Personal Responsibility

Matthew 20:17-19, “As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to him. ¹⁸ “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. ¹⁹ Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” (NLT)

I have thought about many things as I have been reflecting on the life and death of Christ over the past few weeks. I am sure that many thoughts have flooded your mind as you have "surveyed the wondrous cross" on which Christ died. Two words were deposited in my spirit this morning during my time of prayer, meditation and reflection. The words "personal responsibility" arose in my heart as I reflected on the attitude and response of Christ to the circumstances surrounding His death. 

In my opinion Christ never blamed His surroundings for His impending death. Christ never blamed the circumstances of His earthly up-bringing such as His earthly poverty; His earthly occupational training; His earthly family or even the actions or non-actions of His earthly friends. Christ never blamed His death on the sins of others rather He embraced the fact that He would die for the sins of the world. Christ never blamed His death on the betrayal of Judas or even the lack of understanding that seemly plagued the disciples as they listened to His teachings. Christ never even blamed the religious leaders who desired to put Him to death. On a daily basis He just kept walking in His earthly destiny and walking toward the fulfillment of the plan that had been decided before the foundation of the world.

Why would I want to talk about Christ and His personal responsibility today? Because we live in a world in which people do not want to take responsibility. We are like children who are always either blaming their siblings or other children for their actions. Modern man blames their environment. Modern man blames the circumstances or the people that surrounds them. Modern man looks for excuses to place the blame on someone else but Jesus willingly took the blame for the evil actions of others. He took on the responsibility to die for the sins of others. He took my sins, my iniquities, my failures and made them as His own. 

Surely we should rejoice in that fact and surely we should we responsible enough to step up to the plate and commit our lives to Christ. Who will take responsibility today? Who will choose to stop blaming others for your failure to follow Christ? Who will stop blaming your religious background for your failure to follow Christ? Who will stop blaming the failures of others as your reason for not following Christ? Who will choose to stop pointing fingers at others and take a long look in the mirror of life and make this declaration? "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." 

It is time to take personal responsibility!!

Lessons Learned

Isaiah 53:3-6: "He was despised and rejected by mankind a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. 4  Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5  But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6  We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (NIV)

Yesterday began the week to which we refer as "Holy Week." This is a week in which we reflect and remember the last days of the earthly life of Jesus. We follow His steps as He enters Jerusalem celebrated as a King until His final hours on the cross as He died in our place as a sacrifice for the sins that we committed. I would like to encourage you to refresh your memory concerning this revelation of God's love. I would also like to encourage you to meditate on these events in the life of Jesus and truly understand your importance to God. He took our place on the cross and He paid the price for our sins.

This past week found me addressing three (3) separate and distinct groups of believers in three (3) separate locations. These groups were two local church bodies and one Home Group/Bible Study meeting. The Spirit reminded me of some points of interest that I felt needed to be shared with you today.

1) Each of these groups contained people that share a passionate love for Jesus Christ. 2) Each of these groups contained people that desire to serve God to the best of their ability. 3) Each of these groups contained people that were concerned about the lost, hurting, discouraged, and disillusioned people in our world. 4) Each of these groups contained people that had needs in their lives and/or needs in their immediate families. 5) Each of these groups contained people who realized that those needs were greater than their ability to meet them. 6) Each of these groups contained people that knew they needed to draw closer to God and they recognized that He was calling them into a deeper relationship with Him. 

I could continue sharing many more "common" traits of these believers and their needs but let me summarize them in this statement. EACH OF US NEED THE PROMISES OF ISAIAH 53 REVEALED AND RELEASED IN OUR LIFE IN SOME SIGNIFICANT MANNER. The question that I put before you today is this; "Will I trust Him and will I continue my pursuit of a deeper and more committed relationship with Him? 

Love of God

Romans 5:8, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (NLT)

Psalm 36:7-9, "How precious is your steadfast love, O God!  The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.  They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.  For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light"

These passages of scripture came into my process of thought as I was preparing some ideas for Holy Week services. How could I even think about Palm Sunday, Good Friday or Easter Sunday and not reflect on the revelation and declaration of the LOVE OF GOD? How can I truly go about about my duties of daily living and not reflect on the presence of the LOVE OF GOD in my life? How could I even think about ministering the Word of God and not reflect on the LOVE OF GOD not only on a personal level but realize that God truly LOVES ALL OF THE PEOPLE in the world? Can I get an Amen from the congregation today?

The Love and Grace of God is more than just amazing; it is life changing and transforming. I know that I love my wife, my children, my grandchildren, my parents, my extended family, my church family, etc. But that love can in no way compare to the Love of our Heavenly Father for His children. I am sure that many of you who read this blog today can agree to the essence of what I am trying to convey through these words. One of the foundational stones of the Gospel Message is the revelation of God's love for fallen humanity. We can never forget or overlook that powerful principle. 

The principle of the Love of God must not not only be taught it must also be demonstrated through our daily lives. We have received the Love of God and we need to share the Love of God. Our love for others must be intentional. We must decide to release the Love of God toward those who need it the most. 

Let us ask God to refresh our memories concerning the difference that His Love has made and continues to make in our lives!!

Praise

I Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;" (NKJV)

The celebration of Palm Sunday will be upon us in a few days. Palm Sunday reminds us of the grand celebration that arose among the people as Jesus entered Jerusalem to begin the journey of His final days of earthly life. It was a day in which wonderful words of praise were offered as well as demonstrations of honor and worship were expressed to Him. But in a few short days the same crowd that adored Him would be calling for His crucifixion. Isn't it amazing how quickly some people can change their minds about offering praise, honor and glory to God?

The passage for today reminds us of the awesome privilege and wonderful opportunity to proclaim the greatness of God through our praises. What truly motivates my praise? Is my praise a response to the blessings that He provides for me? Is my praise a response to the prayers that God has answered? Is my praise offered as a quick response to a "good day" that God has given to me? 

Here is another question that I think each of us need to ponder in our hearts. Shouldn't my praise be offered because of my deliverance from the kingdom of darkness? Shouldn't my praise be offered to God because He has transitioned me into the Kingdom of light, knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ? Did I just hear an AMEN being raised around the world from the family of God? Let us never forget that the cross of Calvary provided the means of our adoption into the family of God. Let us never forget that we were saved through grace and not of our own ability. Let us never forget that the love of God is unconditional and that we live in that love on a daily basis. Let us never forget that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Deliverer from the bondage of sin and that we have freedom in Him and in Him alone.

Would somebody like to offer Him PRAISE TODAY?

Strength is found in God

James 1:12, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." (NIV)

This passage of scripture spoke to my heart this morning as soon as I read it. I immediately reflected on our Sunday service at New River. In my mind's eye I could see the hands being raised for requests and the voices of those who were calling out the names of various individuals. I could remember those individuals who are on my personal prayer list and my earnest desire to see God minister to the needs in their lives. But even more importantly I could remember looking into the faces of different ones that we prayed with in the service on Sunday. But I also remembered that they were not without hope. Their hope and confidence is in the Risen Savior who truly cares about the issues of life that we are facing.

For several minutes of my prayer time the Spirit "parked" my heart in the promise of God that is found in one of the Apostle Paul's prayers. Paul was seeking God for deliverance from a particular battle or struggle that he was facing. Let me remind you of what God reveals to him in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (Emphasis added) (NKJV)

Someone who will read this blog today needs to hear that promise and remember the promise that God has made to us. His grace is sufficient regardless of the situation. His grace is sufficient regardless of the disease. His grace is sufficient regardless of the sin. His grace is sufficient regardless of the anxiety or stress you are facing. His grace is sufficient and is GREATER THAN ANYTHING THAT ANY OF US ARE FACING TODAY.

Stand with courage and strength as you face your challenges today!!

Spiritual Growth

I Peter 2:2-3, "as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (NJKV)

This season of Lent reminds me of my need to draw closer to God. That terminology can almost become so common to my "spiritual speech" that it looses the true purpose of this passage of scripture. I have to honestly ask myself this question; "Do I truly desire "the pure milk of the word" which will produce growth/spiritual maturity?" Or have I just become comfortable with the spiritual mantra that I have learned to repeat so that I will appear "hungry" to God and "hungry" to my fellow man? Have you ever heard these words spoken; "Words are cheap." It is easier "to talk the talk than it is to walk the walk."

I read different blog posts, books and even devotionals that seek to tell me what we need in the modern day church. But I must admit that I am concerned as I read some of these writings. I am concerned that I read very little about the need for more of God in our lives. I do read about purchasing the latest "systems" that these ministries have developed that will assist me in reaching people. I do read about purchasing the latest training manual that these ministries have developed to assist me in reaching people. I do read about a group of sermons that has been developed by this ministry that will assist me in increasing the attendance and financial strength of the local church that I serve. I could go on but I think that you may be able to see my point. 

There are some days that I read very little about our need for CHRIST. I don't understand how the early church leaders ever made a difference in their culture without these valuable and life-changing resources. (NOTE: The previous sentence was written somewhat "tongue in cheek.") I quickly remember that they were committed to the message of Christ and not some manual or system that had been created to reach people. I may receive some criticism from this post as an "old-fashioned Preacher" who is against training, organization, preparation, etc. That conclusion would be wrong to say the least. 

This post is not about what I am against BUT it is intended to let you know what I support. I support Jesus Christ as our Answer! I support Jesus Christ as our Savior! I support spiritual growth/maturity as the solution to the ills/problems that we are facing in the church in 2015! I support the power of Love, Grace and Mercy being released in our lives! Can you imagine what would happen in OUR LIVES if we embraced the principles and promises found in the passage for today? Will you join me in the quest to "know more about our Lord?"

Love for one Another

John 15:9-13, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

This season of Lent has given me the opportunity to reflect on my love for God but also my love for my fellow human beings. I think that all of us would agree that there are some people that are easier to love than others. Remember, that there are those people that probably feel the same way about each of us. No one of us is perfect and we all have our faults, failures and shortcomings. Do you remember the words of an old song; "He (God) looked beyond my faults and He saw my needs..." I am thankful that God has never given up on me and the people that care about me have never given up on me. The previous sentence may be worth a strong and vibrant, "Thank you Jesus!!!"

I read some words from Mel Lawrenz that spoke to my heart today and I would like to share them with you.

"We’ve heard stories of brave sacrifices—a soldier throwing his body on a hand grenade, a bystander pulling someone off a subway track, a firefighter charging into an inferno only to lose his own life. These are stirring, and they show humanity at its best. But Jesus’ sacrifice was not the impulse of a desperate moment. He moved with resolve toward his own end. There truly is no greater love. We could look through every page of history and into every corner of the universe, and we wouldn’t find anything that even comes close. Jesus looked at his friends, told them he would be laying down his life, and then required one simple thing of them (and us): love each other."

Are you thankful that Christ was willing to offer Himself as a willing sacrifice for the sins that we had committed? His death was a death by choice and not a death by force. Christ chose to take our place and now we have the awesome privilege to share that example of love with people that God places in our lives on a daily basis. Now that we have freely received the love of God let us freely share the love of God with others.

Thoughts to Consider

Colossians 3:12-15, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (NLT)

I must confess that I was very much challenged through this passage of scripture as I read it this morning. I will share my initial thought with you; "Do I practice this passage of Biblical teaching on a daily basis?" I must admit that there are days in which I am better at following these instructions than I am at other days. Take a moment and reflect on those difficult people and difficult situations before you judge me too quickly.

Verse 12 initially grabbed my attention but the further I read the more I sensed the challenge that the Spirit through Paul was extending to the Body of Christ. I fully believe and preach that Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross and that we can not "earn" our salvation. BUT I DO BELIEVE that Christians must assume responsibility when it comes to our actions with as well as toward our fellow believers. We must be willing to submit to the Spirit of Christ and operate under His influence, direction and guidance. I will admit that the challenges of this passage are very unique but undoubtedly God knows that we are capable of fulfilling these actions with and toward one another. 

This season of Lent allows us the opportunity to look at ourselves and identify areas of our life in which we desire for God to strengthen us. I believe this is an area in which I desire for God to strengthen my walk with Him. I desire to show greater love, care and concern for the family of God. I will ask the same question that Mr. O'Reilly on Fox News asks, "How say you?"

Reflections

Romans 8:28, "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." (NIV)

I don't know if I can say that I fully understand this scripture passage. There are some days that I accept this principle that is declared and there are other days that I somewhat scratch my head and look to find God in the circumstances of that day. That observation would apply to my personal life as well as to the lives of those people that I serve on a daily basis. But I have come to this conclusion; I will continue to trust God and look to Him as my source of salvation, hope, strength, guidance, encouragement, etc. I have no desire to look to any other source for the needs that I have in my life.

I have encountered several different individuals dealing with various challenges, difficulties, and even blessings during this week of my life. Some of these encounters revolved around times of "ministry" while others were encounters that centered around casual conversation. But I recognized one common element in each of these encounters; people were trying to understand the moment in which they were living at the present time. Each of these individuals were trying to "make sense" (I know that is an "old school term) out of the moment of their life so that they could make a good decision about their response. I believe that each of them desired to put a "good game plan" into action so that their reaction to their environment would be an appropriate one. 

Deep down I knew the appropriate thoughts that I as well as them should have at that moment. I as well as them would need to look to a power that was greater than our limited understanding. That source of power and authority was God and not any human ability or human approach to meeting that particular need. That would be true in my life as I sought to minister to them as their Pastor as well as in their life as they were facing the situation. Each of us could take confidence in the fact that God was at work in the situation even if I or they could not recognize or sense Him at that moment. We can rely on the fact that God will never, ever abandon us as we travel the road called LIFE!! 

Believing

Hebrews 11:5-6, "By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (NKJV)

The power to believe is a wonderful tool/ability that God has provided for each of us. Can you remember looking into the wide open eyes of a child as you shared a story with him or her? They hung on each word that you were sharing with them even when it stretched their ability to believe what you were saying to them. Why did they respond to the story with such "faith" and anticipation? I believe that in many cases their response was based on their relationship with the storyteller! They knew and trusted the storyteller and their relationship with that person gave credence or the ability to believe the story being shared!

I believe the same needs to be said about our relationship with God and His Word, the Bible. We can trust the truth of the Bible because we have a relationship with the author/storyteller. We must believe that He is God and that His Word reveals a plan of redemption and spiritual development for fallen humanity. How is your relationship with God today?

G.K. Chesterton, a noted writer in the early part of the 20th century shared these ideas. I would ask that you ponder them with me today.

When I stop trusting in the God of Scripture... I'll believe in anything, and eventually that will lead me to destruction. But now, by contrast, if I trust in the God of Scripture I'm no longer led by MY righteousness and holiness. Instead, I'm trusting in a God who is so holy and so righteous that my tendency will be to build my life around Him (rather than Him around me).

I'll use His standards of right and wrong -- not mine.

I'll build on His morality in my life -- not mine.

I'll build on His expectations for me... not mine.

AND I know if I trust in Him in these matters... I will be blessed.

The Greatness of God

Psalm 145:3, "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness." (NLT)

The words of the song, "How Great is our God" has been placed in my spirit as I have prayed the past two mornings. I know that the scripture passage in Psalm 145 is true but it seems that the Spirit desires to remind me about the power and presence of this description of God. Let us be honest with each other; there are times in life that it is NECESSARY TO BE REMINDED ABOUT THE GREATNESS OF GOD. Life is full of challenges for certain but it is also true that life is full of blessings that bring great benefits to the children of God.

Let me share a portion of the way that God reminded me of His greatness. A Pastor's daily schedule usually contains a certain amount of prayer needs and a certain amount of testimonies or praise reports. I am sure that Pastors receive a variety of requests from the congregation that they serve. Let me encourage everyone this morning that has ever shared a request for prayer with someone. Make sure that you take the time to share the testimony of victory with those that you contacted for prayer. It will be a moment of strength for you and it will serve as an encouragement to the person who has prayed in agreement with you.

Let me share a brief scenario with you this morning. This happened to me on Monday and God used it to teach me about His greatness. I received a call concerning a child having surgery, "Great is the Lord." We prayed and the surgery was successful, "Great is the Lord." A lady's Mother was admitted to the hospital and she asked for prayer, "Great is the Lord." A young man sent a text asking for immediate prayer. He is doing better today, "Great is the Lord." A lady had a lung biopsy on Monday, she is still awaiting the results but "Great is the Lord." I could list several other needs that came across my desk on Monday but can I say it one more time; "GREAT IS THE LORD."

Let US REMEMBER that no matter what set of circumstances that you are facing; "Great is the Lord." Bring your need to Him in faith believing and realize that God has the power and authority over EVERYTHING THAT CAN COME AGAINST US. 

Have a good day and remember; "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness."

Personal Reflections

Deuteronomy 6:6-7, "And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." (NLT)

The last week has been one in which I have reached some personal milestones in my life. Last week my wife and I celebrated our 43rd Wedding Anniversary and today I am celebrating my 62nd birthday. A quick review of those numbers reveal to you that Ann and I were very young when we were married. Let me hasten to add that all of those 43 years has found us involved in Gospel Ministry. I can truly declare these words without hesitation or embarrassment; "God has been good and God is still good." These words are written as words of appreciation and thankfulness for the role that God has played in our lives throughout the years of our journey.

Today's scripture passage spoke to my heart as I read it this morning. I thought that this Word from God summed up a desire that each of us should have in our lives. I have been reading some birthday wishes as well as reading some happy anniversary wishes this morning. Many of them have come from immediate family, extended family and members of the family of God. I had to ask myself this question; "Have I "talked" enough about the presence of God and His desire to operate in each of our lives?"

Those who know me would probably say that I have said many words in my lifetime and I must admit that I would agree with them. I have conversed with many people through the years and our conversation has covered a variety of   subjects. BUT, have I said enough about the main subject of my life? Have I said enough about Christ? Have I said enough about His love, mercy and grace? Have I been faithful in pointing people to Jesus Christ and the opportunity of having a relationship with Him?

These special occasions that have taken place have reminded me of what is truly important in my life. The true importance of my life should not be measured in the length of my marriage or the number of years that I have lived on planet Earth. The true purpose of my life will be measured in the type of influence that I have demonstrated on a daily basis. The true purpose of my life will be measured in the depth of my relationship with Christ and my desire to share Christ with those people that God places in my path. I sincerely desire to take advantage of those opportunities in which God allows me to participate in conversation either verbally or through serving as an example. 

I do not want my life to be lived in vain or lived for only selfish reasons!!

Quietness

Psalm 46:10-11, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 11  The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge." (NKJV)

I dare say that each of us face the challenge in our lives to find an appropriate "quiet time" in which we can spend in prayer and meditation with God. Life has a way to keep us very busy and occupied with various responsibilities. I am certainly not inferring that these times are used for sinful or frivolous activities. Much of what we do is directly related to our family, work and even church responsibilities. 

But I also believe that for the continued progress of our "spiritual health" we need those times in which we can focus on God and what He is saying to us as individual believers. These moments of quietness have to be scheduled into our calendar. There will always be something that will invade our thoughts or grab our attention. It is up to each one of us to figure out when those moments of quietness will fit best into our hectic schedule of life. Each of us need to realize that we will always make time for what we perceive as important. Prioritizing those needs will reveal the importance of our time with God.

I read a story about a Mother of eighteen (18) children who had an unique way to let her family know that she was in her "quiet time." I will admit that this story is taken from the 1700's and that times have changed. BUT the principle of "Be still, and know that I am God.." is still relevant in our present world. Our challenges are certainly different than this lady faced but the need for God is still the same from generation to generation. 

Susanna Wesley had 18 children, and two of her sons changed history. John Wesley was the founder of the Methodist church, and Charles Wesley wrote hundreds of Christian hymns. Both of them attributed their love for God to their mom’s passionate dedication to the Lord. She prayed every day. How do you find time to withdraw and pray every day when you have 18 kids? Sometime in the afternoon, she would sit down in her rocking chair and pull her long apron up over her head. All the kids knew that if they disturbed mom when the apron was over her head, they were in for it!

It is very difficult to hear God’s voice if you’re surrounded by noise. That’s why we need to find a quiet place to spend time alone with God. 

Facing our Adversary

Luke 2:31-32, "“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” (NLT)

I was reading some words from the pen of John Maxwell this morning and these verses came into my mind. Each of us need to remember that we face an adversary that seeks to either overthrow our faith or undermine our faith. The enemy will attempt to hinder and stop our walk with Christ and he will use whatever tactic that he can find to accomplish that goal.

Jesus shared a "spiritual alert" with Peter and the other disciples so that they could be on the lookout for the upcoming attempts of satan. Our local community is under a "Winter Weather Advisory" for tomorrow and into the early part of Thursday. That means that there is a real possibility that we will see some winter weather in our immediate future. Jesus is broadcasting a "Spiritual Advisory" to His followers. Jesus is saying to them, "Beware, there is a real possibility that satan will come after you but also remember that I am praying for you and even when you get knocked off your feet you will get up again and resume your journey." 

Read the words of John Maxwell: Austin O'Malley said, "The fact that you have been knocked down is interesting, but the length of time you remain down is important." In life, you will have problems. Are you going to give up and stay down, wallowing in your defeat, or are you going to get back on your feet as quickly as you can?

When you fall, make the best of it and get back on your feet. Learn what you can from your mistake, and then get back in the game. View your errors the way Henry Ford did his. He said, "Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."

I believe that Jesus is simply saying to those disciples that you may be knocked down and knocked around but you are not knocked out.