Walking Without Warning

Lent 2011: Week 3
Walking-Without Warning
Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-40
Objective: To Learn to "walk with Jesus" when storms come without warning

During this third week of Lent, I invite you to examine your development on this journey with Jesus. When preparing for a competition or athletic venture, an individual must train. During this training process, one may catch a "charley horse" or wake up the next day experiencing soreness. No matter what type of journey we are on, everything does not come with a warning! In fact, I must admit that I learn the most from my experiences that come without warning.

Just as life may bring us experiences without warning, our "walk with Jesus" may do the same. Our "without warning" moments bring opportunity for us to develop a more solid relationship with God. It's easy to "lay Jesus down" when something comes unexpectedly...you know when something gets under our skin...when we become frustrated...BUT I believe that these moments are actually God's gift to us. His gift of faith!

In this week's scripture focus, we find Jesus and His disciples on the water again. This time they are all in the boat together after a long journey of ministering, healing, and teaching. One would think that when you "walk with Jesus" your faith is TIGHT! Right? Well, not exactly...but it can be!

When examining this text, I believe that we can find key points to apply to our lives in order to aid in our development on our "walk with Jesus":

1-Don't forget what JESUS said (v.35)- Before ever getting in the boat, Jesus declared "Let us go to the other side". Prior to ever experiencing a "without warning" moment, Jesus told the disciples what would happen. "We will get to the other side". On your walk with Jesus, there may be challenges that you face and trials that come up that have the potential to wipe out your faith. However, we can't forget that Jesus declared at the beginning of our walk "Let us go to the other side". Wherever you are and whatever you are experiencing...there is ANOTHER SIDE, and you ARE going to get there!

2-Storms will come WITHOUT WARNING (v.37/Matthew 8:24) Our decision to "walk with Jesus" does not exempt us from hard times, trials, or surprise attacks. In reality, it makes us more prone to them. I heard a story from an athlete before. He and his teammates were angry that the coaches made them practice "hard" on "easy" weeks. However, they soon realized that the wins came "easy" the harder they practiced! Sometimes God will allow storms to come to put our faith into practice. So, we must be prepared for the unexpected. And when the "without warning" storms come in our life...

3-Check the Stern (v.38) When the storm arose without warning, the disciples found Jesus asleep in the "stern". The stern is the back of the ship, but it is also the "captain's quarters". When we "walk with Jesus," we have to always be mindful of the captain's quarters. Are we attempting to be in control or is Jesus in the Stern? If Jesus is in the stern of our "boat" then we have no need for fear, frustration, doubt, or insecurity. No matter how bleak it may look, as long as we are walking WITH JESUS we will be alright...remember what He said "Let US go to the other side".

I believe that Jesus desires for us to not simply sacrifice our habits, hobbies, or desires during the Lenten season. He is looking for those of us who will seek to actually develop our relationship with Him. It takes a "without warning" moment to cause us to realize that we never should have doubted God in the beginning. For after Jesus calmed the storm, He had a very simple question "Why are you afraid and where is your faith?"

In the midst of this third week of the Lenten season, take a pen and some paper and write down all of the promises God has made to you. Then when unexpected storms/without warning moments come, review your promise and check the stern! Jesus is there, and so everything is going to be alright!

PRAYER:
Most Amazing Father-we thank you for another week during this Lenten season. In the midst of "without warning" moments, we thank you for being ever-present! We are grateful for your love and protection in our lives. We ask that you empower us with your Spirit that is able to sustain us during our weakest moments, encourage us during our inconsolable times, and comfort us when we feel by ourselves. We seek to develop a stronger walk with you not just now, but always! In Jesus' name-Amen.

May the Lord Bless you REAL GOOD!

With Love,
Pastor C

Counting The Cost

Lent 2011: Week 2

Counting The Cost

Scripture Focus: Luke 9: 57-62

Objective: To Examine My True Heart While I "Walk With Jesus"

So, we have made it to the second week of Lent. We may have slipped here or there, but we made it! Perhaps, you kept your fast "to a T" but your mouth spoke faster than your spirit could filter. The great thing about electronic devotion groups is no one (in the group) can see you when you are reading...and for those who might be around, at least they don't know what you're doing. So, go ahead...if you were not the best example of someone who is "walking with Jesus" last week, raise your hand! [waiting...don't want to rush anyone] Well, did you do it? I know I did! Not because I am defeated or because I have given up on myself...I raised my hand because I recognize that lifted hands are the universal sign of SURRENDER! During this Lenten season, don't be afraid (and please don't forget) to surrender to God!!! Whatever challenges or obstacles you face...whatever burdens you started Lent with or will find along the way...SURRENDER!!! If you could see me, you would know that I stopped typing for just a moment to exhale & raise my hands!!!

In our decision to "walk with Jesus," I believe that we must never forget to examine our hearts. I mean, are we really walking with Jesus? Do we have the right spirit on our journey or are we just going through the motions? Two weeks ago I took my dog Bella on a walk...she loves to go on walks. But this time, we had a new friend with us. Her new "sister" Ginger! Well, Ginger was out of control during our walk. I didn't enjoy the walk at all. I rushed the walk...I got frustrated on the walk...leashes were tangled and there was so much confusion on our walk. However, I noticed a change last week. This time I took my time on the walk, and I enjoyed it-I think they did too! The difference in the experiences was my preparation!

If we want to succeed and enjoy our "walk with Jesus," we must make sure that we are prepared to walk with Him. In order to be prepared, I believe Jesus shows us in His encounter with some "Jesus walkers," our hearts must be right!

By the time we reach Luke 9:57-62, Jesus has been on somewhat of a "miracle and healing spree". He has healed in so many powerful ways (some he didn't even go see...he just spoke), and he even provided the biggest feast people could have asked for. But now, he has to take a minute to check the heart of the people. Remember our first week's lesson "it's easy to walk with Jesus when it is popular and convenient". So Jesus was checking the TRUE HEART of His followers.

When we are "Jesus Walkers," we must first be sure that we are not just being EMOTION DRIVEN. Emotion-driven walkers are impulsive. When the music stops, there is NO PRAISE! When the going gets rough, it's hard to WORSHIP! When things aren't as good as they used to be, they may CHANGE CHURCHES! (v.57) Jesus replies to emotion-driven walkers by saying...you're with me now, BUT!

Then we have "Jesus Walkers" who are called out by Jesus! Jesus actually taps us on the shoulder and says "Follow me" (v.59) but we have an excuse "I've got to wait until this situation is over...then I'll walk with you". You see, it was customary in this time to funeralize a person on the same day of their death...so, the second Jesus walker did not have a dead father to go back to. In everyday living, this kind of Jesus Walker has a child that they are waiting on to graduate before they get more involved in church OR bills to pay off before they become a real tither OR a few more people to put in their place before they stop cussing! Jesus declares "if you are going to walk with me, then leave that stuff/those people where it/they belong and GO TELL SOMEBODY about ME"!

Finally, Jesus shows us another type of Jesus Walker. We volunteer to walk with Jesus, but we've got to go back and say goodbye to our old stuff...old life...old friends...old ways. (v.61) In response, Jesus declares that we are not "fit for service" if we've got to LOOK BACK! (v.62) If our TRUE HEART is with Jesus, then we would be ready to move forward! I've never seen anyone successfully drive forward while looking in the rear view mirror. In the same way, if we want to be Jesus walkers we must keep our eyes fixed on the task AHEAD!

During this second week of Lent, I challenge us to examine our TRUE HEARTS! Are we emotion-driven Jesus walkers who need something "good" or "miraculous" to happen in order for us to walk? Are we called Jesus walkers who want to get it all together before we walk? Are we willing Jesus walkers who are afraid to let go of the past? If we are honest, each of us can find a little bit of ourselves in each of these examples. Let's strive this week to examine our hearts so that Jesus can reply: "I've found a place with you...you forsook your troubles and proclaimed my Gospel...you are fit for service because you didn't look back"!

Prayer:

O God who is mighty beyond our wildest imaginations or desires, show us how to walk with You in the midst of an imperfect world and residing in an imperfect body. We thank You for loving us enough to leave us examples and for teaching us Your ways. We want to enjoy our walk with You, and we want You to deem us "fit for service". So we ask that You show us our TRUE HEARTS so that we might be better Jesus walkers. In Your Son's matchless name we pray, Amen.

May the Lord bless you real good!

With Love,

PastorC

Lent 2011: Introduction

Lent 2011

An Introduction

Scripture Focus: Matthew 14: 22-36

Objective: To Lay the Foundations for a life that constantly pursues "walking with Jesus"

During this first week of Lent, let us focus on the foundation: What does it take to live a life that CONSTANTLY pursues "walking with Jesus"? For me, it is easy to "walk with Jesus" when it is popular and convenient. For example, it is "popular" to God to SOMEBODY's church on Sunday mornings. I don't know about you but I can't get most of my friends on the phone between the hours of 11am and 1pm on any given Sunday. So, that's a fairly easy opportunity to "walk with Jesus". However, the challenge comes in when "walking with Jesus" is neither popular nor convenient!

In Matthew 14: 22-36, we encounter a very familiar passage where Jesus catches up with His disciples by simply walking from the shore to the lake...then continuing His journey, Jesus walks on the water. After realizing who Jesus was, most of the disciples waited to welcome Jesus onto the boat. However, Peter had a brighter idea: "Lord, if it's you...tell me to come to you on the water" (Matthew 14:28 NIV, 2010). Isn't that just like us...ok Lord, now that I see you in the storm with me...and I see what you are doing...let me walk with you!

This is a great response! I believe that God desires us to be believers who are bold enough to say "Tell me to come to you on the water"! BUT...what do we do while on the water? While on the water (WITH JESUS), Peter became distracted by the same storm that he was already in before Jesus physically arrived. If we intend to "walk with Jesus," then we must be assured in Jesus' ability to take care of us. No matter how rough the winds or turbulent the storm, don't forget who invited you out on the water.

During week one of this Lenten experience, lay the foundation for a successful "walk with Jesus" by reviewing Jesus' "Biblical Resume". He's already built the case for trusting Him and His ability to lead us when we are lost and comfort us when we feel inconsolable.

Prayer:

Most Holy God-as we share together during this Lenten Season, allow us to feel your presence and hear your voice like never before. We do not take this journey lightly but we enter it boldly and with expectation. We thank you for helping us to lay the foundation for "walking with Jesus" in our daily lives. In Jesus' Name-Amen.

May the Lord bless you real good this week!!!

With Love,

Pastor C

It's Time!

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. -Luke 13:10-13

Can you imagine being that woman? Literally, bent over for 18 years. People staring...people laughing...no social life!!

Although most of us have never even come close to being "bent over" physically for 18 years, the reality is that each of have encountered situations (and may be encountering one now) that seemingly has us BENT OVER! We walk upright and go through all of the motions that we are expected to; however, we are mentally/emotionally/spiritually BENT OVER!

IT'S TIME for our miraculous healing. In spite of your struggles, people still needed of you...your job still demanding of you...your family still wanted of you. Now, God is saying because you showed up...you can be set free from whatever has you BENT OVER!

When God decrees that we are set free, we have a responsibility to straighten up. It is easy to wallow in the cares of the world- especially when they have been a part of us for an extended period of time. However, we can learn from this woman in Luke 13. After Jesus laid His hands on her, the scripture records that she immediately straightened up!

Upon reading this blog, I dare you to take a moment and straighten up. Stand up tall and walk with your head held high because Jesus has laid His hands on you. Oh yeah- the fun part...and praise the Lord! You see, the praise party that follows this woman's healing confirms for the onlookers that it was not ever about her. It was really about God getting the glory! There are people around you or in your life who know that you have something in your life that has you BENT OVER. When you straighten up, they are going to want to know what changed. Don't be ashamed to tell them that it is all about JESUS!

Blessings,
Pastor C

"I'm Built For This"

"I'm Built For This"

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. "
-Matthew 17:19-20

Too often, I believe, we struggle with thoughts of insecurity...defeat...doubt...and the ultimate inability to perform! In our not performing, it is not because we CAN NOT but because we WILL NOT. In this month's focus scripture we find the disciples asking Jesus "Why couldn't we drive it out?". The disciples were questioning Jesus as a result of being publicly humiliated. Here they are the closest followers of Jesus and they could not drive a demon out from this man's son. It was no ordinary demon- it was throwing this man's son into the fire and water attempting to kill him. So, Jesus comes up and rebukes his disciples...then Jesus does what we expect Him to do- Jesus drives "it" out!

I believe that we can learn from the disciples' response! Their public rebuke will not go in vain if we apply this lesson to our lives...grab a mirror...look at yourself and say "I'm built for this!"

You see, once the disciples were in private Jesus explained to them "you have so little faith"- this is the answer to why they DID NOT perform; however, Jesus did not tell them that they CAN NOT perform! Jesus further explains: "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you". If Jesus were to simplify that verse, He could have said "You're built for this!" Jesus encourages us through his private meeting with the disciples that no matter how impossible the situation seems or how defeated others would like for us to be it is our faith that will determine the outcome. So, go ahead...I dare you...grab your mirror or run to the restroom for a quick moment...look in the mirror and say "I'm Built For This!"

When you get back, share this word with someone else...they need it!

Blessings,
Pastor C

Question of the Week- 6.14.10

Question: Are my bad experiences punishments for my poor decisions or mistakes?



Rev’s Review:

I believe that often we may find ourselves in experiences that cause us to question the presence of God. It seems as though we may even be experiencing some type of punishment for something we have done in the past. However, I do not believe that God wants us to look at our “bad” experiences are designed to be punishment for a wrong choice. 1 Kings 17:17-24 give us an account of the prophet Elijah’s encounter with a widow and her son. Now, Elijah was known to be a man of God; however, he found himself in need of this widow’s help. After God had already fulfilled the promise of providing for this woman and her son, the widow’s son dies. Immediately, the widow believes that Elijah has come to “remind [her] of [her] sin”. Isn’t that how we are sometimes? As soon as something occurs that doesn’t rank at the top of our list of “favorable” experiences, we think “is this payback”.



I believe we should be encouraged by this story! This widow’s experience was not punishment but opportunity! It was an opportunity for her to KNOW that God’s word is TRUTH! It was an opportunity for Elijah to see God as a HEALER! It was an opportunity for a dead man to LIVE! What does this mean for us? I declare that our experiences are opportunities! No matter how rough it feels or how hard this season is to swallow…KNOW that God’s word is the TRUTH…see God as a HEALER…and your “dead things” will LIVE AGAIN!!!



Blessings, Pastor C

Question of the Week- 5.13.10

Rev's Review on 2 Timothy 3: 10-17

Question: Can The Bible Really Speak To Me?


Rev's Review: I believe that the Bible is the Word of God! I believe that the Word of God is what God HAS said and WILL say! So, when we seek to find God speaking to us, I believe we can find God speaking in the Bible!

In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul is speaking to his mentee, Timothy, about what "ungodliness" looks like. In essence, Paul says that people may know of the Word of God but not actually ACKNOWLEDGE the POWER of God and God's word. When we ask "can the Bible really speak to me" we must decide whether or not we BELIEVE in the power of God and God's Word.




How do we acknowledge the power of God and God’s Word?

1) Acknowledge the power demonstrated in other’s testimony (v. 10-11)

Paul begins by telling Timothy that he KNOWS all about his teaching, his way of life, his purpose, etc. It is important for us to take advantage of the stories/testimony that God allows us to witness- not to gossip or covet but to LEARN about God's POWER!! The bible says in Revelation 12:11- That we over come by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. Someone needs to hear what God has done for you!



2) Accept the persecution that comes because of God’s Power (v. 12-13)

Paul explains that those who are godly will have to endure some type of persecution because of the power of God. For Paul, it was literal persecution/beatings/jailing because of his belief in the power of God. We may not receive that type of persecution, but we will experience some type of persecution (judgment, jealousy, etc) because of our faith and belief in God's power.


I believe there is a three-step process that we can do in order to lay the foundation for the Bible speaking to us as the word of God. After we have acknowledged the power of God,

1) Walk in what you’ve learned (v. 14-15)

We must be fully convinced of God's word and confirm our belief based on stable and consistent teaching and preaching which leads to wisdom.



2) Witness the Power of God (v. 16)

We must believe that all scripture is God-breathed (inspired by God) so it is useful for everyone.



3) Work the Power (v. 17)

The power of God will equip us to do every good work necessary by God. So, it's time to get to work!!!



I believe these "3Ws" (Walk...Witness...Work) will change our lives as we attempt to hear God speaking through the pages of the Bible! We will realize that every situation that we face, God has a WORD for it...for us!

Blessings,
Pastor C