One of my favorite NFL moments was in SuperBowl XXIII in 1989, between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a tight, and even played game with the Bengals up by 3 points with only a couple of minutes left on the clock. Joe Montana, Cool Joe, led the Niners with a historic last minute drive to steal a victory away from the Bengals with a touch down pass to John Taylor with only 34 seconds to go. As an avid 49er fan in the 80’s living in the Bay area, I distinctly remember that last drive, the hits, the catches, the anxiousness I felt as time was slipping away, and the elation with the final TD catch. What a great victory!
But that’s just a game. In life we face many challenges, obstacles, and opposition that threaten our security, relationships, and work. We desire success, we hope for victory, but often we feel that the odds are against us and the circumstances are mounting up with a sense of hopelessness. In our series on faithfulness, we have taken a journey that has led us to a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness offered to us, ingrained in his character, as well as, our steps of obedience, trust and worship through each day. The final principle in our journey of faithfulness, is the destination has been secured, and the destination is Victory!
God, in his faithfulness, has secured our victory in the past (through Christ victory over sin and death on the Cross and in his resurrection), in the future (with Christ’s imminent return and our eternal life in God’s Kingdom), and in our present (with the daily challenges of life). Victory is sweet, but while you are in the game and there is time on the clock, the game is full of hits, disappointments, TDs, missed opportunities, yards gained, yards lost, and at times the outcome feels uncertain, if not hopeless. One thing is certain…as long as we are faithful, we will have victory. It may not come as we expect, it may not be easy, and it may even be a last second score, but the outcome has been determined by the Creator of time, our world, the vast expanse of space, and humanity out of his love and faithfulness to us.
Listen to our Heavenly Coach:
“God, who called you into fellowship with his son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:9
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
No Compromise
In this week’s devotions, “No Compromise” faithfulness, this is where the rubber meets the road. It is the test of faithfulness, the action of our devotion, the lived out commitment to worship, serve and obey God our Father through Christ his son. This path of no compromise faithfulness is filled with many obstacles, distractions, and opposition, and it can be a difficult path to follow.
No Compromise in Worship. We express our worship in many forms both as a community and individually, but worship begins with the fundamental 1st of the 10 Commandments, to put God first in our lives. Everything else flows from this principle that we consider as worship: singing, prayer, Bible reading and study, church attendance, and including our daily roles, actions, words and attitudes. When we find ourselves straying from expressions of worship, it is a call back to the fundamental commandment to “not have any gods before me” and to put God first without compromise.
No Compromise in Service. When I think of loving, dedicated service to another human being, I think of family care-givers to the elderly, or to individuals with disease or injury requiring 24 hour care. Family members, who lovingly change soiled sheets, patiently listen to and care for any needs, dutifully feed and provide any physical assistance, and resolutely serve another without compromise. Many family care-givers have temporarily suspended their time, hopes, dreams, careers, and hobbies to put their loved ones needs first. Through their daily acts of service to another, they express faithfulness to God.
No Compromise in Obedience. We all have roles that by default place us on a path of obedience to Christ and God’s Word. We may be husbands, wives, parents, children, single adults, grandparents, students, employees, employers, and students, etc. We also have a call to obedience as an individual child of God with specific responsibilities, challenges and aspirations. No Compromise faithfulness within my roles is to be the husband, father, friend, pastor and co-worker that God has outlined in his Word and specifically directed by his Holy Spirit.
To daily walk in worship, service and obedience is the proof to the pudding of our love and devotion to God our Father. When our lives stay focused and true to our path God has led us on, we can take each step on this journey with confidence, integrity, love, hope, God’s blessings, and walk in victory of faithfulness with no compromise.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2
No Compromise in Worship. We express our worship in many forms both as a community and individually, but worship begins with the fundamental 1st of the 10 Commandments, to put God first in our lives. Everything else flows from this principle that we consider as worship: singing, prayer, Bible reading and study, church attendance, and including our daily roles, actions, words and attitudes. When we find ourselves straying from expressions of worship, it is a call back to the fundamental commandment to “not have any gods before me” and to put God first without compromise.
No Compromise in Service. When I think of loving, dedicated service to another human being, I think of family care-givers to the elderly, or to individuals with disease or injury requiring 24 hour care. Family members, who lovingly change soiled sheets, patiently listen to and care for any needs, dutifully feed and provide any physical assistance, and resolutely serve another without compromise. Many family care-givers have temporarily suspended their time, hopes, dreams, careers, and hobbies to put their loved ones needs first. Through their daily acts of service to another, they express faithfulness to God.
No Compromise in Obedience. We all have roles that by default place us on a path of obedience to Christ and God’s Word. We may be husbands, wives, parents, children, single adults, grandparents, students, employees, employers, and students, etc. We also have a call to obedience as an individual child of God with specific responsibilities, challenges and aspirations. No Compromise faithfulness within my roles is to be the husband, father, friend, pastor and co-worker that God has outlined in his Word and specifically directed by his Holy Spirit.
To daily walk in worship, service and obedience is the proof to the pudding of our love and devotion to God our Father. When our lives stay focused and true to our path God has led us on, we can take each step on this journey with confidence, integrity, love, hope, God’s blessings, and walk in victory of faithfulness with no compromise.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2
Friday, October 16, 2009
When God Speaks
When God speaks, I immediately visualize Moses at the burning bush with an audible James Earl Jones voice in direct conversation with Moses. However, we know that God chooses to speak to us through many forms: through His Word, through the preaching and teaching from pastors and teachers, through other believers and through His Holy Spirit. In fact the common denominator of each form is the Holy Spirit who is our constant companion, counselor, teacher and our comforter. We understand that as believers the Holy Spirit lives within each one of us and who is our guide on this daily journey.
There are times when I began to fidget and feel uncomfortable, and it’s not because I just drank a Big Gulp. I feel restless and unsettled as if there is something undone or that needs attention. I become anxious and my thoughts are excited and chaotic like kids in a packed Scooby-Doo Bounce House. I cannot concentrate, I am easily distracted, and it even affects my sleep. God is speaking. I am feeling conviction. Sometimes I immediately recognize his voice, listen and obey. Other times, it takes me awhile and I wrestle with the message God wants me to attend to. That’s about as comfortable as sitting on a tack through one of my sermons.
When God speaks to me in this way, I have responded in many natural ways: to ignore it and hope it goes away, to become defensive, to justify myself, to attack others (mostly in my own thoughts), or go to my Nothing Box (ask a TNTer). But when I quiet my spirit in humility and listen…God speaks. My thoughts settle and focus and I find peace, direction, forgiveness, love and encouragement. The power of God who spoke into existence all living things, our world, and the vast expanse of space is the same God speaking directly to me. Wow! No wonder it makes me feel a little uncomfortable.
God is speaking to you. I am not the only one God speaks to in this way, and I know God is calling out to you, trying to get your attention with a specific message for you. God is speaking and it’s uncomfortable. If this is you today, I invite you to simply let your guard down, listen and respond. When God speaks it is loving and powerful, and if we respond appropriately it will keep our hearts, minds, spirit and daily activity on the right path for our journey.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26,27
There are times when I began to fidget and feel uncomfortable, and it’s not because I just drank a Big Gulp. I feel restless and unsettled as if there is something undone or that needs attention. I become anxious and my thoughts are excited and chaotic like kids in a packed Scooby-Doo Bounce House. I cannot concentrate, I am easily distracted, and it even affects my sleep. God is speaking. I am feeling conviction. Sometimes I immediately recognize his voice, listen and obey. Other times, it takes me awhile and I wrestle with the message God wants me to attend to. That’s about as comfortable as sitting on a tack through one of my sermons.
When God speaks to me in this way, I have responded in many natural ways: to ignore it and hope it goes away, to become defensive, to justify myself, to attack others (mostly in my own thoughts), or go to my Nothing Box (ask a TNTer). But when I quiet my spirit in humility and listen…God speaks. My thoughts settle and focus and I find peace, direction, forgiveness, love and encouragement. The power of God who spoke into existence all living things, our world, and the vast expanse of space is the same God speaking directly to me. Wow! No wonder it makes me feel a little uncomfortable.
God is speaking to you. I am not the only one God speaks to in this way, and I know God is calling out to you, trying to get your attention with a specific message for you. God is speaking and it’s uncomfortable. If this is you today, I invite you to simply let your guard down, listen and respond. When God speaks it is loving and powerful, and if we respond appropriately it will keep our hearts, minds, spirit and daily activity on the right path for our journey.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26,27
Friday, October 9, 2009
Faithfulness
My heart is heavy this morning as I am thinking of a friend who is lying to rest his beloved wife this very moment as I am writing this blog. Although he is 2,000+ miles away, my prayers of comfort and peace are lifted before our Heavenly Father for a faithful man and his little daughter. As we have engaged in this series on faithfulness, there have been life moments when God’s Word comes alive with this topic. This is one of them for me.
In today’s devotion, Week 3 – Day 5, Faithfulness, the passage is Revelation 2:10 which states: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life”, and Luke 9:23 Jesus makes a striking statement, “Take up your cross and follow me.” These are sobering words that our life journey may be very difficult, including tragedy, death, even as a martyr. I think of my grieving friend.
My friend is a faithful man. He has served as a worship pastor in four different churches in four different states, and has made a significant and lasting impression on each church family. He has served when life was good. I remember pure joy beaming from his face at the birth of his daughter after years of struggling with infertility, and his fulfillment in leading and teaching with excellence within the church. He has served when life threw him curveballs…sickness, disappointment, moving, and now his most difficult challenge, the unexpected death of his wife. Even at this moment his grieving words are filled with hope, trust and strength that God will supply his every need today, tomorrow, next month and the years following. Now that’s faith.
These are the type of life experiences that define us as faithful. It is easy to be faithful in our worship, obedience and service to God when all is good. Just as it is easy to show love to someone who loves you as much or more. The test of faithfulness is faith and trust during the difficult days. Do you worship God when you don’t feel like it? Do you serve others when it is inconvenient? Do you act in obedience to God’s Word when it’s easier to do your own thing? Do you hold onto hope and faith when tragedy strikes?
When Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me.”, it wasn’t a call to jump on the Jesus bandwagon, but to pickup the burden, the call, the work, the sacrifice, and the pain of the cross. But in the cross we find divine joy, forgiveness, peace, comfort, strength, wisdom and a Crown of Life. To my faithful friend attending his wife’s funeral, your testimony is brighter at this very moment than anytime before, and you have touched hundreds throughout this nation by your courageous faithfulness. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His faithful and loving embrace.
In loving memory of Kristy McClure (Nov. 3, 1966 – Oct. 2, 2009) http://memorial.yourtribute.com/kristinakmcclure/video.aspx?mode=view&videoType=videotribute&videoId=28178
In today’s devotion, Week 3 – Day 5, Faithfulness, the passage is Revelation 2:10 which states: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life”, and Luke 9:23 Jesus makes a striking statement, “Take up your cross and follow me.” These are sobering words that our life journey may be very difficult, including tragedy, death, even as a martyr. I think of my grieving friend.
My friend is a faithful man. He has served as a worship pastor in four different churches in four different states, and has made a significant and lasting impression on each church family. He has served when life was good. I remember pure joy beaming from his face at the birth of his daughter after years of struggling with infertility, and his fulfillment in leading and teaching with excellence within the church. He has served when life threw him curveballs…sickness, disappointment, moving, and now his most difficult challenge, the unexpected death of his wife. Even at this moment his grieving words are filled with hope, trust and strength that God will supply his every need today, tomorrow, next month and the years following. Now that’s faith.
These are the type of life experiences that define us as faithful. It is easy to be faithful in our worship, obedience and service to God when all is good. Just as it is easy to show love to someone who loves you as much or more. The test of faithfulness is faith and trust during the difficult days. Do you worship God when you don’t feel like it? Do you serve others when it is inconvenient? Do you act in obedience to God’s Word when it’s easier to do your own thing? Do you hold onto hope and faith when tragedy strikes?
When Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me.”, it wasn’t a call to jump on the Jesus bandwagon, but to pickup the burden, the call, the work, the sacrifice, and the pain of the cross. But in the cross we find divine joy, forgiveness, peace, comfort, strength, wisdom and a Crown of Life. To my faithful friend attending his wife’s funeral, your testimony is brighter at this very moment than anytime before, and you have touched hundreds throughout this nation by your courageous faithfulness. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His faithful and loving embrace.
In loving memory of Kristy McClure (Nov. 3, 1966 – Oct. 2, 2009) http://memorial.yourtribute.com/kristinakmcclure/video.aspx?mode=view&videoType=videotribute&videoId=28178
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Never Give Up!
Persistence in our faithfulness to God, in our service to others, in our prayers and worship is a key attribute in living a blessed and victorious life. When we persist we stand in confidence, trust and obedience to what God has called us to do, even in the midst of attack, negative circumstances and even those who chastise to quit and give up. We have many Biblical examples of those who did not give up: Noah building the ark, Joseph in prison, Moses in the wilderness, David in exile, Nehemiah building the walls of Jerusalem, Apostle Paul in prison, and Jesus Christ on the cross.
Students understand this principle of persistence in their classes. You persist in attendance, persist in listening, reading & participating, persist in completing assignments. Regardless of your interests in the subject or ability you will find success if you persist…I am living proof of that by completing the 3rd grade and years later earning a Master’s degree. Parents understand persistence in caring for an infant with constantly changing diapers, and filling bottles. Adults understand persistence with keeping a job, paying bills, mowing the lawn, dishes, and daily keeping connected in Facebook. Persistence is a key to our successful living, to keep on keeping on.
In our journey in Christ, we will find difficult trails to navigate, obstacles to climb, temptations to ignore, injuries that slow us down, and others that may say “stop, quit, give up”, but will we continue in faith? Will we persist in confidence, trusting in the Lord for each step of the journey, in joy, prayer and thanksgiving? Persistence is an act of faith in God despite the circumstances surrounding us, and when we persist we will be called Faithful.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Students understand this principle of persistence in their classes. You persist in attendance, persist in listening, reading & participating, persist in completing assignments. Regardless of your interests in the subject or ability you will find success if you persist…I am living proof of that by completing the 3rd grade and years later earning a Master’s degree. Parents understand persistence in caring for an infant with constantly changing diapers, and filling bottles. Adults understand persistence with keeping a job, paying bills, mowing the lawn, dishes, and daily keeping connected in Facebook. Persistence is a key to our successful living, to keep on keeping on.
In our journey in Christ, we will find difficult trails to navigate, obstacles to climb, temptations to ignore, injuries that slow us down, and others that may say “stop, quit, give up”, but will we continue in faith? Will we persist in confidence, trusting in the Lord for each step of the journey, in joy, prayer and thanksgiving? Persistence is an act of faith in God despite the circumstances surrounding us, and when we persist we will be called Faithful.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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