Addicted?

Life is too short to be addicted to the approval of others. 

Isn’t that true?  I can see you nodding at your computer... so then why do we spend so much of our precious time looking for it?  Why do people’s opinions matter so much?

I think it’s simple.  Because it feels so good.

We like pats on the back, attaboys, to be on the coffee list, the smile of our boss, and the outstretched hand of the guy whose job we just saved through our hard work.

It feels good to be liked.  It feels great to be loved.  The best feeling?  When we are recognized for something we’ve done in front of our peers... and a whole room erupts in cheering!  THAT’S when we know we’ve done well... and we want that feeling again and again and again.

We become addicted to the approval of others.

Problem with this type of approval is that it’s impossible to maintain long term.  People’s opinions shift... their moods change.  We mess up... the approval fountain stops flowing.  Someone’s having a bad day?  We think less of ourselves because they don’t feel like giving out complements.  The teacher is on a peak... things are good!  In a valley?  Pop quiz.

The approval of others is inconsistent and based on temporary feelings.   It makes us feel great in the short term... but craving more in the long term.

Today, I want to give you another way of looking at your value.  There is one opinion that matters and it’s that of God.  After all, He is the one who created you with all of your gifts (and you have some)... He is the One who sent His Son here to pay for your sins... He is the One who knew of all the flaws and made you anyway.

Let’s take a look at what the God’s Word says about you:

You are a child of God (John 1:12)

Jesus Christ is your friend (John 15:15)

Jesus paid for your sin and you don’t have to. (Romans 3:24)

You are brand new in Christ (Romans 6:6)

You have been set free (Romans 8:2)

You are accepted by the King of Kings (Romans 15:7)

You are no longer a slave (Galatians 4:7)

You are free (Galatians 5:1)

God picked you special (Ephesians 1:7)

You are the best work God can do (Ephesians 2:10)

Your life was bought with a high price (John 3:16)

You are in the light not the darkness (Ephesians 5:8)

God is guarding your heart (Philippians 4:7)

You are complete (Colossians 2:10)

You are chosen (Colossians 3:12)

You are loved (1 Thessalonians 1:4)

Why constantly search for other’s opinion of you?  God is quite clear in these passages.  If you are a Christ follower... there’s only one opinion that truly matters... 

I read the story of a young man who once studied violin under a world-renowned master. Eventually the time came for the student’s first recital. Following each selection, despite the cheers of the crowd, the performer seemed dissatisfied. 

Even after the last number, with the shouts louder than ever, the talented violinist stood watching an old man in the balcony. Finally the elderly one smiled and nodded in approval. Immediately the young man relaxed and beamed with happiness.

You see, the man in the balcony was his teacher, and thus the applause of the crowd had meant nothing to him until he had first won the hearty approval of his master.

The crowd may cheer... it may not.  The opinions of others may be positive... or they may not.  Search the room you’re in.  See those standing around you?  They care about you... but not like God.  Not like the true Master.  Your Creator is confidently nodding in approval of you.  

Even those times when you mess up and people reject you... God nods.  Because you screwed up?  No.  Because He knows your heart... He knows His Son has paid for that sin... and God (who IS love) gets to give you a 17th chance at getting it right.  

He delights in loving you.  You have His approval. Not because you are perfect, but because you are His.   You haven’t earned it... may not deserve it... but it’s there.  You are wonderfully created...flawed by sin...but infinitely valuable.  

Today, when you find yourself trying to win the approval of your peers... remember that your real value is eternal.   You already have the stamp of approval from the One who loves you more than anyone else.  

Afraid?

  This morning as you wake up... things may seem pretty bleak.   In fact, you may wonder if this will be just another day of treading water... staying afloat...surviving.  You don’t have a vacation on the calendar, your back still hurts, and the bill collector will be calling at dinnertime just like he always does.

Another 24 hours... another 7 days... another month. 

The dream you once had seems all but dead.  What little heartbeat it has seems distant now.  Things have skidded to a stop with a spouse that seems uninterested and a life that is far from the one you used to tell the kids at school you’d have when you grew up.

You ask:  When am I going to feel better?    When will it stop hurting?  When is it my turn?  What am I going to do? 

God, where are you?

Sound familiar?  If this is you.. or even someone you know.  I have great news on this Thursday.  

The Bible talks about Jairus... the leader of a local synagogue crying out to Jesus to heal his very sick daughter.  Jesus agrees and walks with the man when He is stopped mid-way to heal a woman who touches His robe.  In the few minutes that transpires with the old woman.... something very profound happens... let’s pick up the story in Mark 5:36

“While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”  

Mark 5:35-36

Jairus’ life was spiraling out of control.  He was doing his best at the synagogue but he knew that each day that he returned home, he’d find his daughter deteriorating.  He’d prayed... he’d begged... he’d pleaded... he felt hopeless, helpless, and hurting.  The dream he’d had about experiencing life with his daughter was rapidly fading away...just as his daughter’s heartbeat began it’s slow decrescendo to its final beat.  

Jairus’ life was not what he thought it would be... He, too, asked the same questions...

When am I going to feel better?  When will it stop hurting?  When is it my turn?  What am I going to do? 

God, where are you?

Then He learned where God was... He was on a boat heading his way across a lake.  Jairus had heard about Jesus... had learned of His ability to do the impossible... and ran with everything he had toward hope. 

Jesus was his only hope.   Jesus was his daughter’s only hope.  (Jesus is our only hope)

Believing in Christ’s power... Jairus reached out to Jesus and begged Him to save his ailing daughter.  

(...To save your broken dreams.  To save your wounded heart.  To save that failing marriage.  To save what seems un-saveable.) 

When word came that Jairus’ daughter was dead... hope seemed lost.

(...When word came that your dream was hopeless... when divorce seemed like an inevitability... when the only choice you thought you had was to give up...)

But hope wasn’t lost. It came to Jairus (us) in six little words.

“Don’t be afraid, just have faith.”  

Ever been afraid of what’s coming?

Ever been afraid of what’s been?  

Ever been afraid of losing control?

Ever been afraid that God won’t be there?

Make no mistake, God will be there.  In fact, He’s there now.  He’s working in your life where you can’t see Him... and He’s mending the cracks in your armor.  Jesus will never allow one day to pass where your faith goes unnoticed or unrewarded.   

God comes through every single time.  Every single circumstance.  

His ability to heal lives is nothing new...and it’s not exclusive to leaders of synagogues.  When we have faith... when we reject fear... when we put our trust in Him... things change for the better.

Jesus Christ is forever faithful... and your life, in Him, will only get better.  

Need?

"You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled."

Is this true?  Wouldn’t more be better?  How much is enough?  Where does it stop?

I think the Apostle Paul had it figured out in Philippians 4:12-13 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” [emphasis mine]

What’s the secret to contentment?  It’s focus.  In today’s verse, Paul says that we have so much in Jesus!  God promises in His word that He will provide for our needs... and He knows what we truly need even when we lose sight of what that is.  

All too often, we focus on what we don’t have.  We convince ourselves that we NEED this or NEED that when in fact, it is just something that we feel like we’ve earned or deserve.  Isn’t it true that when we get what we think we “need”, the happiness is temporary...fleeting...and we are quickly looking for the next object to bring us temporary peace.  

Fact is, you’ll never be able to afford contentment.  It will always be “just one more thing” away.   Seek God.  Count on Him to meet your needs... He will always provide enough, be enough, give enough, and love enough.  He is all we need.  To quote the great A.W. Tozer, "The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One,"

Wait?

Are you waiting for God to be generous in your life?  Begin the habit of giving with the right heart...  Paul said, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Cor. 9:7  

Are you waiting for God to answer your prayer?  Remember that His timing is always perfect... He is never late... or early... or forgetful.  Sometimes the answer is wait a little longer... I have something better than you can imagine.  Jesus said, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”  Matthew 7:7

Are you waiting to have the time?  Do you have more duties than daylight?  Remember, you have the same 24 hours a day that the disciples had... that Einstein had... that everyone who has ever lived on planet Earth had.. it’s what you do with those precious minutes that matters!  Paul said, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Ephesians 5:16

The situation may never be perfect.  You may never feel adequately prepared.  You may think your under equipped, ill-resourced, and the wrong person for the job.  You’re in good company:

Jonah, Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Esther... the list goes on... 

But today, God has tapped you on the shoulder.  He wants you to make that positive change in your life.  Share your story with your office.  Defuse the situation with your family.   Be the husband or wife you were designed to be.  Give your child another chance.  Move forward...no, leap forward.  

Today… refuse to live the life you think you deserve and start living the one you were created for.  

The situation may not look perfect... but don’t wait.  God’s got your back.  

I Do

“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.  Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”  When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.”  Ruth 1:16-18

In John Maxwell’s book, Be a People Person,  he spells out the importance of true commitment... “Until I am committed, there is a hesitancy, a chance to draw back. But the moment I definitely commit myself, then God moves also, and a whole stream of events erupt. All manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, persons, and material assistance which I could never have dreamed would come my way begin to flow toward me—the moment I make a commitment”

I think what he’s saying is... until you say “I Do” ... you are only saying “I might” or “I’d like to” or even “I probably won’t.”  When we fully jump in... God moves in our lives.  

Today we're talking about real commitment.  “All In” commitment.  The kind that Ruth promised in today’s passage.  Look at the degree in which Ruth vows to stay connected to Naomi... “Your people will be my people... your God my God”  Ruth was saying.... I Do.  I’m all yours.  Every part of me is signing on to the relationship.  Ruth said “I will stand beside you no matter what!”

Is that your relationship with God?  Have you said “I Do” to what God wants for your life?  What’s getting in the way of giving God your all?

It’s my prayer today that we would follow Christ wish a Ruth-level of commitment.  This starts with giving everything we understand about ourselves to everything we understand about God.  No holding back.  

Are you ready to commit to God’s direction?   Do you have Ruth-like determination to give God your all?  Let me know in the comments below.

Front Page

On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made their first flight of an airplane at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. On their 5th attempt, the plane under the control of Orville, embarked on a 12 second flight.

Wilbur rushed to the local telegraph office and sent the following message – WE HAVE FLOWN FOR 12 SECONDS - WE WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!

Upon receiving the telegram their sister, Katherine went to the newspaper office, told the editor of her brother’s new flying machine, and informed him, they would be home for Christmas, if he would like to set up an interview.  He told her that was nice, and he would be sure to put something in the paper regarding the boys.

On December 19th, the local paper placed the following headline on the 6th page of the paper: “WRIGHT BROTHERS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS”

It was the most important story of the year... and the editor of the paper missed it.

To him it was just another day... another news item... just another thing to live through.  He was focused on the wrong thing.  

If we’re not careful, and we take our eyes off what is important, the uncommon will become common...

God will cause hurting marriages to heal...
Weak hearts to beat stronger...
Stage four cancer to “go away”...
Unbelieving people to come to Christ...
Waters to be filled with those getting baptized...

And If we lose focus, we will highlight the wrong headline.

Instead of printing the words:  “GOD CHANGES LIVES”
We’ll push it to page 6 and write ... “Life happens...”

Without realizing it, God-sized things become ordinary.  normal.  standard.  typical.  

And if we’re not careful...

We’ll begin to think we’ve earned salvation.
Or we deserve His mercy.
Or His grace is automatic.

Everything God does for us is because He loves us and chooses to do it.   We don’t control Him by making deals with Him.  We don’t earn more favor because we’re not as bad as our neighbor.  We don’t get special privileges because we are nice to the people who are nice to us.

No... God is amazing.  His favor for us is unmerited and impossible to understand.  He does miracles... major ones and minor ones because we are His masterpiece and He chooses to do them.

He loves us so much...

Today... thank God for those miracles in your life... The first breath you took this morning.  The health of your children.  The job you have.   The successes of yesterday... or the growth that came through the challenges.

The enemy will tempt you to overlook the headlines of God’s goodness.  He’ll try to convince you that God gave up doing miracles long ago.  Don’t let him.  Our Heavenly Father is FAR from common... and what He does in our lives should always be on the front page of our hearts.

Boiled Seeds

[From "In The Garden With Jesus," a children’s devotional written by Tiziana Ruff.]  

Once there was an emperor in the Far East who was growing old and knew it was coming time to choose his successor.  Instead of choosing one of his assistants or one of his own children, he decided to do something different.  He called all the young people in the kingdom together one day.  He said, "It has come time for me to step down and to choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you."

The kids were shocked! 

But the emperor continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today. 

One seed. It is a very special seed. I want you to go home, plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring to me, and the one I choose will be the next emperor of the kingdom!" 

There was one boy named Ling who was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed.  He went home and excitedly told his mother the whole story. She helped him get a pot and some planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. 

After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.  Ling kept going home and checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by. Still nothing. By now others were talking about their plants but Ling didn’t have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in Ling’s pot. 

He just knew he had killed his seed. 

Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. 

Ling didn’t say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.  A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn’t going to take an empty pot. But she encouraged him to go, and to take his pot, and to be honest about what happened. Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he trusted his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace.

When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by all the other youths. They were beautiful, in all shapes and sizes.  Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kids laughed at him.  A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey, nice try."  When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. 

Ling just tried to hide in the back. 

"My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!"  All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot.  He ordered his guards to him to the front.  Ling was terrified.  "The emperor knows I’m a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"

When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. 

"My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!"  Ling couldn’t believe it.  He couldn’t even grow his seed.  How could he be the new emperor?

Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today.  But I gave you all boiled seeds which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!" 

You will see others being dishonest.  They will appear to be successful...thriving...passing you by.   

You will obey and wonder.  

They will deceive and temporarily prosper.  

Don’t give up... God will make things right.

“Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
    Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
    speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

Those who refuse to gossip
    or harm their neighbors
    or speak evil of their friends.

Those who despise flagrant sinners,
    and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
    and keep their promises even when it hurts.

Those who lend money without charging interest,
    and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.”   Psalm 15

Be honest.  You will stand firm forever.  Unshakeable.  Rewarded.  Blessed.  

It’s always worth it.

No Matter What

On the Australian coat of arms is a picture of an emu and a kangaroo. These animals were chosen because they share a characteristic.  Both the emu and kangaroo can move only forward, not back. The emu’s three-toed foot causes it to fall if it tries to go backwards, and the kangaroo is prevented from moving in reverse by its large tail. 

Backwards is nearly impossible for them... 

For us, sometimes it’s a different story.

-  We go to church on the weekend... get filled with the joy of the Lord... and then Monday comes with its expected stress.  It’s enough to move our strength backwards.

• We go to a friend for comfort... get some much needed perspective... and then let the enemy convince us to wrestle with it some more.  It’s enough to make our faith move backwards.  

• We try to get past our past... pray through the painful memories... and then go right back to those old behaviors.  It’s enough to convince us that our lives are backwards.

Two steps forward... leaps and bounds backward.

Jesus has a different purpose for our lives.  Look at what He tells his disciples:

Luke 9:57-62  [emphasis mine]

“As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”

The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead!  Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”

Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”

But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Jesus called them forward and they obliged.  Then it hit them....

Wait Jesus, I have to....

Hold on Jesus, first I need to...

Hey Jesus, can I go back to...

Hesitation to full commitment.  Jesus saw it in their hearts.  

There seems to always be a reason to serve God half-heartedly.

• We aren’t sure He can do what He claims to do every day...not just Sunday...so we forget about His daily provision, grace, and joy.

• We doubt that things will ever change in our life.  So we choose worry over worship.  

• We realize we can’t change the past... so we voluntarily allow it to define us.

One step forward in Christ... only to be shoved backward by the lies of the enemy.  

The temptation for some is to follow Christ with one eye on His promises and one on what they think they can control.   Jesus tells us to press on... don’t look back... and never GO back.  Where you were brought you to who you’ve become.  No need to regret past mistakes, ancient history, or painful memories.  

Christ clearly says... 

Follow me... Keep your eyes fixed on what I am about to do....Focus on where we are going together.  Move forward... not backward.   Come to my open arms... don’t backtrack to the pain you’re familiar with.  Serve Me with your whole heart... head up... one foot in front of the other.  Don’t compromise, retreat, or surrender.   I have great things in store for those who refuse to turn around and stare at the past hoping it will change....

Don’t give up an inch of what God’s allowed you to be victorious over...  Allow the mistakes of your past to give you wisdom and perspective when dealing with the present.  Gain ground by spending your time refocusing not regretting.  Commit 100% to serving Him and letting Him lead.   

Take your next step down the path even when you don’t see where you’ll put your foot.    It will be solid ground... He promises it.

Let’s commit to moving forward together... with Christ... no matter what.  

He Knows

“With your unfailing love you lead the people you have redeemed.

In your might, you guide them to your sacred home.”   -  Exodus 15:13

God is active, engaged, and present in your life.  

He leads those He loves.

He leads the people that know Him as Savior.

He leads them to a better place.

And He loves you.  

He will guide you, provide for you, and strengthen you as you battle through what kept you awake last night. 

There is not one moment of one day that you aren’t on His mind.  

God is love.

God gives love.

And He loves you.

When you need His wisdom...His grace...His peace...His strength...His protection...

He will be there.  Not a second before the perfect time.  You may not feel Him or think He’s there… But at the right moment...when you don’t know where else to turn...

He will intervene.  

And He loves you. 

God loves and protects His own.  You are precious to Him.  And when He steps in... you will be reminded once more of His goodness and unending passion to see His children succeed.  

He knows what’s best for you to do.

He knows the right time.

He knows how to get there.

He knows that you’re hurting.

He knows what it’s like to sacrifice.

He knows every tear you’ve cried.

He knows that blessings are coming.

He knows you.  

And He loves you. 

Loss

Maybe there has been a loss in your life.

They left too soon.  

They suffered so badly.  

They didn’t deserve what they went through.  

You can still hear the minister’s words of comfort as you said your final goodbye on the day of the funeral.  For some, it’s as recent as last week... while others have been playing out the same scene in their mind for many years.  

I know it hurts.  

I know you would give anything to have just one more day... one more chance to say “I love you.”   My heart breaks for those in agony.    If that is you today... please know that you are sincerely in my prayers.  I also know that, as painful as it is, life must go on.  People go home.  The workweek comes.  Photo albums return to the shelf.  

And the pain remains.   What are we supposed to do with it?

What do we do with how badly it hurts?

I’d like to offer a few things to think about as the healing process begins or continues:

1) Remember that God is in control

“The Lord has made the heavens his throne;

    from there he rules over everything.”  Psalm 103:19

There is nothing you are feeling that God isn’t aware of.  He brings people into the world at the perfect time and calls them home at the perfect time.  There is never a second where He turns His back on the world He created.

 2) Trust God without having to understand

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.

    “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so my ways are higher than your ways

    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:8-9

You won’t have all the answers.  The “why” it happened isn’t as important as what you do with the legacy they left behind.  Don’t withdraw from God just because He hasn’t shown you the reason for your loss.  Run to Him and allow Him to comfort you like the loving Father He is.  You may not understand why but you can always trust the “Who” that is in control.

3) Know that God will use it.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Romans 8:28

I don’t know why it happened.  But I know that something will happen because of it that is positive.  You may not see it now... or want to even think about it... but God has a purpose for everything.  Maybe losing your loved one will lead someone to Christ... maybe the legacy left behind will allow you to change a community... a paradigm... or your family.  Don’t waste what you are feeling... allow God to work through you and use it in a powerful way to help others.  

Your loved one’s life can continue on.  You have to decide if they would rather have you grieve their loss forever or pass on what they valued to forever change the world.

4) Thank God for what you had

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:18

You may have heard the phrase “better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.  It’s true.  Your friend/family member/spouse was a gift that you got to cross paths with and walk beside for a season.  They were a blessing that nobody can take away.  You may be apart for now... but if you are both Christ-followers... that will not be a permanent condition.   Be thankful to God for their presence in your life..however brief it was.

5) Let God heal your heart

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?  Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?  (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”  

Romans 8:31-38

God’s love is enough.  He sees the tears.  He feels your pain.  He will never ever ever leave your side.  Study His word... talk to Him in prayer... let Him hold you up when you don’t have the strength.  He is strong enough to hear your anger and gracious enough to respond in love.  Cry out to Him.  Allow yourself to forgive and be forgiven.  Keep serving, giving, and loving even when you don’t think you can.   And above all... 

Know that you are being prayed for.  You aren’t alone or forgotten.  

God is with you.

Reach, Impact, Elevate

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”  Ephesians 6:12-13 

Maybe you’ve heard the ancient story of Achilles... a great warrior and hero of Homer’s Iliad.  As legend tells it, his mother dipped him into the magical river Styx when he was a boy.  Holding him by his heel and lowering him under, she knew that immersing him in this body of water would make him invincible.  It worked.... Achilles became a strong warrior that couldn’t be defeated in battle.  However, he did have one weak spot.  Where?  You guessed it... the only spot that didn’t get dipped... his heel.   The one spot that his mother failed to cover in the magical water would be the exact place an arrow would land and sink in... killing Achilles.  This fictitious hero of legend was felled by a weak spot he didn’t even knew he had.

In Ephesians 6:12-13, we read that we, too, are in a battle.  And the enemy that fires his arrows is relentless and has great aim.  His sights are set on the areas of our lives that aren’t covered in armor.  His goal?  To take us down... to neutralize us by exploiting where we struggle.  

Where is your achilles heel?  For many, the struggle is generosity.  

We hold tightly to what we have in fear of not having enough.  We give what’s left over because we don’t trust.  We forget that giving to the local church is an act of obedience… of faith… and reveals whether or not we trust what God says in His word about provision.  

Do we really believe the Bible?  Are we in love with the parts that make us feel good and skim the parts that challenge us to stretch?  Why did Jesus talk so much about money?  Because He knew that it would be the one area that exposes many to the attacks of the enemy.  And the devil is a good shot.

How do we protect ourselves?  We simply have to have a plan. 

This weekend could be the start of a brand new plan for your life.  Everyone that calls Potential Church home has the opportunity to start the Temple Centurion journey… giving an offering above their normal tithe…  

Our Goals through Temple Centurion?

TO REACH:  BRING TRUTH TO NEW PLACES – Our vision is to change the world through 50 influential campuses across the globe.

TO IMPACT:  SHARING HOPE WITH THOSE IN NEED – We’re passionate about impacting beyond our walls to invest into our communities.

TO ELEVATE:  CREATING SPACES TO CONNECT WITH GOD – We strive to create and maintain spaces where people feel comfortable and welcomed.

As the weekend quickly approaches, I want to challenge you to pray, fast, and talk together as a family about this.  How can you get involved?  What is God whispering to your heart? 

I know this.  When we are generous with what God trusts us with… we receive blessings from Him.  And maybe one of the biggest blessings of all is knowing that the enemy can’t take us down by the achilles heel of giving.  Are you ready to put on that piece of armor?  Let’s get stronger together… 

Why Me?

Technically speaking, David Ring was born dead. Quick acting medical personnel were able to get him breathing, but oxygen deprivation left him with cerebral palsy. He suffered from a speech impediment, hands that don’t cooperate, and a limp. As if that wasn’t enough adversity for one person, both his parents died by the time he was fourteen years old, and his hemophiliac brothers subsequently died of AIDS. 

David’s remaining family members feared that David would never have a normal life, because they assumed he would never marry, have children, drive a car, earn a living or take care of himself. As a young teenager, David came surrender his life to God and came to see his disability as a gift. Once he began to see his circumstances as being chosen for him by God, he began moving forward. 

Today he is married, had four beautiful children, drives a car, and speaks to more than 250 audiences a year. At his speaking engagements he sells T-shirts bearing the slogan “Don’t Whine…SHINE!”

David Ring has taken responsibility for his life—the bad, the difficult and the wonderful. And he continues to celebrate the difference he is able to make in the lives of others. 

When people wrestle with difficult life experiences, the why question often gets in the way. One of David Ring’s Axioms is “Don’t ask God why. Ask What. What do you want me to do with this?”

You may not be facing what David did... but whatever stands in your way leaves you with two questions:  

“Why me?”  or

“What now?” 

Which one do you find yourself going to more often?  Let’s take a look at each response.

1. Asking “Why Me?”    

How many thousands of times do you think it crossed David Ring’s mind to use Cerebral Palsy as an excuse NOT to do something.  He hurt... his tongue couldn’t say what his brain was sending it... his hands and feet crippled and painful.  Every person with a beating heart on the planet would have understandingly told him... it’s ok...  we know you’re at a disadvantage... you’re off the hook for not reaching the potential God has put into your heart.

That didn’t happen.  David didn’t quit.  

It wasn’t a disadvantage.

It was an opportunity.

He didn’t question why it was happening...he just kept pushing forward.

The enemy gave him every reason to wonder but instead...

David worshipped.   

You may be tempted to ask the same thing today.  The world would understand wouldn’t it?  They’ll tell you that your marriage can’t be fixed.... your condition won’t improve... and other lies. Will you believe them or will you hold on to God’s promise of growing you through your circumstances?  Like we talked about earlier this week... miracles still happen.   Sometimes the miracle you are looking for starts with your willingness to believe God can do it.   

Perhaps challenge is exactly what we need to get past our insistence on having all the answers and acting within our own power...

Which brings us to the next question.... the one we should be asking when we feel knocked down...

2)  What Now?

The question isn’t why... it’s what.  What do I do with what I am facing?   What do I need to do to leverage the calamity to strengthen my character?  What does God want me to learn?  

All good questions... healthy questions.  And when they are honestly looked at and answered, we move forward with courage rather than shrink in fear.  

When I face challenges, I turn to two verses that bring me comfort.  They wholly answer the question of “what now”...

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Romans 8:28

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”  Romans 8:18

God assures us of three things when we suffer.  There’s a purpose to it, it’s only for a season, and better things are on the other side of the hurt.   What challenges you today will be used to strengthen your resolve... build your integrity... sure up your determination... prove to you that you are stronger in God’s power than you are on your own... and ultimately bring God glory for Who He is.   

What do you do now?  Praise Him in the rains... turn to Him when it hurts so bad you want to stop... look for His heart when yours is broken.  He promises in His word that everything you are facing will come together and ultimately you will win.  In His power and by His grace, what looks to be your deepest tragedy will become your moment of triumph.  In the meantime... cling to Him in this season.  It won’t last forever and neither will the suffering.  

Even the darkest nights relent.  Clouds part.  And warm sun returns.  

If you find yourself struggling today...stop asking “why me” and turn your eyes to Christ.  Seek His path through the wilderness.  Your “Happily Ever After” awaits on the other side.  

Champion

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9

On March 6, 1987, Eamon Coghlan, the Irish world record holder at 1500 meters, was running in a qualifying heat at the World Indoor Track Championships in Indianapolis. With two and a half laps left, he was tripped. He fell, but he got up and with great effort managed to catch the leaders. With only 20 yards left in the race, he was in third place -- good enough to qualify for the finals. He looked over his shoulder to the inside, and, seeing no one, he let up. But another runner, charging hard on the outside, passed Coughlan a yard before the finish, thus eliminating him from the finals. Coughlan's great comeback effort was rendered worthless by taking his eyes off the finish line. 

It’s so tempting to let up isn’t it?  Pull back a little... take it easy.

It happened to Eamon Coghlan and it happens to people you know.   Here’s how the trend usually looks:

Something unfavorable happens in life.

We cry, beg, and pray to God to intervene and help us.

We read our Bible, go to church, serve others, etc.

The situation changes.  

God comes through (as He always does)

We say a quick “thanks” to God and move forward with our lives.

We think we don’t need God as much so our bible reading decreases, we go to church every so often, and we stop serving.

Prayer only happens before meals if at all.

Fact is... some people only run with God when they need Him for something.  When times are good... they pull up... they let God run along and depend on themselves.

After all, who needs God when we can do it ourselves right?

That is NOT what God had in mind when we were created.  Each of us were knit together to run hard in life’s race.  Sprint through tragedies while leaning on Christ’s strength when ours falls short.  Courageously dash into challenges because we know that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.  Shrink back from adversity?  Slow up when it hurts?  Push away when we don’t know what to do?

Not part of the plan. 

If you are a Christ-follower, the moment you accepted Him as your Savior, you were given a brand new pair of track shoes.  Top of the line.  Designed to allow you to run hard your whole life... giving glory to Him along the way.  I love the way Isaiah 40:31 puts it... those that trust God will “run and not grow weary”   Hebrews 12 says “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...”

Run with endurance.

Run and not grow weary.

Keep running forward... don’t let up... don’t base your relationship with God on the way you feel or the circumstances of your life.  You were created to be in perfect step with your Lord... running toward a Heavenly finish line.  As we talked about last week, the devil’s in good shape and he’s trying to catch up to you... 

Slow down?  Nope.  We were created to finish the race strong.

Feeling tired?  Maybe.  Let God carry you 

Want to stop?  You can’t.  You were given one life to make a difference for Christ.

Keep moving forward... stay connected to God in both the good AND the bad times... and never ever quit.

You... yes you... are a winner.  

Run hard and cross the finish line of life as the champion you were created to be.    

Control

It’s amazing to me how many wild animals are kept as pets.

One man living in a New York apartment raised a tiger from a cub until it got out of control. He eventually moved out of his own apartment and let the tiger take over. He would go once a day and throw in a raw chicken, but authorities learned of the captive tiger when the cat waited by the door and bit his owner. 

Since 1990, at least six adults and two children have been killed by tigers in the United States. More than 60 others have been seriously injured in tiger attacks. There are now three times as many tigers in captivity, and kept as pets, as there are in the wild.

Why do this?  Why invite potential danger into our lives knowing that it could hurt us at any time?

Good question.  

I would ask the same question to the person who watches pornography on their laptop when their spouse goes to bed.... or the family who refuses to talk about problems openly ... or the disloyalty we spread at work because we don’t like our boss... 

...and so many other things.

It starts simple enough... we invite a tiny sin into our lives.  Just like that cute Tiger cub it sits there purring... innocently... We don’t think anything of it.  We have total control, don’t we?  It’s not long before we realize that it requires more food... more of our attention... and it grows.

Ever had something sinful start innocently in your life start to grow out of control?

Before long, what we felt we had control over begins to take over.  We can’t stop it... we just hope it doesn’t pounce and cause damage.  Sometimes irreparable damage.  

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  1 Peter 5:8

That sin that once seemed so innocent is now fully grown... controlled by the enemy... a big ferocious animal... ready to take you down.  To take your family down.  To take your career down.  

Seem overly dramatic?  I’ve watched one little sin grow and tear apart multiple generations in the same family.   One “easily controllable” little white lie destroy a marriage.  One teeny tiny sinful habit ruin a business.  All the devil needs is a toe in the door and he’ll tear the whole place up.  

How do we avoid it?  Don’t let the sin in.  The Bible calls this self-control.  Restrain yourself when sin seems the easiest way.  Confront what the world tells you is right when you know God says it isn’t.  Repent at the first sign of a crack in your values.  

If you don’t control yourself...and I don’t control me... the world will be glad to do it.  The enemy will be glad to do it.  He’s looking for a chance to gain influence in our lives anyway.  Don’t let him trick you into opening the door (even a little) to the heart that you have given to Christ.  Control yourself, your influences, your habits, and your tongue... and watch God bless your life immeasurably.