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

Question of the Week- 4.26.10

Who is the greatest?
"They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them "What were you arguing about on the road?" But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
-Mark 9:33-37

I do not know how many of us are willing to admit that we've had a moment like the one we catch the disciples experiencing in Mark 9. We might not be arguing with one another about who is the greatest, but we've thought about it. I mean, let's be honest...no one is looking...raise your hand if you have ever thought "I'm better than her/him"...raise your hand if you have ever wondered "why did they choose him/her over me"... Well, that brings us to this passage for the week. How easy it is for us as humans to compare ourselves to one another. It is simple to do without even thinking about it. However, I believe that Jesus teaches us an important lesson in this passage. We will know the greatest among us through service! Without service, there is no leadership!

In other words, we must humble ourselves and allow God to exalt us! I know it is difficult MOST OF THE TIME to do so because it seems like others minimize and even overlook your gifts, but who cares??? I would rather every human minimize my gifts if it means that it's a choice between them and God. So, who is really the greatest?

Have you served someone else lately? Have you placed someone else's needs before your own? Have you done the job that no one else wanted to or was even willing to do? Well, you are the greatest! For you have become servant...wait-it's not that easy!!! If it was that easy, then non-believers who are philanthropists would beat out many of us Christians. It seems like the world has this "giving back/service" spirit down to a science. However, I believe that Jesus draws a line in the sand with those last two verses. He brings a child among the disciples and says if you welcome him, then you welcome me. We must check our motives!!!

Our struggle is not simply over by deciding to serve, but Jesus challenges us to change our hearts as well. A child's heart is innocent and vulnerable. Think about the friends that you may have shared moments with at 5 years old that you couldn't if you tried now. We should ask God for pure hearts...a child's heart to love one another in true service as Jesus demonstrated. For those are the ones who Jesus says is the greatest!

So, who is the greatest? I pray you are...I pray we are...I pray we will be the greatest!

Blessings,
Pastor C

Question of the Week- 4.12.10

The Question:
The bible says something to the affect of "All things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose." Could that also be a situation where you suffer your entire life only to have your perseverance be a testimony to inspire others? Is this referring to the greater good for everybody or is there always a "come up" for the individual sufferer?

Rev's Review:
Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible! It says (in the New International Version), "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose".

The two most important words in this verse is "GOD WORKS"! I believe that each of us can look at some situation in our life and declare that it is or was "BAD". What do we do with the "BAD" stuff in life? As the submitted question says is there a "greater good for everybody"? I am encouraged today by this question because it reminds me that my life...your life...our lives are not about us!

I do believe that most things that we go through can be utilized as some of the most powerful witnessing tools ever known! In other words, yes- I do believe that sometimes we "suffer" in order to build a testimony to inspire others. However, I believe that we cannot be so overcome by what our testimony can do for others that we neglect what it means for ourselves. In a few chapters earlier, the book of Romans tells us that we should rejoice in our sufferings because it produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces hope! (Romans 5:3-4) Now, I believe that is a benefit worth having! What this literally declares is that my experiencing a suffering is not to tear me down, but it is destined to build me up! It teaches me to persevere and it develops my character according to God's will.

So, there is a "come up" for the individual...but there is also a "come up" or benefit for those who see our suffering as well! Remember, in all things GOD WORKS for the good!!! It is not up to us to make "good" out of "bad" things or even to try and figure them out! As we trust God, we will begin to develop as believers. As we develop as believers, we are building a testimony that encourages others. However, it is that same testimony that will encourage us.

Rev's Conclusion:
When we experience moments or seasons of suffering, don't give up! When we experience moments or seasons of suffering, don't try to create the good! However, when we experience moments or seasons of suffering, let us remember that GOD WORKS it for our good! Not just a personal good, but a corporate good!!! Write down your testimony!!!

Blessings,
Pastor C

Lent- Week 6

HOLY WEEK
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 8:1-20
Objective: To discover our need to REMEMBER
Don't forget- no meat on Good Friday

It's HOLY WEEK!!!!!!!!

Holy Week is a time of remembrance! Holy Week represents the last week of Jesus' life before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. What does that mean for us? Isn't it just like the other weeks of Lent?

Holy Week is very important in the life of a believer for it gives us an opportunity to remember! To remember means to keep in mind for attention or consideration. So often we have encounters with people, places, and things and give no further thought to them. However, our encounter with God should be different! Because we have examined ourselves for over five weeks (seeking growth during desert experiences), we have demonstrated our desire to receive what God has for us. I believe that Holy Week is prime time for us to do so through remembering.

Deuteronomy 8:2 says "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands." In this passage, Moses is speaking to the children of Israel about God's great deliverance of God's children. However, the central theme is to REMEMBER! Moses explains throughout chapter 8 of Deuteronomy that remembering is necessary for fully obtaining the promise of God.

During this Holy Week, I challenge each of us to REMEMBER! Remember what Jesus did and experienced during His "Holy Week" and what that means for you as an individual, as well as the body of Christ corporately.

PALM SUNDAY- Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem when the crowds recognized Him as King crying "Hosanna" which translates "save now!"

HOLY MONDAY- Jesus cleanses the temple by turning over the tables when the moneychangers were inside of the temple.

HOLY TUESDAY- The Pharisees try to "trick" Jesus. Jesus delivers the best sermon known to the world- the sermon on the Mount of Olives.

SPY WEDNESDAY- Judas agrees to betray Jesus and schemes about Jesus' capture.

MAUNDY THURSDAY- Jesus experiences agony in the garden of Gethsemane but decides God's will is what is best. He has the Last Supper with the disciples and is arrested.

GOOD FRIDAY- Jesus' trial, crucifixion, death, and burial.

HOLY SATURDAY/BLACK SABBATH- Jesus' day of rest in the tomb.

And we know what Sunday morning brought for us! RESURRECTION DAY!

Let us remember Jesus' Holy Week as we walk through our Holy Week. Let us remember what God has already done for us and the revelations that God has given us during this Lenten season in order to GROW through our desert experiences. Let us experience our own Holy Week:
"Palm Sunday"- make our triumphant entry, "Holy Monday"-cleanse the temples in our lives, "Holy Tuesday"-spread the Word of God to others, "Spy Wednesday"-find out who our fake friends are, "Maundy Thursday"-surrender to God's will, "Good Friday"-die to ourselves, "Holy Saturday"-rest from the troubles of the world...because RESURRECTION DAY is just around the corner!!! Your elevation arrives when you GET UP!

Final Challenge: Take a calendar and write one thing that God has already done for you on each day of the week. As you continue through this month...next month...the months to come...REMEMBER that your desert experiences are opportunities for growth if you REMEMBER how good God has already been/how faithful God has already been/how miraculous God has already been!

May God cause of your cup to overflow with wisdom, power, restoration, and favor as you REMEMBER this Holy Week in preparation for Resurrection Sunday!

Blessings,
Pastor C

Lent- Week 5

Lent (Week Five)
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 1:17; John 12:1-11
Objective: To discover our need to GET READY for the plan God has for us

Welcome to week five of this Lenten observance- this is our last week before Holy Week!

Now that we have been renewed, it is important for us to GET READY! This coming Sunday, March 28th marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We recognize this Sunday as Palm Sunday because of the palm branches that the people waved and placed on the ground as a sign of worship and recognition of Jesus as LORD! It is easy to get excited about the coming King, but the reality is we must be READY to receive Him.

When God called the prophet Jeremiah into ministry, Jeremiah had a host of excuses to validate his inability to do what God called him to do. However, Jeremiah 1:17 gives us a clear look into how God felt about Jeremiah's excuses: "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them." In this one verse, God is teaching us the importance of fulfilling our call. Whatever God calls us to do, God has equipped us to do...however, we must make the decision to not let anything stand in our way!

When God told Jeremiah to "get yourself ready," God literally said "resolutely prepare for your appointed task". What is the "appointed task" that God has called you to? What moves has God told you to make? When we allow fear to be an excuse, God declares that same fear will be turned on our heads. It's almost like when we were children- "Stop crying before I give you something to cry about"! Do you remember hearing that? Oftentimes our parents said that because we were crying PREMATURELY! God is saying the same thing "stop being scared for I give you a reason to be scared"...yep, that's what He told Jeremiah! So, what does this have to do with Lent?

During this Lenten season of reflection, we are challenged by God to draw closer to Him. However, drawing closer to God does not come without its share of challenges. Drawing closer to God means that we hear God more clearly...as we hear God, we're challenged to move to higher heights--GET READY!!!!

Jesus sets this example for us in John 12:1-11. Prior to His entry into Jerusalem, Jesus stops in on his friends- Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. While there, Mary breaks open her most expensive perfume and begins to anoint Jesus' body. Now what's the big deal???

In this culture, it was custom to anoint the dead prior to burial. Although Jesus was not dead, this was giving us a peak into what is to come. Jesus could have stopped Mary...even though Judas had wrong motives, he gave Jesus the perfect way of escape. However, Jesus declares that Mary is doing what was necessary. So, what can we learn from Jesus?

1-People will object (John 12:4-6)
When you make up your mind that you are going to GET READY for your next step in God, people will object. Imagine how hard it must have been for Jesus (remember Jesus was fully human and fully divine)! This means that Jesus felt emotion as we do. Can you honestly say that if your "cup" from God was to DIE on a CROSS for somebody else you would not have some emotions pulling at you? Jesus did...(check out his words in Gethsemane).

Ok...Judas objects to Mary helping Jesus to GET READY! The scripture tells us that his objection was not pure though- it wasn't about the poor, but it was about himself. We've got to be careful that we do not allow the objections of people to sway us from where God is guiding us. Remember, their objections are usually about them and really have nothing to do with your betterment!

A friend of mine was sharing with me his discontentment due to a lack of support from individuals who should be pushing and encouraging him. He called them "haters". As I told him, I must remind myself and you in this lesson of GETTING READY: we would not have haters if we didn't have anything they would want! I believe that objections (or haters) are God's best compliments to a believer!

2-Stand Up & Say What God Declares (John 12:7-8 & Jeremiah 1:17)
After Judas' objection, Jesus has the opportunity to stay silent or declare God's word! You know it...Jesus spoke what God had already declared to be so! Mary was acting in the will of God. Not only was Mary in the will of God, but Jesus showed us that He was ready to fulfill what God sent Him to the world to do. Jesus had done as God declared to Jeremiah "get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you..."!

Can we firmly declare that we can do this? Are we ready? God is seeking for those of us who are not looking for something to be afraid of...instead, we are "resolutely prepared for our appointed task"!!! Whatever God has declared to be your task, get ready! Don't sit and wait on the task/season/new level to appear...prepare for it! Nothing would be worse than getting a brand new car and not knowing how to drive! Ready or Not...it's time to GO!

May God allow your cup to overflow as you GET READY for your NEW THING!!!!

Lent- Week 4

Lent (Week Four)
Scripture Focus: Romans 12:1-2
Objective: To discover our need for RENEWAL

Only two more weeks to go during this Lenten observance! Now is the perfect time to focus on renewal! During the "desert experiences" of life, our relationship with God is challenged. The relationship is challenged due to our inability to see God in a positive light when it seems like everything around us is negative.

When this Lenten season started, were you excited? I know I was! I entered into this observation ready to see God in a new way...I committed myself to my fast and my extra devotion with God. Well, weeks have passed and this desert has gotten drier and hotter! That is what happens in a desert! When we have desert experiences, the growth does not happen without experiencing all of the natural elements. The reality is that sand storms and the burning sun will bring wear-and-tear; therefore, we must discover our need for RENEWAL!

To Renew: to make like new; to restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection

Do you remember when your relationship with God was "new"? It was exciting to have this understanding of a Savior who loved you before your birth! Now I am not saying that you are not still excited about God, but we all need to get the "freshness," "vigor," and striving for "perfection" back! Let us not allow this Lenten season to pass without experiencing a RENEWAL!

Romans 12:1-2 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

As we uncover our need for renewal, we must first begin with WORSHIP (Romans 12:1)

Throughout the Old Testament, we are able to see worship through sacrifice. In order to connect with God, the people would worship God by offering sacrifices. Remember, Cain and Abel's story...Abraham and Isaac's...and many more! The Apostle Paul urges the church at Rome to worship God not by shedding physical blood, but by shedding personality/behaviors/attitudes/actions and much more! This sacrifice is our act of worship unto God because we negate what we want in hopes of pleasing God. It's not easy, but it's time!

As we begin to worship God through sacrificial living, then we open ourselves to TRANSFORMATION (Romans 12:2)

It is so easy to get distracted by the "norm"! However, as we worship God through our daily living we cannot conform to the world! This is basic right? We learned about peer pressure in Elementary School, so this should be easy. Unfortunately, as a Christian, "peer pressure" is more heavily disguised. Let's unpack what our transformation looks like when lined up against conformity:

Sample Situation: You went to the doctor, and you got a "bad" report.
To be conformed: Weep and stay there! The doctor said it's over, so perhaps God is not really in control.
To be transformed: Weep and look for your joy! "It comes with the morning!" (Ps 30) You believe God is in control, and you ask God to help your unbelief.

Sample Situation: You are experiencing stressful situations at work or school.
To be conformed: Become so overwhelmed by the stress that you are unpleasant to people in your life and are pretty much ready to throw in the towel!
to be transformed: Begin to speak God's power over the situation. Invite God's peace and order into the circumstance, and then do what you have to do!

It is this transformation that brings you closer to your renewal! Freshness, vigor, and the pursuit of perfection in your relationship with God is born out of understanding and clearer communication. The Apostle Paul declares that our renewal must happen in our minds in order for us to better understand the will of God in our lives. I believe that this 2010 Lenten observation can be the start of something great for all of us-let's go back to the "honeymoon" period with God! Let's love on God...talk to God...listen to God...get to know God...while getting to know ourselves in Him in a FRESH, new way!

During this renewal week, I challenge you to take on the task that a friend gave me just yesterday- count your blessings! LITERALLY! This fourth week of our Lenten observance, grab some paper and begin to write down all of the amazing things God has done for you! As you review the God's power in your life, I believe you will discover your need for renewal!

My prayer is that your cup overflows as you strive for a RENEWED relationship with our awesome heavenly Father!

Blessings,
Pastor C

Lent- Week 3

Lent (Week Three)

Scripture Focus: 1 John 3:7-24; Matthew 23: 37-40

Objective: To demonstrate the importance of love of one another in this season of growth.



Welcome to week three of the Lenten season of GROWTH! Are you growing? I hope so...if you can't see it yet, keep going...God is with you and your growth is inevitable! This is a very special week during our Lenten observance- it's all about LOVE!



Because we recognize our need to repent (for our wrong), we are reconciled to God (and each other) in order to demonstrate our relationship to God by love of one another. That's right...this week is about looking at how we treat others here on earth. Fun right!? I believe it is the most challenging part of our Christian walk, but it is foundational to our development as believers.



In Matthew 23: 37-40, Jesus answers the question of what is the greatest commandment: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Jesus is telling us through His conversation with the Pharisees (teachers of the Law) that our love of the Lord is paralleled with our love of our "neighbor". Now maybe you are already perfect, but that is a difficult pill to swallow for me! We know ourselves- we are hard to love right? Nah...not if we look at loving one another the way Jesus says we should!



So, how do we do this? During week three of your Lenten fast, I challenge you to join with me in focusing on 1 John 3:7-24 as a means for growth in our desert experience.



1. Stay FOCUSED as God's Child (1 John 3:7-8)

We learned last week that we are reconciled to God which means that we are now in relationship with God. Unlike our personal relationships that may change depending on a person's willingness to or not to commit, our relationship with God is SOLID and STABLE! We are children of God! As children of God attempting to LIVE IN LOVE, the text begins as a letter declaring that we must STAY FOCUSED! It says in verse 7, "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous". In this Christian walk, especially in desert experiences, it is easy to become distracted by what others think about us instead of who God calls us to be-His offspring! As offspring of God, we must DO "right things" (what is right) instead of just "looking the part"!



2. Stay FRUITFUL as God's Child (1 John 3:9-12)

Are we fruitful? Of course we are! We are dropping some fruit each and every day in the words we say and the things we do. Now, the question is: are the fruit rotten? In this portion of the text, I believe that God is affirming our need to be fruitful as children of God! Luke 6:44 says, "Each tree is recognized by its fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers." Because a tree is known by the fruit it bears, we must bear fruit that look like God.



Ok, so step two is a little deeper than that! We can look around the ground and say "I got some good fruit...I volunteer...I work at the church...I sing in the choir...I help others...etc" Well, that is great but our fruit is also seen in our dealings with "our brother" and "our sister".



3. Stay FRIENDLY as God's Child (1 John 3:13-17)

Our growth in the desert experiences of life is most evident in our ability to LIVE IN LOVE! As we move from "death" (fleshly living) to "life" (heavenly living), our treatment of others changes. We begin to actually LIVE in love!



4. Stay FAITHFUL as God's Child (1 John 3:18-24)

Let us move beyond a love that speaks without action! Let us move beyond a love that worships God without witness! Let us move beyond a relationship with God that has no substance or evidence! God desires for us to demonstrate the truth of our love and relationship by our deeds!!! By doing so, we live in love by living in CHRIST!



In our pursuit of living a life of love, my prayer is that your cup overflows!



Blessings,

Pastor C

Lent- Week 2

Lent (Week Two)
Scripture Focus: Romans 5: 1-11; Genesis 45
Objective: To discover our gift of and need of reconciliation
Week TWO! How are you feeling? Now that we have discovered our need for repentance, I believe that this week we have a new focal point-reconciliation!

To reconcile means to restore to friendship or harmony. As we examine our desert experiences as opportunities for growth, it is necessary to first discover our GIFT of reconciliation. A gift is something that is given to another person without expectation of compensation. Before we were born or even THOUGHT ABOUT observing this Lenten season, God gave us reconciliation with Him as a GIFT! He sent Himself in the person of Jesus to shed blood as a sacrifice for our sins, so that we could be RECONCILED (in friendship and harmony) with God! WHAT A GIFT?!?!

During this week of Lenten observation, I invite you to focus on the following aspects that come along with the GIFT of reconciliation:

1-You have PEACE with God (Rom 5:1-2a) Our peace with God is not based on our own merit or other's vouching for our character and integrity! Our peace with God is here because of our FAITH in God! It is by this faith that you and I have been justified (made right) in the sight of God. This is a blessing because no one can take that away from us! You have PEACE with God. No matter your shortcoming or struggle...your faith and belief in God has given you peace with God!

2-You must REJOICE in the HOPE & in the SUFFERING (Rom 5:2b-5)
In Job 2:7-10, Job questions his wife "Shall accept good from God and not trouble?". Now how could Job boldly respond to his wife in this manner? Perhaps, Job understood what Paul would later explain to the church at Rome and now to us during this Lenten season: suffering gives birth to hope! It is easy for us to rejoice in the hope because it rests in Jesus, but how can we learn to rejoice in the suffering of life? We rejoice in the suffering because it is literally a setup for growth. Paul tells the Romans that suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces HOPE!

What this literally means is when we suffer we are in a position for growth! Think about the greatest athletes...no marathon runner starts off running the full distance! He or she starts with short distances and builds up their ability to run the full distance. How about now? Ready to rejoice in your suffering...it's getting you ready to go the distance!

3-Rejoice in your RECONCILIATION (Rom 5:6-11)
While we were ungodly (and if we are honest...ok, I won't go there), God gave us friendship! Now, that's a blessing! So let us rejoice!

Wait a minute...now week two is more challenging than just rejoicing! I said in the beginning that this week's objective is to not only discover the GIFT of reconciliation but also the NEED of reconciliation! We cannot create the CROSS with just a vertical line, but as we carry our CROSS we must get the horizontal in line also! Who in our lives do we need to offer TRUE RECONCILIATION to? It takes more energy to carry the anger...resentment...jealousy, etc. than to simply offer reconciliation.

In Genesis 45, we get a glimpse of what that reconciliation looks like. Joseph had been treated horribly by his own brothers out of their fear of who he could become. They sold him into slavery, but God was really setting him up-it was ALL GOOD! After reuniting with his brothers, he had the opportunity to get revenge. Instead, he offered TRUE RECONCILIATION! Genesis 45:15 tells us that he kissed his brothers, wept over them, and talked WITH them! During this season of growth, I challenge us to talk WITH those who have done us wrong or don't talk AT ALL! For if we believe like Joseph that God sent us ahead...that what people mean for our evil, God means for our good...then we will begin to see in this walk of reconciliation that IT'S ALL GOOD!

My prayer is in our gift of reconciliation with God and our need of reconciliation with people, our cup will overflow!

Blessings,
Pastor C

Lent- Week 1

Lent (Week One)
Scripture Focus: Job 42: 1-6

Objective: Discovering our need for repentance
Almost one full week down for our Lenten experience! Last Wednesday marked Ash Wednesday for the Lenten season. Ash Wednesday kicks off the Lenten season with a look at repentance. Ash Wednesday is a time for believers to examine the sins that separate us from God in order to truly experience closeness with God; therefore, Lent is a season of facing sin head on. Biblically, ashes are a sign of repentance. There are examples throughout the Bible where individuals sit in ashes in order to demonstrate their state of mourning and repentance (Jonah 3:6, Matthew 11:21, and others). I keep throwing this word around-repentance! To repent literally means to turn away from. There are things that we need to turn away from in order to turn to God. Not all of these behaviors, habits, foods, etc. are "bad"...but they may stand in between us and God sometimes. So, Lent season urges us to REPENT (turn away from) those things long enough to grow closer to our God.

In Job 42: 1-6, we catch a glimpse of a repentant heart! We know the story- Job was a good man who would pray and sacrifice "just in case". God allowed Job to experience a "desert experience" as an opportunity for growth. In the midst of being challenged in his "desert experience," Job cursed the day he was born and even questioned God. However, after hearing from God, Job is enlightened and has a repentant heart. Although Job was not literally in the desert, we know from last week's lesson that desert experiences come in all shapes and sizes. So, yes, we can learn from him too! Job teaches us that (v.2) God's plan is solid! In spite of Job not understanding his circumstances while in them, he came to a place where he had to declare that God could not possibly fail! Beyond this, Job reached a point where he (v.3) acknowledged his lack of knowledge. We serve an omniscient God; therefore, no matter how rough the storm, He knows the outcome! Ultimately, in order to reach the level of true repentance (v.6) that Job came to we must (v.5) incline our senses to God. Job declared "my ears HEARD of you, but now I SEE you".

I invite you during this Lenten season to not be satisfied with simply "hearing" about God- SEE GOD! See God in the midst of your storm...see God in the midst of the doctor's report...see God in the midst of your schoolwork...see God in the midst of your job...see God in the midst of your haters...see God! See GOD!

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for..."--FEEL GOD-- "...and the evidence of things not seen"--SEE GOD--

As you prepare for another week of GROWTH in the desert, SEE GOD! My prayer is that your cup overflows!

Blessings,
Pastor C

Lent- Introduction

The Season of Lent
Examining “desert experiences” as opportunities for growth
Key Verses: Matthew 4:1-11 and Isaiah 58

Dates: This year Lent is Wednesday, February 17th - Saturday, April 3rd

Lent is the forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends one the day before Easter Day. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection.

Colors: In most churches, the decorations are purple, a royal color to prepare for the King.

History of Lent:
The name:
Lent used to be a period of forty hours fasting to remember Jesus’ suffering and the forty hours He spent in the tomb. In the third century, Lent was made six days long. However in 800 AD it was made 40 days long. WHY?

The name lent is a Germanic word that referred to the season of Spring. However, the original Latin translation (quadragesima) of Lent actually means “forty days”.

The date:
Traditionally, the Western Church (Protestants, Catholics, and Anglicans) begins the season of Lent on the seventh Wednesday before Easter Sunday in order to skip over Sundays. It was traditional in ancient times for people engaged in special times of fasting, prayer, repentance, or remorse by rubbing ashes on their forehead as an outward symbol of what they are experiencing internally.

This custom can be seen in the following Biblical examples: 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1-3, Job 42:6, and Jeremiah 6:26.

This custom entered Christianity through Judaism, and Christians today may place ashes on their foreheads to mark the beginning and their commitment to the Lenten season. Ideally, churches should use the ashes from the burning of palm leaves from the previous year’s Easter celebrations.

Scriptural Basis for Lent:
Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and “taking inventory” of your life. The faithful rededicate themselves and traditionally, new converts would prepare for baptism.

Lent owes much of its spirit to the forty days Jesus spent in the desert preparing for his ministry when he was “tested” by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). The Jewish view of the desert was an abode of demons, and it was in this place that Jesus was offered the opportunity to be the wrong kind of messiah. He rejected each possibility. For our sake, He was tested so we would know who He was NOT. Jesus did not bribe us with earthly bread (v.3-4), astonish us with feats of invulnerability (v.5-7), nor did He seek world domination or command an army (v.8-9). Jesus simply did the WILL OF THE FATHER (v.10).

Why Participate in Lent:
We participate in Lent in efforts to show true friendship with Jesus. “Some people only celebrate the happy times in Jesus’ life: Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas. But as true friends, we should also watch and pray with Him, stand by Him at the cross on Good Friday, and retreat with Him into the wilderness during Lent. When Jesus entered the desert, He left behind all the expectations of others, all the hopes, and all the illusions. It was just Jesus and the Father and the Holy Spirit.

“The desert experience is about deprivation. In deprivation, we discover that we are not all-powerful. We are slaves to our stomachs, to the opinions of others, to pleasure, etc. We cannot bear pain, so we take a pill. We cannot bear growing old, so we dye our hair. Doing without can strip away some of the illusions and give us a glimpse of truth.”

We participate in Lent in order to complete a “spiritual spring cleaning”. It is during this time that we “clean out” those things that hinder our corporate and personal relationships with Jesus and our service to Him. Yes, we actually take the time to examine our corporate relationships—meaning, what’s going on in the body of Christ? What’s going on in our church families? Let’s check up on each other during Lent.
Lent is our “spiritual training camp” in which we gain the necessary skills to overcome evil, as well as develop self-discipline for the “post-Lenten” season. We learn, examine, and get our material excesses and spiritual deprivations under control during this “training time”. Remember: The best athletes use training camp to create a year-round lifestyle of self-discipline!

How to Participate in Lent:
Many use abstinence from meat and acts of penance as metaphors during the Lenten season. In a small way, this models the rejection of illusions about what we need, who we are, and who God is. Some give up television, sweets, and a host of others. It is a personal decision which is sacrificial unto God.

In Lent, we abstain from meat on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday! This is a time for unification of the entire body of believers. Quite often, our bodily appetites control our actions. The purpose of fasting is to make your bodily appetites your servant rather than your master. However, fasting is not only total abstention from food. In the historic Church, it means a balanced diet so that your animal appetites become a sort of spiritual snooze alarm. “All fasting should be done for God’s glory and spiritual growth”! Lenten fasts are not DIETS used to loose weight.

Rewards of Lent:
During the Lenten season, we have the opportunity to hear voices that are usually lost in the den of pleasure and meaningless talk. We can enter into a private desert even in the midst of the world and face our own demons. We can tear down false idols only to be heartbroken at finding others behind them. Then rejoice at God’s revealing all of our points of growth to us. Through TRUE FASTING, we open ourselves up to experience a genuine move of God!

Purification: When the Hebrews were led from Egypt to the Promised Land, they refused to go in because they did not trust God’s promise. God allowed them to wander in the desert for forty years until they gained the trust they lacked. During this time, all the ones that had refused to cross the Jordan died. In this way, God’s people were purified.

Removal of Infections: In Noah’s day, forty days of flooding washed away the evil that had infected the world. This was not a permanent solution, but it offered opportunity for those who were left to start over.

Reflections for Lent:
We must remember throughout this Lenten season that God is with us. He promises no trial beyond our ability to succeed. He offers us no truth we cannot accept if we become as children. When Jesus had finally driven off the devil, angels came to wait on Him. When, through Jesus, we reject illusion and self-deception, we can be sure of continued graces from God. These are not rewards of virtue but those gifts which are available only to people who worship God in Spirit and in Truth.

Clearer Communication: During Lent, we can allow ourselves to attain clearer communication lines with God through true fasting. True Fasting is when we alter our day-to-day habits into behaviors, characteristics, traits that are “acceptable to God”. True Fasting is not for others to see, but for genuine companionship with God. It is through true fasting that we open the lines of communication between us and God. He declares that our voices will not be heard on high if we participate in anything less! True Fasting is not just for the Lenten Season—God desires it to be a part of our lifestyle. When is the last time you can remember just sitting and being so attentive to God that you were fully aware of God’s presence with you? I believe this is what Jesus felt in the desert as Satan attempted to “test” Him; however, Jesus never doubted His Father’s presence… Jesus was concentrating on the spiritual and not the natural. Lent offers us the opportunity to concentrate on the spiritual and not the natural—removing ourselves from our struggles long enough to allow the angels to attend to us.

Questions to Consider:
What is holding me back from a true relationship with God?
What behaviors keep me from participating in true fasting?
How can I use this Lenten season to revive my communication lines with God?

***Prayer is the key to a successful Lenten season***
Whenever you feel weak during the Lenten season or feel tempted to give up on your commitment, bow your head in prayer. As you grow during this season, you will find the silence between you and God is stronger than any words you can ever say. Conversation, time with God, and staying in God’s word will keep you strong.

Study Constructed by Rev. C.M. Houston
All sources available upon request
February 2007
Modified February 2010