-9 NKJV
We must use great caution when placed in a postion of leadership. Not only do we have the responsibility to lead wisely but also Biblically. I have found it found very hard at times to discern between the voice of God and the voices of human influence. It is very difficult to over come fleshly desires and "gut" reactions when opportunities arise to pursue what seems to be a righteous agenda. Sometimes I feel like Peter with a sword, but Jesus told him to put the sword away for if you live by the sword you will die by the sword. When we find ourselves in the point of contention and not sure what direction to move we must find ourselves seeking God's leadership. Sometimes it does not make any sense and may seem to be against past examples but when confidence comes as we rest in Him, common sense or the lack thereof becomes Faith.
King Jehoshaphat was at this point in his leadership when the enemy came against him.
2 Chron 20:1212 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."NKJV
2 Chron 20:15-1715 He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!"NLT
God often calls us to stand and stand firm but not proceed or pursue; just be at ready. It is at this point He continues the fight. When we come to our vantage point, we will find, if we have been obedient, to see the victory and collect the spoil.
2 Chron 20:24
24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, there were dead bodies lying on the ground for as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.NLT
When the battle comes, it is not ours but God's. We are only His to be used as tools for whatever purpose He chooses. May we always be given the wisdom and discernment needed to be the appropriate tool.
Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"
1 Kings 3:7-9 NKJV
We must use great caution when placed in a postion of leadership. Not only do we have the responsibility to lead wisely but also Biblically. I have found it found very hard at times to discern between the voice of God and the voices of human influence. It is very difficult to over come fleshly desires and "gut" reactions when opportunities arise to pursue what seems to be a righteous agenda. Sometimes I feel like Peter with a sword, but Jesus told him to put the sword away for if you live by the sword you will die by the sword. When we find ourselves in the point of contention and not sure what direction to move we must find ourselves seeking God's leadership. Sometimes it does not make any sense and may seem to be against past examples but when confidence comes as we rest in Him, common sense or the lack thereof becomes Faith.
King Jehoshaphat was at this point in his leadership when the enemy came against him.
2 Chron 20:1212 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."NKJV
2 Chron 20:15-1715 He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!"NLT
God often calls us to stand and stand firm but not proceed or pursue; just be at ready. It is at this point He continues the fight. When we come to our vantage point, we will find, if we have been obedient, to see the victory and collect the spoil.
2 Chron 20:24
24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, there were dead bodies lying on the ground for as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.NLT
When the battle comes, it is not ours but God's. We are only His to be used as tools for whatever purpose He chooses. May we always be given the wisdom and discernment needed to be the appropriate tool.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Consequence or Penalty
My son is a very smart boy with the need to do more than what his order can hold. Each night, the task of completing his homework in a timely manner is often a great difficulty; but it is something that has to get finished before the next morning. Often his procrastination leads to no television or video games before bed. This is not a punishment but a reality, a consequence of procrastination. The homework must get done even if it takes the whole evening to do it. Even a bad grade the next day is not a punishment but a consequence. Although he feels like the loss of TV or games is a punishment he continues to put off completion. Why is it that many times we feel like consequences are punishment and forgiveness removes all results of our choices. I can tell my son that I forgive him for disobedience for not finishing his homework and he wonders why I still will not let him watch TV. The consequence is that he must complete all other tasks for the day and TV is not a required task. Hence the consequence.
Adults think because we are forgiven of sin that the consequences should be removed because of forgiveness but only the punishment can be removed. For instance, the Christian husband who has an affair fails to forsee the consequences. The sin of adultery is forgiven by the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. Death is the punishment for his sin but the penalty or punishment is conferred to his substitute, Christ. However the consequence of his sin remains; broken family, scarred children, lost trust and roles of leadership. One of the hardest concepts for people to understand about Christianity is Jesus' sacrifice transfers the penalty from one to another but the consequences remain with the original owner.
A consequence is the natural progression of effects following an action.
A person gains wisdom by realizing the consequences before an action takes place and chooses a different action based on the consequences, not because of the punishment. Too often people weigh the punishment and not the consequence.
Drinkers do not want to drink and drive because of fear of punishment, not because the consequence could be property damage, personal injury or injury or death to others bringing more consequence of rehab, broken and ruined families and lost opportnities. The punishment is fines and jail but the consequences remain.
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Cor 9:27 NKJV
Adults think because we are forgiven of sin that the consequences should be removed because of forgiveness but only the punishment can be removed. For instance, the Christian husband who has an affair fails to forsee the consequences. The sin of adultery is forgiven by the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. Death is the punishment for his sin but the penalty or punishment is conferred to his substitute, Christ. However the consequence of his sin remains; broken family, scarred children, lost trust and roles of leadership. One of the hardest concepts for people to understand about Christianity is Jesus' sacrifice transfers the penalty from one to another but the consequences remain with the original owner.
A consequence is the natural progression of effects following an action.
A person gains wisdom by realizing the consequences before an action takes place and chooses a different action based on the consequences, not because of the punishment. Too often people weigh the punishment and not the consequence.
Drinkers do not want to drink and drive because of fear of punishment, not because the consequence could be property damage, personal injury or injury or death to others bringing more consequence of rehab, broken and ruined families and lost opportnities. The punishment is fines and jail but the consequences remain.
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Cor 9:27 NKJV
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