Today I was at the school where my children attend. It was the last day of school before summer break. For the elementary classes, the day was filled with fun and games. I was watching as they played and rotated around many different events. As I watched one event I really saw the life of a Christian modeled. The game consisted of a styrofoam ball about 2" in diameter and a plastic spoon. The object of this relay game was for each team to balance the ball on the spoon and travel down the course about 20 feet, go around a cone, and return to the starting point where the next person in the relay would take over and continue this process until all had participated. The team completing this task would be declared the winner. Sounds easy but trying to keep that lightweight ball balanced on that little spoon is quite hard.
As I watched the girls and boys compete, I began to distinguish those that were successful and why. The ones with the competitive spirit would try to see how fast they could go. If they tried to run or walk too fast, the wind would blow the ball off and they would have to pick it up and start over. But another thing happened to the ones trying to move fast; they would be going faster than their competitor but just when they thought they were doing good, they would look away and invariably drop the ball.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there were some who were very nervous and walked very tensed and slow. This seemed to work for them, but just like the speeders, just when they thought they were doing good, they looked away and guess what? They dropped the ball!
The ones that were the most successful were the ones who were not as concerned about speed but were focused on the ball. You see, that was the most important part of the game; don't drop the ball.
Now, as I see this game, I see the need for Christians to "focus on the ball."
The writer of Hebrews tells us this:
"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God." Hebrew 12:2 MSG
As I studied these kids, grade after grade, the results were the same. The ones who kept their focus on the ball were the ones who were the most successful in the race. By the same token, those Christians who keep their focus on Jesus will be the most successful in this race called life.
If we keep our eyes on Jesus, whatever adversity may come our way will be overcome by the One who has, with pleasure, endured the cross, despised the shame and finished our race.
Don't run too fast, you might take your eyes off and be shallow.
Don't walk too slow, you might take your eyes off and be complacent.
Focus your walk on Jesus and stay with Him and you will be what He intends for you to be.
I hope you will keep your eyes on Him!
Don't drop the ball.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wet Feet
Last night, I went to bed with many thoughts on mind about the agenda for today. This morning I was awakened by a very loud rainstorm at 3 o'clock. Suddenly, all of the thoughts from the night before rushed back to my mind and I was unable to go back to sleep. At 4 o'clock I decided to go ahead and start my day since I had a men's Bible study at 6. I spent some time in the Bible and prayer and began my routine to leave. When I walked out, the rain was coming down hard and the porch light was quickly blocked out as I made it to my driveway. It had been raining hard and long and many puddles had accumulated in my gravel driveway. Some were very deep, shoe top deep. Yes, that's right. I tested the depth of the puddles with my feet. I looked like a cat with wet feet as I was shaking the water off.
When I made it to my Uprising group comprised of four other men, I began to complain about the rain this morning and the wet feet I had received as a result of it. During the opening prayer, one of my friends thanked the Lord for even my wet feet. It quickly dawned on me how ungrateful I am. Even though my feet were wet, they had carried me from my bed to the shower. My feet carried me through the rain and drove me to town. My feet then carried me into the church where I would meet with one man slightly older than I, one slightly younger than I and two young men that are seniors in high school; my friends, my prayer partners, and the ones that hold me accountable to love the Lord and love others. I then realized, my wet feet would provide the means to do the work the Lord has called me to do and that is to preach the goods news of a Savior whose feet carried Him to a cross where they would be nailed along with His hands for my sins and yours. When I thought about that....I could no longer complain that my feet were wet.
I am thankful today for all things. Even wet feet. May they lead me down the path of righteousness.
Where will your feet take you?
"The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives."
Psalm 37:23 NLT
When I made it to my Uprising group comprised of four other men, I began to complain about the rain this morning and the wet feet I had received as a result of it. During the opening prayer, one of my friends thanked the Lord for even my wet feet. It quickly dawned on me how ungrateful I am. Even though my feet were wet, they had carried me from my bed to the shower. My feet carried me through the rain and drove me to town. My feet then carried me into the church where I would meet with one man slightly older than I, one slightly younger than I and two young men that are seniors in high school; my friends, my prayer partners, and the ones that hold me accountable to love the Lord and love others. I then realized, my wet feet would provide the means to do the work the Lord has called me to do and that is to preach the goods news of a Savior whose feet carried Him to a cross where they would be nailed along with His hands for my sins and yours. When I thought about that....I could no longer complain that my feet were wet.
I am thankful today for all things. Even wet feet. May they lead me down the path of righteousness.
Where will your feet take you?
"The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives."
Psalm 37:23 NLT
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Hard to Stand
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!
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!
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.
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