Take a Stand

Now brethren,concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him,we ask you,not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as it is from us, as though the day of Christ has come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. . . . There fore brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4,15)

Times are tough for sure. There is a lot of unrest and non-truth all around. But as Paul warned folks then, we are to be careful today not to believe the lies. This is just the beginning of the end, if you would. Jesus also warned us. (Matthew 24:4-8) As things get more challenging and believers are pressed to choose various sides, remember this: We are to be distinctively CHRISTian! Yes, there are issues of which we must take a stand, but take a CHRIST-like stand! Christ before family. Christ before political parties. Christ before culture. Christ before ethnicity. Christ before race. As far back as Martin Luther, it still Christ alone!

Stop faking It!

I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirst. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolators, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Revelation 21:6-8).

Some like to believe that one day everyone will eventually get into heaven and have peace for eternity . . .NOT TRUE! Do you really think God would have allowed Jesus to suffer such a brutal death to simply allow everyone to experience eternal life with Him? That would make the suffering of Jesus a farce and all the deaths of the early believers for naught! Only the repentant sinner receives eternal life with Christ. This is how we overcome sin and death. It is not of our own doing, but through belief and conviction that Jesus is Who He says He is and His work on the cross redeems us. As he died for you and me, we now are convicted to live for Him and His glory. If anyone thinks we can live as we choose and still be accepted by God, beware! The Word is clear . . . there is no acceptance into heaven without the acceptance of His Word. We have a choice, but it must be made while we are yet living!

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)

Celebrating Life as One Moves On . . .

A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one's birth . . . (Ecclesiastes 7:1)

The time to be concerned about death is now, while we are living. It is in our living that we determine our eternal destiny. Our living will decide how folks react when we die. You see, as Solomon wrote, if we leave a legacy of integrity behind, than death is indeed a celebration! If we know Christ and serve Him wholeheartedly in life, than our "home going" is indeed a celebration. The only regrets will be from folks wishing we could still be here serving and honoring the Lord. We who move on the glory with the Lord will have NO regrets about being with Christ, I can guarantee that!

Where are you today? Do you know Christ? Today is not too late to get to know Him. None of us are worthy of His grace, yet He offers it to everyone. It is a free gift from God. Jesus came to earth, suffered a brutal death, yet overcame death and rose from the dead so that we can have an eternal life of joy with Him. But we must repent of our sin and ask Him to save us from eternal hell. Oh yes, in case you did not know, there is an eternal hell for those who do not ask Jesus to rescue them from sin. Eternal hell is just as real as an eternal relationship with Christ.

But remember, a good name is no good without having the name of Jesus!!!!

           It's not to late to choose . . . (Joshua 24:15)

So Much for Which to be Thankful

I thank God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:3-6)

I thank God for all that has occurred on this leg of our mission trip; the financial support, the prayers, the encouragement, the teaching, the learning, the friendship, the protection, and most of all . . .the people! CHRISTianity, missions, CHRIST Himself . . . all about people. It is about His love for people and our love for people. We have been so blessed and I expect even more to come . . . because He is not through with any of us yet! THANK YOU . . .part two begins . . .

Unrest/Rest

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest in your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Tossing and turning all night wondering "what next?, "what is the best reaction?", and "what do I say to the kids?" Visions and dreams awakening me throughout the night. Finally he best I could do was simply discuss it with Jesus. As I searched and questioned, the simple and well known verses from Matthew came to mind. Really thoug, to Whom can we possible turn but Christ? It's easy to join various bandwagons, but in the case of our nation right now, CHRISTians need to do what we are called to do thought out Scriptures and that is to "come to Me" and not socio-cultural bandwagons.

We may not get all the answers, but we will get a sense of Peace and rest . . . It may sound cliche, but we were born for such a time as this! (Esther 4:14)

The Proper Seasonings . . .

. . . . meanwhile, praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:3-6)

Paul writes as he himself is imprisoned in Rome. Yet even in these trying circumstances, he is not whining over his situation, but praying for a way to share the Gospel right where he is. Paul encourages us today that we are not to be so quick to judge those who do not know Christ. In order to "redeem the time", we need to patient with the non-believer and understand their culture, their experience, even their current condition. While we cannot and should not try to understand everyone's experience in life, we are to be compassionate and empathetic. We simply have to be genuine in our caring! As we pray for wisdom and guidance, it is important to realize the need to be yoked with the Holy Spirit. As we go, we listen, we engage, we feel. The Spirit of God will give us words to say if we allow Him to control our hearts and minds. Sharing the Gospel is not a script but an act of love and kindness. It is not a means to collect bodies. It is an act of compassion for our brother and sister to care for their eternal life. Someone once cared enough to "show me Jesus". I saw Him in their eyes. I heard Him in their words. I felt Him their heart and mine.

Do we care enough to share?

A Battle Plan

Therefore, strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight the paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this may become defiled . . . (Hebrews 12:12-15)

Many times, it is when we are tired and weakened that sin creeps in and takes root. We may even just be used to the routine and not aware of dangers around us. While on this mission trip we have been reminded not to walk alone in some of the streets after dark. We have been schooled on the various neighborhoods and various activities within them. We have also been warned of some of the kids' backgrounds and the attitudes they may bring to our camp. Yes if we are not on our game and let our guard down, we may still be shocked . . . we may still be surprised . . . we may still slip up. It is the same in everyday life. If we are not aware of our surroundings, we can easily slip and fall. If we allow our spiritual guard to fall, not preparing our armor daily, sin can creep in and take root. Without knowing, we can be caught up in excusing sin; pushing it aside rather than cutting it out; ignoring it rather than destroying it. The roots of evil can easily grow under the surface if not exposed and discussed. Every day we need a battle plan. Where is the enemy? How will he attack? What is my plan of defense? How will I attack it today? What territory is safe to even consider travel?

So look, carefully. Plan strategically. Let the Lord of Hosts lead and guide us into battle! Do not go into enemy territory without proper instructions and weaponry!

A New Diet Plan

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

Mission trips can be a physical as well as spiritual and mental challenge. We are many times deprived of our normal sleep patterns. We are challenged to work beyond our normal schedule and most times we are doing things we have never done before or do not believe we could do. Finally, most times our diet is challenged. We eat a lot of the same food over and over again. We crave our favorite "go to" snack but it is not available. At times, we must eat a totally different diet altogether and our digestive system my not like it! However, this all part of the sacrifice we make to serve God outside of our comfort zones. Some do it for a weekend, some for a week or ten days, others for a lifetime. Jesus tells us in this brief quote from the Sermon on the Mount that if we HUNGER and THIRST for the things of God, RIGHTEOUSNESS, than we will be filled, or satisfied. While serving, we may miss our extra hour of sleep, an afternoon nap, our air conditioned home, our favorite TV shows, even that gym workout, yet if we are not desiring to please "me" but others, we will find ourselves filled with the fact of knowing we are pleasing God and helping others. One thing about about serving God; the more we do it the more we want to do it. The deeper our craving becomes for the work of God and His people, the hungrier we become and the hunger grows. But this hunger brings satisfaction and peace of mind, not gluttony and regret. Oh, people will challenge us. Satan will indeed place doubts in our "diet plan". But hold on . . . keep pushing . . . like with any new diet the results will show over time and you will like what you see in the mirror!

Sometimes a lonely race . . .

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by such a great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us RUN with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, looking into Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith . . . (Hebrews 12:1-2)

As those in the past "ran" with Jesus and did so by faith (Hebrews 11), we too can endure the struggles we face as we serve the Lord "by faith"! You see, it was God who called us by faith to Himself and it is He who has set aside a specific task for each of us to accomplish in and through HIM. As PUl wrote in Galatians 2:20, this is NOT our life, but HIS! Who are we to say "I quit!" or "I can't!"? So as we pray, confess, repent, and turn away from the sins that can hold us back. Be honest with God. Ask Him for endurance, much like a marathon runner. The marathon can be a lonely run. The runner against everyone else; especially his own mind! Yet he is surrounded by dozens of runners attempting to the same . . . make it to the finish. Our race can be lonely. However, know we do not run alone. We have some great examples in our past and even today. Most especially, take heart in knowing it is God who has set the race before us and it is God who will see us through. He is faithful to complete the plans He has begun in each of us. Just RUN . . . . or walk . . . even crawl . . .but never QUIT!

The Teacher

. . .do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say,. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. (Luke 12:11-12)

Day two begins our mission training here in New Orleans . . . Church first of course! I was reading when Jesus gave the disciples confidence in knowing as they went out taking a stand for Him, not to worry. God the Holy Spirit would actually teach them along the way. What confidence! Even after we have studies and think we are prepared, we still have doubts. However, the Conforter, the Guide, the Teacher will always be ther keeping us ready to work for Him. So as we go, I pray that for myself and our team . . . When we fall short, Lord you take over and work through us. Not me . . . But God and others!

AVAIL-ability . . . .

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you,, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

No matter how many times I am led to go on a mission trip, as the days draw near I become a bit apprehensive. Am I properly prepared? Have I properly prepared the team members? Have I packed properly? Do we have the proper materials needed to serve? Then I realize . . .

It's not about me!

This is God's work, not mine. The only ability I really need to use is my AVAIL-ability. No matter our plans and preparations, God is still in control. Things can and will happen along the way . . . even while on the trip. God forbid there will be no emergency or disaster, but only God knows. Planning is good. Praying is definitely the right thing to do. However, trusting God to work in and through us gives me peace.

Have your way Lord . . have Your way!