by Caleb Gordon | Dec 29, 2016
My heart truly breaks over how easily we as men will trade an opportunity for true spiritual enrichment for a temporary momentary “payoff.”
Have you noticed how quickly we as men move towards things that are easy? Things that are hard or that give us some pushback we tend to run away from, unless we see a payoff at the end of the task. If we see a payoff we are more likely to push through to get to that goal.
So why is that we as men will trade eternal rewards for temporary pleasures? Look at this verse:
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).
Paul knew what it took to follow through and get where God wanted him. I’m not saying it was easy, in fact it was quite difficult for him, but he KNEW the outcome.
He knew where he was going. He KNEW that what was coming was so much bigger than what he had presently. Why are men so short sighted?
Jesus has something far better for us as men. Stop taking the short look and start looking further down the road to see where God wants you and me to be.
My prayer for us as men is that we PRESS TOWARD the goal of JESUS CHRIST in 2017.
by Brian Hobbs | Dec 27, 2016
Two juveniles were charged with arson, according to news reports, in connection with the wildfires that ravaged Gatlinburg, Tenn., and the Great Smoky Mountains in November, killing 14, wounding others and scorching thousands of acres.
If these accusations are true, I wonder if these two people could have imagined the devastation that would come from their actions. It makes me think of two other people whose actions had consequences beyond what anyone (except God) could imagine. I refer to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
When they partook of the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, sin—real sin and death—entered the world. From that one action, all of mankind fell, and the world and all the people in it would be scarred and scorched.
Like the original sin in the Garden, the Tennessee fire is a tragic reminder that life is real. When something like this happens, we are saddened and stunned by the devastation actions by humans can make. It also serves as a reminder that the choices we make have a real effect.
It’s popular in our culture today to unplug by wasting away hours on Netflix and other entertainments to kill the time. We do not always realize that we are accountable to God for every moment, every thought, every deed. Every person’s actions matter to God. To that end, we must learn to “take every thought captive to the will of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).
Apart from God’s redeeming grace made possible by Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection, our sin would permanently separate us from God and send us to the place where fires don’t burn out and torment doesn’t end. Thanks be to God, in Christ we have a Gospel that brings renewal and new and everlasting life that any sinner can receive.
by Hannah Hanzel | Nov 17, 2016
“That one’s Thanksgiving and that one’s Christmas,” my dad said as he observed the turkeys living in our back yard. Growing up as a missionary kid in a central Asian country, our holidays were always different. Of course, Asians don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but my mom was always good about having us celebrate as though we were home in the States. While most families in America were loading their cars with groceries and decorations, my family was at the local outdoors market (aka the bizarre) scoping out live turkeys.
I was somewhere around 7 years old when my dad and two big brothers came back from the bizarre with two turkeys. I can remember the fun of observing them coral the mid-sized birds into one of our back yard pins. Once they settled in a bit, my dad looked at my sister and me and said, “That one’s Thanksgiving and that one’s Christmas. Don’t play with them.” Thinking those were funny names for turkeys, I agreed and went along my way.
It wasn’t long before my sister and I forgot the wise words of my dad and went gallivanting around the turkey pin. Thanksgiving was a big black turkey with a bright red wattle. He was my favorite. I can remember how my sister and I would quietly approach the turkey pin while my dad was at work. We’d peer through the splintered wood pin to try and get a glimpse of Thanksgiving or Christmas. The poor things seemed to know their fate as they often times jumped/flew over the pin wall, causing all my siblings and me to chase them down.
Unfortunately, Thanksgiving Day came swiftly. This meant sure death for my feathered friends. That fateful day came, and all the “men-folk” grabbed a How to Pluck and Kill a Turkey book and marched out the backdoor. One would read the instructions on how to “dress out” Thanksgiving the turkey while three others performed the instructions. I begged my mom to let me go watch the dirty deed with no avail. Hours later, the men emerged from the back yard with wide eyes and much laughter. I can only imagine what went on back there that day.
Regardless, my family had a wonderful Thanksgiving with a full meal. American colleagues and Asian friends from the area joined us as we sat around our long, wooden table, elbow-to-elbow and celebrated Thanksgiving together. Old traditions were observed, and new ones were created.
I tell this story to make one point… missionaries need prayer during the holidays. Of course, they need prayer year-round, but especially at holidays. Here are three key ways to pray for missionaries during the holiday season:
- Fellowship. It can quickly become a time for loneliness and homesickness. Pray that each individual missionary or missionary family would find meaningful fellowship this holiday season.
- Encounters. “Why do you celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas?” In the ministry world, this is a question that blows a door wide open. Pray that missionaries take advantage of this reflective and spiritual time of the year to reach the lost. Pray that non-believers become curious and interested in the Christian heritage of the holiday season.
- Peace. Year-round, missionaries labor, stress, plan, serve and equip. Pray that this holiday season is a time of recovery, peace, joy and rest.
Our prayers are critical for the Beautiful Feet (Rom. 10:15) around the world this holiday season. As you sit around your Thanksgiving meal this year, with family and friends, remember to pray for the missionaries around the world who daily give their lives for the cause of Christ. Meanwhile, I’m going to go ask my mom whatever happened to the second turkey named Christmas. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
by Aaron Hanzel | Nov 15, 2016
Recently I read a publication of a voter’s guide reviewing Oklahoma’s “State Questions.” I should make clear before continuing any further: this is not in any way an opinion on whether you should have voted “yes” or “no” on any of the state questions but simply an observation that stimmed from the voter’s guide. One of the state questions was in regard to allocating state funds for ANY religious objects promoting a religion (Ten Commandments monument on the state capitol property).
It’s no secret that in today’s American culture, Christianity is not the popular form of living. Pause for a moment and think about that statement. Following Christ is not popular. More to the point, it is no longer popular. Take a look back into the good ol’ days and what do you see? Thirty, even 45 years ago, being a Christian was culturally popular. A massive amount of the populace claimed publically that their household were indeed a Christian family.
In the “good ol’ days” being a Christian opened up many opportunities, both socially and economically. Want to be part of the “in-crowd”? Talk about the pastor or church on Sunday. It was requested from many social clubs to list which church you attended on their application/interview. If the local highbrow cigar lounge or country club were adding new members, you had better note your availability on Sunday as: afternoon or evening only, if you wanted to join. Political and non-profit organizations would more commonly schedule their events on Friday night. Never on Saturday for fear of attendees leaving early because of church in the morning.
1 Peter 4:12-19 says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? ’So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
Christianity is no longer the popular way of life, praise God! Don’t be, therefore, surprised when you are tested. Rejoice at the approaching-joyful glory of God! When His monuments etched with scripture are torn down and no longer allowed to be “set in stone” for all to see. When the government is no longer “pro-Christianity” as our forefathers were, commit yourselves to your faithful Creator! But most of all, I refer you back to verse 16 – “…do not be ashamed, but praise God…”
Brothers and sisters, if there was one thing that might be considered the polar opposite of the Gospel, it is shame. Nonverbally, or even verbally cowering away from what our Father has done, crushes the testimony of God’s grace in your redeemed life. Peter tells us in that passage that there is a joy in suffering for Christ. That you are blessed, not shamed. I pray you continue to hunger for Him.
by Caleb Gordon | Nov 3, 2016
I honestly don’t understand. If you claim to know Jesus and are representing Him on a major level in the world today, why you would stand against the things His WORD stands against. WHY?
I’ve been watching with some amazement and sorrow the tumbling down of Jen Hatmaker. I never really sat and listened to a lot of her stuff, but my wife liked her. And when I saw on social media the other day where she was approving of sin and not just approving, but was willing to help others indulge in sin, I got really concerned.
This is a problem. A BIG problem.
2 Timothy 4:3 says: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.”
There is always a pull for public speakers and preachers to ‘go softer’ in tone and go softer in hopes of ‘pulling more people in.’ This is such a bait and switch of the devil.
You see, there is a war that is being waged right now, and the side you take will determine your future. The devil is always looking for ways to steal, kill and destroy us (John 10:10). And this is one way he does it. Make us believe the lie that God’s Word really did not mean what it says.
You see, if he can distract you from the truth for just long enough then he’s got you. We need to make the best use of our time because the days are truly twisted and evil.
Follow pastors and speakers who hold the Scripture in the highest regard. Listen to preachers who proclaim the whole council of God, even the stuff that makes you uncomfortable. When we allow sin to rule and rest in our lives we start to get comfy. That’s dangerous.
I honestly am not rejoicing in what Jen is doing. It breaks my heart that now I have to add another author/speaker to a list of ‘do not touch.’
My prayer is a prayer for repentance. That’s what we need.
Be willing to call sin, sin, and don’t dance around it. Even if it’s sin you’re engaged in. Call it for what it is and repent and move TO God rather than away.
It’s a much safer and pleasant place!
The BIBLE is BETTER!
JESUS IS BETTER!
by Sean Corser | Oct 26, 2016
One night into the “KD project” and the Golden State Warriors have lost more games than they did last season through December 12, 2015 when they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. Is it safe to say that the “KD project” didn’t work?
Maybe the Warriors should look into shopping Durant to a team willing to pay the highest price, or maybe they should look to trade Klay Thompson. Whatever they choose, the truth still remains: The “KD project” failed.
This is crazy; it’s foolish. The NBA season is less than 2 percent complete, and time will tell how the Golden State Warriors will finish this season. But honestly, we only care about what Russ and the Thunder do tonight, right?
Though the example is drastic, often we think in similar terms as it pertains to the church. Something doesn’t work the way we want, so we try something new and innovative. Based on its performance (usually numerical growth) we’ll drop the program if it doesn’t bring the desired result.
Though events and programs can cultivate a desired outcome, they more often than not result in a “firework effect” where the outward appearance is phenomenal, for a moment, yet the tune changes rather quickly and the impact wears off.
In my time as an Oklahoma youth minister, I had a wise staff member tell me, “What you win them with is what you win them to.” He was right on. What is it that we’re winning people to, and does it have a long term impact on the life of the church?
Here are four ways to develop a long term plan for your church:
Preach the Word as the all-sufficient power of God.
Though this seems like an easy thing to say, many times I can forget about the power of God’s word. Paul says in Romans 1:16 that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for those who are perishing. If we are being honest, that is our aim in preaching, and what we want to see happen in our churches is people being saved by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible is all sufficient in the ministry of the church. If we are not focused on this aspect we will settle for “firework effect” programs and will cycle through at a rapid pace.
Cultivate a love for the people of whom God has entrusted you.
Many times I think we want to go through program after program to avoid having to do the hard work of ministry. Jesus said in Mark 4, there are different kinds of soil, and one is extremely hard. The others aren’t necessarily pleasant. In fact, only one of the kinds of soil was desirable. Do the work of loving the people through their weakness, specifically by developing a habit of taking them before God in prayer. This will allow you to weather the storms and the hard seasons of ministry.
Don’t neglect the day of small things
In our reading of the Scripture, it doesn’t take long to see that what God sees is not what we see. This is most rightly seen in the coming of the humble King Jesus. Born in a barn, a son of a carpenter, and riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. Needless to say, He was not what the Jews had looked for or hoped for. But Jesus was obedient. Perfectly so. Pastor, Church member, small acts of obedience trump “firework effects” with seemingly big results. Be faithful in the small things, for out of a stump comes the prophesied seed of God.
Take your time
Like with the Warriors, some things take longer to develop. Discipling is one of those things. It is a long process and takes a lot of hard work. You’ll cry together, and laugh together, but in the end, you are helping them, instructing them with the Word of God, that they might grow into the image of Christ. But it is a work of the Spirit, and He works on His timing and in His methods. Scripture has shown us that this happens through God’s word and through his people, so take a long term approach, devote your time to a few men or women and watch God do a work in them, and you through his Spirit.